Wright 32274 User Manual

GEAR DRIVE PISTOL GRIP

Commercial Mower Owner’s Manual

WARNING: READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE USING

Revised 06/2007

For your safety and for proper operation and maintenance read

carefully and keep readily available for future reference.

Additional replacement owner’s manuals as well as illustrated parts lists are
available from your authorized Wright Dealer for a nominal charge. Also check

www.wrightmfg.com

model number and serial number of your Wright product.

For reference please note the following information at the time of purchase:

SERIAL #: ______________________________
MODEL #: ______________________________

DATE OF PURCHASE: ____________________

for the most up to date product literature. Please note the

Wright Manufacturing Inc.

Foreword

Welcome to the progressive group of mowing professionals who use Wright mowers. We are focused
on giving you advanced engineering and quality construction in each mower we build.

This manual explains the features and promotes safer use of the mower. Please read it and follow the
instructions carefully so you can have many years of productive mowing.

For service, remember that your Wright dealer knows your mower best and is interested in your
satisfaction. He can provide you with quality maintenance and other assistance you may need.

Please give this manual to anyone who may use the mower for them to study before they operate it.
Give the manual to anyone to whom you may sell the mower in the future. It is important for the next
owner to receive this information also.

As Wright Manufacturing, Inc. is constantly seeking ways to improve its products, the mower you have
may differ slightly from the information and specifications in this manual. Because of our continuous
product improvement, Wright reserves the option to make changes at any time without notice.

Wright Manufacturing, Inc.

SAFETY ALERT

This is the safety alert symbol. It is used throughout this manual and on the mower’s

safety labels to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages

that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death. Read these instructions

carefully. It is essential that you read the instructions and safety precautions before you

attempt to work on or use this unit.

WARNING

This symbol with the word “WARNING” indicates a potentially hazardous situation,

which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION

This symbol with the word “CAUTION” indicates a potentially hazardous situation,

which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.

©2005 Wright Manufacturing, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or copied, in whole or part, without
written permission from Wright Manufacturing, Inc. Grass Gobbler, Gobbler, Leaf Gobbler, Turbo10, Velke, Pro 1, X2 and
Velke Mower are trademarks of Wright Manufacturing, Inc.

Table of Contents

PRE-DELIVERY SERVICE OF MOWER BY DEALER....................................................................1

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS......................................................................................................................2

I

NTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................................2

GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.............................................................................................................2

USER EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS.................................................................................................2

USER CLOTHING .......................................................................................................................................3

INSPECT MOWER BEFORE EACH USE........................................................................................................3

WORK AREA CONDITIONS & INSPECTION.................................................................................................3

INITIAL OPERATING SAFETY GUIDELINES.................................................................................................4

OPERATION ON SLOPES ............................................................................................................................4

OPERATION IN REVERSE ...........................................................................................................................5

OPERATION IN FORWARD DIRECTION.......................................................................................................6

FUEL SAFETY............................................................................................................................................6

BELT SAFETY............................................................................................................................................6

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS..............................................................................................................7

BASIC OPERATION ....................................................................................................................................7

MOWER OPERATION .................................................................................................................................7

HOW TO STOP AND PARK THE MOWER .....................................................................................................8

HOW TO DRIVE THE MOWER OVER A CURB .............................................................................................8

MOWING ON VARYING TERRAIN ..............................................................................................................8

HOW TO ADJUST THE SPEED......................................................................................................................8

STRAIGHT LINE TRACKING ADJUSTMENTS ...............................................................................................8

HOW TO TEST/USE THE BLADE CLUTCH/BRAKE SWITCH.........................................................................8

HOW TO TEST THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL (OPC) SWITCH ........................................................9

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ....................................................................................................................9

Tire Maintenance and Pressure...........................................................................................................9

Blade Adjustments and Height-of-Cut.................................................................................................9

Belt Tension Adjustment....................................................................................................................10

Moving the Mower with the Engine Off.............................................................................................10

Cleaning the Mower ..........................................................................................................................10

MAINTENANCE INTERVAL CHART...............................................................................................11

MAINTENANCE RECORD ..................................................................................................................12

Pre-Delivery Service Of Mower By Dealer

If you are not completely familiar with the Safety Instruction
Manual read it now before proceeding with the Pre-Delivery

WARNING

The Wright Mower is shipped completely assembled and has been adjusted and tested at the factory.
However, due to the jostling of the shipping process and the delivery time lapse, the following items
need to be repeated again before starting the mower. After you have uncrated the mower, follow these
procedures in the order indicated:

• Remove spark plug wire from spark plug(s).

• Inspect the mower for any damage, unusual conditions or missing parts.

• Inspect the mower for all of its decals, especially the warning decals. There should be one blade

warning decal on each side of the deck, the “shield missing” decal under the blade belt cover, and
the dash decal.

• Check to ensure belt guard is in place before operation.

• Check (and fill if necessary) engine oil level according to the engine manufacturer’s recommendation.

• The Peerless Transmission is a sealed unit and should not require any maintenance.

• Check tire pressures. Adjust to recommended pressure. It should be even on both sides but the

recommended pressures are generally different for the front and rear tires. Higher pressures will
help keep the caster tires on their rims when impacted from the side but give a stiffer ride. Some
Front Casters are equipped with non-pneumatic tires and do not require any air.

• Remove the blade belt cover and check all belt for tension. This mower is equipped with an
automatic tensioning idler system and should not require adjustment.

• Rotate the blade pulleys slightly to see if they all turn together. (Note: Clutch Brake will create some
resistance.)

• Lubricate all moving parts

• Reinstall the blade belt cover.

• Fill fuel tank with regular unleaded gasoline. Open fuel valve under gas tank.

• Reattach spark plug wires to spark plugs.

• Before starting the engine be ready to stop it if the wheels begin to turn with the brake on. (If this

happens, check that brake system is correctly adjusted.)

• Start the engine according to the engine manufacturer’s recommendation.

• Before testing the blade clutch/brake operation, make sure the area is clear and there is nothing

vulnerable to possible thrown objects from under the mower. No one should be near the mower
deck or in its line of discharge at this or at any time. The discharge chute deflector should be in
the down position. Move the engine throttle control to its highest RPM speed setting.

• Turn on the blade clutch switch. Run blades for a minute or so. Try engaging and disengaging the
blades a few times about 10 seconds apart. If the blades do not start and stop in a few seconds
each time, service the blade brake system. With the blades on, now try disengaging the OPC
switch to test the Operator Presence Control switch (OPC). The engine should die and the blades
should stop in several seconds. If not, service the OPC system. Try this a couple of times.

• Disengage the blades, shut off the engine and remove the mower from the stand(s).

• Drive the mower around on a level parking lot. Check that the mower drives in a straight line when

both hand controls are at the full speed position. If not, see further in this manual for information
on tracking adjustment.

• As you drive the mower, listen for any unusual noises and test for irregular operation and adjust or
service as necessary. Next, go over the safety information and operating procedures in this
manual with the customer. Instruct the customer in proper operation and observe the customer

Service of the mower. Only your authorized Wright Mower
dealer should perform the Pre-Delivery Service of the mower

during their initial operation on a level parking lot. Make sure the customer is familiar and
comfortable with the basic operation and use of the mower.

• Dealer: Please fill out and follow the instructions

the customer fill out his part of the form. After the Product Registration Card is filled out
and signed by the customer and a representative from your dealership, please mail or fax it
immediately (within 14 days from date of retail purchase) to your Wright Commercial
Products Distributor according to the directions on the Card. Then give the customer his
copy of the registration form and then keep your copy and mail the remaining copies of the
form to your Wright Manufacturing Products Distributor. The limited warranty is not valid
unless the mower is registered and all of the above steps are taken. Remember, the
purchaser is both your and our customer and his satisfaction is very important. Thank you
for supporting our products.

on the Product Registration Form and have

• The mower is now ready for delivery to your customer.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

This symbol with the word “WARNING”
indicates a potentially hazardous situation,
which, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury.

The Velke Mower is built to the highest
standards in the industry. However,
carelessness or operator error may result in
serious bodily injury or death. Accident and
hazard prevention are dependent upon the
awareness, concern, wisdom, and proper
training of the personnel involved in the
operation, transport, maintenance, and storage
of the equipment. Make sure every operator is
properly trained and thoroughly familiar with all
of the information in this manual before
operating the equipment.

The Velke Mower is designed with your safety
in mind. It has the following safety systems with
which you should be familiar:

• The warning decals on the mower including
the instrument panel warning

• The blade switch must be “off” before starting
the engine

• You must engage the OPC switch in order to
engage the blades

• You must engage the OPC switch in order for
the engine to run if the blades are engaged

• If the OPC switch becomes disengaged while
the blades are running the engine will stop
and the blades will brake in seconds

• A Neutral Switch ensures that the mower is in
Neutral before starting

• Spring-loaded chute deflector helps reduce
trajectory of thrown objects

• Belt/pulley covers on cutter deck

WARNING

TO WRIGHT MOWER USERS & OWNERS: READ THIS

WARNING

MANUAL BEFORE USING. PLEASE BE CAREFUL!

Introduction

General Safety Instructions

CAUTION

This symbol with the word “CAUTION”
indicates a potentially hazardous
situation, which, if not avoided, could
result in minor or moderate injury.

Owner/User Notice

The owner’s/user’s obligation is to instruct
themselves and all potential users in the safe
operation of this equipment and be sure they
read and follow the instructions in this safety
manual and other material provided by Wright
Manufacturing, Inc. before using or allowing
others to operate the equipment. Do not
operate this unit unless you carefully read,
understand and follow the assembly,
installation, and safety instructions contained in
this manual and the warning decals provided on
the unit. Do not allow other persons to use this
unit unless you make sure they carefully read,
understand and follow these instructions. Never
allow children to operate or play on the unit.

User Experience and

This product is designed for use by physically
fit, experienced, professional commercial
mower operators who have a minimum of 160
hours of experience operating twelve
horsepower and greater industrial mowers.
Operators must be 18 years or older. They
must have read and understood this manual.
DO NOT allow children to operate the mower.
Do not allow adults to operate the mower
without proper instruction mentioned above.
Never allow passengers on the mower.

WARNING

WARNING

Qualifications

2

WARNING

User Clothing

DO NOT operate the mower while wearing
sandals, tennis shoes, sneakers or shorts.
Always wear long non-baggy pants. Wear high­top leather work boots with thick, textured tread,
soft-rubber soled at all times. Hard or smooth
soled shoes are too slippery for a good footing
the Velke™ or sulky. NEVER wear loose-fitting
clothing, which could get caught in moving
parts, or jacket pockets that can get caught to
the handlebars or control levers of any mower
you drive. Wearing safety glasses, ear
protection and safety shoes is advisable and
required by some local ordinances and
insurance regulations.

WARNING

Inspect Mower Before Each Use

DO NOT use the mower if any parts are not
maintained in good operating condition.
Examine the moving parts prior to each use.
Look for excessive wear, bald or worn tires,
cracks in parts, loose or missing bolts, cotter,
linchpin or “hair” pins or cable yoke pins and
replace before operating the mower. Make sure
all safety equipment provided with the mower is
in good operating order, including all the
warning decals and the required operator­presence device, which stops the engine and
blades when the hand-operated Operator
Presence Control (OPC) switch is released. (To
test the OPC, follow instructions in the

Operating Instructions section of this manual.)

Be sure that all parts of the hand-operated
transmission control system are tight and
secure. This is to reduce the possibility that the
mower could have a loss of control or safety.

WARNING

Regular Mower Safety

Maintenance

Replace worn tire(s) with less than 3/32” of any
tread groove left. Use tires with the tread
pattern specified by Wright Mfg., Inc. only.

Grease all fittings daily. DO NOT change the
engine governor settings or over-rev the engine
contrary to engine manufacturer specifications.
Keep the Wright mower in good operating
condition, and keep safety devices and shields
in place and in working condition. Keep all nuts,
bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment
is in safe working condition. Check the blade
mounting bolts for proper tightness every eight
(8) hours of operation. Check the blades for
excessive wear and sharpness every four to
eight (4-8) hours of operation. Replace
excessively worn blades. Sharpen dull blades.
The mower should not be used after the blades
or other part of the mower strikes a foreign
object, until conducting a thorough inspection
and any damage is repaired. See the
instructions in the Recommended Maintenance
section of this manual for other items of
required maintenance.

WARNING

Work Area Conditions &

Inspection

Prior to operating the unit, carefully inspect all
lawn/ground areas where you plan to use the
mower for hidden, hard-to-see objects or
uneven ground that may be hidden in the grass.
Clear the work area of movable objects such as
wires, rocks, glass, etc. that might be picked up
by the mower and dangerously thrown.
Remove, if possible, or mark the location of all
immovable objects or irregular areas and be
sure not to hit them with any part of the mower,
its deck or the blades. Obstacles such as holes,
abrupt changes in ground contour, tree trunks,
stumps or roots, stub pipes protruding from the
ground, paving edges, etc. in the path of
operation can abruptly turn or stop the mower.
This could throw you off the Velke™ or sulky or
into and possibly over the handles causing
serious injury or death. The faster you are
moving the more potential there is for injury.
Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
Keep away from drop-offs, the edges of ponds,
streams, pools, etc. especially at the bottom of
slopes. Do not mow when children or others are
around. When the Wright mower is in use,
never direct the grass discharge toward
bystanders, traffic, cars or buildings nor allow
anyone near the machine while in operation.

3

Thrown objects can pass through glass
windows and some walls of buildings. There is
extreme risk of danger from thrown objects or
being cut by the blades of the mower or being
run over if you lose control. Never operate the
mower in an enclosed area without good,
approved ventilation. Exhaust fumes are
dangerous.

WARNING

Initial Operating Safety Guidelines

• Read and understand the warning on the

instrument panel of the mower.

• Keep a firm hold on the handles at all times.

• Know the controls and how to stop quickly.

• Before attempting to start the engine, follow

all starting instructions below and in the
engine operator’s manual.

• Look behind before backing up and STEP

OFF of the Velke sulky prior to backing
up. NEVER stand on the sulky while
backing up.

• Before leaving the operator’s position, even

momentarily, turn off the blade clutch
engagement switch, place the speed
control lever in the neutral position and
park mower. Keep others from coming
near the mower. Return to the operator
position as soon as possible.

• When leaving the Wright mower unattended,

turn off the blade clutch engagement
switch, stop the engine and remvove the
key and place the speed control lever in
gear. Never leave the machine
unattended on a slope. Be careful not to
park mower were it can roll, as this could
be dangerous.

• When transporting, driving onto transport

vehicles, into buildings, across parking
lots or otherwise not mowing grass, turn
off the blade clutch engagement switch to
reduce risk of thrown objects and rotating
blade hazard. After coming to a stop,
return the hand grips to neutral, place the
speed control lever in the neutral position,
stop the engine, remove the key, release
the handle-levers from neutral and shift
the transmission into a low forward or
reverse gear.

• Before performing any maintenance or repair
service, mowing height or other
adjustments, disengage power to blades,
place the speed control lever in the
neutral position, apply the parking brake,
stop the engine, remove ignition key and
spark plug wire from spark plug(s).

• DO NOT allow inexperienced people to
operate the mower until they have read
and understood these safety instructions.
Operate the mower at slower speeds
while becoming familiar with it.

• Speeding is dangerous for even an
experienced operator. Sudden stops from
excessive speeds may cause serious
injury.

• The grass discharge chute deflector must be
installed at all times and in the down
position except that it may be raised when
the grass catcher is completely installed.

• If the mower discharge clogs, turn off the
blade clutch switch, stop the engine and
park the mower before removing the
obstruction. Be certain mower will not
move and be careful when reaching under
deck. Sharp blades present a risk of
personal injury if proper care is not taken.

• Keep all shields and covers in place,
especially grass discharge chute deflector
and the blade belt cover.

• Keep hands, feet and clothing away from
rotating parts, especially the rear wheels,
blades, engine flywheel, belts and pulleys.

• Do not touch engine or muffler while engine is
running or soon after it is stopped. These
areas can be so hot as to cause severe
burns.

• Clean grass, leaves and lubricant spills from
surfaces after use to prevent fire hazard.

• Be alert for traffic when crossing roads or
operating near roadways.

• Before crossing gravel drives, sidewalks or
roads, turn off the blades and wait for
them to stop.

WARNING

Operation On Slopes

DO NOT operate on steep slopes. Do not
operate the mower on slopes steeper than you
can feel secure about the traction of the tires

4

and the stability of the mower. Do not operate
the mower on slopes at all when the grass is
wet. There is a danger of suddenly sliding
sideways or down the hill. When operating on a
slope, travel across the grade whenever
possible, not in an up or down pattern. Reduce
speed and exercise extreme caution on slopes
and in sharp turns to prevent tipping or loss of
control. Be especially cautious when changing
direction on slopes.

The Wright mower is capable of greater traction
on slopes than typical riding mowers because
of the benefits of a lower center of gravity. It is
essential for you to know more about the
handling characteristics of the mower so that
you can enjoy more efficient mowing
techniques and for increasing your safety.

The Wright mower handles differently at
different angles of attack on a slope. It is
important to understand the following
differences so that you can use or avoid using
the mower at different angles for the best and
safest mowing advantage. Be aware of the
following orientations to a slope and must
handle the mower accordingly. As you use the
mower you will gain the technique to mow more
lawn than ever before.

When pointing up a slope, the mower has the
most weight on the drive wheels and therefore
the most traction at the tires. However, this is
the angle that it has the most tendency to allow
the front of the mower to tip up. This is the
preferred angle for mowing small areas of
steeper slopes.

Recommendations for this angle:

• Do not accelerate quickly to avoid the front
from tipping up.”

• If backing down the hill, do not stop suddenly
but slow down gradually and maintain an
upward force on the handles to keep the
front of the mower on the ground.

When pointing down a slope, the mower has
the least weight on the drive wheels and
therefore the least traction at the tires. This is
the angle that the mower has the most
tendency to slide. However, this is the angle
that it has the least tendency to tip back. Avoid
this angle, as it has the least advantage for the
maneuverability of the mower.

Recommendations for this angle:

• Do not change speed suddenly to minimize
the tendency of going into a slide.
Accelerate and slow down gently. If you
ever go into an uncontrolled slide while
pointing down a slope, the recommended
procedure is to let go of the handles and
move up-hill from the mower. Otherwise,
control the mower gently and stay off
slopes that tend to make the wheels slide
at this orientation.

When crossing a slope sideways, the mower
has the average amount of weight on the drive
wheels versus the front wheels, similar to level
ground. However, this angle leaves the least
weight on the higher side drive wheel, tending
to make it slip. This is the preferred angle for
mowing large areas of gentle slopes.

Recommendations for this angle:

• Do not accelerate quickly to minimize the
tendency of tipping up the front end.
Accelerate gently.

Note: Excessively worn tire tread is dangerous.
Replace tire(s) with less than 3/32” of any tread
groove left. Use tires with the tread pattern
recommended by Wright Mfg., Inc. only. Keep
the tire pressure in the drive tires at the
recommended level. Higher pressures will
cause the tires to have less traction, which will
force you to go slower and with less safety.

WARNING

Operation in Reverse

Use extreme caution when operating in reverse.
DO NOT operate this mower in reverse while
standing on the Velke sulky or other sulky.
Always keep a firm grip on the mower handles
with both hands. Operate the mower very
slowly, inching it backward until you become
familiar with how the mower operates. Always
operate slowly if in an awkward location or
position. While backing up never place your foot
or feet on the ground near the back edge of the
mower to prevent serious personal injury if

5

mower were to run over you. Look behind you
before backing to prevent injuring yourself or
anyone behind you. Operate at slow speeds in
forward and reverse if not completely familiar
with mower operation.

WARNING

Operation In Forward Direction

Always keep a firm grip on the mower handles
with both hands. Always remember to squeeze
the handles to stop. Note: the neutral lock is
not a parking brake. The drive-belt idler system
can be adjusted to accommodate this, but
should not be depended upon as the only
means to prevent the machine from rolling
down a hill. Operate the mower slowly until you
become familiar with how the mower operates.
Do not operate the mower faster than
conditions allow. For example, hills, wet or
bumpy ground, dim light or high grass would all
be conditions where you should work slower
than normal. Never operate the mower at the
highest speed unless you are on level, wide,
open areas of clearly visible ground or
transporting on paved areas. Speeding with any
mower is dangerous, and so is traveling faster
than conditions should permit on this mower.
Sudden stops from excessive speed or
becoming detached from the mower may cause
serious injury or death. See the “How to
change the Speed Adjustment” section of this
manual.

We want you to be as safe as possible. Please read the above again and again until you fully

WARNING

understand the methods to promote the safest operation possible.

REMEMBER – YOUR MOWER CAN BE ONLY AS SAFE AS THE OPERATOR.

FAILURE TO FOLLOW SAFE OPERATING PRACTICES MAY RESULT IN

SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Handle gasoline with care – it is HIGHLY
FLAMMABLE. Do not smoke while handling
gasoline. Use an approved gasoline container.
Never remove the fuel cap or add gasoline to a
running or hot engine or an engine that has not
been allowed to cool for several minutes after
running. Never fill the tank indoors and always
clean up spilled gas. NEVER store the
equipment with gasoline in the tank inside a
building where fumes may reach an open flame
or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing
in any enclosure. Always use fresh and clean
fuel. Untreated fuel stored for a prolonged
period of time can varnish and create problems
throughout the fuel delivery system.

Keep body and hands away from the exposed
drive belts on either side of the mower. Serious
bodily injury could result for entanglement in the
belt and pulley system. Always adjust belt
tension with the engine turned off and spark
plug disconnected. Be certain to block wheels
to prevent the mower from rolling and creating
additional risk of pinching.

Use of parts other than specified parts supplied
by Wright Manufacturing, Inc. may compromise
the safe use of the mower and are not
recommended. Please check with your Dealer
or our website for the latest Owner’s Manuals
and Parts Manuals at www.wrightmfg.com.

Fuel Safety

WARNING

Belt Safety

Replacement Parts

6

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

If you are not completely familiar with the Safety Instruction
Manual, read it now before proceeding with the operation of

WARNING

Inspect Mower Before Each Use

Do not use the mower if any parts are not
maintained in good operating condition. Examine
all moving parts prior to each use. Look for
excessive wear, bald drive tires or worn out front
tires (normally smooth), cracks in parts, loose or
missing bolts, cotter, linchpin or “hair” pins and
replace before operating the mower. Make sure all
safety equipment provided with the mower is in
good operating order, including all warning decals
and the operator-presence device, which stops the
engine and blades when the hand-operated
Operator Presence Control (OPC) switch is
released. To test the OPC, follow the instructions
further down in this manual. Ensure that all parts
of the hand-operated transmission control system
are tight and secure. This is to reduce the
possibility that the mower could have a loss of
control or safety.

Basic Operation

The following procedures are to guide you through
the basic operation of the mower. You should be a
qualified mower operator according to the safety
section of this manual. If this is your first time,
operation should only be done with the assistance
of your dealer on a level area. You should go
through each step, in the order indicated, every
time you start the mower.

Unusual Noises or Irregular Operation

As you drive the mower listen for any unusual
noises and test for irregular operation and adjust
or service as necessary. It is normal for the clutch
to make noises and squealing sounds when
engaged and possibly when disengaged.

Mower Operation

Read and understand the safety instructions
before attempting to operate your machine.

Use caution when operating this piece of
equipment. Practice operating the mower at low
speeds and without the blades engaged until
familiar with the operation of the controls.

the mower. REMEMBER THERE ARE CERTAIN
PRECAUTIONS LISTED IN THIS MANUAL THAT YOU MUST

NOW TAKE BEFORE STARTING THE MOWER.

Before starting the engine:

• Check the oil level in the engine

• Fill the fuel tank with clean, fresh, unleaded

gasoline (use gasoline with an octane of 87
or greater)

• Ensure the fuel valve is in the full open
position.

• The blade clutch (PTO) switch must be in
the OFF position

• Position the speed adjustment lever to
NEUTRAL

• Position the neutral latches in the neutral
lock position

Start the engine – choke as needed
Make sure the steering hand-levers are locked in

the neutral position. Then adjust the transmission
shifter to the desired ground speed setting.

While squeezing the steering brake levers with
both hands, release both neutral latches (one on
each handle). Slowly release the levers to travel
forward. To make a right turn, squeeze the right
hand lever. To make a left turn, squeeze the left
hand lever. To stop, squeeze the levers up
beyond the neutral point. This will disengage the
drive belt and engage the wheel drum brakes.
Always make sure the brakes are properly
adjusted and effectively stop the mower when
activated.

After comfortable with driving the mower, test the
blade system. Engage the blades by first
engaging the operator presence device and then
pulling up on the blade clutch (PTO) switch. Push
the switch down to disengage the cutting blades.
**For best equipment life, engage the blades at ¾
engine throttle.

7

How to Stop and Park the Mower

To stop the mower, squeeze on both hand-levers.
This acts to both disconnect the wheels from the
transmission and also to engage the disc brakes.
Come to a complete stop. Make sure the steering
brake levers are in the neutral position with the
neutral latches engaged with the levers. If the
blades are on, turn them off using the switch on
the instrument panel. Place the speed control
lever in the neutral position; reduce the engine
speed to idle, shut off the ignition switch to stop
the engine and then remove the key from the
ignition switch. When parking the mower set the
shifter into First or Reverse depending on the
direction the mower is facing. If the mower is
facing slightly downhill, set the transmission into
Reverse. If facing slightly uphill, set the
transmission into First. The mower is now parked.
Never leave mower unattended on hills or sloped
ground.

How to Drive the Mower Over a Curb

To climb a curb, first see the Safety Instructions
section of this manual, especially the parts on:

• Initial Operating Safety Guidelines

• Operation In Reverse

• Operation In Forward Direction
To drive up and over a curb turn the blades OFF
and then proceed forward to the curb, lift the front
wheels off the ground by pushing down on the
handlebar and move slowly forward allowing the
front wheels to rest on the ground beyond the
curb. Then proceed slowly while driving the rear
wheels over the curb. To drive over and down a
curb proceed slowly forward to the curb and allow
the front wheels to slowly roll off of the curb and
down to the ground below the curb. Then move
slowly forward until the rear wheels roll over the
curb and down to the ground below. NEVER stand
on the Velke (sulky) while driving over a curb.

Mowing on Varying Terrain

See the Safety Instructions section of this manual,
especially the parts on:

• Initial Operating Safety Guidelines

• Operation On Slopes

• Operation In Reverse

• Operation In Forward Direction

• Operation During Zero-Radius Turns
Be certain to exercise extreme caution when

mowing in an unfamiliar area. Mow at a slower
speed if the grass is too tall to observe the

contours of the ground. Traveling at lower speeds
in rough terrain will help prevent jarring to the
operator and machine and can also prevent
damage to the machine or landscape from
scalping.

How to adjust the Speed

Set the desired travel speed by moving the
transmission lever, located between the
handlebars near the operator’s knees. This lever
is used to set the transmission in Reverse,
Neutral, or one of the five forward speeds. The
desired initial speed selection should be made
while the pistol grips are locked in the neutral
position. This is achieved using the hinged locking
tab. Change speed with caution while in motion.
Otherwise there is a risk of injury to the operator or
damage to the machine.

Straight Line Tracking Adjustments

Verify that both rear tires are inflated to the proper
PSI. Tire wear or incorrect pressure can cause
the machine to not follow a straight path. Always
test for straight line tracking in a wide, open, flat
area away from bystanders and objects. An
incorrectly adjusted grip or hand-lever can also
cause the mower to track to one side or another.
Make sure that both sides have sufficient tension
during normal operating conditions. More tension
may be necessary in wet cutting conditions.
Loosening the rear spring nut and bolt and sliding
the bolt downward in the tension slot will increase
the drive-belt tension.

How to Test/Use the Blade

Clutch/Brake Switch

Before testing the blade clutch/brake operation,
make sure the area is clear and there is nothing
vulnerable to thrown objects from under the
mower. No one should be near the mower deck or
in its line of discharge. The discharge chute
deflector should be in the down position. Move
the engine throttle to the highest RPM speed
setting. (When mowing, the engine speed should
always be at its highest setting. The engine
governor will regulate the engine according to the
different mowing conditions at that setting.)
Engage the Operator Presence Control OPC
switch and turn on the blade clutch switch. Run
blades for a minute or so. Try engaging and
disengaging the blades a few times about 10
seconds apart. If the blades do not start and stop

8

in a few seconds each time, service the blade
brake system or contact your local Wright dealer.
Under mowing load, the clutch’s longevity will be
the greatest at the 3/4-throttle setting.

How to Test the Operator Presence

Control (OPC) Switch

Before beginning this test, secure a large open
area that is free of obstacles or hazards.
To test the OPC switch start the engine using the
normal starting procedures, release the parking
brake and place the speed control in the slowest
speed setting. While engaging the OPC lever(s)
engage the blades by pulling up on the PTO blade
clutch switch. Allow the mower to start moving
forward and then release the mower handles. If
the engine doesn’t stop, then service the OPC
system. Never operate the blades without a
properly working OPC switch and safety shutoff
circuit.

WARNING

Service and Adjustments

Tire Maintenance and Pressure

Excessively worn tire tread is dangerous on all
hills. Replace drive tires with less than 3/32” of any
tread groove left. Use tires with the tread pattern
recommended by Wright Mfg., Inc. only. Keep the
tire pressure at the proper level. Higher pressures
will cause the tires to have less traction, which will
force you to go slower, with less safety and give
you a harder ride. Higher pressures will help keep
the front caster tires on their rims when impacted
from the side but give a harder ride. They do not
have any tread but should be replaced when
excessively worn.

Blade Adjustments and Height-of-Cut

Before Adjusting the Height-of-Cut be sure of
proper air pressure in all four tires and check for
even tire wear. The height-of-cut can be adjusted
the following ways:

• Coarse Adjustment
the rear wheels, the front casters should be
adjusted at the same time.

The rear wheels adjust by pivoting the rear axle,

See Parts List, by the upper support bolt. It will
be necessary to jack up the rear of the mower
and place it on blocks. The rear wheels do not

: For the coarse adjustment

need to be removed. Make certain there is no
weight on the rear axle before loosening any
hardware. Loosen the upper pivot bolts
slightly. Allow all threads to remain engaged
on the nut. Remove the bolts on the lower
portion of the rear axle weldment. The bolts
are accessible from the inside of the tractor
body. Align the rear axle with one of the five
adjustment holes in the tractor body. Each
adjustment setting changes the mower height
by 0.75”.

a. Use the highest hole in tractor frame for

cutting heights of 1.75”-3.0”.

b. Use the second highest hole in tractor

frame for cutting heights of 2.5”-3.75”,
factory setting.

c. Use the middle hold in the tractor frame

for cutting heights of 3.25”-4.5”.

d. Use the lowest two holes in tractor

frame for cutting heights of 4.0”-5.75”.

Adjust the front caster arms at their respective

support brackets equally in one of the
seven settings up or down 0.25” each
through a 1.5” total range.
a. This should be done with two shims (or

spacers) on the bottom and one shim
on the top of the caster support arm.

b. The front-to-rear leveling of the blades

should be between level and .25” lower
(preferred) at the front of the blades but
never higher at the front.

• Temporary Height-of-Cut Adjustment:
the caster shims (or spacers) you can adjust
the blades downward temporarily .5” or 1”
below the original coarse setting as described
above. This assumes that the blades are level
with two shims (or spacers) on the bottom and
one shim on the top of the caster support arm.
With the blades level at this assumed starting
point, you should never move all of the shims
to the bottom since that would make the
blades higher at the front.

The angle of attack of the blades should

always be level or lower at the front. This
makes the blade cut the grass only once
and saves fuel and wear on the whole
mower. It also allows more efficient
mowing and grass catching or dispersal. If
you mow in an area of the country where
the lawn is very thick and spongy you may
have to set these two adjustments as they
would appear on the grass and not on a

Using

9

hard surface due to the tires “floating” up
on or “sinking” down into the lawn.

• Fine Adjustment:
five settings up or down 0.25” each in a 1.25”
total range. The shims on the blade bolts are
moved from under the spindle to the top of the
spindle. If possible, leave at least one shim at
the top and the bottom of the spindle shaft.
Using the maximums and minimums of these
methods gives you a total range of 2.75” from

1.75” to 4.5” in eleven distinct settings. The
factory setting is 3” when measured to a hard
floor surface at the front of the deck.

Adjust the blades equally in

Belt Tension Adjustment

The transmission-drive belt is not self-adjusting,
and will require readjustment under normal wear
as the belt ages and stretches. Tighten belt so
that it doesn’t slip during operation, but isn’t too
tight. A belt that is able to slip can become glazed
and will need replacement.

The wheel-drive belt may also require tension
adjustment, depending on the operating
environment and wear. Under wet mowing
conditions, or mowing on steep hills, it may be
necessary to increase the belt tension to prevent
unwanted slip. Loosening the rear spring bolt
attached to the pulley guard and sliding the bolt
assembly downward within the slot on the pulley
guard plate will increase the belt tension. Note: an
increase in tension on the wheel-drive belt will also
increase operator fatigue, as it will be harder to
squeeze the hand-levers. An increased tension
will, however, provide a better belt response.

The blade belts are equipped with an automatic
tensioning idler. Therefore, this system will not
require any tension adjustment.

Moving the Mower with the Engine Off

Set the transmission shifter to Neutral and lock the
hand levers into the neutral position. The mower
is now free to be moved. When parking the
mower set the shifter into First or Reverse
depending on the direction the mower is facing. If
the mower is facing slightly downhill, set the
transmission into Reverse. If facing slightly uphill,
set the transmission into First. Allow handgrips to
remain engaged. Never leave mower unattended
on hills or sloped ground.

Cleaning the Mower

The underside of the mower deck should be
checked and cleaned twice daily, and more often if
the grass being mowed is lush or wet. The entire
mower should be cleaned daily at the end of the
work day.

Cleaning should be done with a leaf blower or low­pressure compressed air. Wash with water only
when necessary and do not use a pressure
washer or nozzle as the water can enter electrical
connections causing an electrical short, rust and
corrosion. When washing with water, do so when
the unit has cooled down. Washing a hot machine
can cause various unseen system damage. If
water is used for cleaning, immediately dry it with
a leaf blower or low-pressure compressed air.
Once the wash is complete, always lubricate and
grease all applicable areas.

MAINTENANCE SERVICE INTERVALS (see chart on following page)

It is very important to keep good maintenance records. Use the hour meter

on the mower, if equipped, to record the hour reading of each

maintenance service so you will not forget how long it has been since you

last did certain maintenance. The more faithful and consistent you are, the

longer the mower will last and hold its value.

NOTE: THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE REQUIRED TO AVOID

INVALIDATING THE WARRANTY.

10

Maintenance Interval Chart

r

r

r

r

Cl

MAINTENANCE ITEM

Inspect for cracks in frame, cutter deck or other steel parts
Inspect all belts for wear, adjustment and alignment
Check all bolts and nuts for tightness (tighten as necessary)
Lubricate hand control lever pivot shafts with waterproof grease
Grease caster wheel bearings
Check tire pressure; Rear tires 18-22 psi-Front tires 30-40 psi. Some Front
Casters are equipped with non-pneumatic tires and do not require any air.
Check and clean engine cooling fins
Lubricate Operator Presence Control pivots and control rod with waterproof
grease
Replace fuel filte
Lubricate choke control cable with WD-40
Check engine oil and add as needed
Check for fuel or oil leakage - correct as needed
Check and clean air intake screen
Clean engine blower screen and fins with compressed ai
Clean mower with compressed air-do NO T use a p ressure washer
Check for loose hardware (e-clips, snap rings, nuts, etc.)
Check blades for wear and sharpness (sharpen and b alance or replace as
necessary)
Check and adjust tire pressures to no more th an maximum pressure listed on tire
and maintaining good traction and comfort
Clean out debris under blade belt cover
Scrape clean underside of cutter deck
Check blade mounting bo lts for proper tightness
Check blade spindle mounting bolts for proper tightness
Clean air cleaner foam element
Inspect tires, replace as needed
Clean air cleaner paper element
Clean and re-gap spark plug (replace as necessary)
Change engine oil
Change engine oil filte
Replace air cleaner paper element

Completely inspect for excessive wear in all parts of mower, including control
system (replace worn parts)
Inspect and replace (if necessary) worn main cutter deck idler pulleys or pulley
bearings (if ap p lic a b le )
Replace (if necessary) excessively worn caster wheels and roller bearings
Clean combustion chambe
Check and adjust valve clearance

ean and lap valve seating surface

E

T

I

E

N

GI

N

E

Engine *2

Engine *2

Engine *2
Engine *2
Engine *2
Engine *2

Engine *2

Engine *2
Engine *2
Engine *2
Engine *2
Engine *2

Engine *2
Engine *2
Engine *2

MS

*1

S

R

E

T

O

LOW

N

E

B

EE

S

U

O

H

8

ST

I

A

IR

F

D

XX
XX X
XX X
XX
XX X

XX X
XX X
XX X
XX

XX X

XX
XX
XX
XX
XX
XX

XX

XX
XX

XX
XX
XX
XX

XX

XX X

0

0

S

25

10

S

R

Y

Y

R

L

OU

VE

H

E

XX

R

Y

R

OU

H

VE

E

XX

S

20

Y

R

VE

E

XX
XX

XX

XX
XX

30

R

Y

R

OU

H

OU

H

VE

E

X
X
X

Y

0

L

S

L

R

A

U

N

N

A

NOTES:

*1 - Contact an authorized Dealer immediately if any cracks are found
*2 - Refer to Engine Manufacturers Owners Manual

*The service intervals indicated are to be used as a guide. Service should be performed more frequently as necessary by operating conditions*

11

Maintenance Record

Date Maintenance/Service Performed

Unit

Hours

Shop/Technician

12

WRIGHT MANUFACTURING, INC. POWER EQUIPMENT LIMITED WARRANTY

THIS WARRANTY SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS ON UNITS WITH A RETAIL SALES DATE ON OR AFTER 04/01/05

Wright Manufacturing, Inc. (hereinafter: WM I) warrants to the original owner
that the new WMI mower accompanying this document will be free from
manufacturing defects in materials or work manship subject to the following
limitations and exclusions. Any part of the WMI commercial mower
manufactured by WMI and found, in the reas onable judgment of WMI, to be
defective in materials or workmanship, will be repaired or replaced by an
Authorized WMI Service Dealer without charge for parts and (except as
excluded below) labor. This Warranty is limited to the original Owner and the
mower this document was provided with and is not transferable. Deal er dem o
units with less than fifty hours when first retailed shall als o be covered by this
limited warranty. Proofs of Purchase, Authorized Dealer performed Pre­Deliver Service and the First Eight Hour Service will be required by the
Authorized WMI Service Dealer to substantiate any warranty claims. All WMI
warranty work must be performed by an Authorize d WMI Service Dealer and
item must be delivered to the dealer prior to the expiration of the warranty
period. This Warranty is limited to the following sp ecified periods from the
date of the original retail purchase for defec ts in materials or workmanship
and will commence upon the date of original retail pur chase. This warranty
shall apply only if the warranty registration form has been completed and
returned to Wright Manufacturing, Inc. within 30 days from the date of ori ginal
retail purchase. This warranty includes only the cost of parts an d labor (when
applicable).

• All parts and components (except as noted below) – 2 years

• Belts – 90 days

• Battery – 90 days

• Engine – warranty covered by engine manufacturer and handled

through the respective Authorized engine Dealers

Exclusions:

Any damage or deterioration due to normal use, wear and tear or exposure
All filters, engine oil, hydraulic oil, tires and tubes
Bent, fractured or broken parts occurring through impact or hard use
Clutch: linings, anti-rotation failure or other failure due to improper
replacement installation
Cost of regular maintenance service, parts or adjustments
Worn bearings (other than spindle bearings; see above)
Worn bushings, cotters, clips, pins and retainers
Grease fittings/zerks
Paint, paint fading, cosmetic imperfections and steel surface imperfections
Fabric, cushion and rubber grip wear or damage
Cutting blades, light bulbs, fuses
Damage due to loose pulleys on shafts
Damage due to loose wheel hubs on tapered hydraulic motor shafts
Fire Damage
Abrasion or corrosion wear or damage

Repair Parts Replaced During Original Warranty

All repair parts (excluding wear or otherwise excluded items) installed during
the warranty period are warranted until the end of the respective original
period according to the categories above except in the case that the
respective original warranty period expires in less than ninety (90) days after
the installation of the part(s). If this happens then the parts are warranted for
a total of ninety (90) days from the time of their installation.

Rental Use

The above warranty periods are limited to maximum of ninety (90) day for
mowers that are used for rental purposes.

This WMI mower, including any defective part, must be returned to an
Authorized WMI Service Dealer within the warranty p eriod. The expense of
lost production time and delivering the mower to t he Authorized WMI Servic e
Dealer for warranty work and the expense of returning it to the Owner a fter
repair will be paid for by the Owner. WMI’s responsibility is limited to mak ing
the required repairs and no claim of breach of warranty shall be cause for
cancellation or rescission of the contract of sale of any WMI mower. This
Warranty does not apply to any mower that was del ivered to an Owner prior
to the Pre-Delivery Service as specified in the Owner’s Manual. This
Warranty does not apply to any mower that was shipped in a crate to the
Owner or delivered to the Owner by non-employees of an Authorized D ealer.
For the Owner’s protection and a valid Warranty , please note: WMI does not
permit Authorized Dealers to make non-face-to-face deliveries of the mower
and any who are found doing so are subject to immediat e cancellation as
Authorized Dealers. This Warranty does not cover an y mower that has bee n
subject to misuse, neglect, negligence, burning in any fire, an accident, or that
has been operated or maintained in a ny way contrary to the operating and
maintenance instructions as specified in the Owner’s Manual. The Warranty
does not apply to any damage to the mower t hat is the result of improper
maintenance, or to any mower or parts that have not been assembled or
installed as specified in the Owner’s Manual. The W arranty does not cover
any mower that has been altered or modified changing performance or
durability. In addition, the Warranty does not extend to repairs made
necessary by normal wear, or by the use of parts or a ccessories which, in th e
reasonable judgment of WMI, are either inc ompatible with the W MI mower or
adversely affect its operation, performance or durabili ty. WMI reserves the
right to change or improve the design of any mower witho ut assuming any
obligation to modify any mower previously manufactured.

All other implied warranties are limited in duration to the two (2) year
warranty period or ninety (90) days for mowers used for rental purposes.
Accordingly, any such implied warranties including merchantability, fitness
for a particular purpose, or otherwise, are disclaimed in th eir entirety after
the expiration for the appropriate two (2) year or ninety (90) day warranty
period. WMI’s obligation under this Warranty is s trictly limited to the repair
or replacement of defective parts and WMI does not assume, or authorize
anyone to assume for them, any other obligation. So me states do not allow
limitations on how long an impl ied warranty lasts, so the above limitation
may not apply.

WMI assumes no responsibility for incidental, consequential or other
damages including, but not limited to, expense for gasoline, expense of
delivering the mower to an Authorized W MI Service Dealer and expe nse of
returning it to the Owner, damage by fire, mechanic’s travel time, telephone
charges, rental of a like product during the t ime warranty repairs are being
performed, travel, loss or damage to pers onal property, loss of revenue, loss
of use of the power equipment, loss of time or inconv enience. Some states
do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply.

This warranty gives you specific legal r ights, and you may also have other
rights which vary from state to state.

This Warranty applies to all WMI mowers sold in the United States of
America and Canada.

For the location of the Authorized WMI Service Dealer nearest you or
other information, such as, Parts Lists and Owners Manuals visit our
website at:

www.wrightmfg.com

Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
4600-X Wedgewood Blvd.
Frederick, MD 21703

13

4600X Wedgewood Blvd

Frederick, MD 21703

www.wrightmfg.com