Polaris 2014 ATV Sportsman 400 HO - Manual (Page 69)

67
WINCH GUIDE
Winch Operation
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 70. 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.