Snowmobile Polaris 550 Transport Trail Touring. Manual - part 4

14

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Avalanches

Snowmobilers should always be properly 

trained and equipped before traveling in 

mountainous terrain:
• Take an avalanche class
• Travel with experienced people
• Travel on designated trails
• Make sure each person is equipped 

with a shovel, probe and avalanche 

beacon.

You don't have to be snowmobiling on a slope for an avalanche to occur. 

Be aware that all of the snow is connected. You may be riding on a flat 

slope or snow covered road, but if the snowpack above is unstable 

enough you can trigger an avalanche on a steeper slope above you. 

Always be aware of snow conditions above you as you travel in moun-

tainous terrain.

Before riding in mountainous terrain, call or log on to your local ava-

lanche advisory to get current weather and snow stability information. 

For more information about avalanche training and avalanche condi-

tions, contact local law enforcement in your area, or visit the American 

and Canadian online avalanche centers at www.avalanche.org.

15

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Ice and Snow Build-up

Before driving, manually turn the skis to the left and right to be sure ice 

and snow are not interfering with full left and right steering. If difficulty 

is encountered, remove ice and snow build-up that may be obstructing 

the steering linkage.

Driving on Slippery Surfaces

WARNING

Ice and snow build-up may interfere with the steering of your machine, result-

ing in serious injury or death. Keep the underhood area free of snow and ice.

WARNING

Driving on ice or hard-packed snow reduces steering and braking control, 

which may result in loss of control and serious injury or death. Never attempt 

an abrupt change of direction when operating on slippery surfaces. Slow 

down and use extra caution when operating on slippery surfaces.

16

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Driving Downhill

When riding downhill, shift your weight to the rear of the machine 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 

machine 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.

17

SAFETY

Operator Safety

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 machine 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 machine 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 machine, pull the rear of the snowmobile around and point 

the front end and skis downhill. Remount the machine, restart the 

engine, release the parking brake, and descend the hill carefully.

Drive Belt

Do not operate the engine with the drive belt removed.

Any servicing that requires operation without a belt must be performed 

by your dealer. Operation of the engine with the belt removed may result 

in injury or damage to the engine.

Intake Silencer

Do not operate the engine with the intake silencer or filter removed.

Damage to the engine may occur if the intake silencer or filter are 

removed.

WARNING

Climbing a hill or crossing the face of a slope may result in loss of balance 

and machine roll-over, causing serious injury or death. Use caution and good 

judgement when driving in hilly terrain.