DEALER: THIS MANUAL MUST BE GIVEN TO THE USER
OF THE WHEELCHAIR.
USER: BEFORE USING THIS WHEELCHAIR, READ THIS
MANUAL AND SAVE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
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WARNING
WARNING
DO NOT OPERAT E THIS EQUIPMENT WITHOUT FIRST
READING AND UNDERSTANDING THIS MANUAL. IF YOU ARE
UNABLE TO UNDERST AND THE W ARNINGS, CAUTIONS, AND
INSTRUCTIONS, CONT ACT A HEAL THCARE PROFESSIONAL,
DEALER OR TECHNICAL PERSONNEL IF APPLICABLE BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO USE THIS EQUIPMENT - OTHERWISE INJUR Y OR
DAMAGE MAY RESUL T.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
2
T ABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
NOTE: The information in this owner's manual applies to the TRACER EX, TRACER IV, TRACER TRANSPORT
and the INVACARE MG wheelchairs except where specified.
SPECIAL NOTES ................................................ 4
WARNING/CAUTION notices as used in this manual apply to hazards or unsafe practices which could
result in personal injury or property damage.
NOTICE
I
THE INFORMATION CONT AINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
WHEELCAIR USER
As a manufacturer of wheelchairs, Invacare endeavors to supply a wide variety of wheelchairs to
meet many needs of the end user . However , final selection of the type of wheelchair to be used by an
individual rests solely with the user and his/her healthcare professional capable of making such a
selection.
WHEELCHAIR TIE-DOWN RESTRAINTS AND SEA T POSITIONING STRAPS
Invacare recommends that wheelchair users NOT be transported in vehicles of any kind while in wheel-
chairs. As of this date, the Department of Transportation has not approved any tie-down systems for
transportation of a user while in a wheelchair, in a moving vehicle of any type.
It is Invacare’s position that users of wheelchairs should be transferred into appropriate seating in vehicles for transportation and use be made of the restraints made available by the auto industry. Invacare cannot and does not recommend any wheelchair transportation systems.
AS REGARDS RESTRAINTS - SEA T POSITIONING STRAPS - IT IS THE OBLIGATION OF THE DME DEALER, THERAPISTS AND OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS TO DETERMINE IF A SEA TPOSITIONING STRAP IS REQUIRED
TO ENSURE THE SAFE OPERATION OF THIS EQUIPMENT BY THE USER. SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR IN THE
EVENT OF A F ALL FROM A WHEELCHAIR.
4
SAFETY SUMMARY
SAFETY SUMMARY
OPERATING INFORMATION
WARNING
T o determine and establish your particular safety limits, practice bending, reaching and transferring activities in several combinations in the presence of a qualified health professional BEFORE
attempting active use of the wheelchair.
DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to move forward in the seat.
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DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to pick them up from the floor by reaching down
between your knees.
DO NOT lean over the top of the back upholstery to reach objects from behind as this may cause
the wheelchair to tip over.
DO NOT shift your weight or sitting position toward the direction you are reaching as the wheelchair may tip over.
DO NOT tilt the wheelchair without assistance.
DO NOT use an escalator to move a wheelchair between floors. Serious bodily injury may occur .
DO NOT attempt to stop a moving wheelchair with the wheel locks. WHEEL LOCKS ARE NOT
BRAKES.
Before attempting to transfer in or out of the wheelchair, every precaution should be taken to
reduce the gap distance. Turn both casters toward the object you are transferring onto. When
transferring to and from the wheelchair, ALWAYS ENGAGE BOTH WHEEL LOCKS.
DO NOT operate on roads, streets or highways.
DO NOT climb, go up or down ramps or traverse slopes greater than 9
DO NOT attempt to move up or down an incline with a water, ice or oil film.
DO NOT attempt to ride over curbs or obstacles. Doing so may cause your wheelchair to tip over
and cause bodily harm or damage to the wheelchair.
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DO NOT use accessories, or adapters other than those authorized by Invacare.
DO NOT overtighten hardware attaching to the frame. This could cause damage to the frame tubing.
Keep hands and fingers clear of moving parts to avoid injury.
DO NOT attempt to lift the wheelchair by any removable (detachable) parts. Lifting by means of
any removable (detachable) parts of a wheelchair may result in injury to the user or damage to
the wheelchair.
DO NOT stand on the frame of the wheelchair.
Anti-tippers MUST BE attached at all times. Inasmuch as the anti-tippers are an option on this
wheelchair (You may order with or without the anti-tippers), Invacare strongly recommends ordering the anti-tippers as an additional safeguard for the wheelchair user.
When changing the seat-to-floor height you must adjust the anti-tippers accordingly.
DO NOT use the footplate as a platform when getting in or out of the wheelchair .
ALW AYS wear your SEA T POSITIONING STRAP. Inasmuch as the SEA T POSITIONING STRAP is an option on
this wheelchair (Y ou may order with or without the SEA T POSITIONING STRAP), Invacare s trongly recommends ordering the SEAT POSITIONING STRAP as an additional safeguard for the wheelchair user .
5
SAFETY SUMMARY
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TIRE PRESSURE
DO NOT use your wheelchair unless it has the proper tire pressure (p.s.i.). DO NOT overinflate the
tires. Failure to follow these suggestions may cause the tire to explode and cause bodily harm.
Replacement of a pneumatic tire or tube MUST be performed by an authorized Invacare Dealer
or Qualified Technician.
SAFETY SUMMARY
WARNING
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WEIGHT TRAINING
Invacare DOES NOT recommend the use of its wheelchairs as a weight training apparatus. In-
vacare wheelchairs have NOT been designed or tested as a seat for any kind of weight training.
If occupant uses said wheelchair as a weight training apparatus, INVACARE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE
FOR BODILY INJURY AND THE WARRANTY WILL BE VOID.
WEIGHT LIMITATION
The TRACER EX, TRACER TRANSPORT and INVACARE MG wheelchairs have a weight limitation of
250 lbs. The TRACER IV EXTRA WIDE wheelchair has a weight limitation of 350 lbs. The TRACER IV
HEAVY DUTY has a weight limitation of 450 lbs. with the heavy duty option.
6
SAFETY/HANDLING
SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS
“Safety and Handling” of the wheelchair requires the close
attention of the wheelchair user as well as the assistant. This
manual points out the most common procedures and techniques involved in the safe operation and maintenance of
the wheelchair. It is important to practice and master these
safe techniques until you are comfortable in maneuvering
around the frequently encountered architectural barriers.
Use this information only as a “basic” guide. The techniques
that are discussed on the following pages have been used
successfully by many .
Individual wheelchair users often develop skills to deal with
daily living activities that may differ from those described in
this manual. Invacare recognizes and encourages each individual to try what works best for him/her in overcoming
architectural obstacles that they may encounter, however
ALL WARNINGS and CAUTIONS given in this manual
MUST be followed. T echniques in this manual are a starting
point for the new wheelchair user and assistant with “safety”
as the most important consideration for all.
STABILITY AND BALANCE
WARNING
ALWA YS wear your seat positioning strap. Inasmuch
as the SEA T POSITIONING STRAP is an option on this
wheelchair (Y ou may order with or without the Seat
Positioning Strap), Invacare strongly recommends
ordering the Seat Positioning Strap as an additional
safeguard for the wheelchair user.
T o assure stability and proper operation of your wheelchair,
you must at all times maintain proper balance. Y our wheelchair has been designed to remain upright and stable during normal daily activities as long as you do not move beyond the center of gravity .
Virtually all activities which involve movement in the wheelchair have an effect on the center of gravity . Invacare recommends using seat/chest positioning straps for additional
safety while involved in activities that shift your weight.
DO NOT lean forward out of the wheelchair any further
than the length of the armrests. Make sure the casters are
pointing in the forward position whenever you lean forward.
This can be achieved by advancing the wheelchair and
then reversing it in a straight line.
COPING WITH EVERYDAY
OBSTACLES
Coping with the irritation of everyday obstacles can be
alleviated somewhat by learning how to manage your
wheelchair. Keep in mind your center of gravity to maintain stability and balance.
A NOTE TO WHEELCHAIR
ASSISTANTS
When assistance to the wheelchair user is required, remember to use good body mechanics. Keep your back
straight and bend your knees whenever tipping the wheelchair or traversing curbs, or other impediments.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to lift the wheelchair by any removable (detachable) parts. Lifting by means of
any removable (detachable) parts of a wheelchair
may result in injury to the user or damage to the
wheelchair.
Also, be aware of detachable parts such as armrests or
legrests. These must NEVER be used for hand-held or
lifting supports, as they may be inadvertently released,
resulting in possible injury to the user and/or assistant(s).
When learning a new assistance technique, have an experienced assistant help you before attempting it alone.
PERCENTAGE OF WEIGHT
DISTRIBUTION
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to
move forward in the seat or pick them up from
the floor by reaching down between your knees.
Many activities require the wheelchair owner to reach,
bend and transfer in and out of the wheelchair. These
movements will cause a change to the normal balance,
the center of gravity, and the weight distribution of the
wheelchair. To determine and establish your particular
safety limits, practice bending, reaching and transferring
activities in several combinations in the presence of a
qualified healthcare professional BEFORE attempting
active use of the wheelchair.
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Proper positioning is essential for your safety. When
reaching, leaning, or bending forward, it is important
to use the front casters as a tool to maintain stability
and balance.
7
SAFETY/HANDLING
CENTER OF
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Example 46% 54% 103 lbs. 130 lbs.
UNOCCUPIED OCCUPIED
I
FUNCTIONAL REACH FROM A
GRAVITY
WHEELCHAIR
The approximate reach-limit values shown in the accompanying graph were derived on the basis of a
sample of 91 male and 36 female wheelchair users.
Note the difference between the maximum and the
comfortable reach limits, a subjective but important
consideration in design.
REACHING, LEANING AND
BENDING - FORWARD
Position the front casters so that they are extended as
far forward as possible and engage wheel locks. DO
NOT A TTEMPT TO REACH OBJECTS IF YOU HA VE
TO MOVE FORW ARD IN THE SEA T OR PICK THEM
UP FROM THE FLOOR BY REACHING DOWN
BETWEEN YOUR KNEES.
FORWARD REACH
(ADUL T)
COMFORT ABLEMAXIMUM
INCHES
REACHING, LEANING - BACKWARDS
WARNING
DO NOT lean over the top of the back upholstery. This will change your center of gravity
INCHES
and may cause you to tip over.
Position wheelchair as close as possible to the desired object. Point front casters forward to create the
longest possible wheelbase. Reach back only as far
as your arm will extend without changing your sitting
position.
8
SAFETY/HANDLING
TIPPING
WARNING
DO NOT tip the wheelchair without assistance.
When tipping the wheelchair, an assistant should grasp
the back of the wheelchair on a non-removable (nondetachable) part. Inform the wheelchair occupant before tipping the wheelchair and remind him/her to lean
back. Be sure the occupant’s feet and hands are clear
of all wheels.
After mastering the techniques of tipping the wheelchair, use one (1) of the following methods to tackle
curbs, short stairs, etc.
Tipping - Curbs: Method 1 - Wheelchair With
Step Tubes
Apply a continuous downward motion until the balance point is achieved and the front casters clear the
curb. At this point, the assistant will feel a difference in
the weight distribution.
WARNING
When lowering the front casters of the wheelchair, DO NOT let the wheelchair drop the last
few inches to the ground. This could result in injury to the occupant and/or damage to the
wheelchair.
Tipping - Curbs: Method 1 - Wheelchair
Without Step Tubes
This method requires two (2) assistants. The second
assistant should be positioned at the front of the wheelchair lifting upward on a non-removable (non-detachable) part of the wheelchair frame when lifting the
wheelchair and stabilizing the wheelchair when the
wheelchair is being lowered to the ground.
The first assistant should stand on the sidewalk and
turn the wheelchair so that the rear wheels are against
the curb. Turn the anti-tippers so the anti-tip wheels
are pointing up, The wheelchair should be tilted back
to the balance point and, in one continuous upward
movement, the rear wheels should be pulled up and
over the curb. DO NOT return the front casters to the
ground until the wheelchair has been pulled backward
far enough for the front casters to clear the edge of
the curb.
WARNING
When lowering the front casters of the wheelchair, DO NOT let the wheelchair drop the last
few inches to the ground. This could result in injury to the occupant and/or damage to the
wheelchair.
Roll the wheelchair backward and SLOWL Y lower the
wheelchair in one continuous movement. DO NOT let
the wheelchair drop the last few inches to the ground.
This could result in injury to the occupant.
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Step Tube
METHOD 1 - WHEELCHAIR WITH STEP TUBE
Roll the wheelchair forward and slowly lower the front
of the wheelchair in one continuous movement onto
the sidewalk. Do not let the wheelchair drop the last
few inches to the ground. This could result in injury to
the occupant. Push the wheelchair forward until the
rear wheels roll up and over the curb.
METHOD 2 - WHEELCHAIR WITHOUT STEP TUBE
9
SAFETY/HANDLING
STAIRWAYS
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ALWA YS wear your seat positioning strap. Inasmuch
as the SEA T POSITIONING STRAP is an option on this
wheelchair (Y ou may order with or without the Seat
Positioning Strap), Invacare strongly recommends
ordering the Seat Positioning Strap as an additional
safeguard for the wheelchair user.
Do not attempt to lift a wheelchair by lifting
on any removable (detachable) parts. Lifting
by means of any removable (detachable)
parts of a wheelchair may result in injury to the
user or damage to the wheelchair.
Extreme caution is advised when it is necessary to move an occupied wheelchair up or
down the stairs. Invacare recommends using
two (2) assistants and making thorough preparations. Make sure to use ONLY secure, nondetachable parts for hand-held supports.
Follow this procedure for moving the wheelchair between floors when an elevator is NOT available:
WARNING
TRANSFERRING TO AND FROM
OTHER SEATS
WARNING
BEFORE attempting to transfer in or out of the
wheelchair , every precaution should be taken
to reduce the gap distance. Tu rn both casters
toward the object you are transferring onto.
Also be certain the wheel locks are engaged
to help prevent the wheels from moving.
CAUTION
When transferring, position yourself as far back
as possible in the seat. This will help prevent
broken screws, damaged upholstery and the
possibility of the wheelchair tipping forward.
NOTE: This activity may be performed independently
provided you have adequate mobility and upper body
strength.
1. After the wheelchair has been tilted back to the
balance point, one assistant (in the rear) backs
the wheelchair up against the first step, while securely grasping a non-removable (non-detachable) part of the wheelchair for leverage.
2. The second assistant, with a firm hold on a nondetachable part of the framework, lifts the wheelchair up and over the stair and steadies the wheelchair as the first assistant places one (1) foot on
the next stair and repeats STEP 1.
3. The wheelchair should not be lowered until the last
stair has been negotiated and the wheelchair has
been rolled away from the stairway.
Position the wheelchair as close as possible along side
the seat to which you are transferring, with the front
casters pointing toward it. Engage wheel locks. Shift
body weight into seat with transfer.
During independent transfer, little or no seat platform will
be beneath you. Use a transfer board if at all possible.
ESCALATORS? SORRY !
DO NOT use an escalator to move a wheelchair between floors. Serious bodily injury may
occur .
10
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