Ace Sports 2585 Liberty Owner's Manual - page 6
NOTE: Do not attempt to start or operate this machine without being completely familiar with all controls
necessary to operate this v ehicle safely. Do not start the engine before reading and
understanding all the rules, warnings, and instructions in this manual, as well as the engine
owner’s manual. We strongly recommend that all superv isors, operators and passengers v eiw
the safety v ideo prior to operation.
TURNING MANEUVERS
A new operator must learn to shift his or her weight and control the
throttle to allow the rear tires to negotiate the turn. This is the primary
technique to be mastered in riding this vehicle. Practice turning at slow,
constant speeds. Defer increased speeds until you are confident of your
proficiency and are intimately familiar with the terrain.
Steer in the direction of the turn, and lean your body to the inside of the
turn in order to maximize front tire traction. Use the throttle to maintain
power throughout the turn.
Once this technique is learned, turning maneuvers can be performed
within a relatively small area.
Incorrect turning techniques may cause the front wheels to slide
straight ahead without affecting the vehicle's direction of travel. If this
should occur, come to a stop, then resume the technique outlined above.
If the front wheels tend to skid in mud, sand, or snow, you may be able to
improve control by releasing the throttle and allowing the vehicle to
coast through the turn.
If the rear wheels inadvertently skid sideways, correct your slide by
steering in the direction of the skid, if you have room to perform this
maneuver safely. Avoid braking or accelerating until you have control.
To avoid skids while traveling on slippery terrain, the operator must
exercise a high degree of caution. Turning maneuvers on slippery
terrain are more hazardous than those performed under full traction and
must be done slowly.
Surface composition is a major factor affecting skidding. It is easier to
slide on packed snow than in deep sand. It is dangerous to skid on ice,
because you may lose all directional control, and it is dangerous to skid
on pavement, because you may regain traction suddenly and
unexpectedly, which can cause the vehicle to overturn.
CLIMBING HILLS
Practice climbing on evenly surfaced slopes of less than 20 degrees.
The vehicle's capability in climbing hills or traversing any specific
terrain is dependent upon operator skill and vehicle load. As you gain
experience in handling this vehicle, and learn the hazards to be
encountered and your own limitations you may then proceed to drive
more challenging terrain. However, you must first be able to discern
and avoid any hill or hazard that would cause this vehicle to overturn.
Take a running start, at the appropriate speed for the ascent, and climb
at a steady rate of speed.
WARNING - Do not apply power suddenly by opening the throttle while
ascending a hill or the front wheels may rise from the
ground. If the front wheels lift, the operator’s control will be lessened
and the vehicle may overturn backwards.
If you should find that you have incorrectly estimated climbing capability
and lack the power or traction to continue the ascent, if space permits,
turn the vehicle around while you still have the forward speed to do so
and descend. Avoid stalling part way up a hill, as maneuvering will then
become more difficult.
CAUTION - Before attempting a turn on a hillside, the operator should
first master turning technique on level ground.
If you do lose all forward speed, and can neither continue uphill nor
maneuver the vehicle under its own power, turn off the engine, dismount,
and physically turn the machine around.
CAUTION - To avoid overturning, the operator must exercise a high
degree of caution when dismounting or moving this vehicle on a hillside.
DESCENDING HILLS
It is usually advisable to descend hills with the vehicle pointed directly
downhill, avoiding angles that would cause the vehicle to lean sharply to
one side. As you approach the point of descent, stop and survey the
terrain below. Never drive headlong past your limit of visibility. When you
have picked a safe path of descent, descend slowly with the throttle
closed. Sit back on the seat, with arms extended and braced on the
steering wheel.
When descending it is recommended that the operator apply the brakes
intermittently to further reduce forward speed.
Braking effectiveness is reduced while descending any incline with a
loose surface.
RIDING THROUGH W ATER
Do not cross any stream with fast flowing water. The tires may float,
making it difficult to maintain control. Do not drive the vehicle through
water for prolonged periods.
The vehicle can cross water to a depth of approximately 4-6 inches,
although the operator must be careful to avoid getting the spark plug or
air cleaner wet.
When crossing shallow streams, choose a course where both banks
have gradual inclines. Proceed at a slow, steady speed, and take care to
avoid submerged obstacles and slippery rocks.
If loss of forward motion or pulling power is noticed when driving
through water, it indicates the torque converter belt has become wet.
When this occurs, the operator should immediately head toward shore at
minimum throttle required to maintain motion. Once on shore, the