Equipment - Arctic Cat 500 Operato's Manual

Sound Judgment
Other Vehicles
Depending on where you're riding, you
might encounter other ATV's, bikes, or
motor vehicles on public lands. Respect
the presence of cars if you're crossing
roads or riding in public areas and make
yourself be seen. If you can't see other
vehicles coming, that means you're
invisible, too.
Hikers
With the renewed interest in hiking,
camping, and other outdoor activities,
people can show up in remote areas
where you would never expect them. For
their sake, keep your eyes open.
Animals and Nature
Respect the outdoors that you love. Don't
use your ATV to chase animals or birds.
Drive around young trees rather than
over them. Keep clear of streams and
ditches with standing water.
TESTIMONIAL
DOCUMENT#: N380310A1
CITY/STATE: NEW CUMBERLAND, WV
SEX: M
AGE: 18
BODY PART: HEAD
DATE ACCIDENT: 7-30-93
DISPOSITION: DOA
SYNOPSIS: An 18 year old male died as
the result of injuries which he
sustained in an accident while
driving a 4-wheel ATV on a gravel
public road. The victim lost control
of the ATV when he suddenly applied
the brakes to avoid a dog crossing
the road. During the accident, the
ATV's brake lever penetrated the
victim's brain through his right eye
resulting in death. The victim was
not wearing a helmet.
Tread Lightly and leave it as you found
it.

Equipment

The last thing you expected was that your
ATV would break down in the middle of
the field... it's usually so reliable that
sometimes you forget the ATV has its
limits.
30
! WARNING
ATV Maintenance
You have to maintain your ATV. The
General Maintenance section of this
Operator's Manual tells you about taking
care of your ATV. If, at any time, abnor-
mal noises, vibrations, or improper func-
tioning of any component of this ATV is
detected, DO NOT OPERATE THE
ATV. Take the ATV to an authorized Arc-
tic Cat ATV dealer for inspection and
adjustment or repair.
Cargo Limitations
One reason why passengers are prohib-
ited on ATV's is because their presence
throws off the weight and balance of the
ATV. Cargo can do the same if it weighs
too much. Limit the ATV to the load
capacity ratings identified in the follow-
ing chart for the particular model being
operated. So if you're weighing in at over
215 lb (97 kg) when you ride, leave some
of that extra cargo at home. The com-
bined weight limit, including you, your
rack cargo, and your trailer, is a specified
amount, so consult the ATV Load Capac-
ity Ratings chart and monitor it carefully.
Extra weight on the ATV will also throw
you off balance if it's not distributed
evenly, side-to-side and front-to-rear. If
you have 160 lb (73 kg) on the rear rack
only and you're heading up an incline,
shifting your own weight forward isn't
going to do enough to compensate for
that cargo sitting over the back tires.
Cargo has such a huge affect on ATV
handling that you need to pay a lot of
attention to your speed. Even on really
level areas, you should keep it under 10
mph (16 kph) if you've got a trailer
attached. Avoid uneven terrain. Also,
consider that your braking distance is
going to increase with the more weight
you carry.
Think about these when dealing
with cargo:
1. Rack weight limit
2. Trailer weight limit
3. Weight distribution
4. ATV speed
Indicates a potential hazard that could
result in a serious injury or death.