Wright Serial 54956 and higher - Manual (Page 11)

10
WARNING
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:
Lean back. This adds weight to the rear drive wheels and will allow you to mow more quickly across the slope
without sliding. These are general guidelines only. The mower function and comfort will vary depending on
mowing environment, operator driving style and preference.
•
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. Lower pressure will affect the deck pitch, thus creating a level deck or a reverse pitched deck
and this WILL compromise cut quality. (Refer to tire maintenance and pressure section)
1.16 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.