Swisher POL10544C User manual

44” FINISH CUT
TRAILMOWER
OWNER’S
MANUAL
1602 CORPORATE DRIVE, WARRENSBURG, MISSOURI 64093 PHONE [phone]
FAX [phone]
MODEL NO.
START SERIAL L106-157001
Manufacturing quality lawn care equipment since 1945
Assembly
Operation
Service and Adjustment
Repair Parts
Made In The
USA
Rev 06-156
Read and follow all Safety
Precautions and
Instructions before
operating this equipment.
IMPORTANT
swisherinc.com
12017
POL10544C

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 has 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 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. 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.
2

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.
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 of 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.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc. that can be picked up
and thrown by the blade.
• Allow only responsible adults who are familiar with these instructions to
operate this machine. Never allow children to operate this machine.
• 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!
• 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.
3

• 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. 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.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blades or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them.
4

OD36-Deflector Decal
OD45-Warning Decal
OD103-Single Point Height Adjust Decal
OD29-Danger Decal
Engine Serial #
OD11-No Step Decal
OD15-Void Warranty Decal
OD33-Speed Decal
OD55-Triangle Danger Decal
(All four deck corners)
TrailMower Serial #
SAFETY DECALS
Replace decal immediately if damaged. Order by part number from Swisher Mower and Machine Co. Inc.
OD99125-Medium Swisher
Logo White Decal
(Not Pictured)
OD99127-44" Deck White Decal
(Not Pictured)
OD99127-44" Deck White Decal
(Not Pictured)
5

OPERATING YOUR TRAILMOWER
INTENDED USE
The 44” TrailMower is designed to produce a quality finish cut on lawns, golf courses,
etc. It is not intended to clear brush or cut saplings. Your TrailMower should be
towed behind an ATV, golf cart, lawn tractor, or other approved vehicle. It is not
designed for speeds exceeding 5 MPH. WARNING: To avoid serious injury,
operate your mower up and down the face of slopes, NEVER across the face. DO
NOT MOW SLOPES GREATER THAN 15 DEGREES! (See attached guide for
sighting slopes.)
ATTACHING TRAILMOWER TO TOW VEHICLE
• Back vehicle up to desired towing position.
• Offset the TrailMower to the side opposite the tow vehicle discharge (if any).
This prevents the tow vehicle from throwing grass into TrailMower 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 (4582) to the swivel hitch with hitch pin (H11). Make certain
the hitch pin goes completely through each piece and is clipped to prevent
accidental separation. (FIGURE FOUR)
• Securely attach safety tether (6736) to tow vehicle and to the TrailMower
toggle switch located on right side of the engine. The safety tether will stop the
TrailMower engine either manually or if the two should become separated. It is
very important that the safety tether is securely attached to both the toggle
switch and to the tow vehicle. (FIGURE TWO)
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 staring 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.
TRANSPORTING MOWER
• Stop TrailMower.
• Place TrailMower 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.
6

• Set vehicle parking brake or chock wheels to prevent accidental rolling.
• Start engine properly.
• Slowly, engage blade control.
• In a safe 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 properly.
ENGAGING BLADES (without T-handle option, Standard)
The TrailMower will not start if the blade lever is in the “ENGAGED” position.
• Engage blades by rotating blade lever into the “ENGAGED” position.
• Rotate blade lever in opposite direction to disengage blade.
• The dual braking system is applied when the blades become disengaged. It is
designed to bring the blades to quick stop (approximately 7 seconds). Each
TrailMower brake system has been tested and calibrated. For safety, the
consumer should not alter the braking system.
ENGAGING BLADES (with T-handle option, for order information see detail)
The TrailMower will not start if the T-handle console is in the “ENGAGED”
position.
• Engage blades by pulling T-handle lever into its horizontal position.
• Return lever to its vertical position to disengage blades.
• The dual braking system is applied when the blades become disengaged. It
is designed to bring the blades to quick stop. Each TrailMower brake system
has been tested and calibrated. For safety, the consumer should not alter the
braking system.
STARTING THE ENGINE
See engine manufacturer’s recommendations for the type and amount of oil and fuel
used. Trail Mowers equipped with an electric start engine will need a battery (sold
separately). Swisher recommends using a standard “12N12A” battery.
• 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 or debris.
• Make sure toggle switch is not turned “OFF” and safety tether is attached.
• Set engine Throttle to “Run” position (Rabbit).
•Move the “Choke” Lever to the on position. (Cold engine only)
• With feet clear of mower deck, turn key switch to the “START” position; release
when engine begins to run (12volt models). Recoil models must use pull-rope.
Pull rope with a single fluid motion.
• Set engine throttle at maximum RPM.
• Allow engine to run a few moments before engaging blades.
BREAKING IN YOUR MOWER
CAUTION!
SHUT OFF MOWER ENGINE AND REMOVE SPARK PLUG WIRE FROM
SPARK PLUG BEFORE MAKING ANY ADJUSTMENTS TO THE MOWER.
7

• There is approximately 1 ½” to 4 ½” of height adjustment.
• Rotate height adjust crank handle(s) in a clockwise direction to lift the mower
deck. A counter-clockwise direction is used to lower the mower deck.
• For best results, see “SUGGESTED PRACTICE” section. Graduated scales
are for reference only, not the actual cutter height.
• Bring tow vehicle to a complete stop, shut off engine, and set parking brake.
• Disengage blades.
• Manually shut toggle switch and/or key switch to their “OFF” positions.
• Always remember to remove keys to avoid irresponsible usage. (Electric
Start models only)
• Adjust the cutting height.
• Double check vehicle to mower attachment.
• Start mower engine and set throttle to “FAST” for best cutting performance.
• Slowly engage blade clutch lever.
• Carefully mount vehicle and start mowing at a slow travel speed.
• 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.
• If the tow vehicle is not equipped with a mid-mount mower, we still
recommend offsetting the mower so that the tow vehicle does not crush the
grass.
• To change the offsetting position both ball-lock pins should be removed
(Figure One). The hitches will swivel around remaining bolts. Set hitches to
desired positions and return ball-lock pins, making sure they go thru the hitch
tubing and the semi-circled hole patterned plates.
• Remove bolts from the “L” hitch (H1), (SEE FIGURE FOUR).
• Raise or lower hitch section to obtain proper front to back adjustment.
• Re-install bolts in “L” hitch securely.
MOWER HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
• Make adjustments while TrailMower is not running.
FRONT TO BACK ADJUSTMENT
For best cutting results, the mowing deck should be raised to ¾” higher in the
rear.
• Make adjustments while TrailMower is not running.
TOW HITCH OFFSET
This TrailMower has been designed to operate offset from the center of the tow
vehicle or consecutively with another TrailMower, providing additional cutting width.
When offsetting the mower do so to the side opposite the discharge of the tow
vehicle.
STARTING TO MOW
STOPPING THE MOWING SESSION
8

SUGGESTED MOWING PRACTICES
• Operate mower 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.
• Mowing should be started with tow vehicle in low gear and increased only as safe
mowing conditions permit. Mowing 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
mowed twice. The second cut should be at 90 degrees to the first, if possible.
•Mowing thick or high grass: Raise rear of deck to ½” to ¾” above front of the
deck. See “FRONT TO BACK ADJUSTMENT”. When mowing thick or high grass,
it is recommended to cut area twice. The first at a higher setting and the second at the
desired lawn height.
•Creating a manicured lawn: Never cut more than 1/3 of the grass height in one
cutting.
GENERAL TROUBLE SHOOTING
The mower is not cutting level.
•Check air pressure of all tires; make sure they are equal. See tires for
maximum inflation.
• Make certain blades are installed identical, without the engine running.
The engine will not start.
• Disengage blades, turn toggle switch to “OFF” position, check battery and all
other electrical connections, and inspect spark plug and wire (FIGURE
THREE).
• 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.
Mower bounces excessively while towing.
• Lower tire pressure.
• Tow at a slower speed.
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.
9

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.
• Change the oil.
• See engine manufacturer’s recommendations for servicing.
STORAGE RECOMMENDATIONS
CAUTION! Do not store engine indoors or other poorly ventilated area. Keep
engine away from gas appliances and water heaters 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. Gum deposits can cause
malfunction in the engine.
· Store mower with blades disengaged to prevent belts from being permanently
stretched.
10