Content Source: 2020 550 Indy 144 Owner’s Manual (9929781 R01) > Safety Chapter

IMPORTANT

The Owner's Manual for this vehicle contains warnings, instructions and other information you must read and fully understand before safely riding or performing maintenance on this vehicle.Always follow the warnings and instructions in Owner's Manual.

Click the CONTENTS link above for the Table Of Contents, or download a full PDF of the Owner Manual in the Owner Support area of Polaris.com

Safety Labels and Locations

Warning labels are placed on the snowmobile for your protection. Read and follow the instructions of the labels and warnings on the snowmobile carefully. If any of the labels depicted in this manual differ from the labels on your snowmobile, always read and follow the instructions of the labels on the snowmobile.
If any label becomes illegible or comes off, contact your POLARIS dealer to purchase a replacement. Replacement safety labels are provided by POLARIS at no charge. The part number is printed on the label.

Clutch Warning/Belt Removal

This warning label is found on the clutch cover:
WARNING
Do not operate engine with hood or side panels open.
Do not attempt adjustment with engine running.
Do not operate engine with the clutch guard removed.
Never run engine with drive belt removed.
Never service clutches yourself. See your dealer.
BELT REMOVAL - ALL UNITS
  1. For electric reverse models, engine must be stopped in forward to allow clutch opening.
  2. Install L-wrench from the tool kit into the open threaded hole in the driven clutch.
  3. Turn the L-wrench clockwise to open the sheaves and replace the belt. Return the L-wrench to the tool kit.
SEE OWNER’S MANUAL FOR SHEAVE WIDTH ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE.

Tunnel Warning

The Tunnel Warning label is located on the rear of the tunnel.
WARNING
Stay clear of track. Do not sit on seat back. Entanglement with the track or a fall from seat back can result in severe injury or death.
MAX 15 lbs.

Passenger Warning (Passenger Models)

WARNING
This vehicle is designed for operator and “ONE” passenger only.

No Passenger Warning (One Rider Models)

The No Passenger Warning/Fuel Recommendation label is located near the steering post.
WARNING
This vehicle is designed for operator only. NO PASSENGER.
Fuel Recommended: 91+ Octane Without Ethanol.
For Maximum Performance See Decal On Left Hand Side Panel For Proper Gauge Setting.



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INDY/VOYAGEUR Models

EVO Models

Reverse Warning

The Reverse Warning label is located on either side of the operator seat.
WARNING
Reverse operation, even at low speeds, can cause loss of control resulting in serious injury or death. To avoid loss of control, always:

  • Look behind before and while backing up.
  • Avoid sharp turns.
  • Shift to or from reverse only when stopped.
  • Apply throttle slowly.

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NOTE: For more information, see Owner’s Manual.
If electric reverse:
  • Machine stopped and engine at idle, push yellow button on LH control to reverse. Flashing light on dash indicates reverse operation.
  • Push button again to return to forward.

Operation Warning

WARNING
  • To avoid serious injury or death, read and understand all warnings and the Owner’s Manual before operation. If manual is missing, contact a POLARIS dealer for a replacement.
  • This vehicle is capable of high speeds. Buried objects or uneven terrain can cause loss of control. Reduce speed and use extreme caution when operating in unfamiliar terrain.
  • Excessive speed, especially at night or with limited visibility, can result in insufficient time for you to react to terrain changes, to avoid unexpected obstacles, or to stop safely.
  • Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while operating this vehicle.
  • In an emergency, push down the Auxiliary Shut-Off Switch, located on the top of the throttle control assembly, to stop the engine. Then pull the brake lever to stop.
  • Always wear an approved helmet, eye protection, and adequate clothing while operating this vehicle.
  • This vehicle is designed for adult use only. Check local laws for age requirements.
  • When operating with a passenger (on approved models only), reduce speed and allow extra space for steering and stopping. A passenger reduces your ability to control the vehicle.
  • When operating on hard-packed snow, ice, or when crossing roads, steering and braking ability are greatly reduced. Reduce speed and allow extra space to turn or stop.
  • To maintain vehicle control on ice or hard-packed surfaces, you should have a proper balance of ski carbides to track studs. See Owner’s Manual for proper use of traction products.
  • Repeated stops from high speed may cause fading or sudden loss of braking ability.
  • Parking brake may relax when used for long periods. Do not leave brake engaged for more than five minutes.
  • Before starting the engine, check throttle, brake, and steering for proper operation. Make sure hood is latched. Be seated and in position to control the vehicle.
Oil injection system: Use unmixed fuel only. Check oil level when refueling.

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