Snowmobile Polaris 600 Fusion (2006 year). Manual - part 4

16

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.

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.

17

SAFETY

Operator Safety

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. 

Clutches

Do not attempt to service the clutches.

All clutch service must be performed by your dealer.  The clutch is a 

complex mechanism that rotates at high speeds.  Each clutch is dynami-

cally balanced before installation.  Any tampering may disrupt this pre-

cision balancing and create an unstable condition.

Cold Weather Drive-Away

Whenever your snowmobile has been parked for a length of time, espe-

cially overnight, always make sure the skis and track are loosened from 

ice and snow before attempting to drive.  Apply the throttle with enough 

authority to put the machine into motion, but always operate within 

safety limits. 

Maneuverability

While much control and maneuverability is achieved through the steer-

ing system and skis, maximum control is achieved by the shifting of 

your body weight.  Maneuverability will change for lighter operators or 

machines designed to carry a load.

18

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Inadequate Snow Conditions

Since snow provides the only lubrication for the power slide suspension 

and, on liquid cooled models, cooling for the engine, adequate snow 

cover is a requirement for operation of your machine.  Driving in too lit-

tle snow will result in excessive wear and damage to the slide rail, track 

and/or engine.

If the machine becomes stuck in snow, clear the running board area of 

snow, then step down the snow in front of the machine so that when the 

throttle is opened, the snowmobile will be able to climb up and over the 

snow. 

WARNING

Do not drive for prolonged periods on blacktop, gravel, or ice. Doing so could 

cause irreversible track damage and lead to serious injury.

CAUTION

When operating on icy surfaces or hard-packed snow, avoid overheating the 

slide rail and track.  Lack of lubrication and cooling will cause overheating of 

the slide rail and track, resulting in premature wear and failure.  If frequently 

operating in low cooling conditions, see your dealer for an optional wheel kit 

that will reduce the wear from overheating.

19

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Driving Responsibly

Every snowmobile handles differently, and even the most docile condi-

tions may become dangerous if operators drive improperly. If you're 

new to snowmobiling, acquaint yourself with the machine and with 

what it will and won't do under various conditions. Even seasoned driv-

ers should spend some time getting the feel for a machine before 

attempting ambitious maneuvers.
• A snowmobile depends on the rider's body position for proper bal-

ance in executing turns, traversing hills, etc.  Always start on a 

smooth, level area to begin building your operating experience.

• Before allowing someone else use your snowmobile, know the extent 

of their operating skills.  Check to see if they've taken a snowmobile 

safety course and have an operator's certificate.  For their protection, 

as well as yours, make sure they take a snowmobile safety course.  

Everyone can benefit from the course.

• Don't "jump" your snowmobile.  Jumping may injure your back 

because of spinal compression.  The seat and suspension of your 

snowmobile have been designed to provide protection under normal 

riding conditions.  Your snowmobile is not intended for this kind of 

use.

• Be courteous to oncoming traffic by dimming your headlights and 

reducing your speed. 

• When traveling in a group of snowmobiles, don't tailgate (follow too 

closely).  Leave enough distance between snowmobiles to provide 

ample stopping room and to provide protection from flying snow and 

debris. Allow even more distance when driving on slippery surfaces 

or when driving in darkness or other low visibility conditions. Be 

aware of any snowmobile traffic around your vehicle. Drive defen-

sively to avoid accidents.

• Remove the key from the ignition when you leave the snowmobile 

unattended.