Swisher WB80042F User manual

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. 12.18.00
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions
before operating this
equipment.
WB80042F
Visit us at: www.swisherinc.com
ONWB842

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. 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.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• 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. Neverassume
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.
This Safety Alert Symbol indicates importantmessages inthis manual.
When you see this symbol, carefully read the message that follows and
be alertto the possibility of personal injury.
Read this manual completely. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet, and
throwing objects. Failureto observe the following safety instructions couldresult 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 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.
• Always disconnect the spark plug
before servicing, cleaning or
unclogging the chute.
• Never operate mower in wet
grass. Always be sure of your
footing. Keep a firm hold on the
handle and walk, never run.
• Stop blades when crossing gravel
drives, walks or roads.
• Refer to provided instructions for proper
operation and installation of accessories.
Use only accessories and parts approved by
Swisher Mower and Machine Co. Inc.

SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL DECALS
Replace decal immediately if damaged. Order by part number from Swisher Mower and Machine Co. Inc.
OD30 – WARNING DECAL
OD29 – SPINNING BLADE DECAL
OD43 – FLYING DEBRIS DECAL
OD36 – DEFLECTOR DECAL
OD55 – DANGER DECAL

OPERATING YOUR NEW CUTTER
PROPULSION
The Finishing Touch 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 and activate the parking brake.
Under most conditions cutting should be done in a low gear (1st, 2nd or, 3rd). Upper gears
should be used for conditions where grass is 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, re-activating the “GROUND
CONTROL” bail, which releases the parking brake, and then maneuvering the machine.
This machine should not be operated in any reverse motion withthe blades engaged.
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.
The operation of any cutter can encounter foreign objects to be thrown into the
eyes, resulting in severe eye damage. Always wear certified safety glasses or
wide-vision safety goggles for 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.
SLOPE OPERATION!
Use extra caution when mowing on slopes. Operate self-propelled units up
and down slopes. There is a significant risk of overturns when operating
across slopes. If you feel uneasy on a slope then do not mow it.

BLADE ENGAGE
An “OPERATOR PRESENCE” bail and a “BLADE ENGAGE” latch together control
engaging the mowers blades. The bail must be engaged before activating the latch.
Releasing the “OPERATOR PRESENCE” bail will disengage both the blade and the
“BLADE ENGAGE” latch.
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 starter rope. Do not
pull rope recklessly, pull with a
smooth rapid movement.
• Set engine speed by moving
throttle lever to the desired
RPM.
STOPPING
• Bring cutter to a complete stop.
• Release all controls.
• Place transaxle in the
“NEUTRAL” position.
• Turn key to “OFF” position.
• Remove keys to avoid
irresponsible usage.
BREAKING IN YOUR CUTTER
• Start engine properly.
• Slowly, engage blades.
• 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” bail
and travel 20 yards to ensure
transaxle works properly.
BEGIN CUTTING
• Make sure area is clear of all
bystanders.
• Make sure that all the guards,
belt guides, and the spark plug
wire are properly attached.
• Start engine, setting desired
engine speed. Note: This
machine is designed to operate
at maximum 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
while parked
on a hillside.

BACKING UP
• Disengage blades by releasing
“OPERATOR PRESENCE”
bail. Engine will stop if blades
are not disengaged.
• Check behind you for safety.
• Move transaxle into
“REVERSE” position.
• Activate “GROUND
CONTROL” bail.
• Avoid sudden acceleration by
slowly squeezing the bail
control.
TRANSPORTING
• Disengage blades.
• Shut off engine and remove
keys.
• When lifting cutter, using 3
persons is recommended.
• Secure in place while unit is
being transported.
• Unit should be left in low gear
to avoid any slight rolling.
CUTTING HEIGHT
Adjust cutting height by cranking
lower left handle in the rear of the
mower either clockwise or counter-
clockwise. In tall grass it may be
necessary to mow at a higher
setting, then mow again at a lower
setting to achieve a well-groomed
lawn.
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 and will
collect on the bottom of the
deck.
• When cutting dense areas go
slow. Some dense areas may
need to be gone over twice.
Best results occur if the second
cut is 90 degrees to the first
cut.
MOVING THE MOWER WITHOUT
ENGINE POWER
• Placing the gear select lever in
the neutral position and
activating the “GROUND
CONTROL” bail can manually
maneuver the mower.
TURNING THE MACHINE
• Because of the ball-bearing
casters and pneumatic front
wheels this machine will turn
easily. Pushing the handlebars
in the opposite direction of
intended travel controls it. The
differential will allow the
inside wheel to rotate at
different speeds to the outer
wheel.
Reduce ground speed before
turning the mower. For tight
radius turns, disengage the
“Ground Control” bail and
maneuver the turn.

CUTTER MAINTENANCE
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this cutter does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To
receive full value from the warranty, operator must maintain unit as instructed in this manual.
Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to maintain your unit properly.
All adjustments in the service and adjustments section of this manual should be checked at least once each
season.• NEVER RUN AN ENGINE INSIDE AN ENCLOSED AREA!
STORAGE RECOMMENDATIONS
CAUTION! Do not store engine indoors or other poorly ventilated area. Keep engine away from gas
appliances where fumes could contact open flame, pilot lights, or sparks.
If engine is to be stored for 30 or more days, prepare unit as follows:
• Drain fuel outside into an approved container.
• Start engine properly and run until unit is out of fuel.
• Let engine cool.
• Remove remaining gasoline from carburetor and fuel tank to prevent gum deposits from forming
within the engine. Gum deposits can malfunction the engine.
BEFORE EACH SEASON
• Replace the spark plug.
• Clean or replace the air filter.
• Check blades and belts for wear.
• A new spark plug and clean air filter assure proper air-fuel mixture and help your engine run better and
last longer.
BEFORE EACH USE
• Check engine oil level, on a level surface. (Check twice to insure an accurate reading.)
• Check condition of air filter; clean or replace if necessary.
• Check blade operation; keep blades in good condition.
• Check for loose fasteners and tighten them as needed.
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 blades while they are on the cutter. Disconnect spark plug wire
before servicing unit.
Important: Replace blades that have been damaged or deeply nicked.
Important: Check blades and spindle hardware on a regular basis to make sure nuts are tight.
Only a qualified mechanic
should be used for any
adjustments, disassembly or
other kind of repairs

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS
BELTS CONFIGURATION
Stop engine, let all moving parts come to a complete stop. Disconnect spark plug.
TRANSMISSION BELT
BLADE SPINDLE
BELT
BLADE DRIVE BELT
BLADE SPINDLE BELT REPLACEMENT
REMOVAL
• Stop engine, let all moving parts come to a complete stop. Disconnect spark
plug.
• Remove belt cover.
• Remove Blade Drive Belt. (See Blade Drive Belt replacement.)
• Pull tension idler away from Blade Spindle Belt to relieve tension.
• Remove belt.
INSTALLATION
• Pull tension idler away from belt.
• Install belt according to above configuration.
• Install Blade Drive Belt as shown.
• Install belt cover and tighten hardware.
BLADE DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT
REMOVAL
• Stop engine, let all moving parts come to a complete stop. Disconnect spark
plug.
• Disengage all blade controls by releasing the bails.
• Remove belt cover.
• Rotate belt off pulleys and pull belt through motor belt guide.
INSTALLATION
• Route belt as shown.
• Adjust engage idler tension. Belt should be snug during engagement of blade
latch. Too much tension will not allow the blade latch to function properly.
• Tighten nuts on blade engage cable when finished.
• Install belt cover and tighten hardware.