Polaris RANGER 500, Owner'S Manual

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• If freeing a stuck vehicle by attaching to a tree, use an item such as a tow
strap to avoid damaging the tree during winch operation. Sharp cables and
chains can damage and even kill trees. Please remember to
TreadLightly® (treadlightly.org).
• Before operating the winch, be sure that the safety latch on the winch
cable hook is fully seated when the load is attached.
• Never operate your winch with a damaged hook or latch. Always replace
damaged parts before using the winch.
5. Never remove the hook strap from the hook.
6. Release the winch clutch and pull out the winch cable.
7. Pulling out as much cable as possible maximizes the winch’s pulling
capacity. Always be sure that at least five (5) full turns of winch cable are
wrapped around the winch drum at all times. The friction provided by this
wrapped cable allows the drum to pull on the winch cable and move the load.
8. Read and adhere to the following information for winch damping to ensure
safe winch use.
a. In order to absorb energy that could be released by a winch cable failure,
always place a “damper” on the winch cable. A damper can be heavy
jacket, tarp, or other soft, dense object. A damper can absorb much of the
energy released if a winch cable breaks when winching. Even a tree limb
can help as a damper if no other items are available to you.
b. Lay the damper on top of the mid-point of the winch cable length that is
spooled out.
c. On a long pull, it may be necessary to stop winching so that the damper
can be repositioned to the new mid-point of the winch cable. Always
release the tension on the winch cable before repositioning the damper.
d. Avoid being directly in line with the winch cable whenever possible. Also,
never permit others to stand near or in line with the winch cable during
winch operation.
9. Never hook the winch cable back onto itself. This will damage the winch
cable and may result in winch cable failure.
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WINCH GUIDE