Swisher RTB12544 User manual

44” ROUGH CUT
TRAIL CUTTER
OWNER’S
MANUAL
1602 CORPORATE DRIVE, WARRENSBURG, MISSOURI 64093
PHONE [phone] FAX [phone]
Manufacturing quality lawn care equipment since 1945
Assembly
Operation
Service and Adjustment
Repair Parts
Made In The
USA
Rev. 11-152
www.swisherinc.com
MODEL NO.
STARTING SERIAL #:
L111-152001
RTB12544
RTB12544-CA
RTB12544EC
RTB14544
RTB14544-CA
RTB14544EC
POL12544X
POL12544X-CA
POL12544XEX
POL14544X
POL14544X-CA
POL14544XEX
17338
RTB12544 Shown

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In the event you have a claim under this warranty, you must return the product to an authorized
service dealer. All transportation charges, damage, or loss incurred during transportation of parts
submitted for replacement or repair under this warranty shall be borne by the purchaser. Should you
have any questions concerning this warranty, please contact us toll-free at 1-800-222-8183. The
model number, serial number, date of purchase, and the name of the authorized Swisher dealer from
whom you purchased the mower will be needed before any warranty claim can be processed.
THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY TO ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED TO THE SAME TIME
PERIODS STATED HEREIN FOR ALL EXPRESSED WARRANTIES. Some states do not
allow the limitation of consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty may
last, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific
legal rights and you may have other rights, which vary from state-to-state. This is a limited warranty
as defined by the Magnuson-Moss Act of 1975.
LIMITED WARRANTY
The manufacturer’s warranty to the original consumer purchaser is: This product is free from defects
in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase by the original
consumer purchaser. As required by § 1060.120, the fuel system related components, which have
been certified to this equipment by SAI are to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a
period of two (2) years from the date of purchase by the original consumer purchaser. We will repair
or replace, at our discretion, parts found to be defective due to materials or workmanship. This
warranty is subject to the following limitations and exclusions:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARRANTY………………....….2
INTRODUCTION………………..3
SAFETY..……………………….3-4
ASSEMBLY………………..…….4
OPERATION……………………5-8
CUTTER MAINTENANCE..…….…..8
TROUBLESHOOTING………………9
DECALS…..………….………………10
PARTS BREAKDOWN……………11-19
1) Engine Warranty All engines utilized on our products have a separate warranty extended
to them by the individual engine manufacturer. Any engine service
difficulty is the responsibility of the engine manufacturer and in no
way is Swisher or its agents responsible for the engine
warranty. The Briggs & Stratton Engine Service Hot-Line is 1-800-
233-3723. The Tecumseh Engine Service Hot-Line is 1-800-558-5402.
The Honda Engine Service Hot-Line is 1-800-426-7701.
2) Commercial Use This product is not intended for commercial use and carries no
commercial warranty.
3) Limitation This warranty applies only to products which have been properly
assembled, adjusted, and operated in accordance with the instructions
contained within this manual. This warranty does not apply to any
product of Swisher, that has been subject to alteration,
misuse, abuse, improper assembly or installation, shipping damage, or
to normal wear of product.
4) Exclusions Excluded from this warranty are normal wear, normal adjustments, and
normal maintenance.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
This Safety Alert Symbol indicates important messages in this
manual. When you see this symbol, carefully read the message that
follows and be alert to the possibility of personal injury.
Read this manual completely. This machine can amputate hands and feet, and
throw objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in
serious injury or death.
Thank you for choosing Swisher’s 44” Trailcutter. Before operating your
cutter, please read, understand and follow all of the safety precautions and
other instructions explained in this manual . As with all power equipment,
lawn mowers,and cutters can be potentially dangerous if improperly used.
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• Read the manual. Learn to operate this machine safely.
• Always disconnect the spark plug wire and place the wire where it cannot contact the
spark plug, to prevent accidental starting the engine when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs.
• Keep all shields and guards in place.
• Understand the speed, steering and stability of this machine. Know the positions and
operations of all controls before you operate this machine. Check all of the controls in
a safe area before starting to work with this machine.
• Allow only responsible adults who are familiar with these instructions to operate this
machine. Never allow children to operate this machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc. that can be picked up and
thrown by the blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Be aware of the cutters
discharge direction and do not point at anyone. Stop the machine if anyone enters the
cutting area. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity.
Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. Keep children
under the watchful care of another responsible adult.
•No riders!
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
• Do not mow in reverse. Always look down and behind before and during backing.

• Turn off the blades when not cutting. Before leaving the machine, turn off the blades
and stop the engine.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.
• Do not operate the cutter if it has been dropped or damaged in any manner or if the
mower vibrates excessively. Excessive vibration is an indication of damage.
Repair cutter as necessary.
• Dress properly. Do not operate the cutter when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Wear only solid shoes with good traction when cutting.
• Never allow operation by untrained persons.
• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Do not operate on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before
restarting. Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
• Cutter blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blades or wear gloves, and use extra
caution when servicing them. Do not operate at too fast a rate.
• Return lever to its vertical position to disengage blades.
• The braking system is applied when the blades become disengaged. It is designed to
bring the blades to a quick stop (approximately 7 seconds). Each Trailcutter brake
system has been set at the factory. For safety, the consumer should not alter the
braking system.
• Disengage spark plug wire and place where it cannot make a connection.
• Refer to Figure 2 p.11. Attach hitch assembly parts to front of mower . Insert 3/8-16 X 2 ½
through
plate and attach 3/8-16 nut to the bottom. Tighten nut tight until tube is clamped then back off ½
turn to allow tube to pivot.
• The L hitch can be adjusted up or down to level the deck from front to back
• Check engine oil. All engines are filled with oil at the factory. Verify oil level and
add if necessary before starting engine. (See Engine Owner’s Manual)
• Verify fuel level and add if necessary before starting engine.
• Check the battery (if so equipped). If battery is put into service after the “month & year” of the
date on the battery, then it may need to be charged with a 12 volt battery charger for a minimum
of 1 hour, but no more than 2 hours at a rate of 6 to 10 amps.
• Attach battery cable(s) to battery. ( if so equipped ) Red
wire to positive (FIRST) and black wire to
negative (SECOND).
• Reconnect spark plug wire.
• (Refer to Owner’s Manual p. 5) For proper operating procedures.
ASSEMBLY
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OPERATING YOUR TRAILCUTTER
The operation of any mower can produce foreign objects to be thrown into the eyes, resulting in severe eye
damage. Always wear certified safety glasses or wide-vision safety goggles over spectacles before starting any
cutting machine and while operating such a machine.
The operation of any cutter produces sound waves that are damaging to the human ear. Ear protection is
recommended.
CAUTION! Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will
remain where you last saw them.
INTENDED USE
The 44” Rugged Cut Trailcutter is designed to clear dense areas of grass and cut saplings
up to 1-1/2 inch thick on meadows and small estates. It is not intended to create a finish
cut on lawns.Your Trailcutter should be towed behind an ATV, golf cart, lawn tractor or
other approved vehicle. It is not recommended for speeds exceeding 5 MPH.
ATTACHING TRAILCUTTER TO TOW VEHICLE
• Back vehicle up to desired towing position.
• Offset the Trail Cutter to the side opposite the tow vehicle discharge (if any).
This prevents the tow vehicle from throwing grass into Trailcutter engine.
• Bolt swivel hitch (H10) to tow vehicle receiver. If tow vehicle has a ball
hitch, the ball must be removed before swivel hitch can be fastened.
• Attach tow hitch and the “L” hitch to the swivel hitch. (Ref Fig 2)
The hitch pin (H11) should go completely through both the swivel and “L”
hitches and clipped to prevent accidental separation. Check that all hardware
is secure at both the tow vehicle and the Trailcutter.
TRANSPORTING CUTTER
• Stop Trailcutter.
• Place Trailcutter deck in its highest position.
• When transporting unattached from tow vehicle, remove spark plug wire and
place it where it cannot contact the spark plug.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
• Make sure the tow vehicle parking brake is set
• Disengage cutting Blades
• Reduce engine to idle speed and allow engine to run momentarily for cooling
• Turn the key to the off position

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ENGAGING BLADES
Note: Do not attempt to start the unit with the T-handle console in the ‘’ ENGAGED ’’ position.
• Engage blades by pulling down the T-handle lever into the horizontal position.
• Return lever to the vertical position to disengage blades. See detail on page 16 figure – 8
•The braking system is applied when the blades become disengaged. It is designed to bring the blades
to a quick stop ( approximately 7 seconds. ) Each TrailCutter brake system has been set at the factory
the consumer should not alter any part of the brake system.
BREAKING IN YOUR CUTTER
• Set the vehicle parking brake and chock the wheels to prevent accidental rolling.
• While the engine is running, slowly, engage blade control.
• In a safe environment, (i.e. no children or pets) allow blades to rotate and engine to
idle for 5 minutes, breaking in the belt for a longer life.
• Stop cutter.
FRONT TO BACK ADJUSTMENT
For best cutting results, the cutter deck should be parallel to the ground. To check parallel adjustment,
measure the distance from the bottom edge of the deck in both the front and rear of the deck. This
adjustment is best done while the tow vehicle and Trailcutter are connected.
• Loosen nuts NB182 from u-bolts 9855 enough so that “L” hitch 18353TK can slide freely.
• Raise or lower hitch section to obtain proper front to back adjustment.
• Tighten nuts and u-bolts to “L” hitch securely. See figure 2, pg 11
CAUTION: SHUT OFF THE CUTTER ENGINE AND REMOVE SPARK
PLUG WIRE FROM SPARK PLUG BEFORE MAKING ANY
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE CUTTER.
STARTING THE ENGINE
See engine manufacturer’s recommendations for the type and amount of oil and fuel used.
• Make sure the tow vehicle parking brake is set, mower is level, and blades are
disengaged. Engine must be level to accurately check and fill oil. Do not overfill.
• Check spark plug wire, oil, and fuel.
• Check all electrical connections for build-up of debris.
• Set engine idle to “CHOKE” position.
• Turn key to the “RUN” position.
• Pull rope with a single fluid motion.
• (12V models only) Turn key to the “RUN” position, then to the “START” position.
• Set engine idle at maximum RPM for best performance.
• Allow engine to run a few moments before engaging blades.

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CUTTER HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
• There is approximately 4 inches of height adjustment.
• Rotate height adjust crank handle in a clockwise direction to lower the mower deck.
counter-clockwise direction to lift the mower deck.
• Dense areas of material should be cut twice.
• Push handle down to lock height position.
TOW HITCH OFFSET
• When offsetting the cutter do so to the side opposite the discharge of the tow
vehicle.
• Swisher recommends if the tow vehicle is equipped with a mid-mount mower to
overlap the cut approximately 6”. This may vary depending on mowing terrain,
obstacles, and/or tow vehicle. Always keep safety the first priority.
• Always keep the tow vehicle cutter raised higher than the Trailcutter
• To change the offsetting position both ball-lock pins should be removed (Figure
2). The hitches
will swivel around remaining bolts. Set hitches to desired positions and return ball-
lock pins, making
sure they go through the hitch tubing and the semi-circled hole patterned plates.
STARTING TO CUT
• Adjust the cutting height.
• Double check vehicle to cutter attachment.
• Start mower engine and set throttle to “FAST” for best cutting performance.
• Slowly engage T-handle lever. See figure-8 page 16
• Carefully mount tow vehicle and start mowing at a slow travel speed.
STOPPING THE CUTTING SESSION
• Bring tow vehicle to a complete stop, set the parking brake and disengage blades.
• Turn key switch to the “OFF” position.
• Always remember to remove keys to avoid irresponsible usage.
SUGGESTED CUTTING PRACTICES
• Operate cutter engine at full throttle to assure the best cutting performance and
maximum material discharge.
• Allow wet grass to dry. Wet grass will clump and collect under the mowing deck.
• Cutter should be started with tow vehicle in low gear and increased only as safe
mowing conditions permit. Cutting speed should not exceed 5 MPH.
• Cutting conditions and the types of grass will vary from place to place. You may
find when cutting dense areas that the pressure of the wheel tracks may cause the
grass to be pushed down and not effectively mowed. If this happens you may want
to mow the area twice. Once with the cutter raised and the second cutting at the
desired height. The second cutting should be at a right angle from the previous for
best results.

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GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this cutter does not cover items that have been subjected to operator
abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, operator must maintain
unit as instructed in this manual.
Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to maintain your unit properly.
BEFORE EACH SEASON
A new spark plug and clean air filter assure proper air fuel mixture and help your engine
run better and last longer.
• Replace the spark plug.
• Clean or replace the air filter.
• Check blades and belts for wear.
BEFORE EACH USE
• Check engine oil level. (Do this twice to ensure an accurate reading.)
• Check condition of air filter and clean or replace if necessary.
• Check blade operation.
• Check for loose fasteners.
• Lubricate threads of adjustment rod P/N 4006 figure –3 page 12
DAILY MAINTENANCE
Make sure all nuts and bolts are tight and cotter pins and retainer springs are secure.
Keep blades sharp. Observe all safety precautions.
BLADE CARE AND SERVICE
For best results cutter blades must be kept sharp. The blades can be sharpened with a
few strokes of a file or grinding wheel. Do Not attempt to sharpen while on the cutter.
Important: Replace blades that have been damaged or deeply nicked.
Important: Check blade and spindle hardware on a regular basis to make sure
nuts are tight.
CAUTION: DO NOT HANDLE CUTTER BLADES WITH BARE HANDS.
CARELESS OR IMPROPER HANDLING MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS
INJURY.
CUTTER MAINTENANCE
• Reducing the travel speed will help cut dense growth. This allows the blades the
time necessary to make its initial cut, and regain momentum to continue cutting and
discharging debris properly. The engine may stall if you are mowing too fast!
• Do not attempt to cut areas that the tow vehicle cannot maneuver through and/or
slopes that you do not feel comfortable riding.

The unit is not cutting level.
• Level deck. Check air pressure of all tires; make sure they are equal. See
tires for maximum inflation.
• Without the engine running, make certain blades are installed identically.
The engine will not start.
• Disengage blades, turn key switch to the “OFF” position, check battery and
all other electrical connections and inspect spark plug and wire.
• Contact engine manufacturer or qualified mechanic.
Engine runs poorly.
• See engine manual.
• Check the throttle adjuster.
• Replace fuel, clean fuel filter and fuel line.
• Check spark plug and gap.
Cutter bounces excessively while towing.
• Lower tire pressure.
• Tow at a lower speed.
IF PROBLEMS PERSIST HAVE A QUALIFIED MECHANIC SERVICE
THE CUTTER. NEVER ATTEMPT TO MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT THAT
YOU ARE NOT SURE IS CORRECT. DOING SO CAN CAUSE OTHER
PROBLEMS.
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GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING

SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL DECALS
Replace decal immediately if damaged. Order by part number from
Swisher 1-800-222-8183, 8-5 CT M-F
OD82-44 RUGGED CUT DECAL
OD29-DANGER DECAL
OD39-SWISHER FLAG DECAL
OD33-5MPH DECAL
OD36-Deflector Decal
OD55-DANGER DECAL
OD45-WARNING DECAL
OD10-ENGAGE DECAL
OD99-OFF/RUN DECAL OD28-OFF/RUN/START DECAL
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OD99112 LARGE SWISHER LOGO