Swisher Predator WB924 User manual

THE PREDATOR
24” ROUGH CUT
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
Assembly
Operation
Service and Adjustment
Repair Parts
Made In The
USA
Rev. 01.22.03
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions
before operating this
equipment.
WB924
swisherinc.com
ONWB924

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 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 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 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. Shoul d
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 o f 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.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND DECALS
• 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 accidentally 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. Keep clear of the discharge
opening at all times.
• Do not mow in reverse. Always look down and behind before and while backing.
• 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.
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 is capable of amputating hands and
feet, and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could
result in serious injury or death.

• 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.
• 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.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND DECALS
Replace decal immediately if damaged. Order by part number from Swisher Mower and Machine Co. Inc.
OD45 –WARNING DECAL D55 –DANGER DECAL
D29 –SPINNING BLADE DECAL
The operation of any cutter 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 before starting 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

OPERATING YOUR NEW CUTTER (Cont)
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 blades 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 and continue to turn it to the left until it stops again. Blade
will not engage while cutter is in the “reverse” gear.
BLADE ENGAGE
An “OPERATOR PRESENCE” bail and a “BLADE ENGAGE” lever control engaging
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.
STARTING THE ENGINE
• See engine manufacturer’s instructions for the type and amount of oil and fuel
used. Engine must be level to accurately check and fill oil.
• Make sure unit is level, blades disengaged, and transaxle in “NEUTRAL”.
• Check spark plug wire, oil, and fuel.
• Turn key switch to the “ON” position.
• Set engine idle to the “CHOKE” position.
• With feet clear of cutter deck, pull engine coil rope. Do not pull rope recklessly.
• Set engine speed by moving “CHOKE” to the desired RPM.

STOPPING
• Bring cutter to a complete stop.
• Disengage the blade.
• Place transaxle in the “NEUTRAL” position.
• Turn key to “OFF” position.
• Remove keys to avoid irresponsible usage.
CUTTER HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
• There are two height settings.
• Place two 6” wooden blocks under the deck on the side being adjusted.
• Remove nuts and bolts from the side runner.
• Slide runner to the other position.
• Replace the nuts and bolts making certain they are secure.
• Repeat to other side. Runners should be at the same height.
BREAKING IN YOUR CUTTER
• Start engine properly.
• Slowly, engage blade control.
• Under supervision, allow blades to rotate and engine to idle for 5 minutes.
• Disengage blades.
• 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, setting 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.
CAUTION!
Disconnect spark
plug wire and place
the wire where it
cannot connect the
spark plug before
servicing unit.
CAUTION!
Chock wheels
when parking
on a hillside.

BACKING UP
• Disengage blade.
• Check safety behind you.
• Move transaxle into “REVERSE” position.
• Activate “GROUND CONTROL” bail.
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 out. 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.
BLADE IDLER(2455) & BRAKE CONFIGURATION(2462)

OVERALL ASSEMBLY
Some parts are grouped together in the
REPLACEMENT PARTS list (i.e. nuts, bolts,
washers, etc.)
Snow Hog
Power Trax
TRANSMISSION IDLER CONFIGURATION

ENGINE-PULLEY CONFIGURATION
BLADE
CONFIGURATION
BELT
CONFIGURATION
WIRING
CONFIGURATION

REPLACEMENT PARTS
ITEM NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION ITEM NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION
1SEE DETAIL ENGINE PULLEY CONFIGURATION 25 T30F FINGER BELT GUIDE
22450* MOTOR BASE WELDMENT 26 NB213Z 1/2-13 NUT
2451* ADJUSTABLE BELT GUIDE 27 NB566 3/8-16 NUT
32418* FRONT GUARD 28 NB107 3/8-16 X 1 1/2 BOLT
NB310 1/4-20 X 1/2 SSC BOLT 29 NB182 3/8-16 NYLOC NUT
52448TK BRUSH GUARD 30 T30V V-BELT IDLER PULLEY
6NB596 5/16-18 X 3/4 FLANGE BOLT 31 NB275 5/16 SAE WASHER
7NB503 5/16-18 X 1 3/4 BOLT 32 B527 4" IDLER PULLEY
82449* DECK WELDMENT 33 NB164 3/8-16 X 3 BOLT
92406 RUBBER DEBRIS GUARD 34 BP370S BRAKE SPRING CLIP
10 2424TK RUBBER FLAP STRAP 35 9039 BRAKE PAD
11 2692* REAR COVER ASSEMBLY 36 BT297 BRAKE SPRING
2691* REAR COVER WELDMENT 37 2454TK BLADE IDLER WELDMENT
2417* REAR COVER LATCH 38 NB131 1/2-13 X 3 BOLT
2069 EXTENSION SPRING 39 2460TK TRANSAXLE IDLER WELDMENT
NB501 5/16-18 X 1 BOLT 40 B27 FLAT SIDE IDLER PULLEY
NB170 5/16-18 NUT 41 2462 SEE …BRAKE ASSY DETAIL
B99S SPACER 43 9092 SAFETY SWITCH
2077 YELLOW PLASTIC GRIP 44 NB621 E-CLIPS
12 SEE DETAIL BLADE CONFIGURATION 45 NB524 1/4-20 FLANGE NUT
BA50 BA 50 BELT NB154Z 1/4-20 X 3/4 BOLT
13 SEE DETAIL BLADE IDLER…CONFIG. 46 2434 3/16 X 1 1/2 KEYSTOCK
14 2410 TRANSAXLE PULLEY 47 T2SM SPRING
NB192 SET SCREW 48 NB517 5/16-18 X 1 3/4 CARRIAGE BOLT
2414 TRANSAXLE BELT 49 BB105S ENGINE PULLEY SPACER
15 2447TK SKID RUNNER 50 2437 1/4 X 1 1/2 KEYSTOCK
51 BB105 LOWER ENGINE PULLEY
17 2401L / 2401R POWER TRAX TIRE/WHEEL (SHOWN) 52 699 BELLEVILLE WASHER
2415 SNOW HOG TIRE/WHEEL 53 NB166 3/8-24 X 1 1/4 BOLT
18 2412 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE 54 2411 UPPER ENGINE PULLEY
19 2422TK SAFETY SWITCH MOUNT 55 2413 BELT GUIDE
NB250 1/4-20 X 3/4 BOLT 56 NB175 3/4-16 JAM NUT
20 2456 GEARSHIFT LEVER 57 6114 BLADE DRIVE PULLEY
2427 GEARSHIFT GRIP 58 NB179 THIN WASHER
2423* GEARSHIFT MOUNT 59 6104RS PULLEY SPACER
NB596 5/16-18 X 3/4 FLANGE BOLT 60 9078 BLADE SHAFT
NB503 5/16-18 X 1 3/4 BOLT 61 9091TK STRONG BEARING HOUSING
NB620 1/4-28 X 3/4 BOLT 62 B98 SEALED BEARING
21 2402TK HANDLE 63 NB179 THIN WASHER
22 4291TK BLADE ENGAGE BAIL 64 NB216 3/8-24 CENTER LOCK NUT
23 4294TK GROUND CONTROL BAIL 65 9008 BLADE MOUNT PLATE
2432 TRANSAXLE CABLE 66 90916 24" TOUGH BLADE
24 4254 BLADE LATCH & CABLE ASSY 67 NB166 3/8-24 X 1 1/4 BOLT
NB278 1/4-20 X 1 3/4 BOLT 68 NB607 BELLEVILLE WASHER SERRATED
NB180 1/4-20 NYLOC NUT 69 NB238 3/8-24 X 1 BOLT
* = Paint Code
C = Red
TK = Black

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