Swisher Z-MAX ZT2560 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
ZT2560
ZT2560
ZT2560
25 HP – 60” CUT
1602 CORPORATE DRIVE, P.O. BOX 67, WARRENSBURG, MISSOURI 64093
PHONE [phone] FAX [phone]
Manufacturing quality lawn care equipment since 1945
Made In The
USA
CELEBRATING OVER 60 YEARS OF INNOVATION
1945 - 2006
11849 Rev. 06-046
STARTING SERIAL # L506-017001

LIMITED WARRANTY
The manufa turer’s warranty to the original onsumer pur haser is: This produ t is free
from defe ts in materials and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the date of
pur hase by the original onsumer pur haser. We will repair or repla e, at our dis retion,
parts found to be defe tive due to materials or workmanship. This warranty is subje t to the
following limitations and ex lusions:
In the event you have a laim under this warranty, you must return the produ t to an
authorized servi e dealer. All transportation harges, damage, or loss in urred during
transportation of parts submitted for repla ement or repair under this warranty shall be borne
by the pur haser. Should you have any questions on erning this warranty, please onta t
us toll-free at 1-800-222-8183. The model number, serial number, date of pur hase, and the
name of the authorized Swisher dealer from whom you pur hased the mower will be needed
before any warranty laim an be pro essed.
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 onsequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty
may last, so the above limitations or ex lusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives
you spe ifi legal rights and you may have other rights, whi h vary from state-to-state. This is
a limited warranty as defined by the Magnuson-Moss A t of 1975.
1) Engine Warranty All engines utilized on our produ ts have a separate warranty
extended to them by the individual engine manufa turer. Any
engine servi e diffi ulty is the responsibility of the engine
manufa turer and in no way is Swisher Mower Co., In . or its
agents responsible for the engine warranty. The Briggs &
Stratton Engine Servi e Hot-Line is 1-800-233-3723. The
Te umseh Engine Servi e Hot-Line is 1-800-558-5402.
2) Commercial Use This prod ct is not intended for commercial se and
carries no commercial warranty.
3) Limitation This warranty applies only to produ ts whi h have been
properly assembled, adjusted, and operated in a ordan e
with the instru tions ontained within this manual. This
warranty does not apply to any produ t of Swisher Mower
Co., In ., that has been subje t to alteration, misuse, abuse,
improper assembly or installation, shipping damage, or to
normal wear of the produ t.
4) Ex lusions Ex luded from this warranty are normal wear, normal
adjustments, and normal maintenan e.
2
2

CONTENTS
LIMITED WARRANTY…………
2
OPERATION………………..……….
16
INTRODUCTION………………
4
Features……………………………………
16
General……………………………………..
4
Starting………………………………………
19
Before Operating……………………
4
Grass Height of Cut………………
19
Un rating & Assembly……………
5
Controls………...……..………………….
20
SYMBOLS & DECALS……….
6
SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS..
21
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS…….
8
Adjusting De k Height…………..
21
General use and safety rules…
8
De k Level……………………………….
21
Slope Operation…………………….
10
De k Belt Repla ement…………
22
Children Safety……………………….
10
Hydro Belt Repla ement…………
23
SPECIFICATIONS……………..
11
Seat Adjustment…………………………
24
CUSTOMER
Parking Brakes…………………………
25
RESPONSIBILITY……………
12
WIRING SCHEMATIC…………..
26
Operator Presen e……………….
12
PARTS BREAKDOWN…………..
27
Tires……………………………………………
12
TROUBLESHOOTING……………
34
Blade Maintenan e…………………..
13
MOWER IDENTIFICATION……..
37
Battery………………………………………
13
REPLACEMENT PARTS………..
38
V-belts……………………………………..
14
MAINTENANCE LOG……………..
39
Engine………………………………………..
14
SWISHER HISTORY……………..
40
Overall Unit Care………….………..
14
Transporting Safety……………….
14
3
3

INTRODUCTION
Congrat lations
Thank you for pur hasing a Swisher Zero Turn mower. This ma hine is built for the greatest
effi ien y and rapid mowing of large areas. Conveniently lo ated ontrols and dual
ommer ial grade hydrostati transmissions regulated by steering levers, ontribute to the
ma hine’s performan e.
This man al is a val able doc ment. Following the instr ctions for se, service,
maintenance, etc. can greatly increase the life-span of yo r machine .
General
In this operator’s manual, left and right, ba kward and forward are used in relation to the normal
operators position.
Read Before Operating
This ma hine is onstru ted only for mowing grass on lawns and other free and even ground
without obsta les. This ma hine is not intended for ommer ial use. The manufa turer’s
dire tions on erning operation, maintenan e, and repairs must be arefully followed.
This ma hine must only be operated, maintained, and repaired by persons that are familiar
with the ma hine’s spe ial hara teristi s and who are well versed in safety instru tions.
A ident prevention regulations, other general safety regulations, o upational safety rules,
and traffi regulations must be followed without fail.
Unauthorized modifi ations to the design of the ma hine may absolve the manufa turer
from liability for any resulting personal injury or property damage.
Read engine manufa turer’s
operating and maintenan e
instru tions.
Read and observe all safety
instru tions on your mower and in the
manual
Che k engine oil.
Che k fuel aps to sure that they
are in pla e.
Set ontrol handles outward – setting parking
brake
Be sure mower blades are turned off –
PTO swit h pushed down.
Know how to stop the engine – Turn key to
off
Know how to stop the unit – Return ontrol
handles to neutral
NOTE:
If you have never used a Zero Turn mower before, refer to
the Operation Controls se tion of this manual before
attempting to operate one for the first time.
4
4

INTRODUCTION
Uncrating & Assembly
Dispose of top and side panels of the rate.
Remove loose parts and pa king material
Cut any banding or strapping that may be holding the mower to the rate.
Disengage spark plug wire and pla e where it annot make a onne tion.
Raise the mower de k to its highest position..
Disengage the parking brakes by pla ing the handle ontrols in the upright position.
Open the transmission valves at the rear of the unit by pulli
ng the release rods and
lo king them in pla e. SEE INSTRUCTION DECAL AT THE REAR OF THE UNIT.
Carefully push the mower off the rate to a safe and level area.
Che k engine oil. All engines are filled with oil and tested at the fa tory. Verify oil level
and add if ne essary before starting engine. SEE ENGINE OWNER’S MANUAL
Che k the battery. If the battery is put into servi e after the “month & year” of the date
on the battery, then it may need to be harged with a 12 volt harger for a minimum of 1
hour, but no more than 2 hours at a rate of 6 to 10 amps.
Atta h battery ables to battery. Always attach the positive terminal first.
Install steering levers. Remove the bolts from the ontrol arms on the mower. Align
the holes in the lever with the holes in the ontrol arms and atta h with the bolts provided.
Make s re 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.
Re onne t spark plug wire.
Che k tire pressure on all four wheels. REFER TO UNIT SPECIFICATIONS TABLE
TOOLS REQUIRED:
2 - ½” Wren hes or ½” So ket with drive rat het
Tire pressure gauge
Nail bar or law hammer
Wire snips
To Remove The Mower From The Crate
5
5

SYMBOLS & DECALS
Triangle Danger Decal – OD55
Swisher Flag U.S.A.– OD39 Notice Do Not Alter Wiring Decal– OD74
Operator ust Be Seated Decal– OD73
Flying Debris Decal – OD43
No Step Decal – OD11
OD45- Warning Decal
6
6

SYMBOLS & DECALS cont.
Hydro Release - 10280
Danger/Warning De al - 10276
Throttle/Choke De al - 10271
Parking Brake De al
Right - 10279
Parking Brake De al
Left - 10270
Key/PTO De al - 10273
10542 Repla ement Parts De al
10274 Z-Max De al
OD99125 Medium Swisher De al
10275 XZT60 De al Small
10281 Height Adjustment De al
OD9128 60” De k White De al
7
7
Decals Not Shown

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
These instr ctions are for yo r safety. Read them caref lly.
General Use
Read all instru tions in this operator’s manual
and on the ma hine before starting it. Ensure that
you understand them and then abide by them.
Learn how to use the ma hine and its ontrols
safely and learn how to stop qui kly. Also learn to
re ognize the safety de als.
Only allow the ma hine to be used by adults
who are familiar with its use.
Make sure nobody else is in the area of the
ma hine when you start the engine, engage the
drive, or run the ma hine.
Stop the ma hine if someone enters the work
area.
Clear the area of obje ts su h as stones, toys,
steel wire, et . that may be ome aught in the
blades and thrown out.
Do Not Use this machine witho t the
Discharge Ch te in place.
This Safety Alert Symbol indicates important messages in
this man al. When yo see this symbol, caref lly read the
message that follows and be alert to the possibility of
personal inj ry.
NOTE:
If you have never used a Zero
Turn mower before, refer to the
Operation Controls se tion of
this manual before attempting to
operate one for the first time.
Stop the engine and dis onne t the spark plug
before leaning the dis harge de k.
Never take passengers. The ma hine is only
intended for use by one person.
8
8

Always look around before and during reversing
maneuvers.
Slow down before turning.
Shut down the mower de k when not mowing.
Be areful when rounding fixed obje ts, so that
the blades do not hit them.
Only operate the ma hine in daylight or other
well-lit onditions.
Keep the ma hine a safe distan e from holes or
other irregularities in the ground.
Never use the ma hine if you are tired, if you
have onsumed al ohol, or if you are taking other
drugs or medi ations that an affe t your vision,
judgment, or oordination.
Beware of traffi when working near or rossing
a road.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
General Use Contin ed
Remember
The operator is responsible
for avoiding dangers or
accidents.
Never leave the ma hine 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 ma hine.
Never allow hildren or other persons not
trained in the use of the ma hine to use or servi e
it. Lo al laws may regulate the age of the user.
Make sure that you have first aid equipment lose
at hand when using the ma hine.
Never use the ma hine when barefoot. Always
wear prote tive shoes or boots.
Always wear approved prote tive glasses or a full
visor when assembling or driving.
Ear Prote tion is re ommended
Never wear loose lothing that an get aught in
moving parts.
WARNING
When sing the
machine, approved
personal protective
eq ipment shall be
sed. Personal
protective
eq ipment cannot
eliminate the risk of
inj ry, b t it will
red ce the degree of
inj ry if an accident
does occ r. Ask
yo r retailer for help
in choosing the right
eq ipment.
9
9

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Slope Operation
Remove obsta les su h as stones, tree bran hes, et .
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 hanges in speed or dire tion.
Avoid unne essary turns on slopes, and if it proves
ne essary, turn slowly and gradually downward, if possible.
Wat h for holes, ruts, or bumps. On uneven terrain, the
ma hine an tip more easily. Long grass an hide obsta les.
Drive slowly and use small movements of the steering
ontrols.
Do not mow wet grass. It is slippery, and the tires an loose
their grip, so that the ma hine slides.
Do not try to stabilize the ma hine by putting a foot on the
ground.
Serious a idents may o ur if you fail to be on guard for
hildren in the area of the ma hine. Children are often attra ted
to the ma hine and mowing work. Never assume that hildren
will stay put where you last saw them.
Keep hildren away from the mowing area and under lose
supervision by another adult.
Shut off the ma hine if hildren enter the work area.
Never allow a hild to ride with you.
Never allow hildren to operate the ma hine.
Be extra autious near orners, bushes, trees, or other
obje ts that blo k your view.
Children
Remember
The operator is
responsible for
avoiding dangers or
accidents.
10
10

SPECIFICATIONS
FRONT: 4.10x3.5-5 5/8 Bearing
REAR: 20 X 10 X 8
TIRE SIZE
27 + - 3 ft. lbsHYDRO Bolt Torque
Pivoting FRONT AXLE
Spring AssistedDECK LIFT
Deluxe 18” Ba k w/ Arm Rest
6” Adjustable Slide
SEAT
Commer ial Grade Eaton
Hydrostati
TRANSMISSION
Automati - On Steering
Handles
PARKING BRAKE
1.5” – 5”CUTTING HEIGHT
60” – 3 Mul hing Blade SystemCUTTING WIDTH
LENGTH: 70”
WIDTH: 60 ¼” “
In luding De k
WEIGHT: 680 lbs
UNIT MEASUREMENTS
35 ft. lbsBLADE BOLT TORQUE
12V / Heavy Duty 275 CCA
Type U1L
BATTERY
FRONT: 50 psi Max
REAR: 22 psi Max
TIRE PRESSURE
0 – 6 mphGROUND SPEED
SEE ENGINE MANUALSPARK PLUG
SEE ENGINE MANUALOIL TYPE (SPI-SF-SJ):
DUAL 2.0 GAL TANKS
UNLEADED REGULAR
GASOLINE CAPACITY
AND TYPE
11
11

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
Operator Presence System
Be sure the operator presen e and interlo k systems are working properly. If your
mower does not fun tion as des ribed, repair the problem immediately.
The engine should not start unless the parking brakes (handle ontrols) are
engaged (rotated outward), the PTO (Blade Engagement – See OPERATION
FEATURES se tion of this manual) swit h is disengaged (pressed down), and
the operator is on the seat.
When the engine is running, any attempt by the operator to leave the seat
without first setting the parking brake should shut off the engine.
When the engine is running and the PTO swit h is engaged, any attempt by
the operator to leave the seat without first disengaging the PTO swit h, should
shut off the engine.
When the engine is running and the ontrol levers are rotated in, any
attempt by the operator to leave the seat without rotating the ontrol levers out,
should shut off the engine.
The PTO swit h should never engage without the operator on the seat.
Tires
Maintain proper air pressure in all tires ( SEE SPECIFICATIONS se tion)
Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or inse t ontrol hemi als whi h an harm
rubber.
Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp obje ts and other hazards that may
ause tire damage.
12
12

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
Blade Maintenance
Stop engine and remove ignition key for safety. Dis onne t spark plug wire. Wear heavy,
thi k gloves when holding onto blade. Avoid the sharp edge of the blade.
For best
results , mower blades must be kept sharp. Repla e bent or damage blades.
 Safely raise front of mower. SEE WARNING
Hold or blo k blade from turning.
Loosen blade nut and remove blade.
Repla e blade, (SEE SPECIFICATIONS).
WARNING
When it is ne essary to raise
the mower for any repair or
servi e, use ja kstands to
provide adequate support.
DO NOT rely on hydrauli or
me hani al ja ks
Battery
The battery ontains sulfuri a id
and ele trolytes whi h are
poisonous and orrosive.
The battery is a maintenan e-free battery and the fluid level annot be he ked.
Charge battery if needed.
WARNING
To clean battery and terminals
Remove terminal guard.
Dis onne t the BLACK battery able first, then the RED battery able and remove
the battery.
Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.
Clean terminals and battery able ends with wire brush until shiny.
Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly
Reinstall battery
Re onne t the battery ables
CAUTION
13
13

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
V-Belts
Che k V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours of operation and repla e if
ne essary. Repla e belts if they begin to slip from wear. SEE SPECIFICATION for belt
part numbers and SERVICE se tion of this manual for instru tions on how to repla e the
belt.
Engine
REFER TO YOUR ENGINE OWNERS MANUAL
Overall Unit Care
Redu e the risk of fire by removing grass, leaves, and other debris that may
have a umulated on the ma hine. Allow the ma hine time to ool before leaning
or putting it in storage.
Wash mower periodi ally. Clean above and below de k.
Keep all ele tri al onne tions lean and tight.
Driving and Transport on P blic Roads
Che k appli able road traffi regulations before driving and transporting on publi
roads.
If the ma hine is transported, you should always use approved fastening equipment
and ensure that the ma hine is well an hored.
The utting de k should also be lowered to the lowest position and the steering levers
should be in the outward position, so that the parking brake is engaged.
14
14

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
X 1,2
Repla e Oil Filter
X
Che k Operator
Presen e
XX
Repla e Spark Plug
X 2
Clean Engine Cooling
Fins
X
Inspe t Muffler
X 2
Clean Air Filter
X
Repla e Fuel Filter
X 1,2
Change Engine Oil
w/o filter
X 1,2
Change Engine Oil w/
filter
XX
Che k Engine Oil
X
Che k Belts
XX
Clean Battery &
Terminals
XX
Che k Battery
X 3
Sharpen/Repla e
Mower Blades
XXX
Che k for Loose
Fasteners
X
Parking Brake
XX
XX
Before
Ea h
Use
Before
Storage
8 Hours 25 Hours 50 Hours 100 Hours Season
Che k Brake
Operation
Che k Tire
Pressure
1 – Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures
2 – Servi e more often when operating in dirty or dusty onditions
3 – Repla e blades more often when mowing in sandy soil
15
15

OPERATION
FEATURES
1. Throttle Control – Used to ontrol
Engine Speed
2. Hour Meter – Indi ates hours of
operation
3. Choke Control – Used when starting a
old engine
4. PTO Swit h – Used to engage or
disengage the de k blades
5. Ignition Swit h – Used to start or stop
the engine
6. De k Lift Handle – Used to raise and
lower the utting de k
7. Control Levers / Parking Brake – Sets the
speed of the mower in both the forward and
reverse dire tions and also turns the mower /
Engages and disengages the Automati
Parking Brake system
8. Hydro Bypass – Engages transmissions for
normal operation and disengages
transmissions for pushing or pulling the unit
9. Fuel Tanks – Dual 2.0 gal fuel tanks
10. Seat Slide
11. Battery
12. Pivoting Front Axle
13. Dis harge Chute
7
9
10
6
SEE DETAILS PAGE
12
16
16

OPERATION
FEATURES
1. Throttle Control – Used to ontrol
Engine Speed
2. Hour Meter – Indi ates hours of
operation
3. Choke Control – Used when starting a
old engine
4. PTO Swit h – Used to engage or
disengage the de k blades
5. Ignition Swit h – Used to start or stop
the engine
6. De k Lift Handle – Used to raise and
lower the utting de k
7. Control Levers / Parking Brake – Sets the
speed of the mower in both the forward and
reverse dire tions and also turns the mower /
Engages and disengages the Automati
Parking Brake system
8. Hydro Bypass – Engages transmissions for
normal operation and disengages
transmissions for pushing or pulling the unit
9. Fuel Tanks – Dual 2.0 gal fuel tanks
10. Seat Slide
11. Battery
12. Pivoting Front Axle
13. Dis harge Chute
SEE DETAILS PAGE
9
13
7
17
17

OPERATION
FEATURES
1. Throttle Control – Used to ontrol
Engine Speed
2. Hour Meter – Indi ates hours of
operation
3. Choke Control – Used when starting a
old engine
4. PTO Swit h – Used to engage or
disengage the de k blades
5. Ignition Swit h – Used to start or stop
the engine
6. De k Lift Handle – Used to raise and
lower the utting de k
7. Control Levers / Parking Brake – Sets the
speed of the mower in both the forward and
reverse dire tions and also turns the mower /
Engages and disengages the Automati
Parking Brake system
8. Hydro Bypass – Engages transmissions for
normal operation and disengages
transmissions for pushing or pulling the unit
9. Fuel Tanks – Dual 2.0 gal fuel tanks
10. Seat Slide
11. Battery
12. Pivoting Front Axle
13. Dis harge Chute
Left Control Panel Right Control Panel
Rear of Unit
1 2
3
4
5
6
8
11
18
18

OPERATION
Starting
Operator must be sitting in the seat. Control handles must be in the neutral
(outward) position (whi h sets the parking brakes). PTO must be in the disengage
position (pushed down).
Set hoke (if needed), turn key and release as soon as engine starts. Adjust
throttle to half and shut hoke off.
Close motion ontrol levers (move inward), releasing the Parking Brakes
Be sure all people are lear of the area. Engage blades and set RPM to
maximum.
Grass Height & C tting S ggestions
Do not attempt to ut wet grass
The average lawn should be ut to 2 ½” during the ool season and to over 3”
during the hot months. For healthier and better looking lawns, mow often and after
moderate growth.
As a rule , never ut more than 1/3 of the total grass blade length. Corre t mowing
height an redu e weeds and lawn disease.
For best performan e, grass over 6 in hes in height should be mowed twi e. The
first ut should be set relatively high and the se ond set to the desired height.
NOTE:
If you have never used a Zero
Turn mower before, refer to the
Operation Controls se tion of
this manual before attempting to
operate one for the first time.
19
19

Controls
Be familiar with all ontrols, their fun tions and how to operate them before
starting the ma hine.
Motion ontrol levers on ea h side of the onsole ontrol the dire tion of
movement. SEE FIGURE BELOW
Note: The press re req ired to operate the mower is very slight
Control Handles
Neutral Position Slow Forward Fast Forward
OPERATION
90 Degree Right Turn 90 Degree Left Turn Slow Reverse
360 Degree Right Turn 360 Degree Left Turn
NOTE:
If you have never used a Zero
Turn mower before, refer to the
Operation Controls se tion of
this manual before attempting to
operate one for the first time.
20
20