Wright Serial # 27543 and Higher - Manual (Page 10)

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
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-a-wheelie.”) This is the preferred
angle for mowing small areas of steeper slopes.
6
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.
Operation in Reverse
WARNING
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.