17
SAFETY
Operator Safety
Driving Downhill
When riding downhill, shift your weight to the rear of the snowmobile
and reduce your speed to a minimum. Apply just enough throttle to keep
the clutch engaged, allowing the engine's compression to help slow the
snowmobile and keep it from rolling freely downhill.
WARNING!
When driving on long downhill stretches, pump the brakes. Riding
the brakes may cause the brake system to overheat, which may result in brake
failure. Excessive or repetitive use of the brakes for high speed stops will also
cause an overheated brake system. This condition may lead to a sudden loss of
brakes and/or fire and may result in serious injury or death.
Driving in Hilly Terrain
WARNING!
Climbing a hill or crossing the face of a slope may result in loss of
balance and snowmobile rollover, 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 snowmobile 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 snowmobile 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 snowmobile, pull the rear of the snowmobile
around and point the front end and skis downhill. Remount the snowmo-
bile, restart the engine, release the parking brake, and descend the hill
carefully.
