Swisher QUADBOSS QBFC14560 User manual

60” FINISH CUT
TRAIL MOWER
OWNER’S
MANUAL
1602 Corporate Dr., WARRENS URG, MO 64093
PHONE [phone] FAX [phone]
MODEL NO.
Q FC14560
QFC18560
Manufacturing quality lawn care equipment since 1945
Assembly
Operation
Service and Adjustment
Repair Parts
Made In The
USA
18372 REV 12-341
STARTING SERIAL #:
L112-341001
Read and follow all
Safety Precautions
and Instructions
before operating this
equipment.
IMPORTANT

LIMITED WARRANTY
The manufacturer’s warranty t the riginal c nsumer purchaser is: This pr duct is free
fr m defects in materials and w rkmanship f r a peri d f ne (1) year fr m the date f
purchase by the riginal c nsumer purchaser. As required by § 1060.120, the fuel system
related c mp nents, which have been certified t this equipment by SAI are t be free f
defects in material and w rkmanship f r a peri d f tw (2) years fr m the date f purchase
by the riginal c nsumer purchaser. We will repair r replace, at ur discreti n, parts f und
t be defective due t materials r w rkmanship. This warranty is subject t the f ll wing
limitati ns and exclusi ns:
1) Engine Warranty All engines utilized n ur pr ducts have a separate
warranty extended t them by the individual engine
manufacturer. Any engine service difficulty is the
resp nsibility f the engine manufacturer and in n way is
Swisher r its agents resp nsible f r the engine warranty.
The Briggs & Stratt n Engine Service H t Line is
1-800-233-3723.
2) C mmercial Use The warranty peri d f r this pr duct used f r c mmercial r
rental is limited t ninety (90) days fr m the date f riginal
purchase.
3) Limitati ns This warranty applies nly t pr ducts which have been
pr perly assembled, adjusted, and perated in acc rdance
with the instructi ns c ntained within this manual. This
warranty d es n t apply t any pr duct f Swisher that has
been subject t alterati n, misuse, abuse, impr per assembly
r installati n, shipping damage, r t n rmal wear f the
pr duct.
4) Exclusi ns Excluded fr m this warranty are n rmal wear, n rmal
adjustments, and n rmal maintenance.
In the event y u have a claim under this warranty, y u must return the pr duct t an
auth rized service dealer. All transp rtati n charges, damage, r l ss incurred during
transp rtati n f parts submitted f r replacement r repair under this warranty shall be b rne
by the purchaser. Sh uld y u have any questi ns c ncerning this warranty, please c ntact us
t ll-free at 1-800-222-8183. The m del number, serial number, date f purchase, and the
name f the auth rized Swisher dealer fr m wh m y u purchased the m wer will be needed
bef re any warranty claim can be pr cessed.
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. S me states d n t
all w the limitati n f c nsequential damages r limitati ns n h w l ng an implied
warranty may last, s the ab ve limitati ns r exclusi ns may n t apply t y u. This
warranty gives y u specific legal rights and y u may have ther rights, which vary fr m
state-t -state. This is a limited warranty as defined by the Magnus n-M ss Act f 1975.
2

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• Read the manual. Learn t perate this machine safely.
• Always disc nnect the spark plug wire and place the wire where it cann t c ntact the spark plug, t prevent
accidental starting the engine when setting up, transp rting, adjusting r making repairs.
• Keep all shields and guards in place.
• Understand the speed, steering and stability f this machine. Kn w the p siti ns and perati ns f all
c ntr ls bef re y u perate this machine. Check all f the c ntr ls in a safe area bef re starting t w rk
with this machine.
• All w nly resp nsible adults wh are familiar with these instructi ns t perate this machine. Never all w
children t perate this machine.
• Clear the area f bjects such as r cks, t ys, wire, etc. that can be picked up and thr wn by the blade.
• Be sure the area is clear f ther pe ple bef re m wing. Be aware f the m wer discharge directi n and d
n t p int at any ne. St p the machine if any ne enters the m wing area. Children are ften attracted t the
machine and the m wing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.
Keep
children under the watchful care f an ther resp nsible adult.
• No riders!
• D n t put hands r feet near r under r tating parts. Keep clear f the discharge pening at all times.
• D n t m w in reverse. Always l k d wn and behind bef re and while backing.
• Turn ff the blades when n t m wing. Bef re leaving the machine, turn ff the blades and st p the engine.
• Watch f r traffic when perating near r cr ssing r adways.
• D n t perate the m wer if it has been dr pped r damaged in any manner r if the m wer vibrates
excessively. Excessive vibrati n is an indicati n f damage. Repair m wer as necessary.
• Dress pr perly. D n t perate the m wer when baref t r wearing pen sandals. Wear nly s lid sh es
with g d tracti n when m wing.
• D n t perate the machine while under the influence f alc h l r drugs.
• Operate self-pr pelled machines up and d wn sl pes. There is significant risk f verturns when perating
acr ss sl pes. Operate walk-behind machines acr ss sl pes. There is a significant risk f slipping under a
walk-behind machine when perating up and d wn sl pes. D n t perate n sl pes greater than 15 degrees.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their pr per perati n regularly.
• St p and inspect the equipment if y u strike an bject. Repair, if necessary, bef re restarting.
• Never make adjustments r repairs with the engine running.
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.
3

4
SAFETY DECALS
Replace decals immediately if damaged. Order by part number fr m Swisher.
OD45- Warning Decal
OD11- N step Decal
OD55- Triangle Danger Decal
OD33- Speed Decal
OD29- Danger Decal
OD43- Flying Debris Decal

Bent Pin, Hair Pin
and Receiver
supplied by thers.
Existing Rear Hitch.
ATV or Utility
Vehicle Attachment
Instructions
5
*Battery cover not shown
Battery Mounting Detail
REQUIRED ASSEM LY
FRONT WHEEL CASTER ASSEM LY
1. Rem ve single nut and washers fr m caster shaft.
2. Place ne washer n the shaft f the caster/wheel subassembly.
3. Slide same shaft thr ugh the bearing/frame with wheel t wards the gr und.
4. Place the ther washer n the shaft; it sh uld be resting n the t p bearing.
5. Add thin washer (17x195).
6. Thread nyl c jam nut nt shaft.
7. Tighten nut snuggly, making sure shaft threads enter the nyl c f the nut. Over-
tightening of this nut will bind caster.
8. Repeat pr cess f r ther fr nt side.
9. Push n plastic dust c vers ver nut and thin washer until it snaps int place.
REAR WHEEL ASSEM LY
1. Rem ve c tter pin fr m axle.
2. Slide washer (NB178) if necessary and wheel (valve stem ut) nt axle and replace
c tter pin.
3. Slide n washer (NB149) and replace c tter pin.
4. Bend c tter pin s it will n t fall ut.
5. Repeat pr cess f r ther wheel.
OFFSET & CENTER TOW HITCH AR ASSEM LY
1. Lay ut parts acc rding t the diagram.
2. Insert part 661A int part 662 and pin with the hitch pin (H11).
3. Insert part 661 int part 661A. Ch se fr m the 3 h les t set the desired hitch length.
Pin with a hitch pin.
4.
Part 662 slides int the fr nt tube f the frame. Again, ch se fr m the 3 h les t arrange
desired ffset. Pin with a hitch pin (H11).
5. Eliminate step 3 f r hitching fr m the center bracket. Only ne meth d can be used at a
time.
Position battery hold
down bracket as shown.
Tighten nuts so battery
will not shift position.

OPERATING YOUR TRAIL MOWER
INTENDED USE
This Trail M wer is designed t pr duce a quality finish cut n lawns, g lf c urses, etc. It is
not designed t clear brush r cut saplings. Y ur Trail M wer sh uld be t wed behind an
ATV, a g lf cart, lawn tract r, r similar appr ved vehicle. It is n t meant f r speeds
exceeding 5 mph.
ATTACHING TRAIL MOWER TO TOW VEHICLE
• Place m wer behind vehicle and back vehicle up t desired attaching p siti n.
• When ffsetting Trail M wer d s t side pp site the discharge f the t w vehicle.
• B lt swivel hitch (H10) t vehicle t w receiver.
• Attach t w hitch (661) t the swivel hitch with hitch pin (H11). Make certain hitch
pin g es c mpletely thr ugh each piece and is clipped t prevent accidental
separati n.
• Attach red safety tether (H9C) t b th the t wing vehicle and t the Trail M wer
t ggle switch (685SP), l cated n the left battery side c ver (17614). Its purp se is t
manually st p m wer engine r t st p m wer engine in case the tw machines
bec me separated. (See M t r Base Detail page 14).
• It is extremely important the safety tether is secured properly to both the toggle
switch and the towing vehicle.
STARTING THE ENGINE
See engine manufacturer’s instructi ns f r the type and am unt f il and fuel used. Trail
M wers with electric start engines will need a battery (s ld separately). Swisher
rec mmends using a standard “U 1 R” lawn & garden battery.
• Engine must be level t accurately check and fill il. D n t verfill.
The perati n f any m wer can pr duce f reign bjects t be thr wn int the
eyes, resulting in severe eye damage. Always wear certified safety glasses r
wide-visi n safety g ggles ver spectacles bef re starting any cutting machine and
while perating such a machine.
The perati n f any cutter pr duces s und waves that are damaging t the
human ear. Ear pr tecti n is rec mmended.
CAUTION!
Tragic accidents can ccur if the perat r is n t alert t the presence f
children. Children are ften attracted t the machine and the m wing
activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.
6

•
Make sure the t w vehicle parking brake is set, m wer is level, and blades are disengaged.
• Check spark plug wire, il, and fuel.
• Check all electrical c nnecti ns (See Schematics).
• Make sure t ggle switch is turned “ON” and the red tether is pr perly attached.
• Set engine idle t “CHOKE” p siti n.
• With feet clear f m wer deck, turn key switch t the “START” p siti n and release when
engine begins t run.
• Set engine idle at desired RPM.
REAKING IN YOUR MOWER
• Set vehicle parking brake r ch ck wheels t prevent accidental r lling.
• Start engine pr perly.
• Sl wly, engage blade c ntr l.
• In a safe envir nment, i.e. n children, all w blades t r tate and engine t idle f r 5
minutes. This breaks in the belts and the engine.
• St p m wer pr perly.
MOWER HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
• Adjust while m wer is not running.
• The cutting range is appr ximately 1.5” t 4.5”. The height has been measured fr m the
gr und t the blade tip with ut the engine running.
• R tate height adjust crank handles (H7N) in a cl ckwise directi n
t lift the m wer deck. A
c unter-cl ckwise directi n is used t l wer the m wer deck.
• Make sure the height adjustment is the same at side crank handles. F r best results, see
“SUGGESTED PRACTICE” secti n. Graduated scales are f r reference nly, n t the
actual cutter height.
• Place crank handle in a retracted p siti n t maintain height adjustment.
STARTING TO MOW
• Adjust the cutting height.
• D uble check vehicle t m wer attachment.
• Start m wer engine pr perly.
• Sl wly, activate the blade engage lever (17611) by r tating it f rward and left until the
lever l cks int place.
• Carefully m unt t w vehicle and start m wing sl wly.
STOPPING THE MOWING SESSION
• Pull safety tether t shut t ggle switch “OFF”. If the engine fails t st p r if the safety
tether has bec me in perable, then use Alternative St pping Meth d.
CAUTION!
SHUT OFF MOWER ENGINE AND REMOVE SPARK PLUG WIRE FROM
SPARK PLUG BEFORE MAKING ANY ADJUSTMENTS TO THE MOWER.
7

ALTERNATIVE STOPPING METHOD
• Bring vehicle t c mplete st p, shut ff engine, and set parking brake.
• Disengage blade engage lever (17611).
• Manually shut t ggle and key switches t their “OFF” p siti ns.
• Always remember t rem ve keys t av id irresp nsible usage.
TRANSPORTING MOWER
• St p m wer pr perly.
• Place m wer deck in its highest p siti n.
• If transp rting with ut the use f a t w vehicle, then rem ve spark plug wire and
place where it cann t c ntact the spark plug.
SUGGESTED MOWING PRACTICES
• Operate m wer engine at full thr ttle t assure the best cutting perf rmance and
maximum material discharge.
• All w wet grass t dry. Clumps f wet grass will c llect under the m wing deck.
• M wing sh uld be started with t w vehicle in l w gear and increased nly as safe
m wing c nditi ns permit. This speed sh uld n t exceed 5 mph.
•
The average lawn sh uld be cut t appr ximately 2.5” during the c l seas n and t
ver 3” during the h t m nths.
• F r a healthier lawn and better aesthetics, y ur lawn sh uld be m wed ften and
after m derate gr wth.
• When cutting high r dense grass areas g sl wly. S me areas may need t be
m wed twice. The sec nd cut sh uld be at 90 degrees t the first, if p ssible.
• Mowing thick or high grass. Raise rear height crank handles t .5”-
.75” ab ve the
ther tw handles.
• Creating a manicured lawn. L wer rear height crank handle t .25”-.5” bel w
fr nt f deck. This all ws grass blades t be cut twice. It als c ntinually cuts
clippings t pr duce a mulching effect.
GENERAL TROU LE SHOOTING
• The m wer is n t cutting level.
o Level deck, making sure the side crank-handles are equal.
o Check air pressure f all tires; make sure they are equal, and t
manufactures specificati ns.
o Examine blades f r damage, while m wer engine is n t running.
• The engine will n t start.
o
Disengage blades, turn t ggle switch t “ON” p siti n, check battery and all
ther electrical c nnecti ns, and inspect spark plug and wire.
o Check f r fuel in the engine.
• Engine runs p rly.
o See engine manual.
o Check thr ttle adjuster.
o Replace fuel, clean fuel filter and fuel line.
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.
8

MOWER MAINTENANCE
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty n this Trail M wer d es n t c ver items that have been subjected t perat r abuse r negligence.
T receive full value fr m the warranty, perat r must maintain unit as instructed in this manual.
S me adjustments will need t be made peri dically t maintain y ur unit pr perly.
All adjustments in this manual sh uld be checked at least nce each seas n.
Peri dically inspect and clean excessive debris inside the battery c ver (17340) and belt c vers (6025). Disc nnect
spark plug wire bef re cleaning.
EFORE EACH USE
• Check engine il level n a level surface. Check twice t insure an accurate reading.
• Check c nditi n f air filter; clean and replace as necessary.
• Check blade perati n; keep blades in g d c nditi n.
• Check f r l se fasteners and tighten them as needed.
AFTER EACH USE
• Keep blades sharp.
• Rem ve fresh grass clippings with garden h se.
• Grass clippings hardened t the underside sh uld be scraped ut with a putty knife.
• Keep fluids at pr per levels.
• C ver unit t prevent rain r ther debris buildup. Definitely c ver the engine.
EFORE AND/OR AFTER EACH SEASON
• Replace the spark plug.
• Clean r replace the air filter.
• A new spark plug and clean air filter assure pr per air-fuel mixture and help y ur engine run better and last
l nger.
• Check blades and belts f r wear. Replace as necessary.
STORAGE RECOMMENDATIONS
CAUTION!
D n t st re engine ind rs r ther p rly ventilated area. Keep engine away fr m gas appliances
where fumes c uld c ntact pen flame, pil t lights, r sparks.
If engine is to be stored for 30 or more days, prepare unit as follows:
• Drain fuel utside int an appr ved c ntainer.
• Start engine pr perly and run until unit is ut f fuel.
• Let engine c l.
• Rem ve remaining gas line fr m carburet r and fuel tank t prevent gum dep sits fr m f rming within
the engine. Gum dep sits can cause malfuncti n in the engine.
• St re m wer with blades disengaged t prevent belts fr m being permanently stretched.
LADE CARE AND SERVICE
F r best results cutter blades must be kept sharp. The blades can be sharpened with a few str kes f a file r
grinding wheel. D n t attempt t sharpen blades while they are n the m wer. Disconnect spark plug wire before
servicing unit.
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.
Only a qualified mechanic sh uld be used f r any
adjustments, disassembly r ther kind f repairs.
9

10
FRAME ASSEMBLY
ITEM # QTY.
PART NO.
DESCRIPTION
1 1 3664 Bar - Right Sway
1 3665 Bar - Left Sway
3 1 17600* Weldment - T60 Frame
4 F4157WK Wheel/Tire 5/8" Bearing 13/5/6 NHS; Blk
5 1 66 * Weldment - Tongue Offset Extension
6 1 661A* Weldment - Solid Stock Hitch
7 1 661* Weldment - Tongue Hitch Extension
8 -- See Caster/Wheel Assembly Detail
ITEM # QTY. PART NO. DESCRIPTION
9 6 NB1 6 Pin - 1/8" X 1" Cotter
10 4 T PB Bushing - Plastic
11 4 NB178 Washer - 5/8 ID X 1 OD 10 GA
1 NB149 Washer - 5/8 ID X 1 OD 14 GA
13 4 H11 Pin - Safety Hitch
14 3 10579 Bushing -Stepped Height Adjust
15 3 H7N Assembly - Height Adjustment
16 3 10038 Bolt - Eye
ONLY INCLUDED ON “CA” MODELS
(FOR CALIFORNIA ONLY)
Ite # Qty Description Part #
1 1 Carbon Canister - 2.50 allon, 3/16 Line 18224
2 2 Cable Tie - Carbon Canister 18219
3 4 Nut - 10-24 Nylon Lock 024900
4 2 Bracket - Carbon Canister, ZT 17127
5 4 Screw - 10-24 X 3/4 Phil Truss Head ZP 024203
Ite # Qty Description Part #
1 2 Ubolt - SQ , 3/8-16X2.437 X 3 Lg R 5 ZY 12447
2 2 Nut - Nylock 1/4-20 NB180
3 4 Nut - Nyloc 3/8-16 ZY NB182
4 1 Mount - For EPA/CARB as Tank 18331*
5 1 Fuel Tank - 2.5 allon, Carb 18214
6 1 Cap, Fuel - 2.50 allon, Carb Sealed 18221
7 1 Bracket - Fuel Tank 18225
8 2 Bolt - Serr Flange 1/4-20 X 1 3/4 R5 ZY 18236
GAS TANK
ASSEMBLY DETAIL
4
5
Part # Description
11782 Line - Fuel, Bulk, 1/4" Low Perm
18232 Line - Fuel, Bulk, 3/16" Low Perm
18223 Clamp - Fuel Line 13/32 OD, 3/16 ID Tube
AS021 Tie, Black 5 1/2"
Parts Not Shown
When rdering replacement parts
*USE PAINT CODE: GT=GRAY TK=BLACK
SEE HEIGHT ADJUST
HANDLE DETAIL
SEE CASTER/WHEEL
ASSEMBLY DETAIL