Tessier DUALSKI Instructions for use

1
Leisure
DUALSKI
Instruction and maintenance manual
www.dualski.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter
Page
1
Presentation and instruction of use
3
- Choice of skis
3
- Choice of bindings
3
- Mounting the bindings onto the skis
3
- Protection
4
- Use of Poma or T bar lifts
4
- Use of chairlifts
5
2
General description : list of parts
6
3
System for carving out turns
8
- Replacement of the angle plates
8
4
Ski lift Harness
10
- Description
10
- Fixing on the Dualski
12
5
Fournales Shock absorber
14
6
Adjustment and maintenance
16
- Footrest
16
- Latch for the use of chairlifts
16
- Carving out turns system
16
- Ski lift harness system
16
- Maintenance program
17
- Seat
18
7
How to adjust his stabilizers
19
- Comfort Stabilizers
19
- Superlite Stabilizers
20
8
Assistance and piloting bars
21
9
WARRANTY
23
Manual for Dualski from n° DS703 to DS900 ___
Design, manufacture, marketing & after-sales service
TESSIER SARL
Z.I. François Horteur
73660 Saint Rémy de Maurienne - France
[email protected] www.dualski.com
Tel. [phone] Fax. [phone]

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1. PRESENTATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
FOR USE
The objective for the following explanations is not to teach the user to ski but to give
basic advices for the use of this equipment.
The Dualski®is intended for those disabled at the lower limb, allowing them to ski in
an independent manner after some initial instruction.
An assistance bar (optional) allows the accompanist to help the seated skier during
the learning phase.
The articulated piloting bar (optional) is designed for the driving of the Dualski by an
accompanist to make skiing partially or totally dependant person.
For those two options, read the specific document before use.
The first prototype appeared in 1996. The Dualski has changed considerably since
then and has become a high-performance apparatus with a great deal of versatility. It
has a totally articulated frame allowing the fitting of two skis with standard bindings.
The technique used for the Dualski has been the subject of two patent applications.
Choice of skis
Autonomous skiing:
As for an able-bodied person, this depends on the type of ski used, the weight of the
skier and his ability. Our own experience has shown us that it is necessary to use
skis that are approximately 10 cm shorter in relation to an able-bodied person of the
same weight and ability. Medium-of-the-range parabolic skis are sufficient and are
often more efficient than competition skis on which a “Dualskier” could hardly put
enough pressure to use their potential. We recommend not sharping the edges of the
skis at 87° or 88°. A good sharpening of the ski edges at 90° is enough and avoids
ski vibration problems.
With a piloting bar:
When using the Dualski with the piloting bar, medium-of-the-range “carving” skis with
a length between 140 and 150 cm are recommended.
Choice of bindings
The binding to be used depends on the skier’s weight and ability. It is advisable
never to take one’s skis off so the bindings must always be adjusted to their
maximum level.
With the Dualski, we recommend “standard” bindings that can be adjusted up to 14
DIN or more or “pivot” bindings that can be adjusted up to 12 DIN (or
14). “Pivot” type bindings are well adapted to the Dualski because
they tolerate punctual overloads
- Standard binding: 14 DIN minimum
- Pivot binding (Rossignol Axial or Look PX): 12 DIN minimum

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Mounting the bindings onto the skis
The boots fitting the skis are 325 mm in length.
Mounting is usually the same as for a shoe of an identical length: the middle of the
shoe must be aligned with the marker of the ski.
Protection
When skiing in a Uniski or in a Dualski, the use of a ski helmet is strongly
recommended.
Use of skilifts
In France, the Dualski has authorization N° AVMH_735/99_D for the use of chairlifts
and ski lifts.
The attachment mechanism « TESSIER harness system » has received authorization
N° AVMH_734/99_B.
These authorizations are delivered by the « commission des matériels de ski assis »
(committee for seated skiing equipments) presided over by the STRMTG (division of
the Ministry of Transport, Equipment, Tourism and Sea).
They are available on request.
Also, the French Handisport Federation has set out regulations for seated skiing.
Use of draglift or T-bar lifts
These practical advices don’t replace any aspect of the authorizations.
- The skier must have in his possession the identification sheet of the harness
system with specifications in order to be able to show that it is conform.
- It is compulsory that a helper leaves first and is in a position of stopping the skilift,
using the emergency button, in the event of a malfunction of the harness system
or of any other problem. This is a condition of the authorization’s validity.
- The skier must have already prepared his harness before arriving to the ski-lift
attendant. The semicircular ring of the harness must be closed. A plastic
adjustment enables the arch of the ring to be adjusted. This arch must be closed
to the maximum and should just allow the seat of the pole to pass.
- The ski-lift attendant must use the manual departing method for the pole.
- He passes the seat of the perch through the ring.
- At the moment of departing, the ski-lift attendant must position the ring on the
seat of the pole and maintain the pole steadfastly at the front of it. This
enables the « slip-knot » of the harness to work instantaneously.
- The rope of the main hook release should not be attached to the hand but simply
held between the hand and stabilizer’s handle, as it leaves with the ring in the
event of the safety hook release.
- On T-bar lifts, pass the hook one side or on the other side of the T-bar and
position it against the pole.
- The safety hook release cord must be put around the wrist and maintained on the
stabilizer’s handle like a ski pole sword knot.
- Once at the top of the ski lift, the skier releases his harness and go a bit further to
pack it.

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Use of chairlifts:
This practical advice does not replace any aspect of the authorizations.
- Prior to take the chairlift, inform the chairlift personnel of your presence. They will
be vigilant and will use the emergency button in the event of an incident.
- Systematically ask to get on at a slow speed, even requesting that it stops if the
chairlift only has 2 places or is unable to go slowly. The speed for getting off the
chairlift mustn’t be higher than the speed for getting on.
- Before getting ready to embark, unlock the frame and loosen the Dualski’s
backrest adjustment strap in order that the seat is comfortable and safe.
- For embarkation, position oneself as follows :
For a chairlift with 2 places: on one of the 2 places.
For a chairlift with 3 places: on the middle place.
For a chairlift with 4 places or more: on one of the middle places. The footrest
bars of the seat’s safety rail are mainly positioned every 2 places. In any
event, do not position the Dualski between 2 places where the footrests of the
seat’s safety rail are likely to obstruct. This should be imperatively entirely
folded down.
- Lift the Dualski seat and get on with the help of an accompanist if necessary.
Close the safety rail as quickly as possible.
- When arriving, raise the safety rail at the last moment and be assisted by the
helper when getting off, if necessary, so as to get clear as quickly as possible.
- The blocks fixed to the stabilizers (optional) facilitate to go off the chairlift. They
allow a good support on the seat of the chairlift to push forward in an efficient
way.
- Think to lock back the frame and tighten the backrest’s adjustment strap before
going onto the piste.

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2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Elements nomenclature / figure 1 & 2
Repère
Désignation
Quantité
1
Châssis haut
1
2
Châssis bas
1
3
Bras de chassis
2
4
Sabot latéral comprenant (détails sur figure 2) :
- 1 sabot latéral en aluminium (4A)
- 1 chape avant vissée sur le sabot (4B)
- 1 chape arrière vissée sur le sabot (4C)
- 1 plaquette de prise de carres vissée sur la chape arrière
(4D)
- 1 patte anti-déchaussement (4E)
- 1 additif pour centrage de la fixation arrière (4F)
2
5
Repose-pieds
1
6
Crochet d’attache du largueur
(soudé sur châssis)
1
7
Élément Amortisseur marque Fournales ou Öhlins
1
8
Biellette d’amortisseur
1
9
Vérin de compensation pour utilisation télésiège
2
10
Système de prise de carres
(voir descriptif chap. 3)
1
11
Verrou pour utilisation des télésièges
1
12
Siège
1
13
Plaque signalétique
1
14
Sangle de pieds avant
1
15
Sangle de pieds arrière
1
16
Ski & fixation standard
2

7
14
15
1
5
12
13
10
7
16
9
11
8
2
3
4
6
Figure 1
Figure 2 : « Sabot » details (mark 4)

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3. SYSTEM FOR CARVING OUT TURNS
Explanations according to figures 3 and 4:
On the Dualski, the tilt angle of the skis is different in relation to the seat, depending
on the chosen configuration: F, M or P.
These configurations correspond to "angle plates" (1) of varying heights. These can
be replaced later on, as required.
F = Facile (Easy): The ski tilt angle is less significant than the tilt angle of the seat.
This makes the swivelling of the skis and side-slipping easier. This configuration is
advisable for those beginning as well as those with more serious disabilities. It’s also
the configuration we recommend when the Dualski is used with the piloting bar.
P = Performant (Advanced): The tilt angle is more important as with the F
configuration. The Dualski is more difficult to ski with, but it offers better
performances. This configuration is recommended for good skiers.
C = Carving: This configuration allows a very incisive skiing style and is reserved to
very good skiers. With this configuration it becomes hard to make the Dualski sliding.
The maximum angulations angle are: F = 51°, P = 55°, C = 59°
Replacement of the angle plates « F », « P » or « C »
Replacement method for the angle plates:
Note : for this operation, do not touch the tilt adjustment system (2) of the skis.
It is advised to first replace a side and then the other and to operate in a dry place.
1- Loosen the 2 « locknuts » of diameter 8 at the points 3 and 4 and remove the
screws.
2- Replace the plates by positioning the engraved letter F, P or C upwards. Respect
the positioning of the 3 serrated cup washers (A).
3- Screw back correctly the two nuts (with a dynamometric spanner, the torque is 2.4
mKg). If the nylon collars of the nuts are damaged, then replace them.
4- Do the same for the other side.
5- Verify that skis are flat.

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Figure 3
Figure 4

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4. SKILIFT HARNESS
Description according to figure 5
No.
Comment
1
Polymer ring with an outside diameter of 35 mm, length of 370 mm,
scleroscope hardness of 70 A.
2
Main swivel hook release –Wichard brand.
3
The swivel means that the release hook mechanism can be turned to
where the skier is.
4
A plastic adjuster enables the opening of the ring to be easily adjusted.
5
Granny knot. A 7mm diameter rope is tied twice at the end of the ring.
6
6 mm diameter link.
7
Opening safety hook –Wichard brand
When the poles are equipped with a clamp ring instead of the nut
tightening the seat, then this hook can be attached to the clamp ring.
8
Snap hook to attach the rope on the apparatus while the skier is seated.
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7 mm diameter traction cord.
10
Most of the knots are covered with a sheath.
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6 mm diameter main release cord. It has a 150 mm long sheath to make
release easier if the ring suddenly turns.
12
An eight knot helps the skier with the cord.
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6 mm diameter safety release cord. The loop at the end enables the skier
to pass his hands through before grasping the handle of his stabilizer. In
the event of release, the safety snap hook stays next to the apparatus.

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Figure 5

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Installation of the ski lift harness on the Dualski
Frame seen from backward
Hook fixed on the frame

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Fixing the harness to the Dualski according to sketches 1, 2, 3 and 4
1. Take the cord, winding it around the seat, with the closing snap hook on the right
and the safety snap hook with its release cord on the left. Pass the cord through
the hook.
2. Then pass each end of the cord with their snap hook through the loop as carried
out in 1.
3. In order to completely immobilize the cord, pass each end through the 2 loops as
carried out in 2, so as to tie a simple knot on each side.
4. Adjust the length of the cord so that the closing snap hook just exceeds that of the
strap holding the seat’s backrest in place (10).
Note: the cord of the harness must always pass between the seat and the strap of
the backrest (10).

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5. « FOURNALES » SHOCK ABSORBER
The Fournales suspension element brings together an air spring and a hydraulic shock
absorber, forming a unique combination known as air/hydraulic.
In seated skiing, with a traditional « spring-absorber » combination, the strength of the spring
should be adapted to the weight and performance of the skier by replacing the spring in order
to obtain a good suspension.
In the case of a Fournales shock absorber, the spring is replaced by compressed air. This
technical solution means that the air spring can be easily adapted through simple inflation,
using the Fournales pump 0-30 kg/cm² or Scott pump 0-40 kg/cm², available as an option.
Inflation rules:
Dualski higher model (315 mm between the two axes of the shock absorber):
Person’s weight x 0,24. Example: the person’s weight = 70 kg = 70 x 0,24 = 16,8 Kg/cm².
Inflate to 17 Kg/cm².
Dualski lower model (295 mm between the two axes of the shock absorber):
Person’s weight x 0,27. Example: the person’s weight = 70 kg = 70 x 0,27 = 18,9 Kg/cm².
Inflate to 19 Kg/cm².
Dualski lower model with piloting bar
Person’s weight x 0,30. Example: the person’s weight = 70 kg = 70 x 0,30 = 21 Kg/cm².
Inflation method:
1. Remove the valve cap.
2. Screw the pump to the valve of the shock absorber:
-Fournales pump: Screw until the needle of the pressure indicator moves, do a quarter
of turn more. (Don’t tight too much, it could damage the valve).
-Scott pump: There are 2 steps to screw the pump.
A) Hold the part 1 and unscrew totally the part 2.
B) Screw totally the part 1 on the shock absorber’s valve.
C) Screw totally the part 2 so the pump is plugged, under pressure.
At this moment, the pressure falls of about 2 kg/cm² in the shock absorber, as some of
the air contained in the shock absorber fill up the pump.
It’s not possible to check the pressure by screwing the pump to the shock absorber.
Max
A
B
C
Part 1
Part 2

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3. Inflate to the desired pressure using the measuring scale 0 to 30 or 40 Kg/cm².
It is also possible to lower the pressure using the button located on the opposite side to
the pressure indicator.
4. Unscrew the pump:
- Fournales pump: Unscrew the pump.
- Scott pump:
D) Unscrew totally the part 2
E) Unscrew the part 1
At this moment you hear quickly air escaping. This air comes from the pump and the
attachment, but the pressure in the shock absorber remains unchanged. Some oil can be
spayed out in small quantity, which is normal.
5. Put back the valve cap.
Important
- Some oil can appear along the sliding chromium-plated tube (especially during the first uses). This
doesn’t mean there is a leak. This film is even useful for a good working and preservation of the
joints of the Fournales shock absorber.
- During the adjustment the Uniski or the Dualski must be empty. If the skier is in the seat, it’s
absolutely necessary to ease the shock absorber from the weight of the skier during the operations
described above.
- If the Uniski or the Dualski has been stocked upside down, wait a moment before inflating the
shock absorber otherwise too much oil could been sprayed out from the valve.
- The inflation must be done with a high pressure pump, 0-30 or 0-40 bars.
Do not use any other bicycle pump, compressor or else.
- In case of a personal use of the Uniski or the Dualski, inflate the shock absorber only when you
feel a lack of pressure.
Pressure when delivered: kg/cm²
D
E
Max

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6. ADJUSTMENT AND MAINTENANCE
Footrest
1- Adjustment of the front / back positions of the feet on the footrest :
At the back, the feet are held in place with a large strap which is equipped with
two adjustment buckles. Evenly distribute the adjustment between the 2 buckles
in order that the middle of the feet presses against the footrest.
2- Height adjustment :
- Raise the footrest as high as possible by unscrewing the 2 screws - TCHC
8x16 - with a male hexagonal spanner - 6 - before the skier sit in the seat.
- Once the skier is seated, lower the footrest until there is a finger space
between the seating foam and the underside of the knee at the front of the
seat. The footrest must be brought out to a maximum of 13 cm between the
end of the frame and the bearing surface of the feet.
- Correctly tighten the 2 screws.
3- Replacement of the straps holding the feet :
If a strap or buckle is damaged, it is necessary to remove the footrest in order to
replace it.
Latch for the use of chairlifts
The latch is mounted with waterproof grease.
When this grease looses its efficiency (not before) and the latch becomes harder to
use (with cold weather), it means that there is humidity inside and that ice jams it.
Without dismantling it, regularly spray into the latch a lubricant containing silicone. It
is advised to unlock the latch into the chairlift position and to lean the apparatus on
its side so the lubricant is able to penetrate.
System of carving out turns
Every 30 hours of use, spray over the 4 ball joints (see page 8, figure 3, No. 10) with
a silicone based lubricant and without dismantling.
The other pivot joints require no maintenance.
Ski lift harness
Regularly spray over the snap hook (1) with a silicone
based lubricant.

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Maintenance program
Apart from the above mentioned, the Dualski in fact needs little maintenance;
however, it is necessary to:
Action
Fréquence
Store the Dualski in a dry place
After each use
Visually check the frame
After each use, or after a shock
Check the condition of the skis and
bindings.
After each use, or after a shock
Check that there is no play or wear and
tear in any of the pivot joints.
Every 300 hours of use, or after a shock
Check the straps of the frame and seat.
Every 30 hours of use, or after a shock
Spray over the 4 ball joints of the Dualski
base
Every 30 hours of use
Send the Fournales shock absorber for a
servicing (Contact us). The shock
absorber must be exclusively be serviced
by Fournales France.
In case of observation of a wrong
running
Send the Öhlins shock absorber for a
servicing (Contact us). The shock
absorber must be exclusively be serviced
by Öhlins France.
After each season in case of intensive
use, or in case of observation of a wrong
running
Don’t hesitate to contact us when in doubt or if you want us to check your Dualski.

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Seat
The seat is covered with two types of foam:
1. Foam that is damp-proof glued to the seat and in the backrest.
2. At the bottom of the seat, removable and very comfortable foam which has some
distinct characteristics :
- it hardens in the cold, but with the heat from the skier’s body it softens and
takes the shape of the skier.
- it can shrink in the seat but will regain its original shape when it is taken off
and placed in a warm environment.
- it is relatively damp-proof but it may be necessary to dry it out.
Seat assembly
- Use the hardware as in the sketch above.
- Attention, screws that are not the original ones and which are too long could
damage the seats and chairlifts.
- If the seat is not the original TESSIER one, then it is necessary to drill the rear
securing points at a distance of 215 mm from the back of the seat, according to
the above sketch. This is important in order to respect the balance of the Dualski
during gliding and when using the chairlifts.
- Fixation distances: between front holes: 140 mm, between rear holes: 120 mm,
between front and rear holes: 200 mm as indicated on the plan.
When in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact us. The use of a seat which is not a
Tessier seat cancels the warranty.

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7. HOW TO ADJUST CONFORT
STABILIZERS
I.1- Adjustment of the ski angle
To begin, the angle has to be adjusted in order to offer a good support on the tail of the ski.
Having a good support is reassuring for the seated skier and that’s what allows, among other
things, to start a turn.
During all the learning phase of the skier, the stabilizer’s angle can be progressively modified
to reach a more « sliding » position.
The position of the superior screw defines the angle of the ski.
The figure 1’s position corresponds to an adjustment for a beginner.
2 keys of 10 are needed for the adjustment. It’s possible to increase or to reduce the angle
by steps of 4°. The difference between 2 holes of a same line is 8°, so using the second line
it’s possible to adjust every 4°.
To adjust the stabilizer:
- Remove the superior screw.
- Slightly unscrew the inferior screw
(Without removing it)
- Choice the line (inferior or superior)
by making slide the inferior screw in
the « light ».
- Put back the superior screw in the
appropriate hole and tight both
screws correctly.
I.2 –Adjustment of the length of the stabilizer
The length adjustment must be done after the angle adjustment.
For a beginner, seated in a Uniski or a Dualski, the skis flat on the ground, the elbows
must be nearly as high as the shoulders.
A good skier can, after having adjusted the angle of the skis, shorten his stabilizers.
2 keys of 10 are needed for the adjustment. The screw must be tight correctly so there is no
play between the two tubes.
I.3 –Blocks installation
Fix the blocks with the height adjustment screw of the stabilizers (use the longer screw
delivered with blocks).
Superior holes line
Inferior holes line
« light »
Inferior screw
Superior screw
Figure 1: Adjustment of the angle of Confort stabilizer

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I.4 –Armrests adjustment
The adjustment of the length between the handle and the armrest is done thanks to the
screw . 2 keys of 10 are needed.
If the armrest is too wide or too narrow, it’s possible to modify it thanks to a thermic scraper.
- Remove the strap (as on picture 2).
- Warm up the plastic part inside at the level of the screws.
- Open or push closer the armrest and keep the desired position until the plastic part is cold.
Attention: The Velcro strap mustn’t be warmed or burned during the operation.
HOW TO ADJUST SUPERLITE®STABILIZERS
General instructions are the same as for Comfort stabilizers.
II.1 - Adjustment of the ski angle
Screw or unscrew the stop screw
(thanks to a key of 11) to change the
angle. Check that both stabilizers have
the same angle.
II.2 - Adjustment of the length of the stabilizer
- Release the string.
- Move the quick clip to the desired height.
- Tight the string.
II.3 - Blocks installation
Put the blocks just under the quick clip. Attention, blocks must be low enough so the ski
doesn’t touch the ground when going off the chairlift.
II.4 - Armrests adjustment
Two keys of 11 are needed.
Stop screw
Figure 4: Adjustment of the angle of
Superlite stabilizer
Figure 3: Keeping of the desired shape during cooling of
the plastic part
Figure 2: Warming up of the armrest