Swisher The Predator WB11524 User manual

THE PREDATOR
THE PREDATORTHE PREDATOR
THE PREDATOR
24” ROUGH CUT
24” ROUGH CUT 24” ROUGH CUT
24” 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
P ONE [phone] FAX [phone]
MODEL NO.
Manufacturing quality lawn care equipment since 1945
Operation
Service and Adjustment
Repair Parts
Made In The
USA
Rev 05-200
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions
before operating this
equipment.
WB11524
swisherinc.com
10750
STARTING SERIA #:
205-057001

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.
T IS WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY TO ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED TO T E SAME TIME
PERIODS STATED EREIN 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
DECA S…..………….……………….8
PARTS BREAKDOWN…………….9-13
SAFE S OPE 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- ine is 1-800-
233-3723. The Tecumseh Engine Service Hot- ine is 1-800-558-5402.
2) Commercial Use This product is not intended for commercial use and carries no
commercial warranty.
3) imitation 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. earn 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 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
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 CONTRO ” 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 CONTRO ” lever, 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 CONTRO ”
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. The Predator is equipped with a safety control that will kill the engine if the
blade is engaged while cutter is in the “reverse” gear.
ENGAGING BLADE
An “OPERATOR PRESENCE” lever and a “B ADE ENGAGE DRIVE” control work
together to engage the Predator’s blade. Both devices must be activated before the blade
will work. Releasing the “OPERATOR PRESENCE” lever will disengage both the blade
and the “B ADE ENGAGE DRIVE” control.
5

STARTING T E 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 “NEUTRA ”
• Check spark plug wire, oil level, and fuel level.
• Check all electrical connections for build-up of debris.
• If needed set “CHOKE” to “CHOKE” position.
• Set engine throttle control to ½ throttle position.
• Pull rope with a single fluid motion.
• After engine has started set “CHOKE” to “RUN” position.
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 “NEUTRA ” position.
• Move engine throttle control to off position.
CUTTER EIG T ADJUSTMENT
• Place two 6” wooden blocks under the deck on the side being adjusted.
• Remove nuts and bolts from the side runner.
• Slide skid up or down to preferred 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 CONTRO ” 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 CONTRO ” 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 CONTRO ” lever.
6

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 EAC 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 EAC 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 F AG DECA
OD55--DANGER DECA OD45--WARNING DECA
OD83--RN1234 SHIFT DECA
10749--REVERSE OCK DEECA
DECALS NOT S OWN
OD85--Predator H Decal
OD86--Predator RH Decal
OD71--New Serial # Decal
OD87--Rugged Cut 24 4SP Trans White Decal
8
OD99112— ARGE OGO WHITE DECA

OVERALL ASSEMBLY
9
When ordering replacement parts
* = USE PAINT CODE:
TC=TEX.RED,S=SI VER,TK=TEX.B ACK
Item # Description Part #
1 Predator Side Channel (Left) 10677TC
2 Predator Side Channel (Right) 10676TC
3 Predator Belt Cover 10682TC
4 /16-18 X 3/4 Serr. Flange Bolt NB 96
Tinnerman Clips /16-18 Heavy Duty 3669
6 /16-18 X 2 1/4 Serr. Flange Bolt GR ZP NB622
7 Tinnerman Clip /16-18 3706
8 /16-18 Serr. Flange Nut NB170
SEE DETAIL
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4

ENGINE-PULLEY ASSEMBLY
BELT
CONFIGURATION
WIRING
CONFIGURATION
1
13
10
6
5
14
11
12
8
4
2
9
Goes in Rear
Mounting Hole
2
NOT ACTUA ENGINE
USED (REF. ON Y)
Item # Description Part #
1 Motor Plate 10678TC
2 /16-18 Serr. Flange Nut NB170
3 /16-18 X 3/4 Serr. Flange Bolt NB 96
4 Belt Retention Weldment 10767
Engine Pulley Spacer 1.7 " Long BB10 S
6 1/4 X 1/2 Key Stock 42 8
7 Engine Pulley- 2. " 2411
8 1 X 1 1/2 10GA Washer NB614HT
9 1/4 X 1 Key Stock 9031
10 Engine Pulley- 4.2 "OD,1 1/4 ID BB10
11 Washer, Front Wheel (Heat Trtd) TR1 0W
12 Washer Belleville 699
13 7/16-20 X 1 1/2 HCF GR ZP NYLOC NB637
14 3/8-16 X 1 1/2 HCCG NB107
1 3/8 SAE Washer NB272
16 Idler Pulley OD-2.16", ID-3/8" B27
17 3/8-16 2 Way Locking Nut NB280
18 3/8-16 X 1 GR ZP Bolt NB604
19 Idler Bushing 6037
20 Idler Arm 10671TK
21 1/4-20 X 3/4 GR ZP Bolt NB2 0
22 1/4-20 Serr. Flange Nut NB 24
23 Spring T2SM
24 /16-18 X 1 1/4 Serr. Flange Bolt NB2 3
2 Transmission Belt-33" 690
26 Engine B&S Recoil St W/Gas Tank N/A
27 Transmission Cable 2432
15
SSB
9113
10
When ordering replacement parts
* = USE PAINT CODE:
TC=TEX.RED,S=SI VER,TK=TEX.B ACK
10765
BROWN
2472
BROWN
20
17
6114 – BLADE PULLEY
3
16
18
19
25
21
22
17
24
24
Important: Spring
must be hooked in
Idler Arm as shown
23
Install Transmission Cable Item
#27 in Idler Arm before installing
Idler Arm to Motor Plate
26
7
2
2410
TRANSAXLE PULLEY
690 – TRANSAXLE BELT
TOP ENGINE PULLEY
CONFIGURATION
B27 – TRANSAXLE IDLER PULLEY 2411 – TOP ENGINE PULLEY
BB105 – LOWER ENGINE PULLEY
T30V – V-BELT PULLEY
B527 – BLADE IDLER PULLEY
BA50 – BLADE ENGAGEMENT BELT
BOTTOM ENGINE PULLEY CONFIGURATION
ATTACH TO
MAGNETO
NOTE: WIRES MUST PASS T ROUG ALL WIRE GUIDES POSSIBLE

11
Item # Description Part #
1 Rear Cover 10679TC
2 Anti Reverse Arm 10680TK
3 Spacer B99S
4 /16-18 X 3/4 Serr. Flange Bolt NB 96
/16-18 Serr. Flange Nut NB170
Item # Description Part #
1 Predator Handle Bar (RIGHT) 10687TK
2 Predator Handle Bar (LEFT) 10688TK
3 Predator Crossover Console 10686TK
4 1/4-20 X 1 1/2 HCC GR2 ZP NB104Z
1/4 SAE Washer NB274
6 1/4-20 Nylok Nut NB180
7 Blade Lever Cable Plate 10713TK
8 1/4-20 X 1/2 MSC ZP Truss Slot NB113
9 /16-18 X 3/4 Serr Flange Bolt NB 96
10 Transaxle Idler Cable 2432
11 Predator Engagement Lever 1068 TK
12 Handle Grip 7826
13 /16-18 Nylok Nut NB181
14 Latching Drive Control 429
1 1/4-20 X 2 1/2 Flange Bolt NB208
16 Blade Engagement Lever Weldment 10730TK
REAR COVER ASSEMBLY
ANDLE BAR & LEVER ASSEMBLY
When ordering replacement parts
* = USE PAINT CODE:
TC=TEX.RED,S=SI VER,TK=TEX.B ACK
5
1
2
3
4
6
5
4
1
2
3
4
6
5
5
8
76
9
5
10
11
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14
15
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16
13

Item # Description Part #
1 3/4-16 Jam Nut NB17
2 1. x.761x.098x.134 Belleville Washer AS1
3 Blade Pulley- . " 6114
4 Pulley Spacer 6104RS
3/4 ID X 1 1/4 OD 18 GA Washer NB179
6 Blade Bearing B98
7 Blade Shaft 6"- Long Shoulder 9078
8 /16-18 X 3/4 Serr. Flange Bolt NB 96
9 Blade Bearing Housing 9091TK
10 /16-18 Serr. Flange Nut NB170
11 3/4 ID X 1 3/4 OD Flat Washer B98W
12 3/8-24 Two Way Locknut NB216
13 Blade Mount Plate 9008
14 Blade 24" 9016
1 3/8-24 X 1 Bolt NB238
16 SP Washer Bellvl. PLN .413 X .94 X .118 NB607
17 3/8-24 X 1 Engine Bolt Locktite NB238N
18 Blade Driver Assy 10712
Item # Description Part #
1 Blade Idler Weldment 10668TK
2 3/8 SAE Washer NB272
3 Finger for Belt Release T30F
4 3/8-16 Jam Nut NB174
Pulley, Idler Clutch, 2 3/4 OD T30V
6 3/8-16 2-Way Lock Nut NB280
7 1/2-13 X 3 HCC GR Bolt ZP NB131
8 Idler Pulley OD-3.2 ", ID-3/8" B 27
9 3/8-16 X 1 1/2 HCC GR ZP NB107
10 Sgl Jk Chn, Zps, Sz12, 16# AS080
11 3/8-16 X 2 1/2 HTC GR ZP NB619
12 3/8 Hardened Washer NB196
13 Spacer .62 OD X 1.2 X 11 GA 8072TK
14 Torsion Brake Spring BT297
1 Brake Pad-Cylindrical 9114
16 Brake Pad Retainer Spring BP370S
17 8-32 Nylok Nut NB193
18 8-32 X 1 Slot HWH ZP 10742
19 8-32 Kep Nut NB201
20 Safety Switch Assy- Brown Wires SSB
21 1/2-13 2-Way Jam Lock Nut NB121
22 1/2-13 Nut GR2 ZP NB213Z
12
1
3
4
6
6
7
8
9
2
10
512
14
15
16
17
11
13
18
BLADE DRIVER ASSEMBLY
BRAKE ASSEMBLY
8
20
21
9
22
9
1
3
2
4
5
676
2
10
16
10
11
13
12
14
12
15
6
17
18
19
When ordering replacement parts
* = USE PAINT CODE:
TC=TEX.RED,S=SI VER,TK=TEX.B ACK
5

PAGE 12
Item # Description Part #
1 Deck Weldment 1069 TC
2 Brush Guard 10681TK
3 Deck Side Skid 10683TK
4 Blade Engagement Cable Clip 10673TK
/16-18 X 3/4 Serrated Flng Bolt NB 96
6 /16-18 Serrated Flng Nut NB170
7 1/4-20 X 3/4 GR ZP Bolt NB2 0
8 1/4-20 Nylok Nut NB180
Item # Description Part #
1 /16-18 X 1/2 SSC With Loctite H NB312
2 Transmission Pulley- 8" 2410
3 SP Washer Bellvl. PLN .413 X .94 X .118 NB607
4 1/4 SAE Washer NB274
1/4-28 X 3/4 GR ZP NB620
6 /16-18 X 3/4 Serr Flng Bolt NB 96
7 Transmission Shift Handle 10684TC
8 Transmission Lever Grip 2427
9 Transmission Shift Lever 1071 TC
10 /16-18 Serrated Flng Nut NB170
11 Sgl Jk Chn, Zps, Sz12, 16# AS080
12 Safety Switch 9113
13 8-32 Nylok Nut NB193
14 8-32 Kep Nut NB201
1 Neutral Switch Bracket 10738
16 /16-18 x 1/2 HWH Rolok Screw ZP 10743
17 8-32 X 1 Slot HWH ZP 10742
18 Transaxle 42 6
19 3/4ID X 1 1/4OD 10 GA. Washer NB184
20 3/16 X 1 1/2 Key Stock 2434
21 Wheel Assy. Left 4.8x8 2401L
Wheel Assy. Right 4.8X8 2401R
22 3/4 E-Style Retaining Ring NB621
13
2
4
7
5
5
6
8
1
5
6
3
MOWER DECK ASSEMBLY
4
1
2
8
3
6
7
9
5
13
11 14
16
12 15
18 19
20
19
21 22
TRANSAXLE ASSEMBLY
When ordering replacement parts
* = USE PAINT CODE:
TC=TEX.RED,S=SI VER,TK=TEX.B ACK
10
17

NOTES:
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14

15

OWNER’S
MANUAL
MODEL NO.
PREDATOR
24” WALK BE IND
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
valve cover.
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, P EASE HAVE THE
FO OWING INFORMATION AVAI AB E:
* PRODUCT – WA K BEHIND PREDATOR
* SERIA NUMBER - _______________
* MODE NUMBER - _______________
* ENGINE MODE NUMBER - _______________
TYPE - _______________
* PART NUMBER
* PART DESCRIPTION
TE EPHONE - 1-800-222-8183
FAX - 1-660-747-8650
SWIS ER MOWER & MAC INE CO. INC.
1602 CORPORATE DRIVE P.O. BOX 67
WARRENSBURG, MO 64093
SWISHER MOWER & MACHINE CO. INC.
swisherinc.com
WB11524