2018
Operator’s
Guide
IIIncludes
Safety, Vehicle
and Maintenance Information
TM
DEFENDER
Series
WARNING
Read this guide thoroughly. It contains important safety information.
Minimum age: Operator: 16 or older with a valid driver's license. Keep this Operator’s Guide in the vehicle.
The removal or modification of evaporative emission-related parts on this OHRV is illegal.
Violators may be subject to civil and/or criminal penalties under California and federal law.
2 1 9 0 0 1 8 0 7
Original Instructions
WARNING
YOUR VEHICLE CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO OPERATE. A collision or rollover
can occur quickly, if you fail to take proper precautions, even during routine
maneuvers such as turning and driving on hills or over obstacles.
For your safety, understand and follow all the warnings contained in this
Operator's Guide and on the labels on your vehicle. Failure to follow these
warnings can result in SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH!
Keep this Operator's Guide with the vehicle at all times.
WARNING
Disregarding any of the safety precautions and instructions contained in
this Operator's Guide,
result in severe injury including the possibility of death!
SAFETY VIDEO
and on-product safety labels could
WARNING
This vehicle may exceed the performance of other vehicles you may have
ridden in the past. Take time to familiarize yourself with your new vehicle.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
WARNING:
Operating, servicing and maintaining an off-road
vehicle can expose you to chemicals including engine
exhaust, carbon monoxide, phthalates, and lead, w
known to the State of California to cause cance
hich are
r and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. To minimize exposure,
avoid breathing exhaust, do not idle the engine except
as necessary, service your vehicle in a well-ventilated
area and w ear gloves or wash your hands frequently
when servicing your vehicle. For more information go to
www.p65warnings.ca.gov/products/passenger-vehicle.
In Canada, products are distributed by Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
(BRP).
In USA, products are distributed by BRP US Inc.
The following trademarks are the property of Bombardier Recreational
cts Inc.:
Produ
Can-Am
This doc
–
–
–
®
D.E.S.S.™ DPS™ Rotax
ument contains the trademark of the following company:
†
Mossy Oak is a trademark of Haas Outdoors, Inc.
®
VELCRO
†
Visco-Lok is a trademark of GKN Viscodrive GmbH.
s a registered trademark of Velcro Industries B. V
i
®
TTI™ XPS™
219001807 en LG
®™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of B ombardier R ecreational Products Inc. or its affiliates.
©2017 Bombardi
er Recreational Products Inc. and BRP US Inc. All rights reserved.
FOREWORD
Dieses Handbuch ist m öglicherweise in Ihrer Landessprache
Deutsch
English
Español
Français
verfügbar. Bitte wenden Sie sich an Ihren Händler oder besuchen Sie:
www.operatorsguides.brp.com
This guide may be available in your language. Check with your dealer or
go to: www.operatorsguides.brp.com
Es posible que este m anual esté disponible en su idioma. Consulte a su
distribuidor o visite: www.operatorsguides.brp.com
Ce guide peut être disponible dans votre langue. Vérifier avec votre
concessionnaire ou aller à: www.operatorsguides.brp.com
本手册可能有您的语种的翻译版本。请向经销商问询，或者登录
www.operatorsguides.brp.com中文 查询。
日本語
Nederlands
Norsk
Português
Suomi
Svenska
Congratulations on your purchase of
a new Can-Am
このガイドは、言語によって翻訳版が用意されています。.
ディーラーに問い合わせるか、次のアドレスでご確認ください：
www.operatorsguides.brp.com
Deze handleiding kan beschikbaar zijn in uw taal. Vraag het aan uw dealer
of ga naar: www.operatorsguides.brp.com
Denne boken kan finnes tilgjengelig på ditt eget språk. Kontakt din
forhandler eller gå til: www.operatorsguides.brp.com
Este manual pode estar disponível em seu idioma. Fale com sua
concessionária ou visite o site: www.operatorsguides.brp.com
Käyttöohjekirja voi olla saatavissa omalla kielelläsi. Tarkista jälleenmyyjältä
tai käy osoitteessa: www.operatorsguides.brp.com
Denna bok kan finnas tillgänglig på ditt språk. Kontakta din återförsäljare
eller gå till: www.operatorsguides.brp.com
®
side-by-side vehicle.
It's backed by the BRP limited warranty
and a network of authorized Can-Am
dealers ready to prov ide the p arts, accessories or service you may require.
At delivery, you were informed of the
warranty coverage and signed the
PREDELIVERY CHECK LIST
to ensure
your new vehicle was prepared to your
entire satisfaction.
Your dealer is committed to you r satisfaction. If you need more information,
please ask your dealer.
Know Before you Go
To learn how to reduce the risk of accident for you or bystanders, read this
Operator's Guide b efo re you operate
the vehicle.
Also, read all safety labels on your vehicleandwatchthe
SAFETY VIDEO
.
Failure to follow the warnings contained in this Operator's Guide can
result in SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH.
Safety Messages
The types of safety messages, what
they look like and how they are used in
this guide are explained as follows:
_______________
1
FOREWORD
The safety alert symbol indicates a
potential injury hazard.
WARNING
Indicates a potential hazard which,
if not avoided, could result in serious injury or death.
CAUTION Indicates a haz-
ardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in minor or
moderate injury.
NOTICE
which, if not followed, could result
in severely damaged vehicle components or other property.
About this Operator's
Guide
This Operator's Guide has been prepared to acquaint the owner/operator
of a new vehicle with the various vehicle controls, maintenance and safe
operating instructions. It is indispensable for the proper use of the product.
Keep this Operator's Guide in the vehicle as you can refer to it for things such
as maintenance, troubleshooting and
instructing others.
Note that this guide is available in several languages. In the event of any discrepancy, the English version shall prevail.
Ifyouwanttoviewand/orprintan
extra copy of your Operator's Guide,
simply visit the following website
www.operatorsguides.brp.com.
The information contained in this document is correct at the time of publication. BRP, however, maintains a policy of continuous improvement of its
products without imposing upon itself
any oblig ation to install them on products previously manufactured. Due
to late changes, some differences between the manufactured product an d
the descriptions and/or specifications
Indicates an instruction
in this guide may occur. BRP reserves
the right at any time to discontinue or
change specifications, designs, features, models or equipment without
incurring any obligation upon itself.
This Operator's Guide and the
DVD
should remain with the vehicle
when it is sold.
SAFETY
_______________
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD .......................................................................... 1
Know Beforeyou Go............................................................. 1
Safety Messages................................................................. 1
AboutthisOperator'sGuide .................................................... 2
SAFETY INFORMATION
GENERALPRECAUTIONS......................................................... 10
Avoid CarbonMonoxidePoisoning............................................ 10
Avoid GasolineFires and Other Hazards ...................................... 10
Avoid Burns fromHot Parts .................................................... 10
Accessoriesand Modifications ................................................ 10
SAFE OPERATION - RESPONSIBILITIES ........................................ 11
Owner- BeResponsible........................................................ 11
Operator - BeQualified and Responsible...................................... 11
Riding Carefully.................................................................. 12
Occupant Restraint System.................................................... 12
Terrain Condition ................................................................ 12
PRE-RIDE INSPECTION............................................................ 14
Pre-Ride InspectionCheck List ................................................ 14
PREPARETORIDE .................................................................. 17
Before you Ride ................................................................. 17
Riding Gear ...................................................................... 17
AVOIDACCIDENTS ................................................................ 19
Avoid Rollovers and Tipovers................................................... 19
Avoid Collisions.................................................................. 20
RIDING YOURVEHICLE............................................................ 21
Practice Exercises .............................................................. 21
Off-Road Operation ............................................................. 22
GeneralRidingTechniques..................................................... 22
MOVING LOADS AND DOING WORK........................................... 27
Working with your Vehicle...................................................... 27
Carrying Loads .................................................................. 27
Haulinga Load................................................................... 29
Pulling a Trailer................................................................... 30
IMPORTANTON-PRODUCTLABELS............................................ 31
Hang Tag......................................................................... 31
Safety Labels.................................................................... 34
Technical Information Label .................................................... 44
Compliance Labels.............................................................. 45
VEHICLE INFORMATION
PRIMARYCONTROLS ............................................................. 48
_______________
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRIMARY CONTROLS (cont’d)
1) SteeringWheel ............................................................... 48
2) Accelerator Pedal............................................................. 48
3) Brake Pedal ................................................................... 49
4) Shift Lever .................................................................... 49
SECONDARYCONTROLS......................................................... 51
1) IgnitionSwitchand Keys..................................................... 51
2) Headlight DimmerSwitch ................................................... 53
3) 2WD/4WD Switch............................................................ 53
4) RearDifferentialSwitch(If Equipped) ...................................... 53
5) ECO/Normal/Work ModeSwitch(If Equipped) ............................ 54
6) Winch Switch(If Equipped).................................................. 54
MULTIFUNCTIONGAUGE(LCD)................................................. 55
MultifunctionGauge Description .............................................. 55
MultifunctionGauge Modes ................................................... 56
Navigating inthe LCD Gauge................................................... 59
GaugeSetup..................................................................... 59
MULTIFUNCTIONGAUGE(ANALOG/DIGITAL) ............................... 61
MultifunctionGauge Features ................................................. 61
GaugeSetup..................................................................... 65
EQUIPMENT......................................................................... 66
1) Tilt Steering ................................................................... 68
2) Cup Holders................................................................... 68
3) PassengersHandhold........................................................ 69
4) Storage Compartments...................................................... 69
5) Tool Kit......................................................................... 72
6) Footrests ...................................................................... 72
7) SideNets...................................................................... 72
8) ShoulderGuards.............................................................. 72
9) SeatBelts ..................................................................... 72
10)Driver'sSeat................................................................. 73
11)Passenger Seats ............................................................ 74
12)FuelReservoir Cap.......................................................... 74
13)Winch (If Equipped) ......................................................... 74
14)Cargo Box.................................................................... 75
15)Cargo Box TiltRelease Handles............................................ 75
16)Anchoring Hooks............................................................ 75
17)Tailgate....................................................................... 75
18)TrailerHitch .................................................................. 76
19)12-VoltPower Outlets ...................................................... 76
20)FullDoors WithElectricWindows(Models witha Cab) ................. 77
21)FullGlass WindshieldwithWiper(Models witha Cab) .................. 77
22)RearWindow WithSliding Opening (Models witha Cab) ............... 78
23)Roof(If Equipped)........................................................... 78
24)Heating System(If Equipped).............................................. 78
_______________
4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT(IF AVAILABLE ONYOUR MODEL) ................ 80
1) FullUnderbody SkidPlate ................................................... 80
2) Gun Boot...................................................................... 80
3) Gun BootMount.............................................................. 82
4) PortableLight ................................................................. 82
5) LinQTool Holders ............................................................ 82
6) LHSideMirror ................................................................ 84
7) HalfWindshield............................................................... 84
8) HeadacheRack............................................................... 85
9) Central Panoramic Mirror.................................................... 85
TUNE YOURRIDE .................................................................. 86
Suspension AdjustmentGuidelines ........................................... 86
Suspension Factory Settings................................................... 86
Suspension Adjustments....................................................... 86
DPSFunction.................................................................... 87
FUEL.................................................................................. 88
Fuel Requirements.............................................................. 88
VehicleFueling Procedure...................................................... 88
Fuelinga GasolineContainer ................................................... 89
BREAK-IN PERIOD.................................................................. 90
OperationDuringBreak-In...................................................... 90
BASICPROCEDURES .............................................................. 91
Starting the Engine.............................................................. 91
Operatingthe Shift Lever....................................................... 91
Choosing the Correct Range (Lowor High) ................................... 91
Stopping the Engineand Parking the Vehicle................................. 92
Tips for Maximizing Drive Belt Durability ...................................... 92
SPECIALPROCEDURES ........................................................... 93
What todoifWater isSuspected tobe in the CVT ........................... 93
What todoifBattery isDrained out............................................ 93
What todoifVehicleRolledOver.............................................. 93
What todoifVehicleisSubmerged............................................ 93
TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE .................................................. 94
LIFTINGAND SUPPORTINGTHE VEHICLE..................................... 95
FrontofVehicle.................................................................. 95
Rear ofVehicle................................................................... 95
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCESCHEDULE...................................................... 98
SEVERE DUSTY CONDITIONS ................................................ 98
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULELEGEND ....................................... 98
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE .................................................. 99
MAINTENANCEPROCEDURES ................................................ 102
Engine Air Filter ............................................................... 102
_______________
5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES (cont’d)
CVTAir Filter................................................................... 103
EvaporativeEmissionSystem Pre-Filter (If Equipped) ..................... 104
Engine Oil ...................................................................... 104
OilFilter ........................................................................ 106
Radiator ........................................................................ 107
Engine Coolant ................................................................ 107
Mufflerand Spark Arrester................................................... 110
GearboxOil (HD8and HD10)................................................. 111
Rear Final Drive Oil (HD5)..................................................... 112
Differential Oil ................................................................. 114
SparkPlugs .................................................................... 115
CVTCover ..................................................................... 116
CVTCover Installation(AllModels) .......................................... 117
DriveBelt ...................................................................... 117
Battery ......................................................................... 120
Fusesand Fusible Links ...................................................... 120
Lights........................................................................... 122
DriveShaft Bootand Protector............................................... 123
PropellerShaft Boot(HD5) ................................................... 123
WheelBearing................................................................. 124
Wheels and Tires .............................................................. 124
Suspensions................................................................... 125
Brakes.......................................................................... 126
Seat Belts ...................................................................... 127
DoorsWithElectricWindows(If Equipped) ................................ 127
HeatingSystem(If Equipped) ................................................ 127
VEHICLECARE.................................................................... 129
Post-Operation Care .......................................................... 129
VehicleCleaningand Protection ............................................. 129
STORAGEANDPRESEASONPREPARATION................................ 130
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
VEHICLEIDENTIFICATION ...................................................... 132
VehicleIdentificationNumber................................................ 132
Engine IdentificationNumber................................................ 132
EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONCONTROLSYSTEM.............................. 133
NOISEEMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMREGULATION ...................... 134
EC-DECLARATION OFCONFORMITY ......................................... 135
SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................. 136
_______________
6
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TROUBLESHOOTING
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES ........................................... 148
MESSAGES INMULTIFUNCTION GAUGE ................................... 152
WARRANTY
BRP LIMITED WARRANTY USA AND CANADA: 2018 CAN-AM
USEPAEMISSION-RELATEDWARRANTY................................... 158
CALIFORNIA EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS CONTROL WARRANTY
STATEMENT....................................................................... 161
BRP INTERNATIONAL LIMITED WARRANTY: 2018 CAN-AM
BRP LIMITED WARRANTY FOR THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA, THE
COMMONWEALTH OF THE INDEPENDANT STATES AND TURKEY: 2018
CAN-AM
PRIVACY INFORMATION........................................................ 174
CONTACT US...................................................................... 175
CHANGE OFADDRESS/OWNERSHIP......................................... 176
®
SSV.................................................................... 167
CUSTOMER INFORMATION
NorthAmerica ................................................................. 175
Europe ......................................................................... 175
Oceania ........................................................................ 175
SouthAmerica................................................................. 175
Asia............................................................................. 175
®
SSV.... 154
®
SSV ...... 163
_______________
7
TABLE OF CONTENTS
_______________
8
SAFETY
INFORMATION
________
SAFETY INF
ORMATION
________
9
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid Carbon Monoxide
Poisoning
All engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, a deadly gas. Breathing carbon monoxide can cause headaches,
dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, confusion and eventually death.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that may be present
even if you do not see or smell any engine exhaust. Deadly levels of carbon
monoxide can collect rapidly, and you
can quickly be overcome and unable
to save yourself. Also, deadly levels of
carbon monoxide can linger for hours
or days in enclosed or poorly ventilated
areas. If you experience any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning,
leave the area imme dia te ly, get fresh
air and seek medical treatment.
To prevent serious injury or death from
carbon monoxide:
– Never ru n the vehicle in poorly ven-
tilated or partially enclosed areas
such as garages, carports or barns.
Even if you try to ventilate engine
exhaust with fans or open windows
and doors, carbon monoxide can
rapidly reach dangerous levels.
– Never run the vehicle outdoors
where engine exhaust can be drawn
into a building through openings
such as windows and doors.
Avoid Gasoline Fires and
Other Hazards
Gasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive. Fuel vapors can
spread and be ignited by a spark or
flame many f ee t away from the engine. To reduce the risk of fire or explosion, follow these instructions:
– Use only an approved gasoline con-
tainer to store fuel.
– Never fill the g asoline container in
the vehicle cargo box or on the vehicle - an electrical static discharge
may ignite t h e fuel.
– Strictly adhere to instructions in
HICLE FUELING PROCEDURE
– Never start or operate the engine if
the fuel cap is not properly installed.
Gasoline is poisonous and can cause
injury or death.
– Never siphon gasoline by mouth.
– If you swallow gasolin e, get any in
your eye(s), or inhale gasoline vapor,
see a doctor immediately.
If gasoline spills on you, wash with
soap and water and change your
clothes.
VE-
.
Avoid Burns from Hot Parts
Certain components become hot during operation. Avoid contact with
those parts during and shortly after
operation to avoid burns.
Accessories and
Modifications
Any modifications or addition of accessories may affect the ha ndling of your
vehicle. It is important to take the time
to get familiar with the ve h icle once
modifications are made to understand
how to adapt your driving behavior accordingly.
Do not temper with unauthorized modifications or install equipment no t
specifically certified by BRP for the
vehicle. These modifications have not
been tested by BRP and they may increase the risk of injury or loss of control, or render the vehicle illegal to ride.
As an examp le, tempering with tire
specifications may affect the behavior
of the vehicle and increase the risk of a
loss of control.
Ask your authorized BRP dealer for
suitable available accessories for your
vehicle.
_______
10
SAFETY I
NFORMATION
________
SAFE OPERATION - RESPONSIBILITIES
This is a high performance off-road
vehicle. Operators must be responsibleandusecaretoavoidrollovers,
tipovers, collision s, and other accidents. Even with vehicle s afety features (such as protective structure,
seat belts, side nets, doors) and protective gear (such as a helmet), there is
alwaysariskofinjuryordeathinthese
accidents. To reduce the risk of serious injury or death, follow the rules in
this section.
Owner - Be Responsible
Read this Operator's Guide and watch
the
SAFETY VIDEO
Always inspect and confirm the safe
operating condition of your vehicle
prior to r ide. Always follow the maintenance schedule described in this
Operator's Guide.
Never allow anyone to operate your
vehicle unless they are responsible
and can be trusted with a high performance vehicle. Consider supervising
new or young operators and setting
rules and limits (e.g., whether they can
carry p assengers, what they may do
with the vehicle, where they may ride,
etc.) for anyone using your vehicle.
If equipped with optional D.E.S.S.
keys, select the appropriate key (see
IGNITION SWITCH AND KEYS
on the operator's experience, vehicle
use and environment.
Discuss the safety information with
anyone who w ill be using the vehicle.
Be sure that all operators and p assengers meet the qualifications below and
agree to follow the safety information.
Help users become familiar with the
vehicle.
We encourage you to have an Annual Safety Inspection of your vehicle. Please contact an authorized BRP
dealer for further details. Though not
required, it is recommended that an
authorized BRP dealer performs the
preseason preparation of your vehi-
.
)based
cle. Each visit to your authorized BRP
dealer is a great opportunity for your
dealer to verify if your vehicle is included in any safety campaign. We
also urge you to visit your authorized
BRPdealerinatimelymannerifyou
become aware of any safety related
campaigns.
See an authorized BRP dealer for available accessories you may require.
Operator - Be Qualified and
Responsible
Read this Operator's Guide and watch
the
SAFETY VIDEO
Become completely familiar with the
operational controls and the general
operation of the vehicle.
Take a training course if available (contact an authorized Can-Am dealer to
find out about training course availability as well as on the inte rne t at
http://www.rohva.org/), and perform
the pra ctice exercises in
EXERCISES
ing in a suitable area free of hazards
and feel the response of ea ch control.
Drive at low speeds. Higher speeds require greater experience, knowledge
andsuitableridingconditions.
Be at least 16 years of age.
Be tall enough to be properly seated:
back against the backrest with the
seat belt fastened, to hold the steering wheel with both hands and still be
able to reach the full stroke of brake
and accelerator pedals with the right
foot and to firmly plant left foot on the
footrest.
Have a proper driver's license in accordance with local laws.
Never use this vehicle with drugs or alcohol, or if tired or ill. These slow reaction time and impair judgment.
.
PRACTICE
section. Practice driv-
________
SAFETY INF
ORMATION
________
11
SAFE OPERATION - RESPONSIBILITIES
Carrying Passengers
Only carry a maximum of two pass engers. The passengers must be properly seated in the cockpit.
The passengers must be tall enough
to always be properly seated: back
against the bac krest with seat belt fastened, holding the handhold, and feet
firmly planted - for the RH passenger,
with right foot on the footrest and the
left foot on the vehicle floor and for
the central passenger, with both feet
firmly planted on the floor.
Never carry passengers who have
used drugs or alcohol, or are tired or
ill. These slow reaction time and impair judgment.
Instruct the passengers to read the vehicle’s safety labels.
Never carry passengers if you judge
their ability or judgem en t insufficient
to concentrate on the terrain conditions and adapt accordingly. More
specifically for side-by-side vehicles,
the passenger must also pay constant
attention to the terrain ahead and be
able to brace for bumps.
Riding Carefully
– This vehicle handles differently
from other vehicles. A collision or
rollover can occur quickly, during
abrupt maneuvers such as doing
sharp turns, acceleration or deceleration and driving on hills or over
obstacles, if you fail to take proper
precautions.
– Never operate at excessive speeds.
Always go at a speed that is proper
for the terrain, visibility, and op
ing conditions, and your experience.
– Never attempt jumps, side slides,
donuts or any other stunts.
– Never attempt rapid acceleration
or deceleration when perfor
sharp turn. This may result in a roll
over.
erat-
ming a
– Never attempt s kidding or sliding.
If vehicle starts t o skid or slide,
counter steer in the direction of
skidding or sliding. On extremely
slippery surfaces, such as ice, go
slowly and be very cautious in order
to reduce the chance of skidding out
of control.
– Always be sure there are no obsta-
cles or people behind the vehicle
when you operate in reverse. Pay
attention to blind spots. When it
is safe to proceed in reverse, go
slowly.
– Never exceed the stated load lim-
its for this vehicle. Cargo must be
properly secured. Reduce speed,
allow for greater braking distance
and follow other instructions in
MOVING LOADS AND DOING
WORK
– Always remember that this vehicle
is heavy! Its pure weight alone may
entrap you should it tip or rollover.
.
Occupant Restraint
System
– This vehicle is designed to carry one
driver and up to two passengers, all
wearing proper protective gears (refer to
RIDING GEAR
– The driver and passengers must
latch the side nets or close the full
doors and wear the seat belts at all
times when riding.
in this section).
Terrain Condition
– This vehicle is not designed to ride
on paved surfaces; if you must
shortly use the vehicle on such surfaces, avoid abrupt inputs to steering wheel, accelerator an
pedals.
– Always go slowly and be extra care-
ful when operating on unfamiliar
terrain. Always be a
terrain conditions when operating
this vehicle. Take the time to learn
how the vehicle pe
ent environments.
lert to changing
rforms in differ-
dbrake
_______
12
SAFETY I
NFORMATION
________
SAFE OPERATION - RESPONSIBILITIES
– Never operate on excessively
rough, slippery or loose terrain until you have learned and practiced
the skills necessary to control this
vehicleonsuchterrain. Alwaysbe
especially cautious on these kinds
of terrain.
– Never operate this vehicle on hills
too steep for the vehicle or your abilities. Practice on small inclines.
– Always follow proper procedures
for climbing or going down hills as
described in
CLE
. Check the terrain carefully before you start up or down any h ill.
Never climb or descend hills with
excessively slippery or loose surfaces. Never go over the top of any
hill at high speed.
– Never attempt steep hills or side
hilling when pullin g a trailer.
– Always check for obstacles before
operating in a new area. Always
follow proper procedures when operating over obstacles as described
in
RIDING YOUR VEHICLE
– Never operate this vehicle in fast
flowing water or in water deeper
than specifie d in
HICLE
. Remember that wet brakes
may have reduced stopping ability.
Test your brakes after leaving water. If necessary, apply them several times to let friction dry out the
brakes.
RIDING YOUR VEHI-
.
RIDING YOUR VE-
– Always ensure to properly park the
vehicle on the flattest terrain sectio n
available. Put shift lever in PARK,
stop en g ine and remove key before
leaving the vehicle.
– Never assume that the vehicle will
go everywhere safely. Sudden
changes in terrain caused by holes,
depressions, b anks, softer or harder
“ground” or other irregularities may
cause the vehicle to topple or become unstable . To avoid this, slow
down and always observe the terrain ahead. If the vehicle does begin
to topple or rollover, the b est advice
is to immediately ste er in the d ire c tion of the rollover! Never attempt
to prevent a rollover with y ou r arms
or legs. You should keep your limbs
inside the cage or ROPS (rollover
protective structure).
________
SAFETY INF
ORMATION
________
13
PRE-RIDE INSPECTION
Always insp ect and confirm the safe operating condition of your vehicle prior to
ride. Always follow the maintenance schedule described in this Operator's Guide.
WARNING
Perform a pre-ride inspection before each ride to detect any potential problem that could occur during operation. The pre-ride inspection can help you
monitor component wear and deterioration before they become a problem.
Correct any problem that you discover to reduce the risk of a breakdown or
crash.
Before using this vehicle, the operator should always perform the following
pre-ride inspection check list.
Refer to
Pre-Ride Inspection Check List
What to Do Before Starting the Engine (Key OFF)
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
for details.
ITEMS TO BE
INSPECTED
Tir es
Wheels
Radiator
Front grill kit Inspect front grill kit for cleanliness.
Engine oil
Coolant Check coolant level.
Brake fluid
Engine air filter
CVT air filter
Drive shaft boots
Check tire pressure and condition. Refer to
SPECIFICATIONS
Check wheels for damage and for abnormal play. Make
sure that lug nuts a re tightened. Refer to
in
TIRES
specification.
Check cleanliness of the radiator.
Check engine oil level.
Check brake fluid level.
Inspect the en gine ai r filter, clean or replace if needed
(service more often when riding in dusty conditions).
Inspect and clean the CVT air filter (when riding in dusty
conditions).
Check drive shaft boots a nd protectors condition.
INSPECTION TO PERFORM
and adjust according to load.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
✔
WHEELS AND
for torque
_______
14
SAFETY I
NFORMATION
________
PRE-RIDE INSPECTION
ITEMS TO BE
INSPECTED
Cargo and load
Rear cargo box
Chassis and
suspension
Heater air filters (XT
models with Cab)
Cargo Load: If you transport a cargo, respect
the maximum loading capacity. Refer to
LOADING THE CARGO BOX
is properly secured to the rear cargo box.
Veh icle L oa d: Ensure that to tal load on the vehicle
(including operator, passengers, cargo, tongue weight and
added accessories) does not exceed specifications. Refer
CARRYING LOADS
to
If you are pulling a trailer or anothe r equipment:
– Check hitch and trailer ball condition.
– Respect the tongue capacity and towing capacity as
indicated on the label affixed to the hitch or refer to
SPECIFICATIONS
– Ensure trailer is properly secured to hitch.
Check if the cargo box is properly l atched.
Check if tailgate is properly latched.
Check underneath vehicle for any debris on chassis or
suspension and clean them properly.
Inspect heater air filters, clean if needed (service more
often when riding in dusty conditions).
INSPECTION TO PERFORM
. Ens ure cargo
.
What to Do Before Starting the Engine (Key ON)
✔
ITEMS TO BE
INSPECTED
Gauge
Lights
________
INSPECTION TO PERFORM
Check operation of indicator lamps in gauge (during first
few seconds of key ON).
Check for messages in gauge.
Check operation and cleanliness of headlights and
taillights.
Check operation of high and low beam.
Check operation of brake lights.
SAFETY INF
ORMATION
________
✔
15
PRE-RIDE INSPECTION
ITEMS TO BE
INSPECTED
Check if seats are properly latched.
Check side nets for any damage. Have
Seats, side nets and
seat belts
Accelerator pedal
Brake pedal
Fuel level
Mirror(s) Adjust mirror(s) to your preferences.
Heater fan (XT
models with Cab)
the nets replaced if any damage is found.
Fasten both side n ets and confirm that they latch
securely. Use the a djustme nt strap to tighten the net as
required.
Check seat belts for any damage. Fasten seat belts and
confirm that they latch securely.
Press on the accelerator pedal a few times to ensure it
operates freely and it returns to the rest position when
released.
Press down on the brake pedal and make sure you feel
firm resistance and that it fully returns to position when
released.
Check the fuel level.
Check operation of heater fan. Ch eck air flows out of
every louver (dash-mounted and heater-mounted).
INSPECTION TO PERFORM
What to Do After the Engine is Started
ITEMS TO BE
INSPECTED
Steering
Ignition switch
Shift lever Check operation of shift lever (P, R, N, H and L).
2WD/4WD selector
Brakes
Check if steering wheel operates freely by completely
turning it from side to side.
Turn the ignition switch to OFF to verify if engine will shut
down. Restart engine.
Check operation of 2WD/4WD selector.
Drive forward slowly a few feet and apply brakes. The
brake pedal must feel firm when applied. Th
return to rest po sition when released. The brakes must
respond adequately to the driver's input.
INSPECTION TO PERFORM
✔
✔
e pedal must
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16
SAFETY I
NFORMATION
________
PREPARE TO RIDE
Before you Ride
Performpre-rideinspectiontoconfirm
the safe operating condition of your
vehicle. Refer to
TION
.
Driver and passengers must:
– Be properly seated.
– Latch both side nets o r close the full
doors and fasten seat belt.
– Wear appropriate riding gear. (Refer
to
RIDING GEAR
PRE-RIDE INSPEC-
).
Riding Gear
It is important that the operator and
passengers always wears appropriate
protective clothing and apparel, including:
– An approved helmet
– Eye protection
–Boots
–Gloves
– A long sleeved shirt or jacket
– Long pants.
Depending on conditions, anti-fogging
goggles may be required.
1
2
3
4
5
6
rmo2008-001-019_a
RIDING GEAR
1. Approved helmet
2. Eye and face protection
3. Long sleeves shirt or jacket
4. Gloves
5. Long pants
6. Boots (over-the-ankle footwear)
Weather conditions should help you
decide how to dress. To maximize
comfort and avoid frostbites in winter, dress for the coldest we athe r e xpected. Thermal underwear next to
the skin also provides good insulation.
Never wear any loose clothing that
may get entangled in the vehicle or on
tree branches and shrubs.
Helmets and Eye Protection
Helmets protect the head and brain
from injury. Even with the vehicle's
cage and side nets, objects can enter the cockpit and strike the head, or
the head can strike the cage itself or
objects outside the vehicle. Even the
best helmet is no guarantee against
injury, but sta tistics indicate that helmet use significantly reduces the risk
ofbraininjury. So,besafeandalways
wear a helmet while riding.
Choosing a Helmet
Helmets should be manufactured to
meet the appropriate standard in your
state, province or country and should
fit properly.
Ahelmetwithfaceprotectionisabetter choice as it pro tects also against
frontal impacts. It can also protect
against debris, stones, insects, the elements, etc.
An open-face helmet does not offer the
same protection for the face and chin.
If you wear an open-face helmet, you
should use a snap-on face shield and/or
a pair of goggles. Ordinary glasses or
sunglasses are not sufficient eye protection for riders. They can shatter
or fly off, and they allow wind and airborne objects to reach the eyes.
For winter riding conditions, a stocking type cap, bala clav a and face mask
should always be carried or worn.
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SAFETY INF
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17
PREPARE TO RIDE
Use tinted face shields or goggles in
the daytime only; do not use them at
night or in poor illumination. Do not
use them if they impair your ability to
discern color.
Other Riding Gear
Footwear
Always wear closed toe footwear.
Sturdy over-the-ankle boots with
non-slip soles offer more protection
and allow you to plant your foot properly on footrest.
Avoid long shoelaces that can be tangled in the accelerator or brake pedals.
For winter riding conditions, rubber
soled boots w ith either a nylon or
leather uppers, with removable felt
liners are best suited.
Avoid rubber boots. Rubber boots may
get trapped behind or between pedals,
impairing the proper operation of brake
and accelerator pedals.
Gloves
Full-fingered gloves protect hands
from the wind, sun, heat, cold and flying objects. Glo ve s that fit snugly will
improvegriponthesteeringwheeland
help reduce hand fatigue. Sturdy, reinforced motorcycle or ATV gloves help
protect hands better in the event of an
accident or a rollover. If gloves are too
bulky, it may be difficult to operate the
controls.
For winter riding conditions, hands
should be protected by a pair of snowmobile gloves which have sufficient
insulation and allow use of thumbs and
fingers for operation of controls.
crash, good quality protective gear
made of sturdy material may prevent
or reduce injury.
In cool-weather riding, protect yourself against hypothermia. Hypothermia, a condition of low body temperature, can cause loss of concentration,
slowed reactions and loss of smooth,
precise muscle movement. In cool
conditions, proper protective gear like
a windproof jacket and insulated layers
of clothing are essential. Even while
riding at moderate temperatures, you
can feel very cold due to the wind.
Protective gear that is appropriate for
cold-weather riding may be too hot
when stopped. Dress in layers so that
clothing can be removed as desired .
Topping the protective gear with a
windproof outer layer can prevent cold
air from reaching the skin.
Rain Gear
Ifyoumustrideinwetweather,arain
suit or a waterproof riding suit is recommended. On long rides, it is a good
idea to carry rain gear. A dry rider will
be much more comfortable and alert.
Hearing Protection
Long-term exposure to wind and engine noise when riding can cause permanent hearing loss. Properly worn
hearing protective devices such as
earplugs can help prevent hearing loss.
Check local laws before using any hearing protective devices.
Jackets, Pants and Riding Suits
Wear a jacket or a long sleeved shirt
and long pants, or a full riding suit.
Quality ATV-type protective gear will
provide c omfort, and it can help you
avoid being distracted by adverse environmental elements. In case of a
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18
SAFETY I
NFORMATION
________
AVOID ACCIDENTS
Avoid Rollovers and
Tipovers
Side-by-side vehicles handle differently from other vehicles. Side-by-side
vehicles are designed to handle
off-road terrain (for exam ple, their
wheel base and track width, ground
clearance, suspension, drivetrain,
tires, etc.), and, as a result, can overturn in situations where vehicles designed for use primarily on paved or
smooth terrain may not.
A rollover or other accident can occur quickly during abrupt maneuvers
such as sharp turns or hard acceleration or deceleration when turning, or
when driving on h ills or over obstacles. Abrupt maneuvers or aggressive
driving can c ause rollovers or loss of
control even in flat open areas. If the
vehicle rolls over, any part of your body
(such as arms, legs, or head) outside of
the cockpit can be crushed and trapped
by the cage or ROPS or other parts of
the vehicle. You can also be injured
by impact with the ground, cockpit or
other objects.
To reduce the ris k of rollovers:
– Use care when turning.
• Do not turn the steering wheel
too far or too fast for your speed
and environment. Adjust steering inputs according to your
speed and environment.
• Slow down before entering a
turn. Avoid hard braking during
a turn.
• Avoid sudden or hard acceleration when turning, even from a
stop or low speed.
– Never attempt donuts, skids, slides,
fishtails, jumps, or other stunts. If
vehicle starts to skid or slide, steer
in th e direction of the skid or slide.
Never slam the brakes and lock the
wheels.
– Avoid paved surfaces. This vehi-
cle is not designed to operate on
paved surface s and is more likely to
roll over. If you must drive on pavement, turn gradually, go slowly, and
avoid abrupt acceleration and braking.
This vehicle can roll over sideways
or tip over forward or backwards on
slopes or uneven terrain.
– Avoid side hilling (driving along the
slope rather than u p or down a hill).
When possible, drive straight up and
down inclines rather than across
them. If you must side hill, use extreme caution and avoid slippery
surfaces, objects, or depressions. If
you feel the vehicle start to rollover
or slide sideways, steer downh ill if
possible.
– Avoid steep hills and follow proce-
dures in this guide for climbing and
descending hills.
– Sudden changes in terrain such as
holes, depressions, banks, softer or
harder ground or other irregularities
may cause the vehicle to tip or become unstable. Observe the terrain
ahead and slow down in areas of uneven terrain.
This vehicle will handle differently
when carrying or pulling a load.
– Reduce speed and follow instruc-
tions in this manual for carrying
cargo or pulling a trailer.
– Avoid hills and rough terrain.
– Allow more distance to stop.
Be Prepared in Case of Rollover
– Fastensidenetsorclosethefull
doors and fasten seat belt to help
you avoid sticking out arms or legs.
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SAFETY INF
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19
AVOID ACCIDENTS
– Never grab the cage or ROPS while
riding. Hands can be crushed between the cage or ROPS and the
ground in a rollover. Keep hands on
the steering wheel or handholds.
– Never try to stop a rollover using
your arms or legs. If you think that
the vehicle may tip or roll, the driver
should keep both hands on the
steering wheel and the left foot
firmly planted on the footrest. The
passengers should keep both hands
on the handhold and both feet firmly
planted on the floor.
Avoid Collisions
This vehicle can reach high speeds. At
higher speeds, there is an increased
risk of losing control, particularly in
challenging off-road conditions, and
the risk of injury in a co llisio n is greater.
Never operate at excessive speeds.
Always go at a speed that is proper for
the terrain, visibility, and operating conditions, and your experience. Consider
reserving use of the performance key
for situations in which full speed and
acceleration capability are appropriate.
Never operate this vehicle on any public street, road or highway, e ve n dirt
or gravel ones. Riding your vehicle on
roads or highways could resu lt in a collision with another vehicle. This vehicle
is not designed for operation on roads.
For example, it does not meet motor
vehicle s afety standards that apply to
automobiles. In many jurisdictions it
is not lega l to operate this veh icle on
public roads.
This vehicle does not have the same
kind of protec tion for collisio
car; for example, there are no air bags,
the cockpit is not fully enclosed, and
it is not designed for collisi
other vehicles. Therefore, it is particularly important to fasten seat belts and
side nets close the full
an approved helmet.
doors and wear
ns as a
ons with
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20
SAFETY I
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RIDING YOUR VEHICLE
Practice Exercises
Before you go out for a ride, it is very
important to familiarize yourself with
thehandlingofyourvehiclebypracticing in a controlled environment. If
possible, it is also a very good idea to
take a more formal training course to
sharpen you r skills and increase your
knowledge of the vehicle.
Find a suitable area to practice and
perform the following exercises. It
should be at least 45 m (150 ft) by 45 m
(150 ft) free of obstacles like trees and
rocks. Once you’ve selected a s uitable
permitted location, proceed with the
following exercises.
Turning Exercises
Turning is one of the most frequent
causes of accidents. It is easier for the
vehicle to lose traction or rollover if you
turn too sharply, or go too fast. Slow
down when you approach a turn.
– First learn how to perform slight
right turns at very low speeds. Release the throttle before turning and
slowly reapply the throttle when
turning.
– Repeat turning exercise but this
time maintain the throttle at the
level while tu rning.
– Finally, repeat turning exercise
while accelerating slowly.
– Practice exercises turning on the
other side.
Note how your vehicle reacts in these
different exercises. We recommend
releasing the throttle before entering a
turn to help initia te dire ction al chan ge .
You will feel the lateral force increasing
with the speed and with your steering input. The lateral force should be
maintained as low as possible to make
sure it does not cause the vehicle to
roll over.
UTurnExercises
Practice doing U turns.
– Accelerate slowly and while remain-
ing at low speed, then gradually turn
the steering wheel to the right until
you have completed the U turn.
– Repeat U turn exercise with differ-
ent steering inputs and always at a
very low speed.
– Repeat U turn exercise on the other
side.
As mentioned before in this guide, do
not ride on paved surfaces as the vehicle behavior will not be the same,
increasing the risk of rollover.
Braking Exercises
Practice braking to get familiar with the
brake response.
–Doitatlowspeedfirst,thenin-
crease the speed.
– Practice braking in straight line at dif-
ferent speeds and different braking
force.
– Practice emergency braking; opti-
mal braking is obtained in straight
line, with high force applied, with-
out locking the wheels.
Remember, braking distance depends
on vehicle speed, load and the type of
surface. Also, the tires and brakes conditions play a major role.
Reverse Exercises
The next step involves using the reverse.
– Install 1 cone marker on both sides
of the vehicle beside each rear
wheel. Move the vehicle forward
until you can see the cone markers,
then stop the vehicle. Acknowl-
edge the distance required to see
obstacles behind you.
– Learn how the vehicle handles itself
in reverse and reacts with steering
inputs.
– Always perform this reverse exer-
cise at slow speeds.
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SAFETY INF
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21
RIDING YOUR VEHICLE
Emergency Engine Stopping
Exercise
Learn how to stop your engine quickly
in an emergency situation.
– While running at low speed, simply
turn the key to the off position.
This is to familiarize you with the vehicle’s reaction when the engine is
turned off while driving and to develop
this reflex.
Itisalsoimportanttobeabletostop
and exit the vehicle quickly.
– Immobilize the vehicle.
– Detach the seat belt and the net (or
open the door) to exit the vehicle.
Off-Road Operation
The very nature of off-road operation
is dangerous. Any terrain, which has
not been specially prepared to carry
vehicles, presents an inherent danger
where terrain substance, shape and
steepness are unpredictable. The terrain itself presents a continual element
of danger, which must be knowingly
accepted by anyone venturing over it.
An operator who takes a vehicle
off-road should always exercis e the utmost care in selecting the safest path
and keeping close watch on the terrain ahead o f him. The vehicle should
never be operated by anyone who is
not completely familiar with the driving
instructions applicable to the vehicle,
nor should it be operated on steep or
treacherous terrain.
General Riding Techniques
General Driving Tips
Care, caution, experience and driving
skill are the best precautions against
the hazards of vehicle operation.
Whenever there is the slightest doub
that the vehicle can safely negotiate an
obstacle or a particular piece of terrain,
always choose an alternate route.
In off-road operation, power and traction, not speed, are important. Never
drive faster than visibility and your own
ability to select a safe route permit.
Always go slowly and be extra careful
when operating on unfamiliar terrain.
Always be alert to changing terrain conditions when operating this vehicle.
Be especially cautious on excessively
rough, slippery, icy or loose terrain.
Constantly watch the terrain ahead
for sudden changes in slopes or obstacles, such as rocks or stumps, that
may cause loss of stability, resulting in
tipoverorrollover.
Never operate the vehicle if the controls do not function normally. See an
authorized Can-Am dealer.
To maintain proper control it is strongly
advised that you keep your hands on
the steering wheel and within easy
reach of all controls. The same holds
true for your feet. To minimize the possibility of any leg or foot injury, keep
your left foot on the footrest and right
foot on the floor at all times. Stayin g
completely within the cockpit will also
help keep you from striking objects
outside the vehicle.
Watch for and avoid branches and
other objects that could enter the passenger compartment and strike you or
your passengers.
Operating in Reverse
When operating in reverse, c heck that
the path behind the vehicle is free of
people or obstacles. Pay attention to
blind spots. When it is safe to proceed
in reverse, go slowly and avoid sharp
turns.
WARNING
Steering inputs in reverse opera-
t
tion increase the risk of rollover.
NOTE: In reverse operation, the en-
gine RPM is limited thus limiting the
vehicle reverse speed.
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22
SAFETY I
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RIDING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING
When driving downhill in reverse,
gravity can increase the vehicle
speed above safe reverse speed.
Crossing Roads
If you have to cross a road, ensure to
have complete visibility on both s ide s
forincomingtrafficanddecideonexit
point on other side of road. Drive in
a straight line toward th at point. Do
not make sharp direction changes or
abrupt accelerations as it may result
in a rollover situation. Do not travel on
sidewalks or bicycle trails as they are
designated specifically for those uses.
Riding on Paved Surfaces
Avoid paved surfaces. This vehicle is
not designed to operate on paved surfaces and is m ore likely to roll over.
If you must drive on pavemen t , turn
gradually, go slowly, and avoid abrupt
acceleration and braking.
Shallow Water Crossing
Water can be a unique hazard. If it is
too deep the vehicle may “float” and
topple. Check the water depth and current before you attempt to cross any
water. Water depth should not exceed
30 cm (12 in) for vehicle to safely cross
the obstacle. Beware of slippery surfaces such as rocks, grass, logs, etc.,
both in the water and on its banks. A
loss of traction may occur. Do not attempt to enter the water at high speed.
Water will affect the braking ability of
your vehicle. Make sure you dry the
brakes by applying them several times
after the vehicle leaves the water.
Mud or marsh lands may be encountered near water. Be prepared for sudden “holes” or changes in depth. Similarly so, be watchful of hazards such
as rocks, logs, etc., partially covered by
vegetation.
Riding on Snow or Ice
When performing pre-ride inspection,
pay special attention to locations on
the vehicle where snow and/or ice accumulations may obstruct visibility of
the tail lamp, clog ventilation openings,
block the radiator and fan, and interfere
with the movement of controls. Before starting with your vehicle, check
the steering, accelerator and brake
pedals for interference free operation.
Whenever this vehicle is ridden on a
snow covered drive path, the tire grip
is generally reduced causing the vehicle to react differently to control inputs from the operator. On low grip
surfaces, the steering responses are
not as crisp and precise, stopping distances are lengthened and acceleration is also affected. Slow down and
do not "gun" the accelerator. This will
only result in spinning of the tires and
possiblyinanoversteeringslideofthe
vehicle. Avoid hard braking. This will
possibly result in a straight line slide of
the vehicle. Again, the be st advice is to
safely reduce speed in anticipation of
a maneuver to give yourself time and
distance in order to keep control of the
vehicle.
As you drive your vehicle over a loose
snow covered surface, snow dust will
be picked up in the wake turbulence
of the moving vehicle and transported
to contact and accumulate or melt on
some exposed components including
rotating parts like brake discs. Water,
snow or ice may affect the response
time of the brake system of your v
cle. Even when not required to reduce
vehicle speed apply brakes frequently
to prevent ice or snow accumul
and to dry brake p ads and discs. While
doing so in low risk driving situations
you will test for g rip leve
yourself alerted to how the vehicle reacts to your control inputs. Always
keep brake and accele
floor boards free of snow and ice. Frequently wipe snow off seat, steering
wheel, headlights
and tail lamps.
l and keep
rator pe dals and
ehi-
ation
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SAFETY INF
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23
RIDING YOUR VEHICLE
The depth of the snow cover may hide
rocks, tree stumps or other objects and
if it is we t may totally imp ed e th e drivability as the vehicle becom es bogged
down or completely looses traction in
slushy snow. Look far ah ead and always be watchful of any visible clues
that might indicate the presence of
such obstacles. In doubt steer clear.
Avoid driving on any frozen waterways
before c hecking that the ice will safely
support the vehicle, its riders and its
load of cargo.
At the end of each ride it is a good practice to clean the vehicle and all m oving
components (brakes, steering components, drivelines, controls, radiator
fan etc.) from any snow or ice a ccumulations. Wet s no w will turn to ice
during the shut down period and become more difficult to remove at the
next pre-ride inspection.
Riding on Sand
Sand and riding on sand dunes is another unique experience but there are
some basic precautions that should
be observed. Wet, deep or fine sand
may create a loss of trac tion and cause
the vehicle to slide, drop off or become
“bogged” down. If this occurs look for
a firmer base. Again, the best advice
is to slow down and be watchful of the
conditions.
When riding in sand dunes it is a dvisabletoequipthevehiclewithanantenna ty pe safety flag. This will help
make your location more visible to others over the next sand dune. Procee
carefully should you see another safety
flag ahead.
Riding on Gravel, Loose Stones or
Other Slippery Surfaces
Riding on loose stones or gravel is very
similar to ridin g on ice. They will affect
the steering of vehicle, po
ing it to slide and tip over especially at
high speeds. In addition, braking d istance may be affected. Re
that “gunning” the throttle or sliding
ssibly caus-
member
d
may cause loose stones to be ejected
rearwards into the pa th of anothe r
rider's way. Never do it deliberately.
If you do get into a slide or skid, it may
help to turn the steering wheel into the
directionoftheskiduntilyouregain
control. Never jam the brakes and lock
the wheels.
Crossing Obstacles
Use the low range (L) for crossing obstacles.
Obstacles on the “trail” should be traversed with caution. This includes
rocks, fallen trees, and depressions.
You should avoid them whenever possible. Remember that some obstacles
are too large or dangerous to cross
and should be avoided. As a guideline,
never attempt to cross an obstacle
higher than the ground clearance of
the vehicle. Small rocks or small fallen
trees may be safely crossed - approach
obstacle at low speed a nd as much as
possible at a right angle. Adjust speed
without losing momentum and do not
accelerate abruptly. Passengers must
grasp handhold firmly and brace feet
on the floor. Hold steering firmly without closing your fists around it and proceed. Be aware that the obstacle m ay
be slippery or may move while crossing.
Hill Driving Conditions
When driving on hills or slopes, two
things are highly important: be prepared for slippery surfaces or terrain
variations and obstacles and brace
yourself properly inside vehicle. If you
climb or descend a hill that is too sl
pery or has too loose a surface, you
can lose control. If you go over the
top of a hill at high speed, you may
have time to prepare for the terra in
on the other side. Avoid parking on
a slope. Always put the shif
PARK when stopped or parked, especially on an incline, to avoid rolling. If
you must park on a steep in
the wheels using rocks or bricks.
cline, block
ip-
not
t lever in
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24
SAFETY I
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RIDING YOUR VEHICLE
Uphill Driving
Use the low range (L) for uphill driving.
Due to its configuration, this vehicle
has very good traction even while
climbing, so much so that tip over is
possible before traction is lost. For
example, it is common to encounter
terrain situations where the top of the
hill has eroded to a point that the hill
peak rises very sharply. This vehicle is
not designed to negotiate such a condition. Take an alternate route.
It is also wise to know th e terrain condition on the other side of the hill or
bank. All too often there exists a sharp
drop-off that is impossible to negotiate
or descend.
If you feel that the slope is getting too
steep to climb, apply brakes to immobilize vehicle. Put sh ift lever in reverse
(R), and back down the hill, barely releasing brakes to remain at low speed.
Do not attempt to turn around. Never
coast down hill while vehicle is in n eutral. Do not perform hard braking as it
increases the risk of tipover.
Downhill Driving
This vehicle can climb steeper slopes
than it can descend safely. Therefore,
it is essential to assu re that a safe route
exists to descend a slope before you
climb it.
Decelerating while negotiating a slippery downhill slope could “toboggan”
the vehicle, causing it to slide. Maintain steady speed and/or accelerate
slightly to regain control. Never slam
brakes and lock the wheels.
Side Hilling
Whenever possible, side hilling (driving across a slope rather than up or
down it) should be avoided. If necessary,dosowithextremecaution. S
hilling on steep inclines could result in
rollover. In addition, slippery or unfirm
surfaces could result in uncont
side sliding. Avoid all objects or depressions that w ill intensify the raising
ide
rollable
of one side of the vehicle higher than
the other, thus causing rollover. If you
feel the ve hicle s tart to rollover or slide
sideways, steer downhill if possible.
WARNING
Be careful when loading and transporting liquid reservoirs. They can
affect vehicle stability when side
hilling by pulling downhill and increasing the risk of a roll over.
Drop-Offs
This vehicle is not designed to negotiate drop-offs. It will “bottom-out” and
usually stop if either the front or rear
wheels are driven over a drop-off. If
the drop is sharp or deep, the vehicle
will nose dive and tip over.
Avoid negotiating drop-offs. Reverse
and select an alternate route.
Recreational, Group and Distance
Riding
Respect the rights and limitations of
others. Stay away from areas designated for other types of off road
use. This includes snowmobile trails,
equestrian trails, cross country ski
trails, mountain bike trails, etc. Never
assume there are no other users on
the trail. Alw ays stay to the right of the
trail and do not zig zag to one side of
the trail then the other. Be prepared
to stop or pull o ff to the side if another
trail user appears in front of you.
Join a local side-by-side vehicle club. It
will provide you with a map and advice
or inform you where you can ride. If a
club does not exist in your area, help
to start one. Group riding and club activities provide a pleasurable, social
experience. Never use this vehicle
with drugs or alcohol, or tired or ill.
Always keep a safe distance from
other riders. Your judgment of speed,
terrain conditions, weather, mechanical condition of your vehicle and the
“trust in judgment” you have in others
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SAFETY INF
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25
RIDING YOUR VEHICLE
around you will help you make a better
choice of appropriate safe distance.
This vehicle, like any other motorized
vehicle, cannot stop “on a dime”.
Before you ride, tell someone where
you are planning to travel and your expected time of return.
Depending on the length of your ride,
carry additional tools or emergency
equipment. Find out where you can
get additional gasoline. Be prepared
for the possible conditions you may
encounter. An emergency first aid kit
should always be a consideration.
Environment
One of the benefits of this vehicle is
that it ca n take you off the beaten path
away from most communities. However, you should always respect nature and the rights of others to enjoy
it. Do not ride in environmentally sensitive areas. Do not drive over forest
crops or shrubs, nor cut d own trees
or take down fencing, nor spin your
wheels and destroy the terrain. “Tread
Lightly”.
This vehicle can cause OHV wildfires
if debris builds up near the exhaust
or other engine hot spots and ignites
then falls off into dry grass. Avoid riding in wet areas, through muskeg or
tall grass, where debris can build up.
Should you ride in those areas, inspect
and remove all debris from your engine and hot spots. Refer to
CARE
for details.
Chasing wildlife is in many areas illegal. Wildlife can die of exhaustion
after being chased by a motorized vehicle. If you encounter animals on the
trail, stop and observe quietly and
caution. It will be one of the better
memories of your life.
Observe the rule “what you take in,
carry out”. Do not litter. Do not start
campfires unless you have per
to do so, and then only away fro m dry
VEHICLE
with
mission
areas. The hazards you may create on
the trail may cause injury to others or
yourself, even at a later date.
Respect farm lands. Always obtain the
permission of the landowner before
riding on private land. Respect crops,
farm animals and property lines.
Finally, do not pollute streams, lakes or
riversanddonotmodifytheengineor
exhaust system, or remove any of its
components as it will alter the vehicle
emissions.
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26
SAFETY I
NFORMATION
________
MOVING LOADS AND DOING WORK
WorkingwithyourVehicle
Your vehicle can help you perform a number o f different LIGHT tasks ranging from
snow removal to pulling wood or carrying cargo. A variety of accessories are available from your authorized Can-Am dealer. To prevent possible injury, follow the instructions and warnings that accompany the accessory. Always respect the loa d
limits of t he vehicle. Overloading the vehicle can overstress the components and
cause failure. Avoid ove r exerting yourself if y ou lift or pull heavy loads or manually
push the vehicle.
Carrying Loads
Any load carried on the vehicle will a ffec t the handling, stability and braking distance of the vehicle. Do not exceed the load limits of the vehicle, includin g the
weight of operator, passengers, cargo, accessories and trailer tongue weight.
Always be aware that the “load” may slide or fall off and cause an accident.
LOAD LIMIT OF THE VEHICLE
HD5 545 kg (1,200 lb)
HD8 and HD10
Without a cab
HD8 and HD10
With a cab
HD8 and HD10
California models
680 kg (1,500 lb)
545 kg (1,200 lb)
545 kg (1,200 lb)
Includes occupants, cargo,
tongue weight and added
accessories
The following is an example of suitable total vehicle load distribution:
EXAMPLEOFSUITABLELOADS
MODELS WITH A 680 KG (1,500 LB) LOAD LIMIT,
ACCORDING TO YOUR MODEL LOAD LIMIT.
OPERATOR
AND
PASSENGERS
226 kg (500 lb) 346 kg (762 lb) 40 k g (88 lb) 68 kg (150 lb)
To reduce the risk to lose control or the load carried, follow these recommendations.
Vehicle Settings When Carrying Load
NOTE: When carrying heavy loads or passengers readjust suspension accordingly.
NOTE: When carrying heavy loads in cargo box or pulling a loaded trailer, operate
with the shift lever in L (low range).
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CARGO BOX
LOAD
SAFETY INF
ACCESSORIES
ORMATION
TONGUE
WEIGHT
ADJUST
TOTAL
VEHICLE
LOAD
680 kg
(1,500 lb)
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27
MOVING LOADS AND DOING WORK
WARNING
Must use LOW GEAR if total payload is greater than 226 kg (500 lb).
Loading the Cargo Box
NOTICE
pacity on tailgate. Always close tailgate before operating to reduce the risk of
loss of load.
Load cargo as low as possible – a higher load can raise the vehicle’s center of
gravity, which can reduce stability. Position cargo toward the front and center of
the cargo box and as evenly distributed as possible.
Secure the load to the tie down hooks inside cargo box. Use only the tie down
hooks on the bottom of the cargo box; do not secure cargo to the cage or other
part of the vehicle. If it is not properly secured, a load may slide or fall off, possibly striking occupants or bystanders; or it may shift during riding, affecting the
handling of the vehicle.
Objects that are hig h er than the walls of the cargo bed may affect visibility for the
driver and m ay act as projectiles in case of an accident. Loads that protrude sideways can get snagged or caught in bush, branches or other obstacles. Avoid covering and obstructing the brake lights with the cargo. Ensure no cargo protrudes
outside the box and that cargo will not interfere with your visibility or control of the
vehicle.
Do not overload cargo box.
Close tailgate before operating.
When loading or unloading, do not exceed the maximum cargo ca-
WARNING
Never operate the vehicle with an open tailgate.
MODEL MAXIMUM CARGO BOX LOADS
HD5
HD8 AND
HD10 EXCEPT
CALIFORNIA
MODELS
HD8 AND HD10
CALIFORNIA
MODELS
ALL MODELS TAILGATE
CARGO
BOX
272 kg
(600 lb)
454 kg
(1,000 lb)
272 kg
(600 lb)
113.4 kg
(250 lb)
Evenly distributed and safely
secured. Loaded as low as
possible to reduce height of center
of gravity.
Only while loading cargo into cargo
box. Never operate with tailgate
open.
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28
SAFETY I
NFORMATION
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