Snowmobile Polaris 600 Switchback / 800 Switchback (2013 year). Manual - part 4

16

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Ice and Snow Build-up

WARNING! Ice and snow build-up may interfere with the steering of your 
snowmobile, resulting in serious injury or death. Keep the underhood area free 
of snow and ice.

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! Never attempt an abrupt change of direction when operating on 
slippery surfaces. Proceed slowly and use extra caution. Driving on ice or hard-
packed snow reduces steering and braking control, which may result in loss of 
control and serious injury or death. Slow down and use extra caution when 
operating on slippery surfaces.

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 snowmobile. 

NOTICE: Driving in too little snow will result in excessive wear and damage to 

the slide rail, track and/or engine.

WARNING! Inadequate cooling and lubrication will lead to overheating of the 
slide rail and track, causing premature wear, damage and failure, which can 
result in serious injury. Reduce speeds and frequently drive into fresh snow to 
allow adequate cooling and polishing of the slide rail and track surfaces. Avoid 
operating for prolonged periods on ice, hard-packed surfaces or roads.

Operating in Deep Snow

If the snowmobile becomes stuck in snow, clear the running board area 
of snow, then step down the snow in front of the snowmobile so that 
when the throttle is opened, the snowmobile will be able to climb up and 
over the snow.

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.

18

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.

NOTICE: 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.

NOTICE: 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 preci-
sion 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 snowmobile 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 
snowmobiles designed to carry a load.

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 snowmobile 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 snowmobile 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 to use your snowmobile, know the 

extent of their operating skills. Check to see if they've taken a snow-
mobile safety course and have an operator's certificate. For their pro-
tection, as well as yours, make sure they take a snowmobile safety 
course. Everyone can benefit from the course.

• Don't “jump” your snowmobile over large drifts or similar terrain. 

Jumping may injure your back because of spinal compression that 
could occur when the snowmobile impacts the ground. The seat and 
suspension of your snowmobile have been designed to provide pro-
tection 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.