Wright 54956 User Manual
GEAR DRIVE PISTOL GRIP
Instruction Manual
Wright Manufacturing
4600X Wedgewood Blvd
Frederick, Md 21703
Velke PG serial 54956 and higher
WARNING: READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE USING
01/2012
1
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.
2012 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.
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PRE-DELIVERY SERVICE OF MOWER BY DEALER ...................................................................................................................................... 4
Table of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 T
ECHNICAL DATA .................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.2 G
ENERAL SAFETY RULES ...................................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.2.1 D
O’S AND DON’TS ................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
1.3 W
ARNINGS ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 7
1.4 I
MPORTANT INFORMATION ..................................................................................................................................................................... 7
1.5 S
AFETY FOR OPERATION ....................................................................................................................................................................... 7
1.6 U
SER QUALIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................................................................................... 8
1.7 U
SER CLOTHING ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
1.8 I
NSPECT THE MOWER BEFORE EACH USE ......................................................................................................................................... 8
1.9 R
EGULAR MOWER SAFETY .................................................................................................................................................................... 8
1.10 W
ORK AREA CONDITIONS AND INSPECTION .................................................................................................................................... 9
1.11 I
NITIAL OPERATING SAFETY GUIDELINES ......................................................................................................................................... 9
1.12 S
AFETY FOR MAINTENANCE .............................................................................................................................................................. 10
1.13 O
PERATION IN FORWARD DIRECTION ............................................................................................................................................. 10
1.14 O
PERATION IN REVERSE ................................................................................................................................................................... 10
1.15 Z
ERO-RADIUS TURN OPERATION ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
1.16 O
PERATION ON SLOPES .................................................................................................................................................................... 10
1.17 F
UEL SAFETY ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
1.18
USING A SPARK ARRESTER ................................................................................................................................................................ 12
1.19 R
EPLACEMENT PARTS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 12
2 W
ARNING
3 SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
4 MACHINE DESCRIPTION & OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................................................... 15
4.1 O
PERATOR’S AREA ............................................................................................................................................................................... 16
4.2 M
ODEL & SERIAL LOCATION ................................................................................................................................................................ 16
4.3 C
ONTROL PANEL & STEERING CONTROL LEVERS ........................................................................................................................... 17
4.4 F
UEL SYSTEM
5 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ..................................................................................................................................................................... 18
5.1 I
NSPECT MOWER BEFORE EACH USE ............................................................................................................................................... 18
5.2 HOW TO S
5.3 HOW TO S
5.4 HOW TO D
5.5 M
OWING OVER VARYING TERRAIN .................................................................................................................................................... 19
5.6 HOW TO A
5.7 S
TRAIGHT LINE TRACKING ADJUSTMENTS ....................................................................................................................................... 19
5.8 HOW TO T
5.9 HOW TO T
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................................................................................................................................................. 21
6.1 T
IRE MAINTENANCE AND PRESSURE ................................................................................................................................................. 21
6.2 B
ELT TENSION ADJUSTMENT .............................................................................................................................................................. 21
6.2.1 R
EPLACING THE DRIVE BELT ........................................................................................................................................................... 21
6.2.2 R
EPLACING THE CUTTER DECK BELTS .......................................................................................................................................... 22
6.3 L
UBRICATION ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
6.4 C
UTTING BLADES
6.5 S
PINDLE AND DRIVE PULLEY SPLIT HUB
6.6 B
LADE ADJUSTMENTS AND HEIGHT-OF-CUT
6.7 M
OVING THE MOWER WITH THE ENGINE OFF................................................................................................................................... 24
6.8 T
RANSPORTING
6.9 L
OADING AND UNLOADING
6.10 C
LEANING THE MOWER
6.11
FUEL EVAPORATION SYSTEM ............................................................................................................................................................ 25
6.12 KAWASAKI ENGINE MANUAL / MAINTENANCE ................................................................................................................................... 26
7 ELECTRICAL SCHEMATICS ................................................................................................................................................. 27
8 MAINTENANCE INTERVAL CHART ..................................................................................................................................... 28
MAINTENANCE RECORD ........................................................................................................................................................ 29
W
RIGHT MANUFACTURING POWER EQUIPMENT LIMITED WARRANTY............................................................................................... 30
F
EDERAL AND CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT ...................................................................................... 31
CUT QUALITY AND MOWING TIPS ......................................................................................................................................... 33
.......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
, S
AFETY AND INSTRUCTIONAL DECALS ............................................................................................................................. 13
/ S
HUT-OFF VALVE ...................................................................................................................................................... 17
TART THE MOWER .............................................................................................................................................................. 18
TOP AND PARK THE MOWER ............................................................................................................................................. 19
RIVE THE MOWER OVER A CURB ..................................................................................................................................... 19
DJUST THE SPEED .............................................................................................................................................................. 19
EST/USE THE BLADE CLUTCH/BRAKE SWITCH .............................................................................................................. 20
EST THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL
(OPC) S
WITCH ........................................................................................ 20
................................................................................................................................................................. 23
R&R ....................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................. 24
................................................................................................................................................. 24
.....................................................................................................................................................
23
23
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3
PRE-DELIVERY SERVICE OF MOWER BY DEALER
WARNING
Before proceeding with the Pre-Delivery Service of your
mower, please read the safety instructions manual in its
entirety. Only your authorized Wright dealer should perform
the Pre-Delivery Service of the mower.
The Wright Velke Gear Drive Pistol Grip 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:
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 service, parts and recall bulletins to ensure unit does not need any updates.
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 rear tire pressure – 18 – 22 psi. is recommended. Use the higher pressures for heavier operators.
Front Casters are equipped with non-pneumatic tires and do not require any air. Lowering tire pressure
will affect deck pitch. Always check pitch any time tire pressure is set below recommended
pressures.
Lubricate all appropriate moving parts (see the Lubrication section of this manual).
Add regular unleaded gasoline to fuel tank. (use a minimum of 87 octane gasoline) (You may use
gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol and gasoline containing up to 5% of methanol.)
Start the engine according to the engine manufacturer’s recommendation. Let the engine run at low -
mid RPM for several minutes to ensure the engine oil reaches all of the engine parts.
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 ¾ RPM speed setting.
Turn on the blade clutch switch. Run blades for approximately one minute. Next, engage and
disengage 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, disengage the OPC switch to test the Operator Presence Control switch (OPC).
A time delay has been added to the OPC system. The engine should die and the blades should stop
with-in 4-7 seconds after removing your hand from the OPC paddle. If not, service the OPC system.
Disengage the blades.
4
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, refer to How to Perform The Tracking
Adjustment section of this manual)
As you drive the mower, listen for any unusual noises and test for irregular operation and adjust
or service as necessary.
Go over the safety information and operating procedures in this manual with the customer. Instruct
each customer in proper operation and observe the customer during their initial operation on a level
parking lot. Repeat until the customer is familiar and comfortable with the basic operation and use of
the mower.
• Dealer:
Register the mower online within 14 days from the date of retail purchase.
(If unable to use the online registration process, contact your Distributor to
register for you)
Registering the product indicates you have successfully completed the pre-
delivery service checklist.
The limited warranty is considered invalid unless the unit is registered and the
above steps are taken.
Remember, the purchaser is both your customer and our customer and his/her
satisfaction is very important. Thank you for supporting our products.
The mower is now ready for delivery to your customer
5
1 Introduction
This 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 involve 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.
This machine is constructed only for mowing grass on lawns without obstacles such as stones, tree
stumps etc. The machine can also be used for other tasks when equipped with special accessory
attachments; Grass Gobbler, Velke Sulky and JRCO attachments. All other types of uses are
incorrect. The manufacturer’s directions concerning operation, maintenance and repairs must be
carefully followed.
Lawn mowers and all power equipment, can be potentially dangerous if used improperly. Safety
requires good judgment, careful use in accordance with these instructions and common sense.
The machine must only be operated, maintained and repaired by persons familiar with the
machines special characteristics and who are also knowledgeable about the safety instructions.
Use only approved repair parts to maintain.
Accident prevention regulations, other general safety regulations, occupational safety rules, and
traffic regulations must be followed without fail.
Unauthorized modifications to the design of the machine will absolve the manufacturer from liability
for any resulting personal injury or property damage.
This machine is not intended for use in extreme environments, as a tow vehicle, on steep slopes
greater than 15 degrees or in an enclosed area without good ventilation.
1.1 Technical Data
Weight of overall machine: 32” = 415 lbs, 36” = 425 lbs, 48” = 435 lbs
Machine dimensions: 32” = 74” L x 33.5” (43.5”) W x 41” H
(Chute deflector down) 36” = 79” L x 36.5” (46.5”) W x 41” H
48” = 70” L x 49” (59”) W x 41” H
Speeds: Fwd 4.5 mph, Rev 1 – 3 mph
1.2 General Safety Rules
The Wright Velke Gear Drive Pistol Grip is designed with your safety in mind. It has the following
safety systems with which should become familiar:
• The warning decals on the mower including general warning decal.
• Do not disable any of the safety features.
• The blade switch must be “Off” before starting the engine.
• You must have your hand holding down the handle bar safety arm to engage the blades.
• If you let go of the handle bars while the blades are running the engine will stop and the blades will
brake in seconds.
• If using a Velke Pro 1, X2 or SuperPro attachment, you must step off of the attachment when
backing.
• Spring loaded chute deflector will help reduce trajectory of thrown objects.
• Belt/Pulley covers on cutter deck.
• Low center of gravity (CG) to improve stability on hills.
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1.2.1 Do’s and Don’ts
Read the operators manual before attempting to operate this machine Don't disable safety switches
Use all PPE's, eye protection, ear protection and safety shoes Don't operate when lightening is seen
Ensure all safety switches are operational Don't lift with a forklift
Keep all shields and covers in place Don’t change RPM's outside of operating limits
Clean flammable material from machine Don’t tow or push
Inspect fuel system and fuel lines for cracks, leaks and dryrott Don’t operate on slopes when wet
Inspect area to be mowed for hazards Don’t leave a running machine unattended
Only operate in daylight Don’t change the engines governor setting or overspeed the engine
Mow safe distances away from drop-offs and other hazards
Maintain a safe distance from people and pets Don’t back up without being aware of what is behind the machine
Follow daily and weekly maintenance checklists
Observe traffic laws while driving machine from one location to another Don’t operate a poorly maintain machine
Thoroughly inspect the machine after striking a foreign object
Turn off blades when not mowing
Slow down before turning Don’t ever carry passengers
Stop engine before removing Grass Gobbler or cleaning under deck Don’t discharge material towards anyone
Use caution when loading or unloading the machine onto a truck or trailer
If using a Velke Pro 1, X2 or SuperPro attachment, you must step off of
the attachment when backing.
Do's Don'ts
Don’t operate the machine wearing sandals, sneakers or any loose
fitting clothes
Don’t suddenly change in forward direction while machine is in a
rearward motion
Don’t allow persons to operate this machine without reading the
operator manuals
Don’t put hands or feet under any part of the machine while it is
running
Don’t operate the machine if you are sick, fatigued or under the
influence of alcohol or drugs
1.3 Warnings!
These warnings are provided to improve safety and should be carefully read before using or
maintaining the machine.
WARNING
This symbol with the word “WARNING”
indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury.
This symbol with the word “CAUTION”
indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in minor
or moderate injury.
CAUTION
1.4 Important Information
It is vital that these instructions are available to machine user. It is also important to retain with the
machine if the machine is sold or transferred to another user.
1.5 Safety for Operation
The Velke Gear Drive PG should only be used by fully trained operators to prevent the risk of injury to
themselves or other personnel. The owner’s/user’s obligation is to instruct themselves and all
7
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 operation 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.
1.6 User Qualifications
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 and weigh at least 120 pounds and no more
than 275 pounds. They must have read and understood this manual. DO NOT allow children to
operate the mower. Never allow passengers on the mower. DO NOT allow adults to operate the
mower without proper instruction as mentioned above.
1.7 User Clothing
DO NOT operate the mower while wearing sandals, tennis shoes, sneakers, or shorts. Always wear
long non-baggy pants. Wear high-top leather steel-toed work boots with thick, textured tread, softrubber soled at all times. NEVER wear loose-fitting clothing or jacket pockets that can get caught on
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.
1.8 Inspect the 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 pins, linchpins or “hair” pins or cable yoke pins, control system ball joints 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 operator-presence device
which stops the engine and blades. (To test the OPC, follow instructions in the Operating Instructions
section of this manual.) Be sure that all parts of the hand-operated control system are tight and
secure. This is to reduce the possibility that the mower could have a loss of control during operation
and compromise operator safety.
1.9 Regular Mower Safety
Keep your Wright mower in good operating condition, and keep safety devices and shields in place
and in working condition. 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. DO NOT change the engine governor
settings or over-rev the engine contrary to engine manufacturer specifications. Failure to comply can
compromise operator safety, shorten equipment life and void your manufacturer’s warranty. 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. Sharpen dull blades. Replace
blades when they become excessively worn. 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. Make sure the chute deflector is always in place and operating properly.
Replace if the deflector becomes worn or ceases to properly deflect the grass in a safe manner. See
the instructions in the Recommended Maintenance section of this manual for other items of required
maintenance.
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1.10 Work Area Conditions and 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 moveable objects such as wires, rocks, glass, toys, 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, pipes
protruding from the ground, paving edges, etc. in the path of operation can abruptly turn or stop the
mower. This could possibly throw you into the control handles or even off the mower, 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 nearby. When the
Wright mower is in use, never direct the grass discharge toward bystanders, traffic, cars or buildings
nor allow anyone within 50 feet of the machine while in operation. 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. Never operate the mower in an enclosed area without good,
approved ventilation. Exhaust fumes are dangerous.
1.11 Initial Operating Safety Guidelines
• Read and understand the warnings on the general warning decal on the mower.
• Regularly check and test the safety devices for correct function.
• Recommended PPE is safety shoes, safety glasses and ear protection.
• 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.
• 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. 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, turn off the engine and remove the key.
• Before performing any maintenance or repair service, disengage power to blades, stop the engine,
remove ignition key and spark plug wire from spark plug(s).
• All operators of this mower should exercise caution when driving this mower at high speeds.
Sudden acceleration or deceleration may cause serious injury.
• DO NOT allow inexperienced persons to operate the mower until they have read and understood
these safety instructions. Operate the mower at slower speeds while becoming familiar with it.
• The grass discharge chute deflector must be installed at all times and in the down position except
that it may be raised when cleaning out the deck, or a grass catcher is installed or a mulch kit and
block-off plate is properly installed.
• If the mower discharges grass clogs, turn off the blade clutch switch, stop the engine and remove
the key before removing obstruction(s).
• Keep all shields and covers in place, namely, all blade and belt covers, engine shields, and grass
discharge chute deflector.
• Keep hands, feet and clothing away from rotating parts, especially the rear wheels, blades, engine
flywheel, belts and pulleys.
• DO NOT touch engine, muffler or transmission while engine is running or soon after it is stopped.
These areas can be so hot as to cause severe burns.
9
• 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 climbing curbs, crossing gravel drives, sidewalks or roads, turn off the blades and wait for
them to stop.
1.12 Safety for Maintenance
• Repairs carried out by untrained or unauthorized personnel may result in personal injury or serious
malfunction of the Velke Gear Drive PG.
• If Guarding is removed for inspection and component replacement, ensure the wheels are chocked
and key is removed prior to inspecting or making repairs and that the guarding is replaced before
operation.
1.13 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.
1.14 Operation in Reverse
Use extreme caution when operating in reverse. DO NOT operate this mower in reverse while
standing on the Velke 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
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. See the “How to change the Speed Adjustment” section of this manual.
1.15 Zero-Radius Turn Operation
During zero-radius turns (when one mower wheel rotates backwards while the other rotates forward)
drive extra slowly to reduce the possibility of losing traction, or control, or becoming dizzy. Be aware
that if you do a turn on a slope you may go through all of the orientations to a slope mentioned below
and must handle the mower accordingly.
1.16 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 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.
10
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 advantage. Be aware that if 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 tip back (“pop-awheelie.”) This is the preferred angle for mowing small areas of steeper slopes.
Recommendations for this angle:
• Do not accelerate quickly to avoid “popping-a-wheelie.”
• 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 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 “popping-a- wheelie”. 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.
1.17 Fuel Safety
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.
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