Hi
I'm new to atv's and I just picked up a Sportsman 500ho.
I have a question about hill climbing. The manual says not to go up a grade steeper than 25 degrees. This sounds very conservitive. Is there a practicle way to tell if I'm getting to steep on an incline or decline? How about sideways rollover if I get stuck having to cross a hill? I'm sure with more experience I will get a better idea of these situations. I'm just trying to figure it out without too many broken bones!
Thanks,
Ringwood

 

Let your buddies go 1st, if they roll stay off! No one ever got hurt by going around a bad hill. If it looks too steep, it probably is. 4X4 ATVs will go almost anywhere, but try not to get hurt along the way.

You really have to lean up over the bars on steep hills. And on side hills keep your weight uphill. With a little riding time you will be conquering almost anything. The manual is too conservative, it's written by their lawyers...

 

Read over this artical it should help you out a good bit.

http://www.dirtwheelsmag.com/detail.asp?id=103

 

Ringwood,

From my somewhat limited experience on my '00 SP500; they will pop the front wheels even with a good lean on certain grades. I put a double tube front bumper, winch and my fuel cell (24#) on the front and feel a lot better on the steeper climbs(hardly a sicker feeling than having nearly 800# of machinery start tipping your way!).

John
'00 SP500

 

You Have GOT to be kidding the manual actualy says that? ( I don't have a Polaris. ) What a joke, the only hill one can't climb is one where they A. can't get enough traction ( slippery mud, icy ) B. Flip over backwards, ( to avoid this, lean forward, even to the point of grabbing the front of the front rack and driving with the right hand will get up a lot. )

The machines balance and design does have quite a bit to do with it's hill climbing. 4x4's have double advantage, more weight in front and more traction. A winch adds yet more weight nice and low to help with hill climbing. A non active fat passenger severly limits hill climbing, from too much weight too far back( but I can still climb the back side of my dams with a fat one on the back... I'm sure that's around 25 degrees )

From other quad manufactures owners manuals says this( slightly paraphrased). "the ability of atv - X to safely climb hills largely depends on rider skill and judgement. As you gain skill you'll learn to recognize hazards an limitations. Avoid excessively steep hills(1). Make a running start, and climb hill smoothly in an appropriate gear."
Next section the opps factor " If you incorrectly estimated your hill, you may not have the power(2) or traction (3) to continue uphill. Use your uphill brake ( front if climbing, er sorry this doesn't apply to the 500 HO ) and back down smoothly, if you loose control bail off preferably uphill. "

1. The lawyers way of saying go jump if you hurt yourself
2. This isn't an issue with any of the larger 4x4's unless there's engine trouble
3. The best balance ISN'T all on the back tires, try and keep the front tires well loaded if they are pulling too.



BTW a craftsman lawn tractor has a specific rating of a 15% hill, lawn tractors are considered a non rider active vehicle.