Owner's manual

11
WARNING
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.
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.
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.