User Manual

WARNING

1.15 Operation on Slopes

DO NOT operate on steep slopes for long periods or engine damage may occur. (Refer to your Kawasaki

Owner’s manual) 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 on the seat as possible or stand if necessary 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:

• Stretch your arms out straight while holding onto the stationary handle bar and sit back as far as you can

on the seat. This adds 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, the Sport X 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 in the seat and angle yourself to the higher side. 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