Polaris 2014 ATV Sportsman Touring 550 EPS - Manual (Page 77)

75
WINCH GUIDE
These safety warnings and instructions apply if your vehicle came
equipped with a winch or if you choose to add an accessory winch to
your vehicle.
Improper winch use can result in SEVERE INJURY or DEATH. Always follow all
winch instructions and warnings in this manual.
Your winch may have a cable made of either wire rope or specially
designed synthetic rope. The term “winch cable” will be used for either
unless noted otherwise.
Winch Safety Precautions
1. Read all sections of this manual.
2. Never use alcohol or drugs before or while operating the winch.
3. Never allow children under 16 years of age to operate the winch.
4. Always wear eye protection and heavy gloves when operating the
winch.
5. Always keep body, hair, clothing and jewelry clear of the winch
cable, fairlead and hook when operating winch.
6. Never attempt to “jerk” a load attached to the winch with a moving
vehicle. See the Shock Loading section on page 84.
7. Always keep the area around the vehicle, winch, winch cable and
load clear of people (especially children) and distractions while
operating the winch.
8. Always turn the vehicle ignition power OFF when it and the winch
are not being used.
9. Always be sure that at least five (5) full turns of winch cable are
wrapped around the winch drum at all times. The friction provided
by this wrapped cable allows the drum to pull on the winch cable
and move the load.
10. Always apply your vehicle’s park brake and/or park mechanism to
hold the vehicle in place during winching. Use wheel chocks if
needed.
WARNING