Division I - Safety - Arctic Cat 2012 XC 4501 Operator's Manual

DIVISION I - SAFETY

An ATV is not a toy and can be
hazardous to operate.
• Always go slowly and be extra careful when operating on unfamiliar
terrain. Always be alert to changing terrain conditions when operat-
ing the ATV.
• Never operate on excessively rough, slippery, or loose terrain.
• Always follow proper procedures for turning as described in this
manual. Practice turning at slow speeds before attempting to turn
at faster speeds. Do not turn at excessive speed.
• Always have the ATV checked by an authorized Arctic Cat ATV
dealer if it has been involved in an accident.
• Never operate the ATV on hills too steep for the ATV or for your
abilities. Practice on smaller hills before attempting larger hills.
• Always follow proper procedures for climbing hills as described in
this manual. Check the terrain carefully before you start up any hill.
Never climb hills with slippery or loose surfaces. Shift your weight
forward. Never open the throttle suddenly or make sudden gear
changes. Never go over the top of any hill at high speed.
• Always follow proper procedures for going down hills and for brak-
ing on hills as described in this manual. Check the terrain carefully
before you start down any hill. Shift your weight backward. Never
go down a hill at high speed. Avoid going down a hill at an angle
which would cause the ATV to lean sharply to one side. Go straight
down the hill where possible.
• Always be sure there are no obstacles or people behind you when
you operate in reverse. When it is safe to proceed in reverse, go
slowly. Avoid turning at sharp angles in reverse.
• Always follow proper procedures for crossing the side of a hill as
described in this manual. Avoid hills with slippery or loose sur-
faces. Shift your weight to the uphill side of the ATV. Never attempt
to turn the ATV around on any hill until you have mastered the turn-
ing techniques described in this manual on level ground. Avoid
crossing the side of a steep hill if possible.
! WARNING
Indicates a potential hazard that could result in a serious injury or death.
• Always use proper procedures if you stall or roll backward when
climbing a hill. To avoid stalling, maintain a steady speed when
climbing a hill. If you stall or roll backwards, follow the special pro-
cedure for braking described in this manual. Dismount on the uphill
side or to either side if pointed straight uphill. Turn the ATV around
and mount following the procedure described in this manual.
• Always check for obstacles before operating in a new area. Never
attempt to operate over large obstacles, such as large rocks or
fallen trees. Always follow proper procedures when operating over
obstacles as described in this manual.
• Always be careful of skidding or sliding. On slippery surfaces, such
as ice, go slowly and be very cautious in order to reduce the
chance of skidding or sliding out of control.
• Never operate an ATV in fast flowing water or in water deeper than
the footrests. Remember that wet brakes may have reduced stop-
ping capability. Test your brakes after leaving water. If necessary,
apply them lightly several times to let friction dry out the pads.
• Always use the size and type tires specified in this manual. Always
maintain proper tire pressure as described in this manual.
• Never improperly install or improperly use accessories on this ATV.
• Never install a twist grip throttle on this ATV.
• Never exceed the stated load capacity for an ATV. Cargo should be
properly distributed and securely attached. Reduce speed and fol-
low instructions in this manual for carrying cargo or pulling a trailer
and allow greater distance for braking.
• No one under the age of 16 should operate this ATV. Some opera-
tors at the age of 16 may not be able to operate an ATV safely. Par-
ents should supervise the use of the ATV at all times. Parents
should permit continued use only if they determine that the opera-
tor has the ability to operate the ATV safely.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ATV SAFETY, call
the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887 (U.S.) or 1-613-
739-1535 (Canada).
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