Swisher FT1150 User manual

50” UNIVERSAL MOUNT
TRAILMOWER
For Vehicle Mounting Options See
Details On Page-16
OWNER’S
MANUAL
1602 CORPORATE DRIVE, P.O. BOX 67, WARRENSBURG, MISSOURI 640 3
PHONE [phone] FAX [phone]
MODEL NO.
Manufacturing quality lawn care equipment since 1 45
Assembly
Operation
Service and Adjustment
Repair Parts
Made In The
USA
Rev. 05-1 3
Read and follow all
Safety Precautions
and Instructions
before operating this
equipment.
IMPORTANT
ONFT1150
FT1150
R
STARTIN SERIAL #:
L103-335001

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• 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 mower
discharge direction and do not point at anyone. Stop the machine if anyone enters
the mowing 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 on this unit at any time.!
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge
opening at all times.
• Do not mow in reverse. Always look down and behind before and while backing.
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, feet, and throw
objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious
injury or death.
2

•
Turn off the blades when not mowing. 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 mower if it has been dropped or damaged in any manner or if
the mower vibrates excessively. Excessive vibration is an indication of damage.
Repair mower as necessary.
• Dress properly. Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing open
sandals. Wear only solid shoes with good traction when mowing.
• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Operate self-propelled machines up and down slopes. There is significant risk of
overturns when operating across slopes. Operate walk-behind machines across
slopes. There is a significant risk of slipping under a walk-behind machine when
operating up and down slopes.
• 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.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blades or wear gloves, and use
extra caution when servicing them.
3
? Did You Know ?
Swisher Mower & Machine Co. was started in 1945.

MOWER MAINTENANCE
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this trailmower 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.
All adjustments in this manual should be checked at least once each season.
BEFORE EACH USE
• Check engine oil level on a level surface. (Check twice to insure an accurate reading.)
• Check condition of air filter; clean and replace as necessary.
• Check blade operation; keep blades in good condition.
• Check for loose fasteners and tighten them as needed.
AFTER EACH USE
• Keep blades sharp.
• Remove fresh grass clippings with garden hose.
• Hardened grass clippings on underside should be scraped out with a putty knife.
• Keep fluids at proper levels.
• Cover unit to prevent rain or other debris build-up. Definitely cover the engine.
BEFORE AND/OR AFTER EACH SEASON
• Replace the spark plug.
• Clean or replace the air filter.
• A new spark plug and clean air filter assure proper air-fuel mixture and help your engine run
better and last longer.
• Check blades and belts for wear. Replace as necessary.
STORAGE RECOMMENDATIONS
CAUTION! Do not store engine indoors or other poorly ventilated area. Keep engine away
from gas appliances where fumes could contact open flame, pilot lights, or sparks.
If engine is to be stored for 30 or more days, prepare unit as follows:
• Drain fuel outside into an approved container.
• Start engine properly and run until unit is out of fuel.
• Let engine cool.
• Remove remaining gasoline from carburetor and fuel tank to prevent gum deposits from
forming within the engine. um deposits can cause malfunction in the engine.
• Store mower with blades disengaged to prevent belts from being permanently stretched.
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 blades while they are on the cutter.
Disconnect
spark plug wire before servicing unit.
Important: Mower blades are sharp always wear gloves. [ see page 3 ]
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.
Only a qualified mechanic should conduct any adjustments,
disassembly or other kind of repairs. 4

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. 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:
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 Mower Co., Inc. 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.
2) Commercial Use The warranty period for any product used for commercial or rental
is limited to ninety (90) days from the date of original purchase.
3) Limitations 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 Mower Co., Inc., that has been
subject to alteration, misuse, abuse, improper assembly or
installation, shipping damage, or to normal wear of the product.
4) Exclusions
Excluded from this warranty are normal wear, normal adjustments,
and normal maintenance.
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. Shoul
d
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
DAMA ES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED TO THE SAME TIME
PERIODS STATED HEREIN FOR ALL EXPRESSED WARRANTIES. Some states do not
allow the limitation o
f 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.
5

OPERATING YOUR MOWER
INTENDED USE
This trail mower is designed to produce a quality finish cut on lawns, golf courses, etc. It is not
designed to clear brush or cut saplings. Your mower be should pushed in front of or be towed
behind an ATV, a golf cart, lawn tractor, or another similar approved vehicle. It is not meant for
speeds exceeding 5 MPH. Your mower should be kept clean and worn parts replaced promptly
and properly.
WARNIN : To avoid serious injury, operate your mower up and down the face
of slopes, NEVER across the face. DO NOT MOW SLOPES REATER THAN 15 DE REES!
(SEE DIA RAM ON PA E 15 )
FRONT MOUNTING MOWER TO VEHICLE—[figure page-16]
• Securely attach Mount Kit to vehicle. [ As shown in kit mounting instructions ]
• Park vehicle at rear of mower.
• Casters should be able to rotate freely 360 degrees
• Using clips and washers attach mower to vehicle.
• Fix console assembly securely to vehicle using enclosed Velcro strips with adhesive.
• Fix wire harness tubing to hitches using Velcro straps.
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.
6

STARTING THE ENGINE
• See engine manufacturer’s instructions for the type and amount of oil and fuel used.
Engine must be level to accurately check and fill oil. Do not overfill.
• Park vehicle and mower on a level surface, set the vehicle parking brake, and disengage
blades.
• Check spark plug wire, oil, and fuel.
• Check all electrical connections.
• Make certain console assembly is secured to vehicle.
• Set engine throttle control to the “CHOKE” position.
• Turn key switch to the “START” position
• Set engine throttle at desired RPM.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
• Turn key switch to the “OFF” position.
BREAKING IN YOUR MOWER
• Set vehicle parking brake or chock wheels to prevent accidental rolling.
• Start engine.
• Engage blades.
• In a safely monitored environment, i.e. no children, allow blades to rotate and engine to
idle for 5 minutes. This breaks in the belts and the engine.
• Stop mower.
MOWER HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
• Never make any adjustments while mower is running.
• The cutting range is approximately 1.5” to 4.5”. The heigh
t has been measured from the
ground to the blade tip without the engine running.
• Rotate height adjust crank handles in a clockwise direction to lift the mower deck. A
counter-clockwise direction is used to lower the mower deck.
• Make sure the height adjustment is the same at side crank handles. For best results, see
“SU ESTED MOWIN PRACTICE” section. Graduated scales are for reference
only, not the actual cutter height.
• Place crank handle in a retracted position to maintain height adjustment.
START MOWING
• Clear mowing area of debris.
• Check vehicle to mower connection.
• Start mower engine.
• Engage clutch lever.
• Begin mowing slowly.
CAUTION!
SHUT OFF MOWER EN INE AND REMOVE SPARK PLU WIRE FROM
SPARK PLU BEFORE MAKIN ANY ADJUSTMENTS TO THE MOWER.
7

STOP MOWING
• Bring vehicle to a full stop.
• Disengage clutch lever by moving lever to center position.
• Turn key switch to “OFF” position.
TRANSPORTING MOWER
• Never transport unit with engine running.
• If transporting unattached from tow vehicle, remove spark plug wire and place it where
contact with the spark plug cannot be made.
SUGGESTED MOWING PRACTICES
• Operate mower engine at full throttle to assure the best cutting performance and
maximum material discharge.
• Allow wet grass to dry. Clumps of wet grass will collect under the mowing deck.
• Mowing should be started with tow vehicle in low gear and increased only as safe
mowing conditions permit. This speed should not exceed 5 MPH.
• The average lawn should be cut to approximately 2.5” during the cool season and to over
3” during the hot months.
• For a healthier lawn and better aesthetics, your lawn should be mowed often and after
moderate growth.
• When cutting high or dense grass areas go slowly. Some areas may need to be cut twice.
The second cut should be at 90 degrees to the first, if possible.
• Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass length at any one time
GENERAL TROUBLE SHOOTING
• The mower does not cut level.
o Level deck, making sure height adjustments are equal.
o Check air pressure of all tires; make sure they are equal (about 25-30 psi).
o Check blade attachment.
• The engine will not start.
o Disengage blades, turn switch to “OFF” position, check all electrical connections,
and inspect spark plug and wire.
• Engine runs poorly.
o See engine manual.
o Check throttle adjuster.
o Replace fuel, clean fuel filter and fuel line.
IF PROBLEMS PERSIST HAVE A QUALIFIED MECHANIC SERVICE THE
MOWER. NEVER ATTEMPT TO MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT THAT YOU ARE
NOT SURE IS CORRECT. DOIN SO CAN CAUSE OTHER PROBLEMS.
8

SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL DECALS
Replace decal immediately if damaged. Order by part number from Swisher Mower and Machine Co. Inc.
OD33 – Speed Decal
OD45 – Warning Decal
OD55 – Triangle Danger Decal
9
Decal located
On grass chute
[not shown]
OD99- ON / OFF
DECAL
OD10--BLADE EN A E
DECAL
OD11-
NO STEP DECAL
OD15-Important Decal

Item No. Description Part #
1 Frame Weldment 5147TK
2 Caster Weldment 5072
3 Tire & Wheel NO Tread 4.10x3.5-5 5057
4 Bearin , Flan ed 3/4 ID CB58
5 3/4 Push Nut BLK Plastic NB-687
6 3/4ID X 1 1/4OD 10 GA. Washer NB-195
7 1/8 X 1 Cotter Pin NB-126
8 Sway Bar Ri ht 3664
9 Sway Bar Left 3665
10 Stepped H t. Adj. Bushin 10579
11 1/2-13 X 7 3/4 Eye Bolt 10038
12 Height Adj. Assembly H7NT
13 5/16 PAL NUT NB276
14 KNOB H7K
15 CRANK ROD ES214
16 HEIGHT ADJ. TUBE ES225
10
# 12
FRAME ASSEMBLY
FI URE 1
12
3
4
5
78
12
11
FI URE-1
7
10
SEE DETAIL
BELOW- # 12
14
15
16
13
DETAIL-12
In 1956 Swisher Mower & Machine Co. introduced the first zero turning radius riding mower.
The design of this 3-wheeled mower included safety features ahead of its time. In January 2000,
it was named one of the century’s top inventions by Popular Mechanics Magazine.
? Did You Know ?
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