Snowmobile Polaris 550 IQ / 550 Shift (2012 year). Instruction - part 4

 

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Snowmobile Polaris 550 IQ / 550 Shift (2012 year). Instruction - part 4

 

 

16

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Driving in Hilly Terrain

WARNING! Climbing a hill or crossing the face of a slope may result in loss of 
balance and machine roll-over, causing serious injury or death. Use caution and 
good judgement when driving in hilly terrain.

Use extra caution when operating in hilly terrain.  If climbing a hill is 
unavoidable, keep your weight low and forward.  If you must cross the 
face of a slope, keep your weight on the uphill side of the machine to 
maintain proper balance and avoid possible roll-over.

Slow down when reaching the crest of a hill.  Be prepared to react to 
obstacles, sharp drops or other people or vehicles that may be on the 
other side of the hill.

If you're unable to continue up a hill, turn the machine downhill before 
it loses momentum.  If this isn't possible, spin the track just enough to 
dig in to prevent it from rolling back down the hill.  Stop the engine and 
set the parking brake (if equipped).  Keeping away from the downhill 
side of the machine, pull the rear of the snowmobile around and point 
the front end and skis downhill.  Remount the machine, restart the 
engine, release the parking brake, and descend the hill carefully.

17

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Drive Belt

Do not operate the engine with the drive belt removed.

Any servicing that requires operation without a belt must be performed 
by your dealer.  Operation of the engine with the belt removed may 
result in injury or damage to the engine.

Intake Silencer

Do not operate the engine with the intake silencer or filter removed.

Damage to the engine may occur if the intake silencer or filter are 
removed. 

Clutches

Do not attempt to service the clutches.

All clutch service must be performed by your dealer.  The clutch is a 
complex mechanism that rotates at high speeds.  Each clutch is dynami-
cally balanced before installation.  Any tampering may disrupt this pre-
cision balancing and create an unstable condition.

Cold Weather Drive-Away

Whenever your snowmobile has been parked for a length of time, espe-
cially overnight, always make sure the skis and track are loosened from 
ice and snow before attempting to drive. Apply the throttle with enough 
authority to put the snowmobile into motion, but always operate within 
safety limits and, on 2-up machines, with respect for a passenger. 

Maneuverability

While much control and maneuverability is achieved through the steer-
ing system and skis, maximum control is achieved by the shifting of 
your body weight. Maneuverability will change for lighter operators or 
snowmobiles designed to carry a load or a passenger.

Maintenance

Follow the recommended maintenance program beginning on page 62 
of this manual to ensure that all critical components on the snowmobile 
are thoroughly inspected by your dealer at specific mileage intervals.

18

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Inadequate Snow Conditions

WARNING! Do not drive for prolonged periods on blacktop, gravel, or ice. 
Doing so could cause irreversible track damage and lead to serious injury.

Since snow provides the only lubrication for the power slide suspension 
and, on liquid cooled models, cooling for the engine, adequate snow 
cover is a requirement for operation of your machine.  Driving in too lit-
tle snow will result in excessive wear and damage to the slide rail, track 
and/or engine.

If the machine becomes stuck in snow, clear the running board area of 
snow, then step down the snow in front of the machine so that when the 
throttle is opened, the snowmobile will be able to climb up and over the 
snow. 

NOTICE: When operating on icy surfaces or hard-packed snow, avoid overheat-

ing the slide rail and track. Lack of lubrication and cooling will cause 
overheating of the slide rail and track, resulting in premature wear and 
failure. If frequently operating in low cooling conditions, see your 
dealer for an optional wheel kit that will reduce the wear from over-
heating.

19

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Driving Responsibly

Every snowmobile handles differently, and even the most docile condi-
tions may become dangerous if operators drive improperly. If you're 
new to snowmobiling, acquaint yourself with the machine and with 
what it will and won't do under various conditions. Even seasoned driv-
ers should spend some time getting the feel for a machine before 
attempting ambitious maneuvers.
• A snowmobile depends on the rider's body position for proper bal-

ance in executing turns, traversing hills, etc.  Always start on a 
smooth, level area to begin building your operating experience.

• Before allowing someone else use your snowmobile, know the extent 

of their operating skills.  Check to see if they've taken a snowmobile 
safety course and have an operator's certificate.  For their protection, 
as well as yours, make sure they take a snowmobile safety course.  
Everyone can benefit from the course.

• Don't "jump" your snowmobile over large drifts or similar terrain. 

Jumping may injure your back because of spinal compression that 
could occur when the snowmobile impacts the ground. The seat and 
suspension of your snowmobile have been designed to provide pro-
tection under normal riding conditions. Your snowmobile is not 
intended for this kind of use.

• Be courteous to oncoming traffic by dimming your headlights and 

reducing your speed. 

• When traveling in a group of snowmobiles, don't tailgate (follow too 

closely).  Leave enough distance between snowmobiles to provide 
ample stopping room and to provide protection from flying snow and 
debris. Allow even more distance when driving on slippery surfaces 
or when driving in darkness or other low visibility conditions. Be 
aware of any snowmobile traffic around your vehicle. Drive defen-
sively to avoid accidents.

• Remove the key from the ignition when you leave the snowmobile 

unattended.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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