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New wheelchair | 16 comments (16 topical, editorial)
Re: New wheelchair (3.00 / 0) (#14)
by Jeff (ruralmcguyver at yahoo dot com) on Sun Oct 19th, 2008 at 12:27:08 PM MST
(User Info)

I've had my new chair almost a month now. This coming week, the tech guy will be making his 3rd trip out here.
A week ago Thursday, the entire joystick and seat controller fell off while I was trying to get in the chair. I know it's not made to handle much weight, but geez! There's nothing else toward the front of the seat to hang onto to help you get in or out! There's two nice ½ inch square brackets (on each side) with set screws right there for just such a thing. It turns out they didn't include them!
After the tech rep re-programmed the controller, it seemed much better. Sadly, I didn't have the place or space to test it fully. Come to find out, on higher speeds, it needs a HUGE "front-end" alignment. This may be able to be done with programming, but it was funny when I had a large, flat, and smooth surface! When trying to go "straight ahead" at full speed, the thing would go in nice, 10ft. diameter circles! Continued testing like this showed the problem got worse to the point I would "spin out" in tight circles. Burning rubber! Dangerous to the point of tipping over, testing stopped there. Big BUT...20 years ago, an "un-hurt" Jeffrey would have continued testing! HAHA

All-in-all though, having the much more ergonomic seat, being able to recline when needed or most of the time, I have been able to get a little more done. I over-did it the first two weeks, and ended up on more pain meds for an additional week. So I do have to learn to behave (damn!). Once they get the "bugs" worked out, get some front handles to make transfer easier, and add some extra support to the joystick, I believe it will be a great chair for me. The added support on the joystick may have to be, ummm "aftermarket". As will the extra suspension travel I will be adding to make the ride smoother! I know, NOBODY say the "void warranty" words! The tech guy is pretty cool, very understanding, and even offered some "suggestions" I promise I NEVER heard from him!
I haven't gotten any further on the ceiling fan conversion due to getting used to the new chair, and not getting some things done to barter with someone for the magnets. It is still "in-process" though!
My friend in nearby Wagram (1-mile away, very small town) even helped me alter the mounts for attaching my push mower to the back of my new chair. It turns out the chair has some excellent places already designed to tie down the chair, to attach the mower, or a small "wagon". Since these are designed to withstand ALMOST the weight of the chair, a 50-75lb. mower on wheels or a wagon should be no problem!

That's all for now. Gotta "roll"!!!

Rural McG



New wheelchair | 16 comments (16 topical, 0 editorial)

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