Snowmobile Polaris Widetrak LX (2015 year). Manual - part 4

18

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.

Clutch Guard

Do not operate the engine with the clutch guard removed.

The clutch guard is designed to protect the operator from metal parts if 
the clutch should fail. Although the chance of failure is extremely 
remote, don’t defeat the purpose of the guard by removing it. It’s 
provided for your 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. 

CAUTION! Operation of the engine with the belt removed may result in 
personal injury or damage to the engine.

19

SAFETY

Operator Safety

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 
dynamically balanced before installation. Any tampering may disrupt 
this precision balancing and create an unstable condition.

Cold Weather Drive-Away

Whenever your snowmobile has been parked for a length of time, 
especially 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 and, on 2-up snowmobiles, with respect for a 
passenger.

Maneuverability

While much control and maneuverability is achieved through the 
steering 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 or a passenger.

20

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 snowmobile. 

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.

21

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Driving Responsibly

Every snowmobile handles differently, and even the most docile 
conditions 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 drivers 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 

balance 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 
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 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 
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 
defensively to avoid accidents.

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

unattended.