Küschall R33 User manual

User manual
Active wheelchair

küschall® is a registered trademark.
© Küschall AG, Switzerland
Every eort has been made to ensure that the contents of this
publication are fully up-to-date at the time of going to print. As
part of its ongoing improvement of products, Küschall® AG re-
serves the right to modify existing models at any time. Küschall®
dealers will be notied of any such modications. Any use of
this publication, or of parts thereof, as well as any reproduction
of images, must have the written consent of Küschall® AG.
This product complies with Directive 93/42/EEC concerning medical devices.

R-33 Contents
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Contents
1General 5
1.1 Information about the User Manual 5
1.2 Symbols 5
1.3 Guarantee 5
1.4 Service life 6
1.5 Copyright protection 6
2Safety 7
2.1 Safety information 7
2.2 Correct use 7
2.3 Safety devices 8
3Technical data 9
3.1 Dimensions and weight 9
3.2 Environmental conditions 10
3.3 Tyre pressure 10
3.4 Identification label 10
4Components and their function 11
4.1 Overview 11
4.2 Parking brakes 12
4.3 Backrest cover 13
4.4 Push handles 14
4.5 Sides 14
4.6 Antitipper 15
4.7 Seat cushion 16
4.8 Accessories 16
5Set-up 18
6Using the wheelchair 19
6.1 Safety information 19
6.2 Braking during use 19
6.3 Getting in and out of the wheelchair 20
6.4 Driving and steering the wheelchair 20
6.5 Negotiating steps and kerbs 21
6.6 Going up and down stairs 23
6.7 Negotiating ramps and slopes 24
6.8 Stability and balance when seated 25
7Transport 27
7.1 Safety information 27
7.2 Folding and unfolding the wheelchair 27
7.3 Removing and fitting the rear wheels 28
8Maintenance 29
8.1 Maintenance schedule 29
8.2 Cleaning 31
8.3 Disinfection 31
9Troubleshooting 32
9.1 Identifying and repairing faults 33
10 After use 34
10.1 Re-use 34
10.2 Disposal 34

R-33
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R-33 General
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1 General
1.1 Information about the User Manual
Thank you for choosing a Küschall® wheelchair.
This User Manual contains important information about using
the wheelchair. In order to ensure safety when using your
wheelchair, read the User Manual carefully and follow the
safety information.
The equipment of your wheelchair may differ from the
descriptions and diagrams given here due to the wide range
of models available.
1.2 Symbols
Warnings
In this User Manual warnings are indicated by symbols. The
warning symbols are accompanied by a heading that
indicates the severity of the danger.
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation that could result in
serious injury or death if it is not avoided.
CAUTION
Indicates a hazardous situation that could result in
minor or slight injury if it is not avoided.
IMPORTANT
Indicates a hazardous situation that could result in
damage to property if it is not avoided.
Tips and recommendations
Gives useful tips, recommendations and information
for efficient, trouble-free use.
1.3 Guarantee
General conditions
Küschall AG guarantees that their wheelchairs are free from
defects and are fully functional. The guarantee covers all
faults and defects which are verifiably attributable to faulty
construction, substandard materials or poor workmanship.
Guarantee claims against Küschall AG may only be made by
the distributor and not by the wheelchair user.
Limitation of liability
The guarantee does not cover normal wear and tear, the
consequences of improper handling or damage, poor
maintenance and incorrect assembly or commissioning by
the purchaser or a third person or faults which are
attributable to circumstances beyond our control. The

General R-33
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guarantee is voided if modifications are made to the
wheelchair which were not authorised and not performed by
the specialist dealer or if inappropriate spare parts are used.
The Küschall AG warranty does not cover consequential costs
arising from the rectification of defects such as freight and
travel expenses, labour costs, fees etc.
Term of the guarantee
The term of the guarantee is 24 months. The frame is
guaranteed for 5 years. Wearing parts are not covered by the
guarantee.
1.4 Service life
We estimate that the Küschall® wheelchair has a service life
span of five years. It is difficult to state the exact length of the
service life of our products, and the length stated is an
estimated average life span based on normal use.
The life span may be considerably longer if the wheelchair is
used to a limited extent, and if it is used with care, maintained
and handled properly. The life span may be shorter if the
wheelchair is subjected to extreme use.
1.5 Copyright protection
This User Manual is protected by copyright. It may not be
reprinted or copied or transferred to third parties in part or in
full without the prior written consent of the manufacturer.

R-33 Safety
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2 Safety
This section contains important safety information for the
protection of the wheelchair user and assistant and for safe,
trouble-free use of the wheelchair.
2.1 Safety information
WARNING! Risk due to driving style being
unsuitable for the conditions
There is a risk of skidding on wet ground, gravel or
uneven terrain.
Always adjust your speed and driving style to the
conditions (weather, surface, individual ability, etc.).
WARNING! Risk of injury
In a collision you could sustain injury to parts of your
body that extend beyond the wheelchair (e.g. feet or
hands).
- Avoid an unbraked collision
- Never drive into an object head-on
- Drive carefully through narrow passages.
WARNING! Risk due to wheelchair being out of
control
At high speed you could lose control of your
wheelchair and overturn.
- Never exceed a speed of 7 km/h.
- Avoid collisions in general.
CAUTION! Risk of burning
The wheelchair components can heat up when
exposed to strong sunlight.
CAUTION! Risk of getting fingers caught
There is always a risk of getting, e.g. fingers or arms,
caught in the moving parts of the wheelchair.
- Make sure when activating the folding or insertion
mechanisms of moving parts, such as the
removable axle of the rear wheel, folding backrest
or antitipper, that nothing becomes caught.
2.2 Correct use
The wheelchair is propelled manually and should only be
used for independent or assisted transport of a disabled
person with mobility difficulties. When used without an
assistant, it should only be used by persons who are physically
able to use the wheelchair safely (e.g. to propel themselves,
steer, brake). The wheelchair should only be used on level
ground and accessible terrain, as well as indoors.
WARNING!
Any other or incorrect use of the wheelchair could
lead to hazardous situations.

Safety R-33
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2.3 Safety devices
WARNING! Risk of accidents
Safety devices that are incorrectly set or no longer
working (brakes, antitipper) can cause accidents.
- Always check that the safety devices are working
before you use the wheelchair and have them
checked regularly by the specialist dealer.
The functions of the safety devices are described in Section 4
– Components and their function.
The wheelchair has been tested in accordance with EN 12183.
It includes a test for flammability.

R-33 Technical data
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3 Technical data
3.1 Dimensions and weight
1) GB = SB + 190 mm, 3° wheel camber
2) depending on SW, UL, rear wheel and position of footrest
3) standard configuration, varies (+/–)
Seat width (SB)
340–440 mm
Seat depth (ST)
375–450 mm
Seat height front
(SHv) 490–510 mm
Seat height rear
(SHh) 400–490 mm
Lower leg length
(UL) 390–480 mm
Backrest angle (RW)
74°–90°
Backrest height (RH)
270–480 mm
Total width (GB) 1)
565
 665 mm
Total length (GL) 2)
760–830 mm
Weight 3)
9,5 kg
Maximum user
weight
100 kg

Technical data R-33
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3.2 Environmental conditions
Do not expose the wheelchair to temperatures below -20°C or
above 40°C.
3.3 Tyre pressure
The ideal pressure depends on the tyre type:
Tyre Max. pressure
Low-resistance tyre 7 bar 700 kPa 101 psi
Treaded tyre (marathon) 7.5 bar 750 kPa 108 psi
Slick tyres (speed run) 10 bar 1000 kPa 145 psi
Mountain bike tyre 4 bar 400 kPa 58 psi
3.4 Identification label
The identification label is attached to the frame of your
wheelchair and gives the following information:
cManufacturer’s address
dProduct description
eDate of manufacture
fInstruction to read the User Manual
gMaximum user weight
hInstruction that this wheelchair is not designed for
passenger transport in vehicles
iSerial number
jWarning that this is an active wheelchair and can tip
backwards

R-33 Components and their function
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4 Components and their function
4.1 Overview
cFrame
dSeat
eAxle tube
fRear wheel with handrim
gBackrest
hFootrest
iFrontwheel
jParking brake
kClothes-guard
Short description
The Küschall R-33 is a rigid frame wheelchair with folding
backrest.
The equipment of your wheelchair may differ from
the diagram as each wheelchair is manufactured
individually to the specifications in the order.

Components and their function R-33
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4.2 Parking brakes
The parking brakes are used to immobilise the wheelchair
when it is stationary to prevent it from rolling away.
WARNING! Risk of overturning if you brake
sharply
If you apply the parking brakes while you are
moving, the direction of movement can become
uncontrollable and the wheelchair may stop
suddenly, which can lead to a collision or to you
falling out.
- - Never apply the parking brakes while you are
moving.
WARNING! Risk of overturning
The parking brakes will not operate correctly unless
there is sufficient air in the tyres.
(Section 3 – Tyre pressure)
Standard brake
To apply the brake, push the brake lever forwards as far as
possible.
To release the brake, pull the brake lever backwards.
Performance brake
To apply the brake, push the brake lever forwards as far as
possible.
To release the brake, pull the brake lever backwards.

R-33 Components and their function
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Active brake
To apply the brake, pull the brake lever forwards beside or
between your knees as far as possible.
To release the brake, push the brake lever backwards
beside or between your knees.
4.3 Backrest cover
You can adjust the tension of the backrest cover as required.
Adjusting the backrest cover
Remove the backrest cushion.
Loosen the Velcro® tapes on the rear of the backrest cover
by simply pulling on them.
Tighten or loosen the tapes as required then reattach
them.
IMPORTANT
If the bands are set very loose, the tipping point of
your wheelchair is changed for the worse.

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4.4 Push handles
IMPORTANT
Always check the push handles before using the
wheelchair, as to whether the hand grips are secure,
cannot be turned and cannot be pulled off.
Foldable push handles (optional)
Foldable push handles are used when the push handles are
only required occasionally.
To fold down the push handles, hold the wheelchair with
one hand. Grip the push handle with the other and using
your thumb activate the release that is concealed under
the plastic. (1)
At the same time pull the push handle backwards (2) and
fold it down (3).
To fold the push handles up, bring the push handle into
the horizontal position until it engages.
IMPORTANT
Make sure that the push handle does actually
engage so that it does not accidentally fold down
while pushing the wheelchair.
4.5 Sides
Side rest, infinitely height adjustable
Removing
Pull the side rest by the arm cushion out of the holder.
To adjust how easy or difficult it is to pull the side rest out
of the holder, change the degree to which the screws e
are tightened.

R-33 Components and their function
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Fitting
Push the side rest into the holder.
Adjusting the height
Loosen the screw dof the retaining plate c.
Move the armrest upwards or downwards until you reach
the desired height.
Tighten the screw d.
Perform the setting on both sides.
Mudguard
In order to prevent dirt from the wheels spraying upwards, a
removable mudguard can be fitted. The position of the
mudguard can be adjusted. The adjustment must be carried
out by the specialist dealer.
Clothes-guard
A clothes-guard can be fitted to protect your clothes. Before
folding the back of the wheelchair, the clothes-guard must
first be folded inwards against the backrest.
4.6 Antitipper
An antitipper prevents the wheelchair from tipping
backwards.
Activating the antitipper
Slide the Antitipper conto the bracket and fix it with the
quickpin d.
CAUTION! Risk of tipping
An activated antitipper can catch when negotiating
a step or an edge.
Always deactivate the antitipper before driving over
a step or kerb.
Deactivating the antitipper
Unplug the quickpin dand remove the Antitipper c.

Components and their function R-33
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4.7 Seat cushion
A suitable cushion is needed to provide an even pressure
distribution on the seat.
4.8 Accessories
Postural belt
Your wheelchair can be fitted with a postural belt. The
postural belt prevents you from sliding forward in your
wheelchair.
Fitting a safety belt
IMPORTANT
Safety belts must be fitted by a specialist dealer.
Opening the safety belt
Push in the PRESS button and pull the catch cout of the
buckle d.The safety belt opens.
Closing the safety belt
Push the catch cinto the buckle d.
Tighten the belt euntil you are held securely in the
wheelchair.
Air pump
The air pump is fitted with a universal valve connection.
Remove the dust cap from the valve connection.
Push the valve connection onto the open valve on the
wheel and pump the wheel up.
Passive illumination
You can attach reflectors to the rear wheels.

R-33 Components and their function
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Luggage carrier
Your wheelchair can be fitted with a luggage carrier. When
not in use, the luggage carrier can be folded up.
IMPORTANT
Only use the luggage carrier for the intended
purpose.
WARNING! Risk of tipping
Weight on the carrier changes the tipping behaviour
of the wheelchair.
- The wheelchair can tip forwards more easily when
the luggage carrier is loaded.

Set-up R-33
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5 Set-up
CAUTION!
Before using the wheelchair, check its general
condition and its main functions. (See Section 8 –
Maintenance)
Your specialist dealer will supply your wheelchair
ready for use. Your dealer will explain the main
functions and ensure that the wheelchair meets your
needs and requirements .

R-33 Using the wheelchair
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6 Using the wheelchair
6.1 Safety information
CAUTION! Risk of crushing
There may be a very small gap between the rear
wheel and the mudguard with the risk that you
could trap your fingers.
- Ensure that you always propel your wheelchair
using the handrims only.
CAUTION! Risk of crushing
There may be a very small gap between the rear
wheel and the parking brake with the risk that you
could trap your fingers.
- Ensure that you always propel your wheelchair
using the handrims only.
WARNING! Risk of accidents
Uneven tyre pressure can have a huge effect on
handling.
- Check the tyre pressure before each journey.
6.2 Braking during use
Whilst you are moving, you brake by transferring force to the
handrim with your hands.
Hold the handrims and press evenly with both hands until
the wheelchair stops.
WARNING! Risk of overturning if you brake
sharply
If you apply the parking brakes while you are
moving, the direction of movement can become
uncontrollable and the wheelchair may stop
suddenly, which can lead to a collision or to you
falling out.
- - Never apply the parking brakes while you are
moving.
CAUTION!
If you brake for a long time, a lot of frictional heat is
produced at the handrims (especially MaxGrepp and
Supergripp). You could burn your hands.
- Wear suitable gloves.

Using the wheelchair R-33
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6.3 Getting in and out of the wheelchair
WARNING! Risk of overturning
There is a high risk of overturning during the
transfer.
- Only get in and out without assistance if you are
physically able to do so.
WARNING! Risk of overturning
The wheelchair could tip forwards if you stand on
the footrest.
- Never stand on the footrest when getting in and
out.
CAUTION!
If you release or damage the brakes the wheelchair
could roll away out of control.
- Do not support yourself on the brakes when
getting in and out.
IMPORTANT!
The mudguards and armrests could become
damaged.
- Never sit on the mudguards or armrests when
getting in and out.
Apply the parking brakes.
Fold the footrests up or swing them to the side
(depending on design).
Place your feet on the ground.
Hold the wheelchair and, if necessary, also hold a fixed
object in the vicinity.
6.4 Driving and steering the wheelchair
You drive and steer the wheelchair using the handrims.
Before driving without an assistant you must find your
wheelchair’s tipping point.
WARNING! Risk of tipping
The wheelchair can tip backwards if it is not fitted
with an antitipper . When finding the tipping point,
an assistant must stand immediately behind the
wheelchair to catch it if it tips over.
To prevent tipping, install an antitipper device.
WARNING! Risk of tipping
The wheelchair can tip forwards.
- When setting up your wheelchair, test its behaviour
in terms of tipping forward and adjust your driving
style accordingly.