Arctic Cat PROWLER 500 HDX, Operator'S Manual

Page: 23 / 68

21
Vehicle Operation
Parking
Parking involves following the previous
rules for braking; then:
1. After the vehicle stops, shift into park.
2. Then turn off the ignition.
3. If you have to park on a hill, shift to
park and block the wheels on the
downhill side.
Basic Turns
Steering effort is at its lowest in two-wheel
drive (2WD). Greater effort is needed when
in four-wheel drive (4WD). The greatest
effort is needed when in four-wheel drive
and the differential (700) is locked. Never
exceed 10 mph (16 kph) with the lock con-
trol in the LOCK position.
Slow down before entering a turn. The
basic turning technique is to drive at low
speed and gradually adjust the amount of
steering to suit the driving surface. Do
not make sudden sharp turns on any sur-
face. Refer to the sub-sections Driving
Uphill, Driving Downhill, Crossing
Obstacles, Driving in Reverse, Skidding
or Sliding, Crossing Water, or Crossing
Roads for more information.
If your vehicle ever skids sideways dur-
ing a turn, steer in the direction of the
skid. Also, avoid hard braking or acceler-
ating until you have regained directional
control.
Driving Uphill
Always drive straight up the hill and
always avoid hills steeper than 15°.
1. Keep both hands on the wheel.
2. Prior to starting the climb, shift into
low range, select four-wheel drive for
traction, and gradually press the accel-
erator; then maintain a constant speed.
3. If the vehicle stalls on a hill, press
the foot brake pedal to apply the
brake, shift into reverse, and slowly
back down the hill. Do not attempt
to turn around on a hill.
! WARNING
Excessive repetitive use of the
hydraulic brake for high speed stops
will cause overheating of the brake
fluid and premature brake pad wear
which will result in an unexpected
loss of brakes.
! WARNING
Use only Arctic Cat approved brake
fluid. Never substitute or mix differ-
ent types or grades of brake fluid.
Brake loss can result. Check brake
fluid level and pad wear before each
use. Brake loss can result in serious
injury or death.
! WARNING
Avoid parking this vehicle on hills.
The shift lever could inadvertently be
moved from park and allow the vehi-
cle to roll downhill causing personal
injury or property damage.
! WARNING
Use care in turns - turning the steer-
ing wheel too far or too fast can
result in loss of control or a rollover.
Excessive speed, driving aggres-
sively, or making abrupt maneuvers,
even on flat, open areas, can cause
loss of control, tipping, or rollover.
Uneven terrain, rough terrain, soft
surfaces, slippery surfaces, and
paved surfaces can also cause a loss
of control or rollover in a turn. On
loose or soft surfaces, allow yourself
more time and distance to turn and
slow down.
! WARNING
Do not attempt to turn around on a hill.
! WARNING
Driving up hills improperly can cause
loss of control of the vehicle resulting
in serious injury or even death. Use
extreme care when driving in hilly ter-
rain.