Swisher POL 14560 User manual

60” UNIVERSAL
Front/Rear Mount
TRAILMOWER
OWNER’S
MANUAL
P.O. BOX 6 , WARRENSBURG, MISSOURI 64093 PHONE [phone] FAX [phone]
MODEL NO.
POL 14560
Manufacturing quality lawn care equipment since 1945
Assembly
Operation
Service and Adjustment
Repair Parts
Made In The
USA
Rev. 04-296
Read and follow all
Safety Precautions and
Instructions before
operating this
equipment.
IMPORTANT
ONPOL14560

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 defecti e due to materials or
workmanship. This warranty is subject to the following limitations and
exclusions:
1) Engine Warranty All engines utilized on our products ha e a separate
warranty extended to them by the indi idual engine
manufacturer. Any engine ser ice 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 Ser ice Hot-Line is 1-800-233-
3723. The Tecumseh Engine Ser ice Hot-Line is 1-
800-558-5402.
2) Commercial Use The warranty period for this 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 ha e
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 e ent you ha e a claim under this warranty, you must return the product to
an authorized ser ice 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 ha e 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.
2

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 pre ent 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. Ne er 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
acti ity. 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. Keep clear of the discharge
opening at all times.
• Do not mow in re erse. 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.
3

4
SAFETY DECALS
Replace decals immediately if damaged.Order by part number from Swisher Mowers
OD45- Warning Decal
OD11- No step Decal
OD55- Danger Decal
OD33- Speed Decal
OD29- Danger Decal
OD43- Flying Debris Decal
•
T u r n o f f t h e b la d e s w h e n n o t m o w i n g . B e fo r e le a in g th e m a c h in e , tu r n o f f th e b la d e s a n d
s t o p th e e n g in e .
• W a tc h f o r tr a ff ic w h e n o p e ra tin g n e a r o r c ro s s in g r o a d w a y s .
• D o n o t o p e ra te th e m o w e r i f i t h a s b e e n d ro p p e d o r d a m a g e d i n a n y m a n n e r o r i f t h e m o w e r
ib r a te s e x c e s s i e ly . E x c e s s i e i b r a t i o n i s a n in d i c a ti o n o f d a m a g e . R e p a i r m o w e r a s
n e c e s s a r y .
• D r e s s p r o p e rl y . D o n o t o p e ra te th e m o w e r w h e n b a re f o o t o r w e a r in g o p e n s a n d a l s . W e a r
o n ly s o li d s h o e s w i th g o o d tra c tio n w h e n m o w i n g .
• D o n o t o p e ra te th e m a c h i n e w h ile u n d e r t h e in f lu e n c e o f a lc o h o l o r d r u g s .
• D o n o t o p e ra te o n s lo p e s g re a t e r t h a n 1 5 d e g r e e s .
• N e e r ta m p e r w ith s a fe t y d e i c e s . C h e c k t h e ir p ro p e r o p e r a ti o n r e g u l a rl y .
• S to p a n d in s p e c t t h e e q u i p m e n t if y o u s tr ik e a n o b je c t . R e p a ir , if n e c e s s a ry , b e f o r e re s t a rt in g .
• N e e r m a k e a d ju s t m e n ts o r r e p a i r s w it h th e e n g in e ru n n i n g .
• M o w e r b l a d e s a r e s h a rp a n d c a n c u t. W r a p th e b l a d e s o r w e a r g lo e s , a n d u s e e x tr a c a u ti o n
w h e n s e r i c i n g th e m .

REQUIRED ASSEMBLY
FRONT WHEEL CASTER ASSEMBLY
1. Remo e single nut (1) and washers (2) from caster shaft.
2. Place one washer (2) on the shaft of the caster/wheel sub-assembly. (4)
3. Slide same shaft through the bearing (3) in the frame with wheel towards the ground.
4. Place the other washer (2) on the shaft; it should be resting on the top bearing.
5. Thread nyloc jam nut onto shaft.
6. Tighten nut snuggly, making sure shaft threads enter the nyloc of the nut. Over-
tightening of this nut will bind caster.
7. Repeat process for all four casters.
OFFSET & CENTER TOW HITCH BAR ASSEMBLY
1. Lay out parts according to the diagram.
2. Insert part 661A into part 662 and pin with the hitch pin (H11).
3. Insert part 661 into part 661A. Choose from the 3 holes to set the desired hitch length.
Pin with a hitch pin.
4. Part 662 slides into the front tube of the frame. Again, choose from the 3 holes to
arrange desired offset. Pin with a hitch pin (H11).
5. Eliminate step 3 for hitching from the center bracket. Only one method can be used at a
time.
Item No. Description Part #
1 3/4-16 JAM NYLOK NUT NB122
2 WASHER NB195
3 BEARING B98
4 CASTER FORK 665
5 5/8-11X 7 BOLT NB624
6 5/8-11 2-WAY LOCK NUT NB595
7 WHEEL SPACER 663L
8 WHEEL/TIRE/BEARING F4157W
9 3/8-18 x 3.5 BOLT NB649
10 WASHER NB271
11 3/8-18 NYLOK NUT NB182
12 REAR CASTER 6710
13 5/8 ID X 1 OD 10 GA Washer NB178
5
Bent Pin, Hair Pin
and Recei er
supplied by others.
Existing Rear Hitch.
ATV or Utility
Vehicle Attachment
Instructions
661
661A
662
H10
H11
1
2
3
4
5
7
8
6
8
9
10
10
11
12
13

OPERATING YOUR TRAILMOWER
INTENDED USE
This TrailMower is designed to produce a quality finish cut on lawns, golf courses, etc.
It is not designed to clear brush or cut saplings. Your TrailMower should be towed
behind an ATV, a golf cart, lawn tractor, or similar appro ed ehicle. It is not meant for
speeds exceeding 5 MPH.
ATTACHING TRAILMOWER TO TOW VEHICLE
• Place mower behind ehicle and back ehicle up to desired attaching position.
• When offsetting TrailMower do so to side opposite the discharge of the tow
ehicle.
• Bolt swi el hitch (H10) to ehicle tow recei er.
• Attach tow hitch (661) to the swi el hitch with hitch pin (H11). Make certain
hitch pin goes completely through each piece and is clipped to pre ent accidental
separation.
• Attach red safety tether (H9C) to both the towing ehicle and to the TrailMower
toggle switch (685SP), located on the throttle housing (6013). Its purpose is to
manually stop mower engine or to stop mower engine in case the two machines
become separated. (See Motor Base Detail #22).
• It is extremely important the safety tether is secured properly to both the
toggle switch and the towing vehicle.
STARTING THE ENGINE
See engine manufacturer’s instructions for the type and amount of oil and fuel used.
TrailMowers with electric start engines will need a battery (sold separately). Swisher
recommends using a standard “U 1 R” lawn & garden battery.
• Engine must be le el to accurately check and fill oil. Do not o erfill.
The operation of any mower can produce foreign objects to be thrown into the
eyes, resulting in se ere eye damage. Always wear certified safety glasses or
wide- ision safety goggles o er spectacles before staring any cutting machine and
while operating such a machine.
The operation of any cutter produces sound wa es 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
acti ity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.
6

•
Make sure the tow ehicle parking brake is set, mower is le el, and blades are
disengaged.
• Check spark plug wire, oil, and fuel.
• Check all electrical connections (See Schematics).
• Make sure toggle switch is turned “ON” and the red tether is properly attached.
• Set engine idle to “CHOKE” position.
• With feet clear of mower deck, turn key switch to the “START” position; [ if unit is
equipped with 12 olt system ] release when engine begins to run.
• For units NOT equipped with electric start turn key to “ON” position and pull starter
Rope until engine starts.
• Set engine idle at desired RPM.
BREAKING IN YOUR MOWER
• Set ehicle parking brake or chock wheels to pre ent accidental rolling.
• Start engine properly.
• Slowly, engage blade control.
• In a safe en ironment, 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 properly.
MOWER HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
• Adjust while mower is not running.
• The cutting range is approximately 1.5” to 4.5”. The height has been measured from the
ground to the blade tip without the engine running.
• Rotate height adjust crank handles (H7N) 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
“SUGGESTED PRACTICE” section. Graduated scales are for reference only, not the
actual cutter height.
• Place crank handle in a retracted position to maintain height adjustment.
STARTING TO MOW
• Adjust the cutting height.
• Double check ehicle to mower attachment.
• Start mower engine properly.
• Slowly, acti ate the blade engage le er (6008) by rotating it forward and left until the
le er locks into place.
• Carefully mount tow ehicle and start mowing slowly.
STOPPING THE MOWING SESSION
• Pull safety tether to shut toggle switch “OFF”. If the engine fails to stop or if the safety
tether has become inoperable, then use Alternati e Stopping Method.
CAUTION!
SHUT OFF MOWER ENGINE AND REMOVE SPARK PLUG WIRE FROM
SPARK PLUG BEFORE MAKING ANY ADJUSTMENTS TO THE MOWER.
7

ALTERNATIVE STOPPING METHOD
• Bring ehicle to complete stop, shut off engine, and set parking brake.
• Disengage blade engage le er (6008).
• Manually shut toggle and key switches to their “OFF” positions.
• Always remember to remo e keys to a oid irresponsible usage.
TRANSPORTING MOWER
• Stop mower properly.
• Place mower deck in its highest position.
• If transporting unattached from tow ehicle, then remo e spark plug wire and
place where it cannot contact the spark plug.
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 ehicle in low gear and increased only as safe
mowing conditions permit. This speed should not exceed 5 MPH.
• The a erage lawn should be cut to approximately 2.5” during the cool season and
to o er 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
mowed twice. The second cut should be at 90 degrees to the first, if possible.
• Mowing thick or high grass. Raise rear height crank handles to .5”-.75” abo e
the other two handles.
• Creating a manicured lawn. Lower rear height crank handle to .25”-.5” below
front of deck. This allows grass blades to be cut twice. It also continually cuts
clippings to produce a mulching effect.
GENERAL TROUBLE SHOOTING
• The mower is not cutting le el.
o Le el deck, making sure the side crank-handles are equal.
o Check air pressure of all tires; make sure they are equal (about 15-18 psi).
o Examine blades for damage, while mower engine is not running.
• The engine will not start.
o Disengage blades, turn toggle switch to “ON” position, check battery and
all other electrical connections, and inspect spark plug and wire.
o Check for fuel in the engine.
• 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. DOING SO CAN CAUSE OTHER PROBLEMS.
8

MOWER MAINTENANCE
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this Trailmower does not co er items that ha e been subjected to operator abuse or negligence.
To recei e full alue 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 le el on a le el 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.
• Remo e fresh grass clippings with garden hose.
• Grass clippings can harden to the underside should be scraped out with a putty knife.
• Keep fluids at proper le els.
• Co er unit to pre ent rain or other debris build-up. Definitely co er 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 entilated 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 appro ed container.
• Start engine properly and run until unit is out of fuel.
• Let engine cool.
• Remo e remaining gasoline from carburetor and fuel tank to pre ent gum deposits from forming
within the engine. Gum deposits can cause malfunction in the engine.
• Store mower with blades disengaged to pre ent 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: 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 be used for any
adjustments, disassembly or other kind of repairs.
9

Figure 01
Figure 02
Figure 03
Figure 04
NB195
NB122
F4157WF
NB181
CH55
NB136
6031TK steel chute
replaces plastic chute
shown
661AS
661S
H10TK
662S
H11
H11
661S
H10TK
H11
10
Item # Description Part #
1 Grass Chute 6031TK
Bolt/Nut NB136/NB181
Spring (2) CH5S
2 Rear Caster Assembly (2) 7055
Tire/Wheel/Bearing F4157W
3 Right Belt Guard 6155RN
Acorn Nut NB120
4 No Step Decal OD11
5 Height Adjust Assembly H7N
Plastic Bushing T2PB
Eye Bolt 6599
Knob H7K
5/16 Pal Nut NB276
6 Left Belt Guard 6155LN
Acorn Nut NB120
7 Gas Tank 6772
Gas Cap 6102NC
Gas Tank Mount 6102NTK
Rubber Bushing AS119
Fuel Shutoff Valve AS120
Fuel Line Hose Clamp 6FLC
Fuel Line AS140
8 Height Adjust Assembly H7N
Eye Bolt 6599
Stabilizer Arm 6696
Plastic Bushing T2PB
Knob H7K
9 Engine Plate 6155NFTK
10 Front Caster Assembly 6774S
Tire/Wheel/Bearing F4157WF
Bolt/Nut NB624/NB593
Spacer (Exterior) 663L
Washer NB178
Caster Fork 665S
Caster Nut NB122
Washer NB195
11 Throttle Plate 7032TK