Everest & Jennings Advantage User manual

3H01-INS-LAB-RevB13
© 2009 GF Health Products, Inc.
Read this manual before operating
your wheelchair.
Save this manual for future use.
The most current version of this manual
can be found online at www.grahameld.com.
Manual Wheelchair
User Manual

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CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION.........................................................................3
2 IMPORTANTSAFETYPRECAUTIONS........................................5
3 GETTINGSTARTED...................................................................8
4 HANDLINGTIPS........................................................................9
5 ADJUSTMENTS.......................................................................13
6 TRANSPORTINGTHEADVANTAGE..........................................21
7 MAINTENANCE.......................................................................23
8 TROUBLESHOOTING...............................................................28
9 LIMITEDWARRANTY..............................................................29
10 INDEX.....................................................................................31
GF Health Products, Inc. is not responsible for typographical errors. All
illustrations, specifications, packaging and warranties contained in
this document are based on the latest product information available at
the time of printing. The most current product information, including
the most current revision of this manual, can be found online at
www.grahamfield.com. Graham-Field, Everest & Jennings, E&J,
and Advantage are registered trademarks of GF Health Products, Inc.

3H01-INS-LAB-RevB13•AdvantageUserManual 3
READTHISMANUALBEFOREOPERATINGYOURWHEELCHAIR
1 INTRODUCTION
Important safety, operating, and maintenance instructions that warrant
your attention are included in this user manual. Read the entire manual
carefully before operating your new wheelchair, and refer to it as often as
necessary to help maintain good performance standards.
Consult your healthcare professional and GF Health Products, Inc.
("Graham-Field") authorized distributor for assistance in developing and
learning safe and effective techniques for performing your daily activities
according to your individual physical abilities and needs, and to make
certain your wheelchair is properly prescribed and adjusted for your use.
The safety precautions in this manual are general warnings intended
to be used only as basic guidelines. You may find it necessary to
develop your own methods for safely solving frequently encountered
challenges. Again, consult your professional medical advisors for their
recommendations about safety methods, and never hesitate to ask for
their assistance.
Your wheelchair should receive frequent, regularly scheduled
maintenance, including an inspection of the mechanical parts, to
ensure proper operation. Some suggested inspection procedures,
troubleshooting procedures, and adjustment procedures are included
in this manual. When it comes to service and repair, remember your
Graham-Field authorized distributor knows your wheelchair best.
Thank you for choosing an Everest & Jennings product. We at
Graham-Field wish to assure you of our continuing commitment to
provide innovation and quality in our products. The Advantage is a
manual, folding, lightweight wheelchair, suitable for frequent users
who require a lightweight, portable wheelchair, fitted to their anatomy,
without the need of customization or alteration to the center of gravity.
The Advantage is intended for indoor and/or outdoor use.
The person performing adjustments on the Advantage has the
responsibility of making certain that the user can safely operate the
wheelchair with the adjustments selected. This person must evaluate the

4 3H01-INS-LAB-RevB13•AdvantageUserManual
user's ability, weight, physical condition, the environment in which the
wheelchair will be used, and the terrain over which the wheelchair will
travel. We recommend the use of anti-tippers at all times.
WARNING: When in use, anti-tippers must be installed in the
downward position.
Please note the following special statements, used throughout this
manual, and their significance:
WARNING: Indicates a potential hazard situation or unsafe
practice that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious
personal injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a potential hazard situation or unsafe
practice that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate
personal injury.
s NOTICE: Indicates a potential hazard situation or unsafe
practice that, if not avoided, could result in product or property
damage.
Info: Provides application recommendations or other useful
information to ensure that you get the most from your product.

3H01-INS-LAB-RevB13•AdvantageUserManual 5
2 IMPORTANTSAFETYPRECAUTIONS
IMPORTANTSAFETYPRECAUTIONS:ALWAYSFOLLOWTHESESAFETY
PRECAUTIONSWHENUSINGYOURWHEELCHAIR.FAILURETODO
SOCOULDRESULTINPERSONALINJURYTOYOUOROTHERSOR
DAMAGETOYOURWHEELCHAIR.
Safety requires the constant attention of the wheelchair user and the
attendant. It is extremely important to learn and always use safe methods
of performing basic daily activities. Always consult your healthcare
professional to determine those methods most suitable for your
individual abilities.
Protect yourself and your wheelchair by having your Advantage serviced
regularly. Whenever any part of your Advantage is not functioning
properly, contact your Graham-Field authorized distributor immediately,
as a hazardous situation could result, causing personal injury or damage
to your wheelchair. ONLY EXCELLENT CONDITION IS ACCEPTABLE
WHERE SAFETY IS CONCERNED. Periodic inspection, adjustment,
and replacement of worn parts will provide many years of superb
performance.
WARNINGS
WARNING: Advantage maximum weight capacity is 250 lb
(114 kg), EVENLY DISTRIBUTED.
WARNING: Do not operate this wheelchair on streets or
roadways.
WARNING: Do not operate this wheelchair on hilly or rough
terrain, sand, wet or icy surfaces, or surfaces with impaired
traction. Ensure that pathway is clear of all obstacles.
WARNING: Do not turn wheelchair while going downhill, as
wheelchair could tip over.
WARNING: Do not attempt inclines without anti-tippers installed
in the downward position. Do not attempt any incline or decline
greater than six degrees (10% grade, or one foot of rise or fall
per ten feet of ramp length).

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WARNING: This wheelchair does not offer seating or occupant
restraint equivalent to the seat provided in a motor vehicle! To
increase your safety while traveling in a motor vehicle, always
transfer to the vehicle seat and use the restraint provided by
the vehicle manufacturer.
WARNING: Do not tie down or attach anything to the wheels.
This could cause tipping and possibly result in injury or damage
to the wheelchair.
WARNING: The footplates' lowest point should clear the ground
by at least 2 1/2 inches, to permit proper clearance of potential
obstruction.
WARNING: Doing a "wheelie" (tilting the wheelchair backward
until it reaches its balance point) is dangerous and could result
in personal injury to the user.
WARNING: Do not stand or step on the footplates while
transferring to or from your wheelchair. This could cause the
wheelchair to tip or may cause personal injury or damage to
your wheelchair.
WARNING: Do not place your hands between seat rail and side
panel.
WARNING: Always engage wheel locks before transferring,
using a wheelchair lift or using an elevator.
WARNING: Ensure wheelchair is on a stable, level surface and
engage wheel locks before and during transfer.
WARNING: Operate only with anti-tippers in place when leaning
or tipping. When in use, anti-tippers must be installed in the
downward position.
WARNING: Do not lean over the top of the wheelchair back. This
could cause the wheelchair to tip over.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of tipping before leaning or
reaching forward, sit back in the seat and rotate casters fully
toward front of wheelchair.
WARNING: Unauthorized modification or the use of non-
Everest & Jennings replacement parts could change the
structure of the wheelchair, void the warranty, and create a
hazardous condition resulting in serious personal injury.

3H01-INS-LAB-RevB13•AdvantageUserManual 7
WARNING: Do not lean on this wheelchair or use it as a
walker—these are practices which could result in loss of
balance and personal injury.
WARNING: Do not use your wheelchair on escalators.
WARNING: Wheel locks are not brakes. Do not use the wheel
locks to slow down your wheelchair, or while the wheelchair is
moving. Wheel locks are only intended to keep the wheelchair
in place when it is at a complete stop.
WARNING: Notice for California Customers- California
Proposition 65 WARNING: This product contains a chemical
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
reproductive or developmental harm.
WARNING: GF Health Products, Inc. specifically disclaims
responsibility for any personal injury or property damage which
may occur during any use which does not comply with federal,
state, or local laws or ordinances.

8 3H01-INS-LAB-RevB13•AdvantageUserManual
3 GETTINGSTARTED
Please familiarize yourself with main components, identified in
Advantage illustration below.
wheel lock
crossbrace
frame
rear wheel
handrim
caster wheel
footrest
caster housing
caster fork
armpad
arm
seat
upholstery
back upholstery
handgrip
push handle/
back post
anti-tipper
(optional)

3H01-INS-LAB-RevB13•AdvantageUserManual 9
4 HANDLINGTIPS
The Everest & Jennings Advantage has been designed and engineered
to perform as a stable and well balanced unit when used for its intended
purpose. However, it is possible to tip the Advantage over if it is used
improperly. We urge you to learn the characteristics of your wheelchair.
It is most important to learn safe methods to perform the daily activities
basic to your lifestyle. Consult your medical professionals for assistance
in developing the skills and proper techniques to perform all activities
safely.
BALANCE
Proper balance is the key to maintaining the stability of your wheelchair.
Reaching, bending, and transferring to or from a wheelchair will change
the weight distribution and center of gravity of you and your wheelchair.
When performing such activities, do so as instructed in the following
paragraphs to avoid tipping the wheelchair.
TRANSFERACTIVITIES
WARNING: Always ensure that the wheelchair is on a stable,
level surface and engage wheel locks before transfer.
WARNING: Do not step on the footplates; this could cause the
wheelchair to tip. Fold them up, and either detach them, or
swing them aside.
WARNING: There is a critical moment when there is little or no
seat platform beneath you. Take every precaution to reduce this
unsupported distance before you attempt transfer.
Transferring into or out of a wheelchair is a very difficult maneuver.
Exercise extreme care when transferring without the aid of either an
attendant or a patient lift. Consult your physician, nurse, or physical
therapist for assistance in developing your individual technique. Make
sure the wheelchair is stabilized, and will not move or slide during
the transfer. Take extra precaution to prevent tipping. Use good body
mechanics to prevent personal injury.

10 3H01-INS-LAB-RevB13•AdvantageUserManual
REACHING/BENDING
WARNING: Always turn the casters frontward to provide
stability while reaching. If in doubt, ask for assistance or use a
device that will extend your reach without requiring you to shift
your weight.
Although it is not recommended, you may find it occasionally necessary
to lean or reach from your wheelchair. Consult with your healthcare
professional for assistance in developing your personal safe reaching or
moving techniques suited to your ability and restrictions.
Forwardorsideward
WARNING: Do not attempt to reach objects if you are required
to move forward in the seat. Do not attempt to retrieve objects
from the floor if you must reach down between your knees.
Do not shift your weight in the direction that you are reaching
and/or bending; this could cause the wheelchair to tip.
1. Maneuver the wheelchair as close as possible to the object you wish
to reach.
2. Rotate both casters fully forward, go forward, and then back the
wheelchair toward the object to swing the casters fully forward.
3. Engage both wheel locks.
4. Ensure the casters are rotated fully forward before reaching. If not,
repeat step 2.
Backward
WARNING: Do not engage the wheel locks while reaching
or bending backward. Should your weight suddenly shift
accidentally, it is better to roll in that direction than to tip over.
WARNING: Do not lean over the back upholstery; this could
cause the wheelchair to tip.
1. Maneuver the wheelchair as close as possible to the object; the rear
wheels will limit how close you can get.
2. Rotate both casters fully forward, go forward, and then back the
wheelchair toward the object to swing the casters fully forward.
3. Reach only as far as your arm will extend without changing your sitting
position. If in doubt, reposition the wheelchair or ask for assistance.

3H01-INS-LAB-RevB13•AdvantageUserManual 11
RAMPSANDINCLINES
WARNING: During descent, the footplates' lowest point should
be no closer to the ground than 2 1/2 inches to permit proper
clearance.
WARNING: Do not attempt inclines without anti-tippers installed
in the downward position. Do not attempt any incline or decline
of more than 6 degrees (10% grade, or one foot of rise or fall
per ten feet of ramp length).
WARNING: Do not use wheel locks to slow your descent.
Attempting to use wheel locks is likely to result in accidental
locking that could cause the wheelchair to stop abruptly,
suddenly pitch forward, or tip sideways.
WARNING: Avoid changing direction while descending a ramp or
incline, as this could cause instability.
Most people are capable of negotiating short inclines without assistance,
depending upon upper body strength, endurance, and the degree of
incline. Know your own capabilities and limitations in terms of strength
and endurance before attempting to negotiate an incline or decline.
Practice with an attendant or healthcare professional first before
attempting any inclines, declines curbs or ramps. Always inspect the
ramp for hazards such as holes, slippery or uneven surfaces, etc. before
starting up or down. If you can not see the entire ramp, ask someone to
inspect it for you.
Ascent
Lean the upper part of your body slightly forward as you ascend the
incline. If it becomes necessary to stop on the incline, avoid any abrupt
or sudden forward movement as you resume climbing; this could cause
tipping.
Descent
Always face forward when going down a ramp, but do not lean forward;
this could cause tipping. Lean slightly backward to increase stability. It is
critical to keep the wheelchair under control at all times. Descent should
be made slowly and safely by grasping the handrims; however, use care,
as friction heat will be generated. We recommend the use of gloves to
reduce the effects of friction heat, but going slower is a better alternative.

12 3H01-INS-LAB-RevB13•AdvantageUserManual
CURBSANDSTEPS
Curbs, steps and stairways are dangerous obstacles that confront the
wheelchair user. When you encounter curbs, find a way around, or use
the ramps now available in most locations. If you encounter steps and
there is no ramp available, avoid the steps by utilizing the disabled
designated elevators now required in most locations.
WARNING: Never attempt to negotiate steps, stairs or
escalators in your Advantage.

3H01-INS-LAB-RevB13•AdvantageUserManual 13
5 ADJUSTMENTS
The Advantage offers several adjustments to make it easier and more
comfortable to drive. Section 7, MAINTENANCE, offers preventive
maintenance suggestions for keeping your wheelchair in excellent
condition; ensure that all components are in excellent condition
before adjusting. The following are recommended methods; after
a few adjustments, you may develop your own. Always consult your
Graham-Field authorized distributor for assistance.
The person performing adjustments on the Advantage has the
responsibility of making certain that the user can safely operate the
wheelchair with the adjustments selected. This person must evaluate the
user's ability, weight, physical condition, the environment in which the
wheelchair will be used, and the terrain over which the wheelchair will
travel.
All adjustments and their page locations are referenced in the index at
the end of this manual. Specific tools needed to perform each adjustment
are identified in adjustment directions. A complete list of tools needed to
perform all adjustments in this section follows:
Hex wrench furnished with wheelchair
M13 wrench
M10 wrench
M5 hex key
REARWHEELS&CASTERS
We recommend that you do not replace or adjust rear wheel or caster
components yourself, since special tools and training are required. Please
contact your Graham-Field authorized distributor when your rear wheels
or casters need adjustment, or if you wish to change seat height.

14 3H01-INS-LAB-RevB13•AdvantageUserManual
ARMS
Note: Fixed arms are not removable. Only detachable Advantage
arms, as shown below, are removable.
Removearm
1. Depress arm release
pin until it unlocks.
2. Hold arm by center of
armpad. Lift straight
up and off.
Installarm
Hold arm by center of
armpad. Lower arm
straight down into sockets
and push to lock. Ensure
release pin is locked in
place.
WARNING: Ensure arm release is locked in place before
occupying or operating wheelchair.
releasepin
rightarm
frontarmsocket
remove arm

3H01-INS-LAB-RevB13•AdvantageUserManual 15
hinge
plate
swingaway
releaselever
removefootrest
(leftshown)
FRONTRIGGING
FOOTREST—DETACHABLE,SWINGAWAY
WARNING: The footplates' lowest point should be no closer to
the ground than 2 1/2 inches, to permit proper clearance.
WARNING: Do not stand on the footplates; this could cause the
wheelchair to tip.
Removefootrest
1. To release lock, pull
swingaway release lever
forward, toward front of
wheelchair. Footrest will
swing outward.
2. To remove, lift footrest
straight up off wheelchair
hinge pins.
Attachfootrest
1. Set footrest on wheelchair
(so that footrest hinge plates
engage wheelchair hinge
pins).
2. Swing footrest inward.
3. Ensure swingaway release
lever is locked in a rearward
position, toward back of
wheelchair.
WARNING: Ensure footrests are locked in place before
occupying or operating wheelchair.

16 3H01-INS-LAB-RevB13•AdvantageUserManual
footplate
hanger
adjustment
holes
locking
button
latch
footplateextension,
adjustlength
Adjustfootplateextensionlength
1. See picture at right.
Loosen latch to free
footplate extension
inside hanger.
2. Press down on the
locking button and
adjust the footplate
to the desired length.
Ensure the locking
button is completely
extended and securely
fastened in the
adjustment hole.
3. Fasten latch to secure
footplate extension
inside hanger.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 for
the other footplate
extension.
5. Ensure both footplate extensions are securely fastened and that
minimum ground clearance is 2 1/2 inches.
WARNING: Ensure footplates are securely fastened before
occupying or operating wheelchair.

3H01-INS-LAB-RevB13•AdvantageUserManual 17
hinge
plate
swingaway
releaselever
removeelevatinglegrest
ELEVATINGLEGREST—DETACHABLE,SWINGAWAY
WARNING: The footplates' lowest point should be no closer to
the ground than 2 1/2 inches, to permit proper clearance.
WARNING: Do not stand on the footplates; this could cause the
wheelchair to tip.
Removeelevatinglegrest
1. To release lock, pull
swingaway release
lever forward, toward
front of wheelchair.
Legrest will swing
outward.
2. To remove, lift
legrest straight up
off wheelchair hinge
pins.
Attachelevatinglegrest
1. Set legrest on
wheelchair (so that
legrest hinge plates
engage wheelchair
hinge pins).
2. Swing legrest
inward.
3. Ensure legrest is
locked in place and that swingaway release lever is locked in a
rearward position, toward back of wheelchair.
WARNING: Ensure legrests are locked in place before occupying
or operating wheelchair.

18 3H01-INS-LAB-RevB13•AdvantageUserManual
Adjustlegrestelevation
Note: It is possible to RAISE elevating legrest without unlocking
legrest release. As a safety feature, however, you must unlock
legrest release in order to LOWER elevating legrest.
1. To release elevation lock,
pull legrest release lever up
toward back of wheelchair.
2. Swing legrest up to desired
position.
3. Lock legrest elevation level:
Pull lever toward front of
wheelchair.
4. Ensure elevating legrest is
locked in position.
WARNING: Ensure legrests
are locked in place before
occupying or operating
wheelchair.
Adjustelevatinglegrestpanelposition
The legrest panel can be rotated up and out of the way. Refer to picture
above.
1. To adjust panel, hold the panel and rotate it upward.
2. To return panel to position, hold the panel and rotate downward.
The panel will stop at the proper position.
WARNING: Ensure legrest panels are locked in place before
occupying or operating wheelchair.
Adjustlegrestfootplateextensionlength
See Adjust footplate extension length in Footrest—Detachable,
Swingaway section.
adjustlegrest
legrest
releaselever
legrest
panel

3H01-INS-LAB-RevB13•AdvantageUserManual 19
CROSSBRACES
Tightencrossbraces
M13 wrench, M5 hex key
Check the crossbraces to ensure that the bolt and nut securing both
crossbraces in the center of the wheelchair are secure (crossbraces
should be loose enough to fold easily, yet snug enough to take up excess
play). Use an M13 wrench and M5 hex key to tighten.

20 3H01-INS-LAB-RevB13•AdvantageUserManual
WHEELLOCKS
Adjustwheellocks
M10 wrench
1. Use an M10 wrench to
loosen the adjustment
bolt until the wheel lock
slides on the frame.
2. Place the wheel lock in
the locked position and
slide it into contact with
the tire.
3. Place the wheel lock in
the unlocked position
and slide it 3/8" closer to
the tire.
4. Use an M10 wrench to
tighten the adjustment bolt and engage the wheel lock to check the
fit. The wheel lock should indent the tire at least 3/8".
5. Repeat steps 1-4 for other wheel lock. Tighten the adjustment bolts
securely to eliminate wheel lock movement on frame.
WARNING: Ensure that wheel locks are adjusted so that they
lock in place appropriately before occupying or operating
wheelchair.
rightrearwheel
wheel lock
shown unlocked
rightfrontframe
adjustmentbolt
wheellock