Wright Velke HYDRO PISTOL GRIP User manual

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HYDRO PISTOL GRIP
Instruction Manual
Wright Manufacturing
4600X Wedgewood Blvd
Frederick, Md 21703
Velke PG serial 63577 and higher
WARNING: READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE USING
01/2013

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Foreword
Welcome to the progressive group of mowing professionals who use Wright mowers. We are focused on
giving you advanced engineering and quality construction in each mower we build.
This manual explains the features and promotes safer use of the mower. Please read it and follow the
instructions carefully so you can have many years of productive mowing. This manual may contain
information pertaining to European models also. All information referencing “CE” only applies to European
units.
For service, remember that your Wright dealer knows your mower best and is interested in your
satisfaction. He can provide you with quality maintenance and other assistance you may need.
Please give this manual to anyone who may use the mower for them to study before they operate it. Give
the manual to anyone to whom you may sell the mower in the future. It is important for the next owner to
receive this information also.
As Wright Manufacturing, Inc. is constantly seeking ways to improve its products, the mower you have
may differ slightly from the information and specifications in this manual. Because of our continuous
product improvement, Wright reserves the option to make changes at any time without notice.
Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
SAFETY ALERT
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used throughout this manual and on the mower’s safety labels
to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol
to avoid possible injury or death. Read these instructions carefully. It is essential that you read the
instructions and safety precautions before you attempt to work on or use this unit.
WARNING
This symbol with the word “WARNING” indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
This symbol with the word “CAUTION” indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
1998-2013 Wright Manufacturing, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or copied, in whole or part, without
written permission from Wright Manufacturing, Inc. Grass Gobbler, Gobbler, Leaf Gobbler, Velke, Pro 1, X2, Stander, and Sentar are
trademarks of Wright Manufacturing, Inc.

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Table of Contents
PRE-DELIVERY SERVICE OF MOWER BY DEALER............................................................................................ 5
1 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................................... 7
1.1 TECHNICAL DATA.............................................................................................................................................. 7
1.2 GENERAL SAFETY RULES ............................................................................................................................... 8
1.2.1 DO’S AND DON’TS.......................................................................................................................................... 8
1.2.2 WARNINGS...................................................................................................................................................... 8
1.3 IMPORTANT INFORMATION............................................................................................................................. 9
1.4 OWNER/USER NOTICE ..................................................................................................................................... 9
1.5 SAFETY FOR OPERATION................................................................................................................................ 9
1.6 USER QUALIFICATIONS.................................................................................................................................... 9
1.7 USER CLOTHING............................................................................................................................................... 9
1.8 INSPECT THE MOWER BEFORE EACH USE.................................................................................................. 9
1.9 REGULAR MOWER SAFETY........................................................................................................................... 10
1.10 PREVENT FIRES............................................................................................................................................ 10
1.11 WORK AREA CONDITIONS AND INSPECTION........................................................................................... 10
1.12 INITIAL OPERATING SAFETY GUIDELINES ................................................................................................ 11
1.13 SAFETY FOR MAINTENANCE....................................................................................................................... 11
1.14 OPERATION IN FORWARD DIRECTION ...................................................................................................... 12
1.15 OPERATION IN REVERSE............................................................................................................................. 12
1.16 ZERO-RADIUS TURN OPERATION............................................................................................................... 12
1.17 OPERATION ON SLOPES.............................................................................................................................. 12
1.18 FUEL SAFETY................................................................................................................................................. 13
1.19 HYDRAULIC SAFETY..................................................................................................................................... 13
1.20 RESPONSIBLY HANDLING WASTE PRODUCT AND CHEMICALS............................................................ 13
1.21 USING A SPARK ARRESTER........................................................................................................................ 14
1.22 REPLACEMENT PARTS................................................................................................................................. 14
2 WARNING, SAFETY AND INSTRUCTIONAL DECALS..................................................................................... 15
3 SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................................................................................ 16
4 MACHINE DESCRIPTION & OVERVIEW........................................................................................................... 18
4.1 OPERATOR’S AREA ........................................................................................................................................ 19
4.2 MODEL & SERIAL LOCATION......................................................................................................................... 19
4.3 CONTROL PANEL & STEERING CONTROL LEVERS ................................................................................... 20
4.4 DIGITAL HOUR METER ................................................................................................................................... 20
4.5 FUEL SYSTEM / SHUT-OFF VALVE................................................................................................................ 20
4.6 SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM....................................................................................................................... 21
5 OPERATING INSTRUCTION............................................................................................................................... 22
5.1 INSPECT MOWER BEFORE EACH USE ........................................................................................................ 22
5.2 HOW TO START AND OPERATE THE MOWER............................................................................................. 22
5.3 HOW TO STOP AND PARK THE MOWER...................................................................................................... 23
5.4 HOW TO DRIVE THE MOWER OVER A CURB .............................................................................................. 23
5.5 MOWING OVER VARYING TERRAIN.............................................................................................................. 23
5.6 HOW TO ADJUST THE SPEED ....................................................................................................................... 23
5.7 HOW TO PERFORM THE NEUTRAL ADJUST AND TRACKING ADJUSTMENTS ....................................... 24
5.8 STRAIGHT LINE TRACKING ADJUSTMENTS................................................................................................ 24
5.9 HOW TO TEST/USE THE BLADE CLUTCH/BRAKE SWITCH........................................................................ 24
5.10 HOW TO TEST THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL (OPC) SWITCH................................................ 24
6 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS......................................................................................................................... 25
6.1 TIRE MAINTENANCE AND PRESSURE.......................................................................................................... 25
6.2 BELT TENSION ADJUSTMENT ....................................................................................................................... 25
6.2.1 REPLACING THE DRIVE BELT..................................................................................................................... 25
6.2.2 REPLACING THE CUTTER DECK BELTS ................................................................................................... 26
6.3 HOW TO MOVE THE MOWER IF THE ENGINE WON’T START.................................................................... 26
6.4 HYDRAULIC SYSTEM...................................................................................................................................... 26
6.5 BLEEDING AIR FROM THE HYDAULIC SYSTEM .......................................................................................... 27
6.6 HYDRAULIC OIL TANK CHECK / FILL ............................................................................................................ 27
6.7 LUBRICATION................................................................................................................................................... 27
6.8 BATTERY SERVICE ......................................................................................................................................... 27
6.9 CUTTING BLADES............................................................................................................................................ 28

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6.10 SPINDLE AND DRIVE PULLEY SPLIT HUB R&R ......................................................................................... 28
6.11 HYDRAULIC MOTOR SUPPORT ADJUSTMENT.......................................................................................... 29
6.12 BLADE ADJUSTMENTS AND HEIGHT-OF-CUT........................................................................................... 29
6.13 FUEL EVAPORATION SYSTEM..................................................................................................................... 30
6.14 TRANSPORTING............................................................................................................................................ 31
6.15 LOADING AND UNLOADING ......................................................................................................................... 31
6.16 CLEANING THE MOWER............................................................................................................................... 31
6.17 KAWASAKI ENGINE MANUAL / MAINTENANCE.......................................................................................... 31
7 COMPONANT BREAKDOWN............................................................................................................................. 32
8ELECTRICAL SCHEMATIC, ELECTRIC START ............................................................................................... 33
9 ELECTRICAL SCHEMATIC, RECOIL START.................................................................................................... 34
10 MAINTENANCE INTERVAL CHART ................................................................................................................ 35
MAINTENANCE RECORD ..................................................................................................................................... 36
WRIGHT MANUFACTURING POWER EQUIPMENT LIMITED WARRANTY ...................................................... 37
FEDERAL AND CALIFORNIA EMMISION CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT............................................ 38
CUT QUALITY AND MOWING TIPS...................................................................................................................... 40

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PRE-DELIVERY SERVICE OF MOWER BY DEALER
Before proceeding with the Pre-Delivery Service of your mower, please
read the safety instructions manual in its entirety. Only your authorized
Wright dealer should perform the Pre-Delivery Service of the mower .
The Wright Velke Hydro PG is shipped completely assembled and has been adjusted and tested at the
factory. However, due to the jostling of the shipping process and the delivery time lapse, the following items
need to be repeated again before starting the mower. After you have uncrated the mower, follow these
procedures in the order indicated:
Inspect the mower for any damage, unusual conditions or missing parts.
Inspect the mower for all of its decals, especially the warning decals. There should be one blade warning
decal on each side of the deck, the “shield missing” decal under the blade belt cover, and the dash decal.
Check service, parts and recall bulletins to ensure unit does not need any updates.
Check (and fill if necessary) engine oil level according to the engine manufacturer’s recommendation.
Check (and fill if necessary) hydraulic fluid level. Use fully SYNTHETIC oil: Mobil-1 15W-50 (see Hydro
Check/Fill section of this manual).
Check rear tire pressure – 18 – 22 psi. is recommended. Use the higher pressures for heavier operators.
Front Casters are equipped with non-pneumatic tires and do not require any air. Lowering tire pressure will
affect deck pitch. Always check pitch any time tire pressure is set below recommended pressures.
Lubricate all appropriate moving parts (see the Lubrication section of this manual).
Check the battery (if equipped) to see that the cables are tight and connected properly. The battery is 12
volts and is a maintenance-free battery. Only charge the battery if it will not start the mower properly.
Add regular unleaded gasoline to fuel tank. (use a minimum of 87 octane gasoline) (You may use gasoline
containing up to 10% ethanol and gasoline containing up to 5% of methanol.)
Check brake safety interlock.
Try starting the engine with the parking brake released. (Engine should not start. If engine starts,
service the parking brake locking system)
Apply parking brake
Start the engine according to the engine manufacturer’s recommendation. Let the engine run at low - mid
RPM for several minutes to ensure the engine oil reaches all of the engine parts and gets the hydraulic fluid
circulating through the pumps, etc.
Check if the parking brake locking system prevents the units from being driven while engaged.
If not, service the parking brake locking system.
Release the parking brake. Next, Release the neutral lock and slowly release steering/brake lever,
one at a time, to make the wheels move in forward and backward rotation.
Before testing the blade clutch/brake operation, make sure the area is clear and there is nothing
vulnerable to possible thrown objects from under the mower. No one should be near the mower deck or in
its line of discharge at this or at any time. The discharge chute deflector should be in the down position.
Move the engine throttle control to ¾ RPM speed setting.
WARNING

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Turn on the blade clutch switch. Run blades for approximately one minute. Next, engage and disengage
the blades a few times about 10 seconds apart. If the blades do not start and stop in a few seconds each
time, service the blade brake system.
With the blades on, disengage the OPC switch to test the Operator Presence Control switch (OPC). A
time delay has been added to the OPC system. The engine should die and the blades should stop with-in
4-7 seconds after removing your hand from the OPC paddle. If not, service the OPC system.
Disengage the blades.
Drive the mower around on a level parking lot. Check that the mower drives in a straight line when both
hand controls are at the full speed position. (If not, refer to How to Perform The Tracking Adjustment
section of this manual)
As you drive the mower, listen for any unusual noises and test for irregular operation and adjust or
service as necessary.
Go over the safety information and operating procedures in this manual with the customer. Instruct each
customer in proper operation and observe the customer during their initial operation on a level parking lot.
Repeat until the customer is familiar and comfortable with the basic operation and use of the mower.
•Dealer:
Register the mower online within 14 days from the date of retail purchase.
(If unable to use the online registration process, contact your Distributor to
register for you)
Registering the product indicates you have successfully completed the pre-
delivery service checklist.
The limited warranty is considered invalid unless the unit is registered and the
above steps are taken.
Remember, the purchaser is both your customer and our customer and his/her
satisfaction is very important. Thank you for supporting our products.
The mower is now ready for delivery to your customer

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1 Introduction
This mower is built to the highest standards in the industry. However, carelessness or operator error may
result in serious bodily injury or death. Accident and hazard prevention are dependent upon the
awareness, concern, wisdom, and proper training of the personnel involve in the operation, transport,
maintenance, and storage of the equipment. Make sure every operator is properly trained and
thoroughly familiar with all of the information in this manual before operating the equipment.
This machine is constructed only for mowing grass on lawns without obstacles such as stones, tree
stumps etc. The machine can also be used for other tasks when equipped with special accessory
attachments; Grass Gobbler, Velke Sulky and JRCO attachments. All other types of uses are incorrect.
The manufacturer’s directions concerning operation, maintenance and repairs must be carefully followed.
Lawn mowers and all power equipment, can be potentially dangerous if used improperly. Safety requires
good judgment, careful use in accordance with these instructions and common sense.
The machine must only be operated, maintained and repaired by persons familiar with the machines
special characteristics and who are also knowledgeable about the safety instructions. Use only approved
repair parts to maintain.
Accident prevention regulations, other general safety regulations, occupational safety rules, and traffic
regulations must be followed without fail.
Unauthorized modifications to the design of the machine will absolve the manufacturer from liability for
any resulting personal injury or property damage.
This machine is not intended for use in extreme environments, as a tow vehicle, on steep slopes greater
than 15 degrees or in an enclosed area without good ventilation.
1.1 Technical Data
Weight of overall machine 32” (81 cm) = 520 lbs (236 kg)
36” (91 cm) = 545lbs (247 kg)
48” (122 cm) = 555lbs (252 kg)
52” (132 cm) = 575lbs (261 kg)
Machine dimensions 32” (81 cm) = 72” (183 cm) L x 33.5” *45.5” (85 cm *116 cm) W
* Deflector down 36” (91 cm) = 74” (188 cm) L x 36.5” *48.5” (92.7 cm *123 cm) W
48” (122 cm) = 69” (175 cm) L x 49” *61” (124 cm *155 cm) W
52” (132 cm) = 71.5” (182 cm) L x 53” *65” (135 cm *165 cm) W
Speeds 32” (81 cm) Fwd 6.5 mph (10.5 km h), Rev 3.9 mph (6.3 km h)
36” (91 cm) Fwd 7.2 mph (11.6 km h), Rev 4.3 mph (6.9 km h)
48” (122 cm) Fwd 7.2 mph (11.6 km h), Rev 4.3 mph (6.9 km h)
52” (132 cm) Fwd 7.2 mph (11.6 km h), Rev 4.3 mph (6.9 km h)
Power supply 12V DC (Electric Start only)

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Do's Don'ts
Read the operators manual before attempting to operatethis machine Don't disable safetyswitches
Use all PPE's, eyeprotection, ear protection and safetyshoes Don't operate when lightening is seen
Ensure all safety switches are operational Don't lift with a forklift
Keep allshields and covers in place Don’t change RPM's outside of operatinglimits
Clean flammable material from machine Don’t tow or push
Inspect fuel system and fuel lines for cracks, leaks and dryrott Don’t operate on slopes when wet
Inspect area to bemowed for hazards Don’t leave a running machine unattended
Only operate in daylight Don’t change theengines governor setting or overspeed theengine
Mow safe distances away from drop-offs and other hazards Don’t operate the machine wearing sandals, sneakers or any loose
fitting clothes
Maintaina safe distance from people and pets Don’t back up without being aware of what is behind the machine
Follow daily and weekly maintenance checklists Don’t suddenlychange in forward direction while machine is in a
rearward motion
Observe traffic laws while drivingmachine from one location to another Don’t operate a poorly maintain machine
Thoroughly inspect the machine after striking a foreign object Don’t allow persons to operate this machine without reading the
operator manuals
Turn off blades when not mowing Don’t put hands or feet under any part ofthe machine while it is
running
Slow down before turning Don’t ever carry passengers
Stop engine before removing Grass Gobbler or cleaning under deck Don’t discharge material towards anyone
Use caution when loading or unloading the machine ontoa truck or trailer Don’t operate the machineif you are sick, fatigued or under the
influence of alcohol or drugs
If using a Velke Pro 1, X2 or SuperPro attachment, you must step off of
the attachment when backing.
WARNING
This symbol with the word “WARNING”
indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury.
1.2 General Safety Rules
The Wright Velke Hydro Pistol Grip is designed with your safety in mind. It has the following safety
systems with which should become familiar:
•The warning decals on the mower including the parking brake and general warning decal.
•Do not disable any of the safety features.
•The blade switch must be “Off” before starting the engine.
•You must have your hand holding down the handle bar safety arm to engage the blades.
•If you let go of the handle bars while the blades are running the engine will stop and the blades will
brake in seconds.
•If using a Velke Pro 1, X2 or SuperPro attachment, you must step off of the attachment when backing.
•Spring loaded chute deflector will help reduce trajectory of thrown objects.
•Belt/Pulley covers on cutter deck.
•Low center of gravity (CG) to improve stability on hills.
1.2.1 Do’s and Don’ts
1.2.2 Warnings!
These warnings are provided to improve safety and should be carefully read before using or maintaining
the machine.
CAUTION
This symbol with the word “CAUTION”
indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in minor
or moderate injury.

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WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
1.3 Important Information
It is vital that these instructions are available to machine user. It is also important to retain with the machine
if the machine is sold or transferred to another user.
1.4 Owner/User Notice
The owner’s/user’s obligation is to instruct themselves and all potential users in the safe operation of this
equipment and be sure they read and follow the instructions in this safety manual and other material
provided by Wright Manufacturing, Inc. before using or allowing others to operate the equipment. Do not
operate this unit unless you carefully read, understand and follow the assembly, installation, and safety
instructions contained in this manual and the warning decals provided on the unit. Do not allow other
persons to use this unit unless you make sure they carefully read, understand and follow these instructions.
Never allow children to operate or play on the unit.
1.5 Safety for Operation
The Velke Hydro PG should only be used by fully trained operators to prevent the risk of injury to
themselves or other personnel. The owner’s/user’s obligation is to instruct themselves and all potential
users in the safe operation of this equipment and be sure they read and follow the instructions in this
safety manual and other material provided by Wright Manufacturing, Inc. before using or allowing others
to operate the equipment. DO NOT operate this unit unless you carefully read, understand and follow the
operation and safety instructions contained in this manual and the warning decals provided on the unit.
DO NOT allow other persons to use this unit unless you make sure they carefully read, understand and
follow these instructions. Never allow children to operate or play on the unit.
1.6 User Qualifications
This product is designed for use by physically fit, experienced, professional commercial mower operators
who have a minimum of 160 hours of experience operating twelve horsepower and greater industrial
mowers. Operators must be 18 years or older and weigh at least 120 pounds and no more than 275
pounds. They must have read and understood this manual. DO NOT allow children to operate the
mower. Never allow passengers on the mower. DO NOT allow adults to operate the mower without
proper instruction as mentioned above.
1.7 User Clothing
DO NOT operate the mower while wearing sandals, tennis shoes, sneakers, or shorts. Always wear long
non-baggy pants. Wear high-top leather steel-toed work boots with thick, textured tread, soft-rubber
soled at all times. NEVER wear loose-fitting clothing or jacket pockets that can get caught on the
handlebars or control levers of any mower you drive. Wearing safety glasses, ear protection and safety
shoes is advisable and required by some local ordinances and insurance regulations.
1.8 Inspect the Mower Before Each Use
DO NOT use the mower if any parts are not maintained in good operating condition. Examine the moving
parts prior to each use. Look for excessive wear, bald or worn tires, cracks in parts, loose or missing
bolts, cotter pins, linchpins or “hair” pins or cable yoke pins, control system ball joints and replace before
operating the mower. Make sure all safety equipment provided with the mower is in good operating
order, including all the warning decals and the required operator-presence device which stops the engine
and blades when the seat-operated Operator Presence Control (OPC) switch is released. (To test the
OPC, follow instructions in the Operating Instructions section of this manual.) Be sure that all parts of the

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WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
hand-operated hydraulic control system are tight and secure. This is to reduce the possibility that the
mower could have a loss of control during operation and compromise operator safety.
1.9 Regular Mower Safety
Keep your Wright mower in good operating condition, and keep safety devices and shields in place and
in working condition. Replace worn tire(s) with less than 3/32” of any tread groove left. Use tires with the
tread pattern specified by Wright Mfg., Inc. only. DO NOT change the engine governor settings or over-
rev the engine contrary to engine manufacturer specifications. Failure to comply can compromise
operator safety, shorten equipment life and void your manufacturer’s warranty. Keep all nuts, bolts, and
screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition. Check the blade mounting bolts for
proper tightness every eight (8) hours of operation. Check the blades for excessive wear and sharpness
every four to eight (4-8) hours of operation. Sharpen dull blades. Replace blades when they become
excessively worn. The mower should not be used after the blades or other part of the mower strikes a
foreign object, until conducting a thorough inspection and any damage is repaired. Make sure the chute
deflector is always in place and operating properly. Replace if the deflector becomes worn or ceases to
properly deflect the grass in a safe manner. See the instructions in the Recommended Maintenance
section of this manual for other items of required maintenance.
1.10 Prevent Fires
Machine fires and structural fires can occur if a machine is stored before allowing it to cool, if debris is not
removed from critical areas of the machine, or if the machine is stored near combustible materials.
•Remove grass and debris completely from engine compartment and muffler area, and from on top of the
mower deck, before and after operating machine, especially after mowing or mulching in dry conditions.
•Always shut off fuel when storing or transporting.
•Do not store Stander near an open flame or source of ignition, such as a water heater or furnace.
•Check fuel lines, tank, cap and fittings frequently for cracks or leaks. Replace immediately if necessary.
1.11 Work Area Conditions and Inspection
Prior to operating the unit, carefully inspect all lawn/ground areas where you plan to use the mower for
hidden, hard-to-see objects or uneven ground that may be hidden in the grass. Clear the work area of
moveable objects such as wires, rocks, glass, toys, etc. that might be picked up by the mower and
dangerously thrown. Remove, if possible, or mark the location of all immovable objects or irregular areas
and be sure not to hit them with any part of the mower, its deck or the blades. Obstacles such as holes,
abrupt changes in ground contour, tree trunks, stumps or roots, pipes protruding from the ground, paving
edges, etc. in the path of operation can abruptly turn or stop the mower. This could possibly throw you
into the control handles or even off the mower, causing serious injury or death. The faster you are
moving the more potential there is for injury. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light. Keep away
from drop-offs, the edges of ponds, streams, pools, etc. especially at the bottom of slopes. DO NOT
mow when children or others are nearby. When the Wright mower is in use, never direct the grass
discharge toward bystanders, traffic, cars or buildings nor allow anyone within 50 feet of the machine
while in operation. Thrown objects can pass through glass windows and some walls of buildings. There
is extreme risk of danger from thrown objects or being cut by the blades of the mower. Never operate
the mower in an enclosed area without good, approved ventilation. Exhaust fumes are dangerous.