Wright Serial #55142 and higher - Manual (Page 11)

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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 or into the control levers. 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 in the seat as possible to shift 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:
•
Sit back as far as you can on the seat. This adds more of your body weight to the 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, 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:
•
Sit back, as far as you can on the seat. This adds weight to the rear drive wheels and will allow you to
mow more quickly across the slope without sliding. Remember it is recommended that operators weigh
at least 120 pounds and not more than 350 pounds. 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. The front caster tires do not require air.
WARNING
WARNING