Ace Prowler 2787, Owner'S Manual

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NOTE : Do not attempt to start or operate this machine without being completely familiar with all controls
necessary to operate this vehicle safely. Do not start the engine before reading and understanding
all the rules, warnings, and instructions in this manual, as well as the engine owner’s manual. We
strongly recommend that all supervisors, operators and passengers veiw the safety video prior to
operation.
TURNING MANEUVERS
A new operator must learn to shift his or her weight and control the
throttle to allow the rear tires to negotiate the turn. This is the
primary technique to be mastered in riding this vehicle. Practice
turning at slow, constant speeds. Defer increased speeds until you
are confident of your proficiency and are intimately familiar with
the terrain.
Steer in the direction of the turn, and lean your body to the inside
of the turn in order to maximize front tire traction. Use the throttle
to maintain power throughout the turn.
Once this technique is learned, turning maneuvers can be
performed within a relatively small area.
Incorrect turning techniques may cause the front wheels to slide
straight ahead without affecting the vehicle's direction of travel. If
this should occur, come to a stop, then resume the technique
outlined above.
If the front wheels tend to skid in mud, sand, or snow, you may be
able to improve control by releasing the throttle and allowing the
vehicle to coast through the turn.
If the rear wheels inadvertently skid sideways, correct your slide by
steering in the direction of the skid, if you have room to perform
this maneuver safely. Avoid braking or accelerating until you have
control.
To avoid skids while traveling on slippery terrain, the operator
must exercise a high degree of caution. Turning maneuvers on
slippery terrain are more hazardous than those performed under
full traction and must be done slowly.
Surface composition is a major factor affecting skidding. It is
easier to slide on packed snow than in deep sand. It is dangerous
to skid on ice, because you may lose all directional control, and it
is dangerous to skid on pavement, because you may regain
traction suddenly and unexpectedly, which can cause the vehicle
to overturn.
CLIMBING HILLS
Practice climbing on evenly surfaced slopes of less than 20
degrees. The vehicle's capability in climbing hills or traversing any
specific terrain is dependent upon operator skill and vehicle load.
As you gain experience in handling this vehicle, and learn the
hazards to be encountered and your own limitations you may then
proceed to drive more challenging terrain. However, you must first
be able to discern and avoid any hill or hazard that would cause
this vehicle to overturn.
Take a running start, at the appropriate speed for the ascent, and
climb at a steady rate of speed.
WARNING - Do not apply power suddenly by opening the throttle
while ascending a hill or the front wheels may rise from the
ground. If the front wheels lift, the operator’s control will be
lessened and the vehicle may overturn backwards.
If you should find that you have incorrectly estimated climbing
capability and lack the power or traction to continue the ascent, if
space permits, turn the vehicle around while you still have the
forward speed to do so and descend. Avoid stalling part way up a
hill, as maneuvering will then become more difficult.
CAUTION - Before attempting a turn on a hillside, the operator
should first master turning technique on level ground.
If you do lose all forward speed, and can neither continue uphill
nor maneuver the vehicle under its own power, turn off the engine,
dismount, and physically turn the machine around.
CAUTION - To avoid overturning, the operator must exercise a
high degree of caution when dismounting or moving this vehicle on
a hillside.
DESCENDING HILLS
It is usually advisable to descend hills with the vehicle pointed
directly downhill, avoiding angles that would cause the vehicle to
lean sharply to one side. As you approach the point of descent,
stop and survey the terrain below. Never drive headlong past your
limit of visibility. When you have picked a safe path of descent,
descend slowly with the throttle closed. Sit back on the seat, with
arms extended and braced on the steering wheel.
When descending it is recommended that the operator apply the
brakes intermittently to further reduce forward speed.
Braking effectiveness is reduced while descending any incline with
a loose surface.
RIDING THROUGH WATER
Do not cross any stream with fast flowing water. The tires may
float, making it difficult to maintain control. Do not drive the
vehicle through water for prolonged periods.
The vehicle can cross water to a depth of approximately 4-6
inches, although the operator must be careful to avoid getting the
spark plug or air cleaner wet.
When crossing shallow streams, choose a course where both
banks have gradual inclines. Proceed at a slow, steady speed,
and take care to avoid submerged obstacles and slippery rocks.
If loss of forward motion or pulling power is noticed when driving
through water, it indicates the torque converter belt has become
wet. When this occurs, the operator should immediately head
toward shore at minimum throttle required to maintain motion.
Once on shore, the torque converter belt will dry quickly if operator
will sit for a few moments with the engine idling.
After driving through water, the brakes may be less effective than
normal. Test the brakes after traveling through any water, and if
necessary, apply the brakes repeatedly until the heat of friction
has dried them and the brakes retain their normal effectiveness.
WARNING - Do not operate vehicle at high speeds until brakes
are dry and effective.