Swisher Predator Talon WBERC11524C User manual

OWNER’S
MANUAL
1602 CORPORATE DRIVE, WARRENSBURG MISSOURI 64093
PHONE [phone] FAX [phone]
MODEL NO.
Operation
Service and Adjustment
Repair Parts
REV 15-001
WBERC11524C
swisherinc.com
19900
STARTING SERIAL #:
L115-001001
Read and follow all
Safety Precautions
and Instructions
before operating this
equipment.
IMPORTANT
PREDATOR TALON
COMMERCIAL PRO
24” WALK BEHIND
12V ROUGH CUT
Made In The
USA
of US and Global Parts

2
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 (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:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARRANTY………………....….2
INTRODUCTION………………..3
SAFETY..……………………….3-4
PRE-OPERATING..….……..……4
OPERATION.……………………….5-7
DECALS…..………….……………….8
PARTS BREAKDOWN…………….9-13
MAINTENANCE LOG..……………..15
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.
2) 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.
3) 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 24” Walk BehindRough Cut. Before
operating your Walk Behind, please read, understand and follow all of the safety
precautions and other instructions explained in this manual. As with all power
equipment, lawn mowers can be potentially dangerous if not properly used.
3
• 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!
• 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 blade when not mowing. Before leaving the machine, turn off the blade
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.
• 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.
• Mower 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.
• Disengage spark plug wire and place where it cannot make a connection.
• 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.
• Reconnect spark plug wire.
• Refer to pages 5-7 in this manual for proper operating procedures.
PRE-OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
4

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 mower 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.
OPERATING YOUR NEW WALK BEHIND
INTENDED USE
This is not a lawn mower. The Predator Talon is designed for cutting overgrown brush,
weeds, and other types of organic growth. This unit is capable of clearing small saplings
of 1.5” in diameter or less at a height of approximately 4”.
PROPULSION
The Predator Talon is self-propelled and is controlled by a “GROUND CONTROL”
lever. To engage the drive, put the transaxle in a gear and activate the left lever.
Releasing the lever will disengage the self-propel.
Under most conditions cutting should be done in a low gear (1st or 2nd). Upper gears
should be used for conditions where weeds and brush are thinned out or not as tall. In
confined areas the machine can be pushed forwards or backwards by releasing the
“GROUND CONTROL” lever, placing the transaxle in neutral, and pushing the
machine.
TRAVEL SPEED
Speed can be varied by choosing a higher or lower gear using the gearshift lever at the
rear of the machine or by changing the engine speed with the engine throttle. Do not
adjust speed with the blade engaged. To shift the cutter into reverse, release “GROUND
CONTROL” lever, disengage blade, and rotate the shift lever to the left. When the lever
stops, lift up the reverse lockout latch and continue to move the shift lever to the left until
it stops again.
ENGAGING BLADE
An “OPERATOR PRESENCE” lever and a “BLADE ENGAGE DRIVE” control work
together to engage the blade. Both devices must be activated before the blade will work.
Releasing the “OPERATOR PRESENCE” lever will disengage both the blade and the
“BLADE ENGAGE DRIVE” control.
5

STARTING THE ENGINE
See engine manufacturer’s recommendations for the type and amount of oil and fuel used.
Engine must be level to accurately check and fill oil. Do not overfill.
• Make sure unit is level, blade is disengaged, and transaxle in “NEUTRAL”
• Check spark plug wire, oil level, and fuel level.
• Check all electrical connections for build-up of debris.
• Move throttle control to “FAST”, or “CHOKE” if choke is needed.
• For recoil starting, turn ignition key to the “ON”
position and pull rope with a
single fluid motion. For electric starting, turn the key to the “START” position.
• Set engine throttle control to “FAST”. The throttle must be set in the fast position for
maximum performance.
STOPPING
• Bring the Walk Behind to a complete stop by releasing the “GROUND CONTROL”
lever (left).
• Disengage mower blade by releasing the “BLADE ENGEGE DRIVE” control (right).
• Reduce engine idle speed, and allow engine to run momentarily for cooling.
• Place transaxle in the “NEUTRAL” position.
• Turn the ignition key to “OFF” position.
BREAKING IN YOUR WALK BEHIND
• Start engine properly.
• Slowly engage blade control.
• Under supervision, allow blade to rotate and engine to idle for 5 minutes.
• Disengage blade.
• Shift through each gear. While in each gear engage the “GROUND CONTROL” lever
and travel 20 yards to ensure transaxle works properly.
BEGIN CUTTING
• Make sure area is clear of all bystanders.
• Make sure that all guards, belt guides, and the spark plug wire are properly attached.
• Start engine, set engine throttle control at maximum engine idle speed for best results.
• Allow engine to run a few moments and slowly engage blade.
• Move transaxle into low gear and activate “GROUND CONTROL” lever.
• Turning is done by rotating the handles left or right. This machine has significant
weight and may take more effort to turn than one may expect. Turning could take
practice.
BACKING UP
• Disengage blade.
• Check behind you for safety.
• Move transaxle into “REVERSE” position.
• Activate “GROUND CONTROL” lever.
6
IMPORTANT: This engine is not equipped with a spark arrester muffler. It is a violation of
California Public Resource Code Section 4442 to use or operate the engine on any forest-covered,
brush-covered, or grass-covered land. Other states or federal areas may have similar laws.

TRANSPORTING
• Shut off engine.
• Secure in place while unit is being transported.
• Unit should be left in low gear to avoid any slight rolling.
SUGGESTED PRACTICES
• Always operate engine at full throttle when cutting to assure the best cutting
performance and proper discharge of material.
• If grass is wet, allow it to dry. Wet grass clumps will collect on the bottom of the
deck.
• Go slow when cutting dense areas. Some dense areas may need to be gone over
twice. Better results occur if the second cut is 90 degrees to the first cut.
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.
• Check tires for proper inflation. See tires for maximum inflation.
- Rear tire valve stems are located on the inside of the wheel rim.
- Front tire valve stems should be turned to avoid contact with caster yoke.
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 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 machine.
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.
7

SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL DECALS
Replace decal immediately if damaged. Order by part number from Swisher.
20076--SWISHER FLAG DECAL
OD55--DANGER DECAL OD45--WARNING DECAL
OD83--RN1234 SHIFT DECAL 10749--REVERSE LOCK DECAL
20000--Commercial Pro Decal
8
OD99112--LARGE LOGO WHITE DECAL
OD99156--SMALL LOGO WHITE DECAL
19722-- Predator Talon LH Decal
19732-- Predator Talon RH Decal
DECALS NOT SHOWN

Item # Description Part # Item # Description Part #
1 Guard - Engine, Cover 19888* 10 Pad - Battery BATPAD
2 Guard - Engine, Right 19886* 11 Bolt - Serr Flange, 5/16-18 X 1 10548
3 Bolt - Serr Flange 5/16-18 X 3/4 NB596 12 Cover - Belt 19889*
4 Clip - Tinnerman 5/16-18 3706 13 Nut - Serr Flange 5/16-18 NB170
5 Guard - Engine, Left 19885* 14 Channel - Side, Right 19211*
6 Guard - Engine, Front 19884* 15 Channel - Side, Left 19212*
7 Strap - Tarp, 9" AS013 16 Clip - Nylon 1/2" NB683
8 Hook - Tarp Strap AS049 17 Bolt - Serr Flange, 5/16-18 X 2 1/4 NB622
9 Battery (Not Included) N/A 18 Mount - Handle Height Adjust 19214*
ASSEMBLY DETAIL
9
When ordering replacement parts
*USE PAINT CODE: TK=BLACK
Tip: Valve stems should be turned
to avoid contact with caster yoke.

ENGINE & PULLEY ASSEMBLY
10
Important: Spring
must be hooked in
Idler Arm as shown.
Install Transmission Cable
(Not Shown) in Idler Arm
before installing Idler Arm
to Motor Plate.
When ordering replacement parts
*USE PAINT CODE: TK=BLACK
NOT SHOWN
Description Part #
Harness - Wiring 19893
Wire - Alternator 19894
Item # Description Part #
1 Bolt - Serr Flange, 5/16-18 X1 1/4 NB253
2 Nut - Nyloc 5/16-18 NB181
3 Nut - Serr Flange 5/16-18 NB170
4 Bolt - Serr Flange, 5/16-18 X 1 10548
5 Screw - HX Tek 1/4 X 3/4 NB161
6 Solenoid - 3 Pole 1002004
7 Bolt - Serr Flange, 5/16-18 X 1 3/4 NB515
8 Weldment - Belt Retention 10767
9 Bolt - Serr Flange, 5/16-18 X 3/4 NB596
10 Spacer - Engine Pulley BB105S
11 Key Stock - 1/4 X 1/2 4258
12 Pulley - Engine, 2.5" 2411
13 Engine Pulley- 4.25"OD,1 1/4 ID BB105
14 Washer - Belleville 7/16 X 1 1/4 699
15 Nut - 2 Way Lock 3/8-16 NB280
16 Pulley - Idler, OD-2.16", ID-3/8" B27
17 Belt - Transmission, 35" 690
18 Washer - 1 X 1 1/2 NB614HT
19 Key Stock - 1/4 X 1 9031
20 Washer - .531IDX1 1/2OD TR150W
21 Bolt - HCF, 7/16-20 X 1 1/2 NB637
22 Engine B&S Recoil/12V St W/Gas Tank N/A
23 Valve - Oil Drain 16000
24 Nut - Serr Flange, 1/4-20 NB524
25 Plate - Motor Base 19213*
26 Washer - SAE Flat 3/8 NB272
27 Bolt - 3/8-16 X 1 1/2 NB107
28 Spring T2SM
29 Bolt - 1/4-20 X 3/4 NB250
30 Arm - Transmission Idler 10671*
31 Bushing - Idler 6037
32 Bolt - 3/8-16 X 1 NB604