Swisher Predator WB924 User manual

THE PREDATOR
THE PREDATORTHE PREDATOR
THE PREDATOR
24
2424
24”
””
” ROUGH CUT
ROUGH CUT ROUGH CUT
ROUGH CUT
WALK BEHIND CUTTER
WALK BEHIND CUTTERWALK BEHIND CUTTER
WALK BEHIND CUTTER
OWNER’S
MANUAL
1602 CORPORATE DRIVE, P.O. BOX 67, WARRENSBURG, MISSOURI 64093
PHONE [phone] FAX [phone]
MODEL NO.
Manufacturing quality lawn care equipment since 1945
Operation
Service and Adjustment
Repair Parts
Made In The
USA
Rev. 04-154
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions
before operating this
equipment.
WB924
swisherinc.com
ONWB924

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 two (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
SAFE SLOPE GUIDE..………………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 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 This product is not intended for commercial use and carries no
commercial warranty.
3) 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 Mower Co., Inc., that has been subject to alteration,
misuse, abuse, improper assembly or installation, shipping damage, or
to normal wear of product.
4) 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” Rough Cut Walk Behind Cutter.
Before operating your cutter, please read, understand and follow all of the safety
precautions and other instructions explained in this manual. As with all power
equipment, lawnmowers 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 Owner’s Manual pp. 5-7) 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 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.
OPERATING YOUR NEW CUTTER
INTENDED USE
This is not a lawn mower. The Predator is designed for cutting overgrown brush, weeds,
and other types of organic growth. This unit is capable of clearing small saplings of 1-
1/2” in diameter or less.
PROPULSION
The Predator is self-propelled, and is controlled by a “GROUND CONTROL” bail. To
engage the drive, put the transaxle in a gear and activate the lower bail. Releasing the bail
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” bail, placing the transaxle in neutral, and pushing the machine.
TRAVEL 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”
bail, 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.
Blade will not engage while cutter is in the “reverse” gear.
ENGAGING BLADE
An “OPERATOR PRESENCE” bail and a “BLADE ENGAGE” lever control work
together to engage the Predator’s blade. Both devices must be activated before the blade
will work. Releasing the “OPERATOR PRESENCE” bail will disengage both the blade
and the “BLADE ENGAGE” lever.
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.
• Set engine throttle to “CHOKE” position.
• Turn key to the “ON” 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.
STOPPING
• Bring cutter to a complete stop.
• Disengage mower blade.
• Reduce engine idle speed, and allow engine to run momentarily for cooling.
• Place transaxle in the “NEUTRAL” position.
• Turn key to the “OFF” position.
• Remove keys to avoid irresponsible usage.
CUTTER HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
• There are two height settings; 3.5” AND 4.5”.
• Place two 6” wooden blocks under the deck on the side being adjusted.
• Remove nuts and bolts from the side runner.
• Slide runner down to the other position.
• Replace the nuts and bolts making certain they tightened securely.
• Repeat for the other side. Runners should be at the same height.
BREAKING IN YOUR CUTTER
• 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” 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 desired engine speed.
• Slowly, engage blade.
• Move transaxle into low gear and activate “GROUND CONTROL” bail.
• 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 safety behind you.
• Move transaxle into “REVERSE” position.
• Activate “GROUND CONTROL” bail.
6

TRANSPORTING
• Disengage blade.
• Shut off engine and remove keys.
• Using 3 persons to lift cutter is recommended.
• 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.
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 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 while on the cutter.
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 Mower and Machine Co. Inc.
OD39--SWISHER FLAG DECAL
OD55--DANGER DECAL OD45--WARNING DECAL
OD99--OFF/RUN DECAL
OD29--DANGER DECAL
OD83--RN1234 Shift Decal
OD84--Neutral Lock Decal
DECALS NOT SHOWN
OD85--Predator LH Decal
OD86--Predator RH Decal
OD9BS-04--Briggs 9hp Decal
OD71--New Serial # Decal
OD87--Rugged Cut 24 4SP Trans White Decal
8

OVERALL ASSEMBLY
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9
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SEE DETAIL
PAGE 12
When ordering replacement parts
* = USE PAINT CODE:
TC=TEX.RED,S=SILVER,TK=TEX.BLACK
14
Item # Description Part #
1 #14 X 3/4 HX Tek Screw ZP NB161
2 Front Cover 2418TC
3 5/16-18 X 3/4 Serr. Flng Bolt NB596
4 5/16-18 Serr. Flng Nut NB170
5 Motor Base Weldment 2450TC
6 5/16 USS Flat Washer ZP NB556
7 5/16-18 X 2 1/2 HCC GR5 ZP NB138
8 Walk Behind Handle 2402TK
9 1/4-20 X 1 1/4 HCC GR5 ZP NB560
10 1/4-20 Nylok Nut NB180
11 Upper & Lower Bail Assembly 4296TK
Drive Bail Assembly 4291TK
Blade Bail Assembly 4294TK
12 1/4-20 X 2 1/2 Flange Bolt NB208
13 Latching Drive Control 4295
14 Transmission Cable 2432

ENGINE-PULLEY ASSEMBLY
BELT
CONFIGURATION
WIRING
CONFIGURATION
1
513
10
6
3
314
11
12
8
42
4
9
7
Goes in Rear
Mounting Hole
2
2
2
2
NOT ACTUAL ENGINE
USED (REF. ONLY)
Item # Description Part #
1 5/16-18 X 1 1/4 Serr. Flange Bolt NB253
2 5/16-18 Serr. Flange Nut NB170
3 5/16 USS Flat WasherZP NB556
4 5/16-18 X 2 1/4 Serr.Flange GR5 ZP NB622
5 Belt Guide 2413
6 Engine PulleySpacerLong 1.5" 689L
7 Engine Pulley- 2.5" 2411
8 1/4 X 1/2 KeyStock 4258
9 1 X 1 1/2 10GA Washer NB614HT
10 Engine Pulley- 4.25"OD,1 1/4 ID BB105
11 Washer Belleville 699
12 7/16-20 X 1 1/2 HCF GR5 ZP NYLOC NB637
13 Transmission Belt-32" 2414
14 5/16-18 X 3 1/2 Carriage Bolt NB517
15 Engine B&S Recoil St W/Gas Tank N/A
16 1/4-20 X 3/4 GR5 ZP NB250
17 Belt Guide Weldment 2451TK
18 1/4-20 Flange Nut NB524
15
SSB
9113
10
When ordering replacement parts
* = USE PAINT CODE:
TC=TEX.RED,S=SILVER,TK=TEX.BLACK
2470 2471
KSM
BROWN
RED
GREEN
2472
BROWN
16
17
18
6114 – BLADE PULLEY

11
Item # Description Part #
1 Spring 2069
2 Rear Cover Latch 2417TC
3 1/4-20 X 1 HCC GR5 ZP NB102
4 1/4-20 Flange Nut NB524
5 Handle Grip 2077
6 Rear Cover Weldment 2691TC
7 Spacer B99S
8 5/16-18 Nyloc Nut NB181
9 5/16-18 X 1 HCC GR5 ZP NB501
1
2
3
4
4
4
5
9
3
4
4
4
6
7
8
Item # Description Part #
1 3/8-16 2-Way Lock Nut NB280
2 Idler PulleyOD-2.16", ID-3/8" B27
3 Trans Idler Arm 2460TK
4 3/8-16 X 1 1/2 HCC GR5 ZP NB107
5 1/2-13 2-WayJam Lock Nut NB121
6 1/2-13 Nut GR2 ZP NB213Z
7 Spring T2SM
8 Wire Link BRS6H
9 1/2-13 X 3 HCC GR5 Bolt ZP NB131
10 3/8 SAE Washer NB272
REAR COVER ASSEMBLY
TRANSMISSION IDLER ASSEMBLY
3
4
1
2
6
7
98
5
6
When ordering replacement parts
* = USE PAINT CODE:
TC=TEX.RED,S=SILVER,TK=TEX.BLACK
10

Item # Description Part #
1 3/4-16 Jam Nut NB175
2 1.5x.761x.098x.134 Belleville Washer AS155
3 Blade Pulley-5.5" 6114
4 Pulley Spacer 12823
5 3/4 ID X 1 1/4 OD 18 GA Washer NB179
6 Blade Bearing B98
7 Blade Shaft 6"- Long Shoulder 9078
8 1/4-20 X 1 HCC GR5 ZP NB102
9 1/4-20 X 3/4 GR5 ZP NB250
10 Blade Bearing Housing 9091TK
11 Wire Link BRS6H
12 1/4-20 Nylok Nut NB180
13 3/8-24 Two Way Locknut NB216
14 Blade Mount Plate 9008
15 Blade 24" 9016
16 SP Washer Bellvl. PLN.413 X .945 X .118 NB607
17 3/8-24 X 1 Bolt NB238
18 3/8-24 X 1 Engine Bolt Locktite NB238N
19 Blade Driver Assy 9083
Item # Description Part #
1 3/8-16 2-WayLock Nut NB280
2 3/8-16 HNC GR2 ZP NB212
3 3/8 Hardened Washer NB196
4 Torsion Brake Spring BT297
5 Brake Pad-Cylindrical 9114
6 3/16 Pal Nut NB277
7 Brake Pad Retainer Spring BP370S
8 3/8-16 X 3 HTC GR5 ZP NB164
9 Sgl Jk Chn, Zps, Sz12, 16# AS080
10 3/8-16 Jam Nut NB174
11 Pulley, Idler Clutch, 2 3/4 OD T30V
12 3/8 SAE Washer NB272
14 Idler Pulley OD-3.25", ID-3/8" B527
15 1/2-13 X 3 HCC GR5 Bolt ZP NB131
16 Blade Idler Weldment 2454TK
17 Finger for Belt Release T30F
18 3/8-16 X 1 1/2 HCC GR5 ZP NB107
19 1/2-13 Nut GR2 ZP NB213Z
20 1/2-13 2-WayJam Lock Nut NB121
21 SafetySwitch Assy- BrownWires SSB
22 6-32 X 5/8 SS Screw MSC NB259
12
1
3
4
56
6
7
9
8
2
10
12 12
5
13
14
15
16
17
17
18
11
13
19
BLADE DRIVER ASSEMBLY
BRAKE ASSEMBLY
3
11
1
2
3
2
3
1
4
3
5
678
2
9
9
10
22
12
14
16
15
17
18
18
19
19
20
21
22
When ordering replacement parts
* = USE PAINT CODE:
TC=TEX.RED,S=SILVER,TK=TEX.BLACK

PAGE 12
Item # Description Part #
1 BrushGuard Weldment 2448TK
2 5/16-18 X 3/4 Serr Flng Bolt NB596
3 Rubber Flap Support 2424TK
4 Rubber Debris Guard 2406
5 5/16-18 Serrated Flng Nut NB170
6 Deck Weldment 2449TC
7 Skid Weldment 2447TK
Item # Description Part #
1 5/16-18 X 1/2 SSC WithLoctite H NB312
2 TransmissionPulley- 8" 2410
3 1/4 SAE Washer NB274
4 1/4-28 X 3/4 GR5 ZP NB620
5 5/16-18 X 3/4 SerrFlng Bolt NB596
6 Shift Lever Weldment 2457TC
7 TransmissionLever Grip 2427
8 Shift Lever 2423TC
9 5/16-18 Serrated Flng Nut NB170
10 6-32 X 5/8 SS Screw MSC NB259
11 SafetySwitchWeldment 2465TK
12 1/4-20 X 3/4 GR5 ZP NB250
13 SafetySwitch 9113
14 SglJk Chn,Zps, Sz12, 16# AS080
15 Transaxle 5 Spd. with Brake/NO SHIP 4256
16 3/4ID X 1 1/4OD 10 GA.Washer NB184
17 3/16 X 1 1/2 KeyStock 2434
18 Wheel Assy. Left 4.8x8 2401L
Wheel Assy. Right 4.8X8 2401R
19 3/4 E-Style Retaining Ring NB621
20 Wheel Assy. Snow 15x5.00x6 (OPTIONAL) 2415
13
1
2
345
5
55
5
5
5
52
2
2
2
2
6
7
MOWER DECK ASSEMBLY
5
1
2
7
34
6
8
910
11
3
12
13
14
15 16
17
18
16
19
20
TRANSAXLE ASSEMBLY
OPPOSITE SIDE HAS (1) NB184
ON THE INSIDE, AND (1)
NB179 ON THE OUTSIDE.
When ordering replacement parts
* = USE PAINT CODE:
TC=TEX.RED,S=SILVER,TK=TEX.BLACK

NOTES:
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14

15

OWNER’S
MANUAL
MODEL NO.
PREDATOR
24” WALK BEHIND
Each cutter has its own model number. Each engine has its
own model number. The model number for the cutter will be
found on the right hand side of the drive belt housing. The
model number for the engine will be found on the top of the
blower fan housing.
All cutter parts listed herein may be ordered directly from
Swisher Mower & Machine Co. Inc. or your nearest Swisher
dealer.
All engine parts may be ordered from the nearest dealer of the
engine supplied with your cutter.
WHEN ORDERING PARTS, PLEASE HAVE THE
FOLLOWING INFORMATION AVAILABLE:
* PRODUCT – WALK BEHIND PREDATOR
* SERIAL NUMBER - _______________
* MODEL NUMBER - _______________
* ENGINE MODEL NUMBER - _______________
TYPE - _______________
* PART NUMBER
* PART DESCRIPTION
TELEPHONE - 1-800-222-8183
FAX - 1-660-747-8650
SWISHER MOWER & MACHINE CO. INC.
1602 CORPORATE DRIVE P.O. BOX 67
WARRENSBURG, MO 64093
SWISHER MOWER & MACHINE CO. INC.
swisherinc.com
WB924