PDG Mobility Eclipse Manual Wheelchair, Eclipse Owner's Operation And Maintenance Manual

Owner’s Operation and

Maintenance Manual

Eclipse Manual Wheelchair

DEALER: This manual must be given to the user of the wheelchair

USER: Before using this wheelchair, read this entire manual and

For more information regarding PDG products,

parts & service, please visi t www.pdgmobility.com

save for future reference

US Patent # 5,957,474

Class 1 Medical Device

Registration CA 004986

March 2008

WARNING

Do not oper ate this equipment without first reading and understa nding this manual. If you are unable to
understand the warnings and instructions, contact a health care professional such as a Doctor or Therapist
who is familiar with this type of product before attempting to use this equipment. Otherwise, injur y or
damage may result.
Refer to this manual regularly for maximum safety and performance.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents 2
Special Notes 2
Safety Summary 2
Safety Handling of Wheelchairs 3
Wheelchair Terminology 6
Packaging 6
Out-of-the-box Assembly 6
Safety Insp ection Checklist 7
Troubleshooting 7
Maintenance 7

Operation & Safety 8
Removable Arms 8
Wheel Locks 8
Adjustable Back Frame 8
Upholstery 8
Front Rigging 8
Rear Wheels 9
Fine tuning… Adjustment Guide 9
Disclosures and Warranty 11

SPECIAL NOTES

WARNING/CAUTION notices as used in this manual apply to hazards or unsafe practices which could result in

personal injury or property damage.

NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

WHEELCHAIR USER

As a manufacturer of wheelchairs, PDG endeavors to supply 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 health care professional capable of making such a selection.

WHEELCHAIR TIE-DOWN RESTRAINTS AND SEAT RESTRAINTS
PDG recommends that wheelchair users NOT be transported in vehicles of any kind while in wheelchairs. If

transportation in a vehicle while in the wheelchair is required, the wheelchair must be equipped with PDG
factory installed Transport-Ready Tie-down mounting points. The wheelchair must be restrained from
movement using a government approved wheelchair tie-down system and the vehicle must be equipped
with government approved anchor points.

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. PDG can not and does not recommend
wheelchair transportation systems.

REGARDING RESTRAINTS - SEAT BELTS - IT IS THE OBLIGATION OF THE HME DEALER, THERAPISTS AND OTHER
HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS TO DETERMINE IF A SEATING RESTRAINT IS REQUIRED TO ENSURE THE SAFE
OPERATION OF THIS EQUIPMENT BY THE USER. SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR IN THE EVENT OF A FALL FROM A
WHEELCHAIR.

2

SAFETY SUMMARY

OPERATING INFORMATION

WARNING

To determine and establish particular safety limits, practice bending, reaching and transferring acti vities 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 f orward in the seat.
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. This may cause the wheel
chair to ti p over.
DO NOT shift your weight or sitting position toward the direction you are reaching as the wheelchair may tip
over.
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 attem pting to transfer in or o ut of the wheelc hair, ever y precautio n 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 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 turn over and
cause bodily harm or damage to the wheelchair.
DO NOT use unauthorized parts, accessories, or adapters other than those authorized by PDG.
DO NOT attempt to lift wheelchair by any removable (detachable) parts.
For products supplied with anti-tippers, anti-tippers must be attached at all times.
Do not use the footplate as a platform when getting in or out of the wheelchair.
DO NOT tilt the wheelchair w ithout assistance.
DO NOT operate on roads/streets/highways.
ALWAYS wear your seat restraint.
DO NOT stand on frame of the wheelchair.

TIRE PRESSURE

If pneumatic tires are supplied, DO NOT use your wheelchair unless it has the proper tire pressure (p.s.i.). DO
NOT over inflate 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 PDG Dealer or Qualified
Technician.

WEIGHT TRAINING

PDG DOES NOT recommend the use of its wheelchairs as a weight training apparatus. PDG 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, PDG shall NOT be liable for bodily injury and the warranty will be
voided immediately.

WEIGHT LIMITS (Eclipse 350 max wt = 350 lb / 159 KG) (Eclipse 600 max wt = 600 lb / 272 KG, may upgrad to
1000 lb / 453 KG)

Maximum user weight is shown on the product order form. The Manufacturer has designed the ECLIPSE
Series manual wheelchair for use with individuals weighing 250 pounds and more. It is important to note that
the activity level of individual wheelchair users must be considered when selecting an appropriate product.
For example, a 270 lb. active wheelchair user could subject the wheelchair to more stress than a 350 LB
passive user. The Manufacturer recommends that very active heavy duty users consider the use of extra
heavy-duty constructi on.

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.

Roll the wheelchair forward and slowly 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. Push the
wheelchair forward until the rear wheels roll up and

WHEELCHAIR WITH STEP TUBES

over the curb.

METHOD 2 - WHEELCHAIRS WITHOUT STEP TUBES

Unless the first assistant has exceptional upper body strength, it is recommended that METHOD 2
use 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. The wheelchair should be tilted back to the
balance point and, in one continuous downward
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

WHEELCHAIR WITHOUT STEP TUBE

curb.

STAIRWAYS

WARNING: 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. PDG recommends using two (2) assistants and making
thorough preparations. Make sure to use ONLY secure, non-detachable parts for
hand-held supports

Follow this procedure for moving the wheelchair between floors when an elevator is NOT available:

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 non­removable (non-detachable) part of the wheelchair for
leverage.

2. The second assistant, with a firm hold on a non-detachable
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.

ESCALATORS? SORRY!
DO NOT use an escalator to move a wheelchair between floors. Serious bodily
injury may occur.

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. Turn both casters toward t h e 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 prevent 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.

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.

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 health
professional BEFORE attempting active use of the wheelchair.

Proper positioning is essential for your safety. When reaching,

CENTER OF GRAVITY SHIFTS WHEN
REACHING FORWARD

forward, it is important to use the front casters as a tool to

leaning, bending

maintain stability and balance.