Polaris TRACTOR Sportsman 570 6X6 (2018 year). Manual - part 15

63

OPERATION

Driving on Slippery Surfaces

Always follow the procedures outlined in this manual for operating on slippery or 

loose surfaces. Use extra caution. Always avoid skidding or sliding.

Whenever driving on slippery or loose surfaces such as wet trails, 

gravel, snow or ice, follow these precautions:
1. Slow down before driving onto slippery surfaces.
2. Engage AWD before wheels begin to lose traction.
3. Be alert. Watch the trail. 
4. Avoid quick, sharp turns.
5. Correct a skid by turning the handlebars in the direction of the skid 

and shifting your body weight forward.

6. Never apply the brakes during a skid.

NOTICE: Severe damage to drive train may occur if AWD is engaged while the 

wheels are spinning. Engage AWD when the wheels have traction.

Sideways 

skid

Turn in 

direction of 

skid

64

OPERATION

Driving Over Obstacles

1. Always check for obstacles before operating in a new area.
2. Be alert. Watch the terrain. Use extra caution.
3. Never attempt to operate over large obstacles, such as rocks or 

fallen trees.

4. Always have a passenger dismount before operating over an 

obstacle that could cause a fall from the vehicle or vehicle tipover.

Parking on an Incline

Avoid parking on an 

incline. If it's unavoidable, 
follow these precautions:
1. Stop the engine.
2. Place the transmission 

in PARK.

3. Always block the rear 

wheels on the downhill 

side.

65

OPERATION

Driving in Reverse

Follow these precautions when operating in reverse:
1. Always check for obstacles or people behind the vehicle before 

backing. Be aware that a passenger can obstruct your view.

2. Avoid backing downhill.
3. Drive slowly. Apply the brakes lightly for stopping.
4. Avoid turning at sharp angles.
5. Never open the throttle suddenly.
6. Do not use the override switch unless additional power is required 

for vehicle movement. Use with caution.

NOTICE: Excessive throttle operation while in the speed limit mode may cause 

fuel to build in the exhaust, resulting in engine popping and/or engine 

damage.

66

OPERATION

Hauling Cargo

Overloading the vehicle or carrying or towing cargo improperly can alter vehicle 

handling and may cause loss of control or brake instability. Always follow these 

precautions when hauling cargo.
• Read and understand the load distribution warnings listed on the vehicle 

warning labels.

• NEVER EXCEED THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT CAPACITY of the vehicle. When 

determining the weight you are adding to the vehicle, include the weight of 

the operator, passenger, accessories, loads in the racks or box and the load 

on the trailer tongue. The combined weight of these items must not exceed 

the maximum weight capacity.

• REDUCE SPEED AND ALLOW GREATER DISTANCES FOR BRAKING 

WHEN HAULING CARGO OR TOWING. Use extreme caution when applying 

brakes. Avoid situations that require backing downhill.

• When operating over rough or hilly terrain, reduce speed, cargo and towed 

load to maintain stable driving conditions. 

• DO NOT BLOCK THE FRONT HEADLIGHT BEAM when carrying loads on a 

front rack.

• WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION in a cargo bed should be as far forward and as low 

as possible. Balance loads proportionally between the front rack and cargo 

bed, but do not exceed the stated load capacity. Carrying a load on only the 

front rack or cargo bed may cause an imbalanced condition and increases the 

possibility of vehicle rollover. Always be sure that the cargo bed is lowered 

and latched before moving the vehicle.

• Carrying a high load raises the center of gravity and creates a less stable 

operating condition. Reduce load weight when cargo is high. When handling 

off-centered loads that cannot be centered, secure the load and operate with 

extra caution.

• USE EXTREME CAUTION when operating with loads that extend over the 

rack sides. Stability and maneuverability may be adversely affected, causing 

the vehicle to overturn.

• Always attach the tow load to the hitch point designated for your vehicle.
• TOWING is approved OFF-ROAD ONLY. Operating a Tractor/trailer 

combination on public roads is prohibited.

• TOWING SPEED should never exceed 16 km/h. Never exceed 8 km/h when 

towing loads in rough terrain, while cornering, or while ascending or 

descending hills.