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WINCH GUIDE
Winch Operation
4. Always use the hook strap when handling the hook.
WARNING! Never put your fingers into the hook. This could lead
to SEVERE INJURY.
A. Attach the hook itself onto the load or use a tow strap or
chain to secure the load to the winch cable.
Tip: A “tow strap” is NOT intended to stretch. A “recovery strap”
is designed to stretch.
WARNING! Never use a recovery strap when winching due to
the excessive energy that can be released if the winch cable breaks. This can result in SEVERE
INJURY or DEATH. See the Shock Loading section on page 54.
B. Never hook the winch cable back onto itself. This will damage the winch cable and may result
in winch cable failure.
WARNING! Replace the winch cable at the first sign of damage to prevent SEVERE INJURY or
DEATH in the event of failure. For your safety, always replace POLARIS winch parts (including the
cable) with genuine POLARIS replacement parts available at your authorized POLARIS dealer.
C. If possible, keep the winch cable aligned with the centerline of the winching vehicle. This will
help the spooling of the winch cable and reduce the load on the fairlead.
D. If freeing a stuck vehicle by attaching to a tree, use an item such as a tow strap to avoid
damaging the tree during winch operation. Sharp cables and chains can damage and even kill
trees. Please remember to TreadLightly® (treadlightly.org).
E. Before operating the winch, be sure that the safety latch on
the winch cable hook is fully seated when the load is
attached.
F. Never operate your winch with a damaged hook or latch.
Always replace damaged parts before using the winch.
5. Never remove the hook strap from the hook.
6. Release the winch clutch and pull out the winch cable.
7. Pulling out as much cable as possible maximizes the
winch’s pulling capacity. Always be sure that at least five (5) full turns of winch cable
are wrapped around the winch drum at all times. The friction provided by this wrapped
cable allows the drum to pull on the winch cable and move the load.
NO YES
NO
YES