How to Stop and Park the Mower

slightly, forward and backward. Check to see if the wheels move forward and backward according to the position of the levers. If not, check to see that the pump release valves are closed. The pump release valves are accessible by lifting the seat. With both feet still firmly placed on the foot platform, increase the engine speed to about half of the way from idle speed. Release the parking brake. The higher engine speed will make the controls much more responsive and the mower much quicker; Use caution if it is your first time. Now try moving the hand control levers, one at a time, very slightly, forward and backward. Gradually increase your speed until you are well acquainted with the operation of the hand controls and the mower’s behavior. After gaining a good feel for how the mower handles, gradually attempt higher engine speeds until familiar with operation at full throttle engine speed.

Come to a complete stop. If the blades are on, turn them off using the blade switch on the instrument panel. Make sure the control levers are in the neutral outward position. Set the parking brake, reduce the engine speed to idle, shut off the ignition switch to stop the engine and then remove the key from the ignition switch. The mower is now parked. Do not leave mower unattended on a sloped surface.

Driving the Mower Over a Curb

To climb a curb, first see the Safety Instructions section of this manual, especially the parts on:

•Initial Operating Safety Guidelines

•Operation In Reverse

•Operation In Forward Direction

Next, raise the mower deck into the locked transport position. This is the highest position for the mower deck. Then drive the mower in reverse at a 45 degree angle to the curb (with the left side of the mower closest to the curb) until you are within an inch or two of the left-rear tire hitting the curb. Stop and then gradually bump into the curb with that tire until it is just on top of the curb. If the tire slips even while lurching the mower into the curb, then the curb is too high and you should use ramps or find another way. The mower should still be at a 45 degree angle to the curb. Now, while maintaining the same angle to the curb, continue to back up until the right-rear tire is close to the curb. Using the same technique lurch the right tire onto the curb. After both rear wheels are on top of the curb, turn the mower counterclockwise and back up so the left caster wheel comes over and last should be the right caster wheel as the mower is twisting to the left (counterclockwise). The technique works the best if you try not to drive backwards at a near 90 degree angle to the curb but get all of the wheels to go over while the mower is moving at least a 45 degree angle to the curb. To drive off a curb, first try driving up onto it to make sure the curb is not too high. If the curb is not too high, drive the right-front caster off first while driving toward the curb at a 45 degree angle (the curb should be to your right). Then, maintain that 45 degree angle so the left caster goes over, then the right-rear wheel, then the left rear wheel. Do NOT step off the mower during ANY maneuver.

WARNING

Never drive straight onto or off a curb.

Never drive straight onto or off a curb. If you do the whole procedure at a very sharp angle it will tend to minimize the contact of the mower deck with the curb and you will be able to more safely control the mower.

Mowing on Varying Terrain

See the Safety Instructions section of this manual, especially the parts on:

•Initial Operating Safety Guidelines

•Operation On Slopes

•Operation In Reverse

•Operation In Forward Direction

Wright Manufacturing 31897 How to Stop and Park the Mower, Driving the Mower Over a Curb

Models: 31897