If you have trouble raising the gear the first thing to check is that the horizontal rod the handle slides on is lubed. This needs to be done at least annually.If it has old/no lube Herculian strength is required.

As Bumper suggested, a push over makes the gear "lighter" due to reduced g but the helper spring still has normal force. A wild maneuver is not required. I regularly raise the Duo gear this way on tow.

But judging from the craftmanship and functionality of the Quiet Vents and MK 5 supersonic yaw strings on my ships you won't be disappointed with this brilliant invention.

KS