Adjusting ECS Controls

[stahls2]

I purchased a 2002 Turf Tracer HP 52" 17 HP Kaw with ECS and a mulch kit. I absolutely love this mower and so do my customers.

My question, is there a way to make the ECS control handles easier to squeeze? When the speed control is positioned in the 2-3 position, I am only using the tips of my fingers because I have small hands. Also, my hands cramp up because of the tension on the control handles are too much for me.

Any suggestions??

[eXmark]

Stahls2,

My answer would be a definite maybe.

First, we don't really hear this on the ECS controls, which could indicate a couple of things. One is that something is hanging up. Make sure you lubricate the flange bearings that are mounted to the side plates. Second look for anything that is showing signs of wear in the linkages. If the machine is fairly new and you spot a component with excessive wear this could be an indicator of excessive friction. The second thing I would do is take it to the dealer. It is possible to have an excessive tension on the reverse stroke but that too would be highly unusual unless someone tried to adjust it and went the wrong direction. Adjustment of the linkages on the hydro walk behinds can get a little tricky. Take it to your Exmark dealer and have him call us if he has any questions what so ever. While your there check out a new model and compare it to yours. This could be your best indicator of whether or not there is something wrong with your machine. They should feel about the same.

Thanks

Terry

[Doc Pete]

FWIW,
To the dismay of all other pistol grips makers, if you are having a problem with you hands now, it's only a matter of time before you develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It's part of Pistol grips users. Ask any old timer that have been using PG's for years, and he'll have Carpal Tunnel.
There is a solution....... a Hustler WB. Hustler is the only machine that won't cause CTS. Also, the Hustler will increase your hourly rate by $5/$15 just by switching from any Pistol grip machine.
Sadly, you and many like you just haven't taken the time look for an alternative to the "Red, Orange or Green" machine.
Pete

[realtor]

FIY
Purchased 2002 Turf Tracer HP 48" 17 HP Kaw with ECS and a mulch kit 1 month ago. Great machine, very responsive. But towards end of day, tired hands…. I to have small yards with many turns and back ups. Just wanted to acknowledge there are 2 of us that feel the tension on ECS could be softer.

Chuck

[ceaman]

I love the ECS controls on my metro 36" but my hands agree that softer would be a little better...

[lawncuttinfoo]

Yep I switched from pistols to ECS last year. I used to have CTS but not no numbness only hand soreness. Which I believe is better than CTS but I really do not like not having as free motion of my fingers that I used to.

That makes 4 of us.

[lordmaximus240]

i have 48hp, I can control it with only 1 finger. sounds like something is hanging or in a bind. I also have small hands but no problems with controls

[ALarsh]

After a couple of hours of use I can also feel the ECS a little too stiff. I think it is in the design because my machine has 75 hours on it, which is not enough for much wear. You can really feel it if you have to use reverse quite frequently. Any ideas?

[lawncuttinfoo]

Also if you use it in "6" a lot which I do since I want to go fast when I can but when I need to slow down I need to grip. I guess I could just go "3" all the time and spend 4 speed belt drive time on all my lawns and make 50% of my income.

[eXmark]

ALarsh,

I don't know if this will help but it sounds like the flange bearings need greased on the pump control arms? Take a look at this and let us know.

The levers will have more force in reverse because you are compressing the reverse spring.

Thanks Fred.

[lawncuttinfoo]

The ammount of force required to compress the springs was a problem form day one bought new, zero hours. The first night my hands hurt and ever since.

I guess I can just remove the springs, grab the OPC lever with my thumb and forefinger and control it like a "Z" :)

But seriously, is there a hydro out there that does not require such heavy springs to enguage it?

[Groomer]

Go back a couple of pages, somebody just used a small S shaped link in between the spring and bracket, lessened the Tightness/tension.

[ALarsh]

Post a link. I remember reading it but cant find it.

[naturescape]

Here's the link:

http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=154963&highlight=link+exmark

I posted this. It really softens up the controls and is fine on fairly flat ground. I don't think it would work great on really steep hills, and I have my doubts as to whether Exmark would endorse such a modification. But it has worked for me for 2 years!

Now, Exmark, I have mentioned this here before. You need to get rid of the OPC levers, and switch to recessed switches on the left and right grips, recessed so that when the hand is against them, they recess into the foam. This would lighten the grip tension and make it easier to control with small hands. AND be WAY more comfortable! Are there any plans to do this? I'd happily buy a kit to convert mine over. I am sure if you did this to the OPC, sales would go way up!

[ALarsh]

Yes! Recess the safety switch! My hands become red and sore after 3 hours of use because those damn things are a pain. My hand doesn't even get to feel the foam because they are on those levers that stick out of the foam. Kind of makes the foam useless...

I can't believe eXmark tells us that we need to lube up some bearings even though multiple people are telling them this. It would be unfortunate if they don't listen to the people that buy their products.

[naturescape]

Yes! Recess the safety switch! My hands become red and sore after 3 hours of use because those damn things are a pain. My hand doesn't even get to feel the foam because they are on those levers that stick out of the foam. Kind of makes the foam useless...

I can't believe eXmark tells us that we need to lube up some bearings even though multiple people are telling them this. It would be unfortunate if they don't listen to the people that buy their products.

Yes, the foam seems nearly worthless. I know Exmark is already a major seller, but I bet they sell even more with this one little modification! I have already tested it myself with 2 separate switches, it works. It's just a matter of using the right, soft touch switches and recessing them.

A few years ago these switches were standard on the Gravely and Ariens mowers. What happened to them?