OWNER’S

MANUAL

MODEL NO.

RT10544

RT80044

44” RUGGED CUT

TRAILMOWER

Rev. 12.10.99

Assembly

Operation

Service and Adjustment

Repair Parts

1602 CORPORATE DRIVE, P.O. BOX 67, WARRENSBURG, MISSOURI 64093

PHONE (660) 747-8183 FAX (660) 747-8650

Manufacturing quality lawn care equipment since 1945

M a d e I n T h e

U S A

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 1-800-748-7108. 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 RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Trailmowers

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET, AND

THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD

RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

••

Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when starting and while using your mower.

• Exercise special care when mowing around fixed objects

Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions.

It means CAUTION!!! BECOME

ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS

INVOLVED!!!

in order to prevent the blades from striking them. Never deliberately run tow vehicle or mower onto or over any foreign object.

• Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as described in the manual.

• Do not operate mower if it has been dropped or damaged in any manner. Always have damage repaired before using your mower.

• Dress properly. Do not operate mower when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Wear only solid shoes with good

CAUTION:

ALWAYS DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG

WIRE AND PLACE IT WHERE IT CANNOT

CONTACT SPARK PLUG IN ORDER TO

PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN

SETTING UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING

OR MAKING REPAIRS.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the

• traction when mowing.

Always make cutting height adjustments before starting your mower. Never attempt to do this while the engine is running.

• Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being cut.

• Do not let other interests distract you.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.

Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.

• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing your mower, stop the engine and make absolutely sure the blade and all moving parts have stopped. Then disconnect the spark manual and on the machine before starting.

• Read this operator's manual carefully. Become familiar with the controls and know how to operate your mower properly. plug wire and keep it away from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.

• Do not operate your mower if it vibrates abnormally.

• Only allow responsible adults who are familiar with the instructions to operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.

Excessive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine, safely check for the cause of vibration and repair as required. which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.

• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing.

Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

• Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates, or other safety devices in place.

• Do not attempt to operate the tow vehicle when not in

• Never carry passengers.

• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.

Always look down and behind before and while backing.

• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without the guards in place. drivers seat.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip over

• Slow down before turning.

• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blades, and stop engine.

• Turn off blades when not mowing.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

DO:

• Mow up and down slopes. alcohol or drugs.

• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps; uneven terrain could overturn the machine; tall grass can hide obstacles.

• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.

• Disengage power to mower and stop engine when

• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.

• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction. transporting or not in use.

• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.

DO NOT:

· Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

· Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.

The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.

· Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

III. CHILDREN

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.

·

Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.

· Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.

· Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children.

· Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.

• Never allow children to operate the machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

• Use extra care handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive.

- Use only an approved container.

- Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running.

- Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke while refueling.

- Never refuel the machine indoors.

- Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, like that of a water heater.

• Never run a machine inside a closed area.

•

Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment nuts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris buildup; clean oil or fuel spillage; allow machine to cool before storing.

• 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 blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

4

SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL DECALS

Replace decal immediately if damaged. Order by part number from

Swisher Mower and Machine Co. Inc.

D55-DANGER DECAL

D30-WARNING DECAL

D20-CAUTION DECAL

D28-OFF/ON DECAL

D10-ENGAGE DECAL

D99116-MED. SILVER LOGO DECAL

SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL DECALS

Replace decal immediately if damaged. Order by part number from

Swisher Mower and Machine Co. Inc.

5

D82-44 RUGGED CUT DECAL

D29- DANGER DECAL

OPERATING YOUR NEW CUTTER

The operation of any mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields before starting your mower and while mowing. We recommend wide vision safety mask for over the spectacles or standard safety glasses.

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.

STOPPING

•

Move blade clutch lever to disengaged (vertical) position.

•

Turn key switch to OFF position.

TOW HITCH OFFSET FEATURE

This trail mower has been designed to run offset from the center of the tow vehicle in order to make the unit more flexible in a wide range of mowing situations.

•

The adjustable tow hitch of this mower can be assembled from straight behind the tow vehicle to approximately 20” offset to either side

TOW HITCH OFFSET ASSEMBLY (refer to fig. 1)

•

Install hitch tube (2) over the front torsion bar (1) on mower (Note: the hitch tube can be placed anywhere along the length of the torsion bar). Secure the hitch tube in place using four 3/8-16 x 2 ½ bolts (4) and 3/8 -16 nyloc nuts (5).

•

Install the “L” hitch (3) into the hitch tube, and loosely secure with two 5/16-18 x 2 12 bolts (6) and 5/16-18 nyloc nuts (7). The “L” hitch will be secured in place after the front to back adjustment has been determined

(see next step).

FRONT TO BACK ADJUSTMENT

To obtain the best cutting results, the mower deck should be adjusted so that it is parallel to the ground. To check front to back adjustment, measure from the bottom edge of the deck to the ground at both the front and rear of the deck. This next series of instructions is best done with the mower and tow vehicle together.

•

Install the hitch swivel (8) to the tow bar of the tow vehicle. (refer to fig. 1)

•

Raise the hitch tube of the mower until the bottom of the deck is parallel to the ground. Note the position of the clevis on the “L” hitch in relation to the hitch swivel on the tow vehicle. The “L” hitch will have to be moved up or down to match this height.

•

Set the mower back on the ground, remove the hardware, slide the “L” hitch into the predetermined position, and reinstall the nuts and bolts. The hardware can now be tightened.

ATTACHING CUTTER TO TOW VEHICLE

•

Place cutter behind tow vehicle and back up to it for attaching.

•

Slide tow bar of cutter over the tow vehicles hitch so that holes line up.

•

Insert hitch pin until it extends through the bottom of the tow bar.

•

Place safety latch over the end of the hitch pin.

•

Secure control console to tow vehicle, making sure it can be reached from the operating position (see pre-assembly instructions. Use provided Velcro straps to secure control cable to cutter frame, hitch, and tractor.

Important: Make sure control cable is unrestrained through the turning range of the tow vehicle.

TRANSPORTING YOUR CUTTER

•

Disengage the blade.

•

Shut off cutter engine.

•

Place cutter deck in the highest position.

CAUTION:

SHUT OFF MOWER ENGINE AND REMOVE

SPARK PLUG WIRE FROM SPARK PLUG

BEFORE MAKING ANY ADJUSTMENTS TO

THE MOWER.

CUTTER HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

The cutting height range of this unit is from approximately 2

1/2 to 6 inches. Heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with the engine not running. Rotate height adjustment crank handle in a clockwise direction to raise the cutter and in a counter clockwise direction to lower.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

•

Fill engine with oil (see engine manual for proper procedure and requirements).

•

Add gasoline. Fill fuel tank using fresh clean unleaded gas .

7

CAUTION:

FILL TO BOTTOM OF FUEL TANK FILLER

NECK.DO NOT OVERFILL WIPE OFF

SPILLED OIL OR FUEL. DO NOT

STORE, SPILL, OR USE GASOLINE NEAR

OPEN FLAME.

TO START ENGINE

CAUTION:

KEEP THE BLADE CLUTCH LEVER IN

“DISENGAGED” POSITION WHEN

STARTING ENGINE.

•

Make sure spark plug wire is properly connected.

•

Place throttle control in “CHOKE” position if the engine is cold. A warm engine may not require choking to start.

•

Grasp starter handle with one hand. Pull rope out slowly until engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at this point).

•

Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. Keep a firm grip on starter handle and let rope rewind slowly.

Do not let starter handle snap back against starter.

•

When engine starts, move throttle control to the “RUN” position (full throttle).

•

Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before engaging blades.

Note: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold

Temperatures (below 32F), the carburetor fuel mixture may need to be adjusted for best performance (see Service and Adjustments section of the engine manual.)

BREAKING IN YOUR CUTTER

CAUTION:

CHECK AREA UNDER AND AROUND

MOWER FOR ANY OBJECTS THAT COULD

BE THROWN FROM UNDER MOWER.

MAKE SURE THAT MOWER DISCHARGE

AREA IS CLEAR.

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.

Break in your belts, pulleys, and engine before you actually begin mowing for the first time.

•

Start engine, engage blade control to start blades rotating and allow blades to rotate for approximately five minutes to break in mower and engine.

STARTING TO CUT

Caution! Never operate cutter when not seated. Serious injury could occur.

•

Starting the engine: To start the engine, be sure that the blade control lever is in the disengaged (vertical) position.

Turn key switch to the start position.

•

Engaging the blade: Move lever from the disengaged

(vertical) position down to the engaged (horizontal) position.

•

Disengaging the blade: Move the lever from the engaged

(horizontal) position up to the disengaged (vertical) position.

Important: Make sure all bystanders are clear before engaging blade.

Important: Know the area you are about to cut. Tall grass can hide foreign objects and holes.

STOPPING

•

Move blade clutch lever to disengaged (vertical) position.

•

Turn key switch to OFF position.

SUGGESTED PRACTICES

CAUTION:

NEVER CARRY CHILDREN. THEY MAY

FALL OFF AND BE SERIOUSLY INJURED

OR INTERFERE WITH SAFE OPERATION.

•

Mowing should be started with the tow vehicle in low gear and speed increased only as mowing conditions will safely permit. This speed should not exceed 3 ½ mph.

•

Better mowing results will be obtained in those areas with the least amount of growth. While your mower will cut through dense growth, you will experience a substantial increase in the horsepower required and some change in the finished appearance as compared to those areas with the least amount of growth.

•

Mowing conditions will vary from place to place, including the types of grass and brush that are being mowed. When mowing tall grass and brush you may find that the pressure of the wheel tracks may cause certain grasses and brush to be pushed downward and will not be mowed properly. If this condition exists you may have to mow the area twice, the first mowing with the mower raised and the second mowing at the normal height that you have chosen. If it is practical, better results will be found if the second mowing is at a right angle in travel to the previous mowing.

•

When mowing thick grass and brush you will find that the performance of the mower will be greatly improved if the

speed of travel is reduced. This allows the mower the time necessary to make its initial cut, and then the

•

Always operate mower engine at full throttle when mowing to assure the best mowing performance and subsequent cuts that chop the materials into small pieces to be discharged properly. Failure to do this will result in a poor finished look and the possibility of stalling the engine.

•

Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet grass will accumulate under the mower deck and leave undesirable proper discharge of material. Regulate ground speed by selecting a low enough gear to give the mower cutting performance as well as the quality of cut desired.

•

When mowing extremely dense brush and saplings, do not attempt to mow over any area that the tow vehicle cannot maneuver through.

clumps. Allow grass to dry before mowing.

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.

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. (Do this twice to insure 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.

CAUTION:

DO NOT HANDLE MOWER BLADES WITH

BARE HANDS. CARELESS OR IMPROPER

HANDLING MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS

INJURY.

REPAIR PARTS

Your cutter has been produced with components designed for your unit. Although standard V-belts, bearings, blades, pulleys, etc. may look like parts used elsewhere, many are of a different construction and could, in some cases cause a malfunction in the operation of the machine.

10

11

12

4846

B527

BB105

REPLACEMENT PARTS

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

9

10

11

12

13

18

19

20

14

15

16

17

ITEM #

1

2

4

4

5

6

7

8

NB-238

NB-216

4836

NB-596

NB-170

4834

NB-195

4844

NB-126

4864

4860

NB-107

NB-182

T2PB

PART #

4865

NB-253

NB-181

WHRT44TEC

WHRT44BS

NB-504

NB-181

4853

4843

NB-617

NB-213

NB-281

6745

NB-114

NB-596

NB-170

4850

NB-618

NB-280

NB-104Z

NB-180

4857

4874

4851

NB-252

4837

NB-619

NB-212

NB-182

DESCRIPTION

DECK WELDMENT

5/16-18 X 1 1/4 FLNGE BOLT

5/16-18 FLNGE NUT

WIR HRNES-TEC

WIR HRNES-BRIGGS&STRTON

5/16-18 X 1 1/4 BOLT

5/16-18 FLNGE NUT

RUBBER FLAP STRAP

RUBBER FLAP

1/2-13 X 1 1/2 BOLT

1/2-13 NUT

1/2-13 NYLOC NUT

LONG EYEBOLT

1/2-20 X 1/2 SELF-TAPPING BOLT

3/8-24 X 1 ENG BOLT

3/8-24 TWO-WAY LOC NUT

MOTOR BASE

5/16-18 X 3/4 FLNGE BOLT

5/16-18 FLNGE NUT

TIRE/WHEEL ASSEMBLY

13/16 X 1 1/4 X 1/8 WASHER

PULLEY COVER

1/8 X 1 COTTER PIN

HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT BAR

REAR TORSION BAR

3/8-16 X 1 1/2 BOLT

3/8-16 NYLOC NUT

3/8 PLASTIC BUSHING

5/16-18 X 3/4 FLNGE BOLT

5/16-18 FLNGE NUT

TOP HEIGHT ADJUST SECTION

3/8-16 X 1 1/4 BOLT

3/8-16 TWO-WAY LOC NUT

1/4-20 X 1 1/2 BOLT

1/4-20 NYLOC NUT

BLACK PLASTIC KNOB

CRANK HANDLE

BOTTOM HEIGHT ADJUST SECTION

5/16-18 X 1/2 FLNGE BOLT

AUXILARY PULLEY COVER

3/8-16 X 2 1/2 BOLT

3/8-16 NUT

3/8-16 NYLOC NUT

ITEM #

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

55

NOT SHOWN

NOT SHOWN

BP370

BT297

B527

4463

NB-560

NB-180

NB-591

NB-181

B99S

BT35

682S

NB-619

NB-212

NB-280

NB-194

BP370S

4839

682S

NB-102

NB-139

NB-180

NB-501

NB-181

NB-556

PART #

6681

NB-588

NB-121

NB-281

NB-250

NB-180

9023

KSM

4852

NB-141

NB-274

NB-608

NB-597

NB-274

NB-518

4461

4847

4805

4809(L&R)

BR20CC

BA50

DESCRIPTION

IDLER ARM

1/2-13 X 2 1/2 BOLT

1/2-13 TWO-WAY LOC NUT

1/2-13 NYLOC NUT

1/4-20 X 3/4 BOLT

1/4-20 NYLOC NUT

CLEVIS U-CLIP

BELT ENGAGE ARM

IDLER SPRING

1/4-20 X 1 BOLT

1/4-20 NUT

1/4-20 NYLOC NUT

5/16-18 X 1 FLNGE BOLT

5/16-18 NYLOC NUT

5/16 FLAT WASHER

SPACER

3 LINK CHAIN

IDLER SPRING

3/8-16 X 2 1/2 BOLT

3/8-16 NUT

3/8-16 TWO-WAY LOC NUT

1/4 NYLON WASHER

BRAKE PAD CLIP

BRAKE PAD

BRAKE SPRING

IDLER PULLEY

T HANDLE

1/4-20 X 1 1/4 BOLT

1/4-20 NYLOC NUT

5/16-18 X 1 1/2 TORX BOLT

5/16-18 NYLOC NUT

KEY SWITCH

ENGAGE CONSOLE MOUNT PLATE

1/4-20 X 2 1/2 BOLT

1/4 SAE WASHER

1/4-20 WING NUT

3/32 X 3/4 COTTER PIN

1/4 SAE WASHER

1/4 X 1 1/2 CLEVIS PIN

T HANDLE LINK

ENGAGE CONSOLE

FRONT TORSION BRACKETS

REAR TORSION BRACKETS

ENGAGE CABLE

BELT

13

14

OWNER’S

MANUAL

MODEL NO.

RT10544

RT80044

44”ROUGH CUT

TRAILMOWER

Each mower has its own model number. Each engine has its own model number. The model number for the mower 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 blower fan housing.

All mower 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 mower .

WHEN ORDERING PARTS, PLEASE HAVE THE

FOLLOWING INORMATION AVAILABLE:

* PRODUCT - TRAILMOWER

* SERIAL NUMBER - _______________

* MODEL NUMBER - _______________

* ENGINE MODEL NUMBER - _______________

TYPE - _______________

* PART NUMBER

* PART DESCRIPTION

TELEPHONE - 1-800-222-8183

FAX - 1-660-747-8650

SWISHER MOWER & MACHINE CO. INC.

1602 CORPORATE DRIVE P.O. BOX 67

WARRENSBURG, MO 64093

SWISHER MOWER & MACHINE CO. INC.

PRINTED IN U.S.A.