Swisher POL10544HD User manual

44” ROUGH CUT
TRAILMOWER
OWNER’S
MANUAL
1602 CORPORATE DRIVE, P.O. BOX 67, WARRENSBURG, MISSOURI 640 3
PHONE [phone] FAX [phone]
MODEL NO.
RT105441
RT800441
POL10544HD
RTB105441
Manufacturing quality lawn care equipment since 1 45
Assembly
Operation
Service and Adjustment
Repair Parts
Made In The
USA
Rev. 0 .25.03
ONRT44
swisherinc.com

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 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 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. Shoul
d
you ha e any questions concerning this warranty, please contact us toll-free at 1-800-748-
7108.
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 o
f consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty
may last, so the abo e limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gi es you
specific legal rights and you may ha e other rights, which ary from state-to-state. This
is a
limited warranty as defined by the Magnuson-Moss Act of 1975.

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.

•
Turn off the blades when not mowing. Before lea ing 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 ibrates excessi ely. Excessi e ibration 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 o erturns 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.
• Ne er tamper with safety de ices. Check their proper operation regularly.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.
• Ne er make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blades or wear glo es, and use
extra caution when ser icing them.

SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL DECALS
Replace decal immediately if damaged. Order by part number from
Swisher Mower and Machine Co. Inc.
OD55-DANGER DECAL
OD45-WARNING DECAL
OD20-CAUTION DECAL
OD28-OFF/ON DECAL
OD10-ENGAGE DECAL
OD99116-MED. SILVER LOGO DECAL

SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL DECALS
Replace decal immediately if damaged. Order by part number from
Swisher Mower and Machine Co. Inc.
0D82-44 RUGGED CUT DECAL
OD29- DANGER DECAL

OPERATING YOUR TRAILMOWER
INTENDED USE
The 44” Rugged Cut TrailMower is designed to clear dense areas of grass and cut
saplings up to 1 inch thick on golf courses and small estates. It is not intended to create a
finish cut on lawns. Your TrailMower should be towed behind an ATV, golf cart, lawn
tractor, or other appro ed ehicle. It is not recommended for speeds exceeding 5 MPH.
ATTACHING TRAILMOWER TO TOW VEHICLE
• Back ehicle up to desired towing position.
• Offset the TrailMower to the side opposite the tow ehicle discharge (if any).
This pre ents the tow ehicle from throwing grass into TrailMower engine.
• Bolt swi el hitch (H10) to ehicle tow recei er. If tow ehicle has a ball hitch,
the ball must be remo ed before swi el hitch can be fastened.
• Attach tow hitch and the “L” hitch (4866 & H1) to the swi el hitch. The hitch pin
(H11) should go completely through both the swi el and “L” hitches and clipped
to pre ent accidental separation. Check that all hardware is secure at both the tow
ehicle and the TrailMower.
TRANSPORTING MOWER
• Stop TrailMower.
• Place TrailMower deck in its highest position.
• When transporting unattached from tow ehicle, remo e spark plug wire and
place it where it cannot contact the spark plug.
ENGAGING BLADES
The TrailMower will not start if the T-handle console is in the “ENGAGED” position.
• Engage blades by pulling T-handle le er into its horizontal position.
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.

•
Return le er to its ertical position to disengage blades.
• The 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.
STARTING THE ENGINE
See engine manufacturer’s recommendations for the type and amount of oil and fuel
used.
• Make sure the tow ehicle parking brake is set, mower is le el, and blades are
disengaged. Engine must be le el to accurately check and fill oil. Do not o erfill.
• Check spark plug wire, oil, and fuel.
• Check all electrical connections for build-up of debris.
• Set engine idle to “CHOKE” position.
• Pull rope with a single fluid motion.
• Set engine idle at maximum RPM for best performance.
• Allow engine to run a few moments before engaging blades.
BREAKING IN YOUR MOWER
• Set the ehicle parking brake and chock the wheels to pre ent accidental rolling.
• While the engine is running, slowly, engage blade control.
• In a safe en ironment, 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 mower.
FRONT TO BACK ADJUSTMENT
For best cutting results, the mowing 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 ehicle and
TrailMower are connected.
• Remo e bolts and nuts from the “L” hitch (H1).
• Raise or lower hitch section to obtain proper front to back adjustment.
• Connect bolts and nuts in “L” hitch securely.
MOWER HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
• There is approximately 3 inches of height adjustment.
• Rotate height adjust crank handle in a clockwise direction to lift the mower deck.
A counter-clockwise direction is used to lower the mower deck.
• Dense areas of grass should be cut twice.
• Push handle down to lock height position.
CAUTION: SHUT OFF THE MOWER ENGINE AND REMOVE SPARK
PLUG WIRE FROM SPARK PLUG BEFORE MAKING ANY
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE MOWER.

TOW HITCH OFFSET
• When offsetting the mower do so to the side opposite the discharge of the tow
ehicle.
• Swisher recommends if the tow ehicle is equipped with a mid-mount mower to
o erlap the cut approximately 6”. This may ary depending on mowing terrain,
obstacles, and/or tow ehicle. Always keep safety the first priority.
• Always keep the tow ehicle cutter raised higher than the TrailMower.
• If the tow ehicle is not equipped with a mid-mount mower, we still recommend
offsetting the mower so that the tow ehicle does not crush the grass.
STARTING TO MOW
• Adjust the cutting height.
• Double check ehicle to mower attachment.
• Start mower engine and set throttle to “FAST” for best cutting performance.
• Slowly engage T-handle le er.
• Carefully mount ehicle and start mowing at a slow tra el speed.
STOPPING THE MOWING SESSION
• Bring tow ehicle to a complete stop, set the parking brake and disengage blades.
• Turn engines “OFF”.
• Always remember to remo e keys to a oid irresponsible usage.
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 ehicle in low gear and increased only as safe
mowing conditions permit. Mowing speed should not exceed 5 MPH.
• Better results occur when mowing areas with the least amount of growth.
Although your TrailMower will cut through dense areas of growth you will
experience increased horsepower while mowing areas of less growth.
• For a healthier lawn and better aesthetics, your lawn should be mowed often and
after moderate growth.
•
Mowing conditions and the types of grass will ary from place to place. You may
find when mowing dense areas that the pressure of the wheel tracks may cause the
grass to be pushed down and not effecti ely mowed. If this happens you may
want to mow the area twice. Once with the mower raised and the second mowing
at the desired height. The second mowing should be at a right angle from the
pre ious for best results.
• Reducing the tra el speed will help mow 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 mow areas that the tow ehicle cannot maneu er through and/or
slopes that you do not feel comfortable riding.

GENERAL TROUBLE SHOOTING
The mower is not cutting le el.
• Le el deck, making sure the side crank-handles are equal.
• 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 excessi ely 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.
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