Polaris RANGER 500, Owner'S Manual

Page: 78 / 152

10. Never use straps, chains or other rigging items that are damaged or worn.
11. The ONLY time a winch-equipped vehicle should be moving when using the
winch is when that vehicle itself is stuck. The winch equipped vehicle should
NEVER be in motion to “shock” load the winch cable in an attempt to move a
second stuck vehicle. See the Shock Loading section on page 78. For your
safety, always follow these guidelines when winching a vehicle free:
a. Release the winch clutch and spool out the necessary length of winch
cable.
b. Align the winch cable as close as possible to the winching vehicle’s
centerline.
c. Attach the winch cable hook to the anchor point or the stuck vehicle’s
frame following instructions in this manual.
d. Re-engage the clutch on the winch.
e. Slowly winch in the slack in the winch cable.
f. Select the proper vehicle gear to propel the stuck vehicle in the direction
of winching.
g. Shift to the lowest gear available on the stuck vehicle.
h. Slowly and carefully apply vehicle throttle and winch together to free the
vehicle.
i. Stop winching as soon as the stuck vehicle is able to propel itself without
the help of the winch.
j. Detach the winch cable hook.
k. Rewind the winch cable evenly back onto the winch drum following the
instructions in this manual.
12. Never attempt to winch another stuck vehicle by attaching the winch cable to
a suspension component, brush guard, bumper or cargo rack. Vehicle
damage may result. Instead, attach the winch to a strong portion of the
vehicle frame or hitch.
13. Extensive winching will run down the battery on the winching vehicle. Let the
winching vehicle’s engine run while operating the winch to prevent the
battery from running low if winching for long periods.
14. The winch motor may become hot during winch use. If you winch for more
than 45 seconds, or if the winch stalls during operation, stop winching and
permit the winch to cool down for 10 minutes before using it again.
15. After winching is complete, especially if winching at an angle, it may be
necessary to re-distribute the winch cable across the winch drum. You will
need an assistant to perform this task.
a. Release the clutch on the winch.
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WINCH GUIDE