Snowmobile Polaris 600 IQ LXT (2015 year). Manual - part 15

63

THE PERFECT FIT

Traction Products

Carbide Skags

A skag is a replaceable bar attached to the underside of the ski to assist 
in turning the snowmobile and to prevent ski wear caused by contact 
with roads and other bare terrain. Use carbide skags with studded tracks 
to help maintain proper vehicle steering and control. See page 115.

If your snowmobile has carbide skags, it may be necessary to add track 
studs to maintain proper vehicle control. Maintain a proper balance 
between the number of studs and the length of carbide on the skags (the 
more studs you use, the longer the carbide on the skags should be). See 
your dealer's track studding chart.

Wear Strips

To avoid excessive tunnel wear, tunnel wear strips must be installed 
whenever track studding is used.

Install the appropriate wear strip kit. See your dealer.

Wear strips are designed for a specific stud length. See your dealer's 
studding chart for recommended traction accessories.

NOTICE: Whenever wear strips are relocated, be sure there's adequate stud 

clearance to the heat exchangers. Lack of clearance may result in 
damage to heat exchangers.

64

PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Pre-Ride Checklist

Inspect all items on the checklist for proper operation or condition 
before each use of the snowmobile. Procedures are outlined on the 
referenced pages.

Item

See Page

Drive Belt Condition

105

Steering System

66

Recoil Rope

65

Parking Brake Lock/Brake Lever/Brake System

67, 68, 100

Throttle Lever

65

Throttle Safety Switch

65

Auxiliary Shut-Off Switch (Engine Stop Switch)

71, 81

Ignition Switch

71, 81

Taillight/Brake Light/Headlight

71

Coolant Level

96

Chaincase Oil Level

90

Injection Oil Level

77

Suspension Mounting Bolts

70

Skags (Wear Bars)

63, 115

Ski Saddle and Spindle Bolts

70

Hood Straps/Latches

66

Seat Latches

65

Rear Wheel Idler Bolts

70, 111

Track Alignment/Condition

69, 112

Rail Slide Condition

112

65

PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Before Starting the Engine

Before starting the engine, always refer to all safety warnings pertaining 
to snowmobile operation. Never start the engine without checking all 
vehicle components to be sure of proper operation.

WARNING! Operating the vehicle with worn, damaged, or malfunctioning 
components could result in serious injury or death. Never start the engine 
without checking all vehicle components to be sure of proper operation.

Read and Understand Your Owner's Manual

Read the Owner's Manual completely and refer to it often. The manual 
is your guide to safe and enjoyable snowmobiling experience.

Throttle Lever

The throttle and brake are the primary controls of your snowmobile. 
Always make sure both are functioning properly.

Squeeze the throttle lever to make sure it compresses evenly and 
smoothly. When released, the lever should immediately return to the 
idle position without binding or hesitation. If the throttle does not 
function smoothly, or if you discover excessive lever freeplay, DO NOT 
start the engine. Have the throttle serviced immediately.

Throttle Safety Switch

Test the throttle safety switch system before the snowmobile is operated. 
See page 78 for procedure.

Seat Latches

Ensure that the seat latches are securely in place before every use of the 
snowmobile.

Recoil Rope 

Inspect the recoil rope and handle for excessive wear, and make sure the 
knot securing the rope inside the handle is secure. If excessive wear is 
found, see your POLARIS dealer for replacement.

66

PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Before Starting the Engine

Hood Latches

The hood of the snowmobile protects the operator from moving parts as 
well as aiding in sound emission control and other functions. Under no 
circumstances should your snowmobile be operated with the hood open 
or removed. Always ensure that the hood straps are in good condition 
and that the latches are securely in place before operating the 
snowmobile.

Steering System

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.

If your snowmobile is equipped with RIDER SELECT, perform this 
check in both the full up and full down steering positions.