2008 YAMAHA RHINO 700 wheel

7-3
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
This off-road vehicle will handle and maneuver dif-
ferently from cars, ATVs, go-carts, golf-cars and
grounds-keeping vehicles. The Rhino has higher
ground clearance and other features to handle
rugged terrain, and, as a result, can overturn in sit-
uations where some vehicles may not. This would
include vehicles made primarily for pavement,
roads, improved paths, or grounds-keeping. If you
do not use care in maneuvering the Rhino, you
can cause it to roll over even on flat, open areas.
Doing things with a Rhino that some people do for
thrills in other vehicles (such as sideways sliding,
skidding, back-wheel sliding, or donuts) have led
to side rollovers. These rollovers can result in
crushed limbs and other serious injuries or death
to drivers or passengers.
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7-29 a. CORRECT GRIP EXAMPLE
b. INCORRECT GRIP EXAMPLE
a. EXEMPLE DE MAINTIEN CORRECT
b. EXEMPLE DE MAINTIEN INCORRECT
a. EJEMPLO DE SUJECIÓN CORRECTA
b. EJEMPLO DE SUJECIÓN INCORRECTA
a
b
Steering wheel
Keep both hands on the steering wheel. Do not
hold the steering wheel with your thumbs inside
the rim. Keep your palms on the outside of the
steering wheel. Similar to other off-road vehicles, if
the Rhino hits a deep rut or large obstacle, the
steering wheel could briefly jerk in one direction or
back and forth as the tires and vehicle respond to
the obstacle. This quick motion could injure your
thumbs or wrist if your thumbs or hand(s) are in-
side the steering wheel. Grip the steering wheel so
that your thumbs will not be hit by the spokes. As
an example, see the illustration.
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7-35
Become familiar with the way the vehicle feels in
low and high ranges, first in two-wheel drive
(2WD) and then in four-wheel drive (4WD) and
four-wheel drive with the differential locked (DIFF.
LOCK). Steering may take more effort in 4WD with
the differential locked (DIFF. LOCK). Also practice
driving in reverse.
Take the time to learn basic operation of the vehi-
cle before attempting more difficult maneuvers.
Getting ready to ride
Perform the Pre-Operation Checks on pages 5-1–
5-33. Follow the instructions starting on pages
6-7–6-9 to start the engine.
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7-37
Turning
Use care in turns – turning the steering wheel too
far or too fast can result in loss of control or a roll-
over. Slow down before entering turns. When
making tight turns from a standstill or at slow
speeds, avoid sudden or hard acceleration. Driv-
ing aggressively or making abrupt maneuvers
even on flat, open areas can cause side rollovers.
Avoid sideways sliding, skidding, or back-wheel
sliding, and never do donuts. If you feel the Rhino
begin to slide sideways or the back wheels slide
during a turn, steer into the direction of the slide, if
possible, and gradually let off the accelerator ped-
al to regain directional control and avoid rollover.
For example, if you feel the back of the vehicle
start to slide to your right, steer to the right.
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7-39
If you think or feel that the vehicle may tip or roll,
keep your body completely inside the protective
structure of the vehicle:

Brace yourself by pressing your feet firmly on
the floorboards and keep a firm grip on the
steering wheel or handholds.


Do not put your hands or feet outside of the ve-
hicle for any reason. Do not try to stop a tipover
using your arm or leg.
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7-47
Parking on a slope
The parking brake acts only on the rear wheels
when in 2WD. For the parking brake to take effect
on all four wheels, shift to 4WD Diff. Lock before
stopping the engine.
If you park on a hill that is too steep the vehicle
may roll out of control. Never park on hills that are
so steep you cannot walk up them easily. If you
must park on an incline follow these instructions:
1. Bring the vehicle to a stop by applying the
brakes.
2. Put the vehicle in 4WD Diff. Lock.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. With the brake pedal applied, set the parking
brake.
5. Block the front and rear wheels with rocks or
other objects.
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7-53
Hills
Choose carefully which hills you attempt to climb
or descend. Avoid hills with slippery surfaces or
those where you will not be able to see far enough
ahead of you. Use common sense and remember
that some hills are too steep for you to climb or de-
scend. Use proper driving techniques to avoid
rearward, forward, or sideways rollovers on hills
and slopes.
Drive straight up and down inclines, not across
them. If crossing a hill is unavoidable, drive slowly.
Turn downhill immediately if you feel the vehicle
may tip.
If you think or feel the Rhino may tip or roll:

Brace yourself by pressing your feet firmly on
the floorboards and keep a firm grip on the
steering wheel or handholds.


Do not put your hands or feet outside of the ve-
hicle for any reason.
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7-69
Loose terrain/slippery terrain
When driving on slippery terrain, including wet,
muddy, or icy conditions, as well as loose gravel,
be aware that you could begin skidding or sliding.
To avoid loss of control, slow down and put the
Rhino in 4WD before driving on a slippery surface
and plan your path to avoid making abrupt maneu-
vers.
If you feel the Rhino begin to slide sideways or the
back wheels slide during a turn, steer into the di-
rection of the slide if possible, to regain directional
control. For example, if you feel the back of the ve-
hicle start to slide to your right, steer to the right.
EE.book Page 69 Wednesday, November 7, 2007 2:40 PM