Wright Manufacturing 3228-33, 3234-33 owner manual Zero-Radius Turn Operation, Operation on Slopes

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 the mower were to run over you.

1.14 Zero-Radius Turn Operation

WARNING

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. 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

WARNING

DO NOT operate on steep slopes 25 degrees or greater for long periods or engine damage may occur. 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 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.

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