22
!
WARNING
Indicates a potential hazard that could result in a serious injury or death.
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.
Tread Lightly
and leave it as you found it.
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.
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, abnormal noises, vibrations, or improper functioning of any
component of this ATV is detected, DO NOT OPERATE THE ATV.
Take the ATV to an authorized Arctic Cat ATV dealer for inspection
and adjustment or repair.
Cargo Limitations
One reason why passengers are prohibited 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 following chart for the particular model being
operated. So if you’re weighing in at over 200 lb (91 kg) when you
ride, leave some of that extra cargo at home. The combined weight
limit, including you, your rack cargo, and your trailer, is a specified
amount, so consult the ATV Load Capacity Ratings Chart and moni-
tor 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 150 lb (68 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.
Equipment
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.
Think about these when dealing
with cargo:
1. Rack weight limit
2. Trailer weight limit
3. Weight distribution
4. ATV speed
