Wright 55138 User Manual

Instruction Manual

Wright Manufacturing

4600X Wedgewood Blvd

Frederick, Md 21703

Stander ZK serial # 55138 and higher

WARNING: READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE USING

For your safety and for proper operation and maintenance read

carefully and keep readily available for future reference.

01/2012

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 in its entirety and follow the instructions carefully so that you can have many years of safe and productive operation with your Wright product.

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

Please provide this manual to anyone who may operate the mower for them to study before operation. Additionally, make the manual and service documents available to anyone to whom you may sell the mower in the future. It is important that the next owner 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. Wright reserves the option to make changes at any time without notice, in the process of continually improving our products.

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 “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.

1998-2012 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, Velke, Pro 1, X2, Stander, and Sentar are trademarks of Wright Manufacturing, Inc

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRE-DELIVERY SERVICE OF MOWER BY DEALER .............................................................................................................................. 5

1. I

NTRODUCTION

1.1 T

ECHNICAL DATA

1.2 G

ENERAL SAFETY RULES

1.2.1 DO'

1.2.2 W

ARNINGS

1.3 I

MPORTANT INFORMATION

1.4 S

AFETY FOR OPERATION

1.5 U

SER QUALIFICATIONS

1.6 U

SER CLOTHING

1.7 I

NSPECT THE MOWER BEFORE EACH USE

1.8 R

EGULAR MOWER SAFETY

1.9 W

ORK AREA CONDITIONS AND INSPECTION

1.10 I

NITIAL OPERATING SAFETY GUIDELINES

1.11 S

AFETY FOR MAINTENANCE

1.12 OPERATION IN FORWARD DIRECTION ........................................................................................................................................ 11

1.13 O

PERATION IN REVERSE

1.14 ZERO-RADIUS TURN OPERATION ................................................................................................................................................ 11

1.15 OPERATING ON SLOPES ............................................................................................................................................................... 12

1.16 FUEL SAFETY .................................................................................................................................................................................. 13

1.17 HYDRAULIC SAFETY ....................................................................................................................................................................... 13

1.18 USING A SPARK ARRESTER ......................................................................................................................................................... 13

1.19 REPLACEMENT PARTS .................................................................................................................................................................. 13

2. WARNING, SAFETY AND INSTRUCTIONAL DECALS ..................................................................................................................... 14

3. SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................................................................................ 14

4. MACHINE DESCRIPTION & OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................................ 16

4.1 OPERATOR'S AREA .......................................................................................................................................................................... 17

4.2 MODEL & SERIAL LOCATION ........................................................................................................................................................... 17

4.3 CONTROL PANEL & STEERING CONTROL LEVERS ..................................................................................................................... 18

4.4 FUEL SYSTEM / FUEL SHUT OFF VALVE ....................................................................................................................................... 18

4.5 DIGITAL HOUR METER ..................................................................................................................................................................... 18

4.6 DECK LIFT LEVER ............................................................................................................................................................................. 19

4.7 SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM ......................................................................................................................................................... 19

5. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ............................................................................................................................................................. 20

5.1 INSPECT MOWER BEFORE EACH USE .......................................................................................................................................... 20

5.2 HOW TO START THE MOWER .......................................................................................................................................................... 20

5.3 HOW TO DRIVE THE MOWER ........................................................................................................................................................... 20

5.4 HOW TO STOP AND PARK THE MOWER ......................................................................................................................................... 21

5.5 DRIVING THE MOWER OVER THE CURB ........................................................................................................................................ 21

5.5.1 NEVER DRIVE STRAIGHT ONTO OR OFF A CURB....................................................................................................................... 22

5.6 MOWING ON VARYING TERRAIN .................................................................................................................................................... 22

5.7 HOW TO ADJUST NEUTRAL ............................................................................................................................................................. 22

5.8 CHANGING THE SPEED/SENSITIVITY ADJUSTMENT .................................................................................................................... 22

5.9 HOW TO PERFORM THE TRACKING ADJUSTMENTS .................................................................................................................... 23

5.9.1 TRACKING IN THE 10 & 12 MPH SETTING .................................................................................................................................... 23

5.9.2 TRACKING IN THE 13.5 MPH SETTING ........................................................................................................................................ 23

5.10 HOW TO TEST/USE THE BLADE CLUTCH/BRAKE SWITCH ........................................................................................................ 24

5.11 HOW TO TEST THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL (OPC) SWITCH .................................................................................. 24

6 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS .......................................................................................................................................................... 24

6.1 TIRE MAINTENANCE AND PRESSURE ........................................................................................................................................... 24

6.2 HEIGHT OF CUT ................................................................................................................................................................................ 24

6.2.1 DECK ADJUSTMENTS ................................................................................................................................................................... 25

6.2.2 DECK LIFT ASSIST SPRING .......................................................................................................................................................... 25

6.3 SPRING PLATFORM ADJUSTMENT................................................................................................................................................. 25

6.4 BELT TENSION ADJUSTMENT ......................................................................................................................................................... 25

6.4.1 REPLACING THE DRIVE BELT ...................................................................................................................................................... 26

6.4.2 REPLACING THE CUTTER DECK BELTS ..................................................................................................................................... 26

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......................................................................................................................................................................... 8

S AND DON’TS

................................................................................................................................................................................. 8

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............................................................................................................................................................................ 9

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6.5 HOW TO MOVE THE MOWER IF THE ENGINE WON'T START ...................................................................................................... 27

6.6 HYDRAULIC SYSTEM ....................................................................................................................................................................... 27

6.7 OIL COOLER SCREEN REMOVAL AND CLEANING........................................................................................................................ 27

6.8 OIL COOLER REMOVAL AND CLEANING ....................................................................................................................................... 28

6.9 HYDRAULIC OIL TANK CHECK / FILL .............................................................................................................................................. 28

6.10 BATTERY SERVICE ......................................................................................................................................................................... 28

6.11 FUEL EVEPORATION SYSTEM ...................................................................................................................................................... 29

6.12 CUTTING BLADES ........................................................................................................................................................................... 30

6.13 TRANSPORTING ............................................................................................................................................................................. 30

6.14 LOADING AND UNLOADING ........................................................................................................................................................... 30

6.15 LUBRICATION .................................................................................................................................................................................. 30

6.16 CLEANING THE MOWER ................................................................................................................................................................ 31

6.17 SPINDLE & DRIVE PULLEY SPLIT HUB R&R ................................................................................................................................ 31

6.18 KAWASAKI ENGINE MANUAL / MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................................................... 32

7 ELECTRICAL SCHEMATIC .................................................................................................................................................................. 33

MAINTENANCE INTERVAL CHART ....................................................................................................................................................... 34

MAINTENANCE RECORD ....................................................................................................................................................................... 35

WRIGHT MFG POWER EQUIPMENT LIMITED WARRANTY ................................................................................................................ 36

FEDERAL AND CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT ............................................................................... 37

CUT QUALITY AND MOWING TIPS........................................................................................................................................................ 39

Pre-Delivery Service of Mower by Dealer

WARNING

If you are not completely familiar with the Safety Instruction Manual read it now before proceeding with the Pre-Delivery Service of the mower. Only your authorized Wright dealer should perform the Pre-Delivery Service of the mower.

The Wright Stander ZK is shipped completely assembled and has been adjusted and tested at the factory. However, due to jostling during 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” under the blade belt covers, 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.

• Check (and fill if necessary) hydraulic fluid level. Use fully SYNTHETIC oil: Mobil-1 15W-50 (see Hydro

Check/Fill section of this manual).

• Check rear tire pressure - 18 to 22 psi. is recommended. It should be even on both sides. 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.

• Check the battery to see that the cables are tight and connected properly. The battery is 12 volts and is a

maintenance-free battery. Only charge the battery if it will not start the mower properly.

• Check the cutter deck for proper adjustment. The deck should be approximately ¼” lower in the front than

in the rear and the deck should be level side-to-side. If the deck is not adjusted properly, please adjust at this time. See Deck adjustments section of this manual for further instructions.

• Lubricate all moving parts (see Maintenance Items section of this manual).

• Add regular unleaded gasoline to fuel tank. Turn fuel valve, located on the right side of upright to the “ON”

position. The down position controls the right tank, the up position controls the left tank. Center position is “OFF”. (Use a minimum of 87 octane gasoline) (You may use gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol and

gasoline containing up to 5% of methanol.)

• Check brake safety interlock.

o Try starting the engine with the parking brake released. (Engine should not start. If engine starts,

service the parking brake locking system)

o With hand controls in the middle or neutral position, apply the parking brake.

• 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 and gets the hydraulic fluid circulating through the pumps, etc.

o Check if the parking brake locking system prevents the units from being driven while engaged. If not,

service the parking brake locking system.

• Release the parking brake. Next, move the hand control levers, one at a time, to make the wheels move

in forward and backward rotation.

• 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 6-9 seconds after stepping off of the foot platform. If not, service the OPC system.

• Disengage the blades.

• Drive the mower around on a level parking lot. ZK’s are being set at the factory at the 12 MPH setting

• As you drive the mower, listen for any unusual noises and test for irregular operation and adjust or

of the Speed/Sensitivity Adjustment. (See further in this manual for information on Speed/Sensitivity Adjustment)(Ground speeds are estimates and could vary from machine to machine plus or minus

1.0 – 0.5 mph.) Be sure that the mower drives in a straight line when both hand controls are held to the full speed position which is up against the stationary control bar. If not, see further in this manual for information on tracking adjustment.

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 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:

 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

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 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.

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, Rear Bagging System 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 machine’s 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 132cm = 522kg, (27hp), 544kg (31hp), 155cm = 567kg Machine dimensions 132cm = 171 L X 165 W X 118 H

W = Deflector down 155cm = 175 L X 188 W X 118 H Speed Fwd 22 kmh, Rev 11 kmh Power supply 12V DC

1.2 General Safety Rules

The Wright Stander ZK 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

• Your feet must be on the foot platform in order to engage the blades

• If you remove your feet from the foot platform while the blades are running the engine will stop and the

blades will brake in seconds

• Letting go of the hand controls will stop the wheels instantly

• Spring loaded chute deflector helps reduce trajectory of thrown objects

• Belt/pulley covers on cutter deck

• Anti-tip rollers are provided at the rear of the mower to minimize the possibility of tipping back and over

on the operator

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 Don’t operate the machine wearing sandals, sneakers or any loose fitting clothes 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 Don’t suddenly push in forward direction while machine is in a rearward motion 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 Don’t allow persons to operate this machine without reading the operator manuals Turn off blades when not mowing Don’t put hands or feet under any part of the machine while it is running 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 Don’t operate the machine if you are sick, fatigued or under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Do's Don'ts

1.2.2 Warnings!

These warnings are provided to improve safety and should be carefully read before using or maintaining the machine.

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

WARNING

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

CAUTION

1.3 Important Information

It is vital that these instructions are available to machine users. It is also important to retain with the machine if the machine is sold or transferred to another user.

1.4 Safety for Operation

The Stander ZK 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 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.

1.5 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 350 pounds. 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. DO NOT allow adults to operate the mower without proper instruction as mentioned above.

1.6 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 work boots with thick, textured tread, soft-rubber soled at all times. Hard or smooth soled shoes are too slippery for a good footing on mower platform. NEVER wear loosefitting clothing 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

1.7 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, 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 operator-presence device which stops the engine and blades when the foot-operated Operator Presence Control (OPC) switch is released. (To test the OPC, follow instructions in the Operating Instructions section of this manual.) Inspect the two anti-tip rollers and their respective bolts at the rear of the mower for tightness and proper operation. 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

1.8 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.

1.9 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, 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 throw you off the mower or into and possibly over the handle bars 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 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 or being run over if you lose control. Never operate the mower in an enclosed area without good, approved ventilation. Exhaust fumes are dangerous.

1.10 Initial Operating Safety Guidelines

• Read and understand the warnings on the instrument panel of the mower.

• Keep a firm hold on the stationary handle at all times.

• Keep both feet on the foot platform 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.

• Before leaving the operator’s position, even momentarily, turn off the blade clutch engagement switch and

apply the parking brake. Keep others from coming near the mower. Get back on the mower as soon as possible.

• When leaving the Wright mower unattended, turn off the blade clutch engagement switch, apply the

parking brake, stop the engine and remove the key. Never leave the machine unattended on a slope in case someone disengages the parking brake which would be hazardous if the mower were to roll.

• 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 apply the parking brake, stop the engine and remove the key.

WARNING

• Before performing any maintenance or repair service, disengage power to blades, apply the parking

brake, 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

stops from excessive speeds may cause serious injury.

• 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.

• 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 or a mulch kit is completely installed.

• If the mower discharge clogs, turn off the blade clutch switch, apply the parking brake, stop the engine and

remove the key before removing obstruction.

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

• 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 climbing curbs, crossing gravel drives, sidewalks or roads, turn off the blades and wait for them to

stop, then place the deck into transport position.

1.11 Safety for Maintenance

• Repairs carried out by untrained or unauthorized personnel may result in personal injury or serious

malfunction of the Stander ZK.

• If Guarding is removed for inspection and component replacement, ensure the parking brake is applied

and key is removed prior to inspecting or making repairs and that the guarding is replaced before operation.

1.12 Operation in Forward Direction

Always keep a firm grip on the mower stationary handlebar with both hands. 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 are all conditions requiring slower speeds. 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 falling off the mower may cause serious injury or death.

1.13 Operation in Reverse

Always keep a firm grip on the mower stationary handlebar with both hands. Keep both feet firmly on the foot platform. Look behind you before backing to prevent injuring yourself or anyone behind you. 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 the mower were to run over you.

1.14 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. This will help prevent

you from being thrown off the mower. 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.

1.15 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.

When pointing up a slope, your 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 a wheelie.”) This is the preferred angle for mowing small areas of steeper slopes.

Recommendations for this angle:

• Lean as far forward as possible to add your weight to the front of the mower.

• Accelerate gently. Do not accelerate quickly to avoid “popping a wheelie”.

• If backing down the hill, do not stop suddenly but slow down gradually.

When pointing down a slope, your mower has the least weight on the rear 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 your mower.

Recommendations for this angle:

• Lean back with arms stretched out straight while holding onto the stationary handlebar. This transfers

more of your body weight to the rear drive wheels for more traction.

• Do not change speed suddenly to minimize the tendency of going into a slide. Accelerate and decelerate

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 jump off if necessary. Otherwise, control the mower gently and stay off slopes that tend to make the wheels slide.

When crossing a slope sideways, your 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:

• Stand straight, but lean sideways, toward the uphill side and stand on the uphill side of the foot platform.

This adds weight to the higher side drive wheel and will allow you to mow more quickly across the slope without sliding.

• To reduce the chances of “popping-a-wheelie”, do not accelerate quickly. 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 between 18 and 22 psi. Higher pressures will cause the tires to have less traction which may prevent safe operation.

+ 28 hidden pages

Wright 55138 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual