Swisher Z-MAX ZT2560 User manual

25 HP- 60" CUT
CELEBRATINGOVER60 YEARSOFINNOVATION
1945-2006
1602 CORPORATE DRIVE, P.O. BOX 67, WARRENSBURG, MISSO[ RI 64093
PHONE [phone] FAX [phone]
Manufacturing quality lawn care equipment since 1945
Made In The ]
USA J
OWNER'S MANUAL
STARTING SERIAL # L506-017001
11849 Rev. 06-046

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 (2) years 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
3) Limitation
This product is not intended for commercial use and
carries no commercial warranty.
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.
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Siarting ii iiiiiii i ................ 19
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INTRODUCTION
Congratulations
Thank you for purchasing a Swisher Zero Turn mower. This machine is built for the greatest
efficiency and rapid mowing of large areas. Conveniently located controls and dual
commercial grade hydrostatic transmissions regulated by steering levers, contribute to the
machine's performance.
This manual is a valuable document. Following the instructions for use, service,
maintenance, etc. can greatly increase the life-span of your machine.
General
In this operator's manual, left and right, backward and forward are used in relation to the normal
operators position.
Read Before Operating
NOTE:
If you have never used a Zero Turn mower before, refer to
the Operation Controls section of this manual before
attempting to operate one for the first time.
This machine is constructed only for mowing grass on lawns and other free and even ground
without obstacles. This machine is not intended for commercial use. The manufacturer's
directions concerning operation, maintenance, and repairs must be carefully followed.
This machine must only be operated, maintained, and repaired by persons that are familiar
with the machine's special characteristics and who are well versed in safety instructions.
Accident prevention regulations, other general safety regulations, occupational safety rules,
and traffic regulations must be followed without fail.
Unauthorized modifications to the design of the machine may absolve the manufacturer
from liability for any resulting personal injury or property damage.
Read engine manufacturer's
operating and maintenance
instructions.
Read and observe all safety
instructions on your mower and in the
manual
;* Check engine oil.
Check fuel caps to sure that they
are in place.
_Set control handles outward - setting parking
brake
Be sure mower blades are turned off-
PTO switch pushed down.
;* Know how to stop the engine - Turn key to
off
Know how to stop the unit - Return control
handles to neutral

INTRODUCTION
Uncrating & Assembly
TOOLS REQUIRED:
,/ 2 - ½" Wrenches or ½" Socket with drive ratchet
,/ Tire pressure gauge
,/ Nail bar or claw hammer
,/ Wire snips
To Remove The Mower From The Crate
Dispose of top and side panels of the crate.
Remove loose parts and packing material
Cut any banding or strapping that may be holding the mower to the crate.
Disengage spark plug wire and place where it cannot make a connection.
Raise the mower deck to its highest position..
Disengage the parking brakes by placing the handle controls in the upright position.
Open the transmission valves at the rear of the unit by pulling the release rods and
locking them in place. SEE INSTRUCTION DECAL AT THE REAR OF THE UNIT.
Carefully push the mower off the crate to a safe and level area.
Check engine oil. All engines are filled with oil and tested at the factory. Verify oil level
and add if necessary before starting engine. SEE ENGINE OWNER'S MANUAL
Check the battery. If the battery is put into service after the "month & year" of the date
on the battery, then it may need to be charged with a 12 volt charger for a minimum of 1
hour, but no more than 2 hours at a rate of 6 to 10 amps.
Attach battery cables to battery. Always attach the positive terminal first.
Install steering levers. Remove the bolts from the control arms on the mower. Align
the holes in the lever with the holes in the control arms and attach with the bolts provided.
Make sure both bolts on both handles are tight.
Close the transmission valves at the rear of the unit. SEE INSTRUCTION DECAL AT
THE REAR OF THE UNIT.
Reconnect spark plug wire.
Check tire pressure on all four wheels. REFER TO UNIT SPECIFICATIONS TABLE
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SYMBOLS & DECALS
OD45- Warning Decal
Swisher Flag U.S.A.- OD39 Notice Do Not Alter Wiring Decal- OD74
Flying Debris Decal - OD43 Operator Must Be Seated Decal- OD73
Triangle Danger Decal - OD55 No Step Decal - OD11

SYMBOLS & DECALS cont.
Key/PTO Decal- 10273
Throttle/Choke Decal -10271
Parking Brake Decal
LeR-10270
Parking Brake Decal
Right - 10279
PULLRODSObq[ON
E_H _DE AND LOCR
R_LEAS_ TO O_ATE
Hydro Release - 10280
Danger/Warning Decal - 10276
Decals Not Shown
10275 XZT60 Decal Small 10542
10281 Height Adjustment Decal 10274
OD9128 60" Deck White Decal OD99125
Replacement Parts Decal
Z-Max Decal
Medium Swisher Decal
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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
These instructions are for your safety. Read them carefully.
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.
General Use
:_ Read all instructions in this operator's manual
and on the machine before starting it. Ensure that
you understand them and then abide by them.
_Learn how to use the machine and its controls
safely and learn how to stop quickly. Also learn to
recognize the safety decals.
Only allow the machine to be used by adults
who are familiar with its use.
NOTE:
If you have never used a Zero
Turn mower before, refer to the
Operation Controls section of
this manual before attempting to
operate one for the first time.
:_ Make sure nobody else is in the area of the
machine when you start the engine, engage the
drive, or run the machine.
_Stop the machine if someone enters the work
area.
_Clear the area of objects such as stones, toys,
steel wire, etc. that may become caught in the
blades and thrown out.
_Do Not Use this machine without the
Discharge Chute in place.
Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug
before cleaning the discharge deck.
;* Never take passengers. The machine is only
intended for use by one person.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
General Use Continued
_Always look around before and during reversing
maneuvers.
Slow down before turning.
Shut down the mower deck when not mowing.
;* Be careful when rounding fixed objects, so that
the blades do not hit them.
Only operate the machine in daylight or other
well-lit conditions.
Keep the machine a safe distance from holes or
other irregularities in the ground.
Never use the machine if you are tired, if you
have consumed alcohol, or if you are taking other
drugs or medications that can affect your vision,
judgment, or coordination.
Beware of traffic when working near or crossing
a road.
Never leave the machine unsupervised with the
engine running. Always shut down the blades,
engage the parking brakes, stop the engine, and
remove the ignition key before leaving the machine.
Never allow children or other persons not
trained in the use of the machine to use or service
it. Local laws may regulate the age of the user.
;* Make sure that you have first aid equipment close
at hand when using the machine.
Never use the machine when barefoot. Always
wear protective shoes or boots.
Always wear approved protective glasses or a full
visor when assembling or driving.
Ear Protection is recommended
Never wear loose clothing that can get caught in
moving parts.
Remember
The operator is responsible
for avoiding dangers or
accidents.
WARNING
When using the
machine, approved
personal protective
equipment shall be
used. Personal
protective
equipment cannot
eliminate the risk of
injury, but it will
reduce the degree of
injury if an accident
does occur. Ask
your retailer for help
in choosing the right
equipment.
O

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Slope Operation
Remove obstacles such as stones, tree branches, etc.
Mow up and down, not side to side. Never drive the rider on
terrain that slopes more than 10 degrees.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If the tires begin to
slip, shut down the blades and drive slowly down the slope.
;* Always drive evenly and slowly on slopes.
Make no sudden changes in speed or direction.
Avoid unnecessary turns on slopes, and if it proves
necessary, turn slowly and gradually downward, if possible.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. On uneven terrain, the
machine can tip more easily. Long grass can hide obstacles.
;* Drive slowly and use small movements of the steering
controls.
Do not mow wet grass. It is slippery, and the tires can loose
their grip, so that the machine slides.
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting a foot on the
ground.
Remember
The operator is
responsible for
avoiding dangers or
accidents.
Children
Serious accidents may occur if you fail to be on guard for
children in the area of the machine. Children are often attracted
to the machine and mowing work. Never assume that children
will stay put where you last saw them.
Keep children away from the mowing area and under close
supervision by another adult.
Shut off the machine if children enter the work area.
Never allow a child to ride with you.
Never allow children to operate the machine.
;* Be extra cautious near corners, bushes, trees, or other
objects that block your view.
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