Swisher 97-056001, AZ User Manual
OWNER’S
MANUAL
MODEL NO.
All AZ Series
Models from
Serial #
97-056001
Zero Turn
Riding Mowers
!
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and
Instructions Before
Operating This
Equipment
Rev. 12.01.1997
P.O. BOX 67, WARRENSBURG, MISSOURI 64093 PHONE 660-747-8183 FAX 660-747-8650
Manufacturing quality lawn care equipment since 1945
Assembly
Operation
Service and Adjustment
Repair Parts
Made In The
USA
Swisher Mower & Machine Co. Inc.
P.O. Box 67
Warrensburg, MO 64093
Phone (660) 747-8183
Toll Free (800) 222-8183
FAX (660) 747-8650
Dear Valued Customer:
All of us at our plant in Warrensburg, Missouri, are delighted that youve chosen to purchase a Swisher Zero
Turn Radius Mower. We know that you will enjoy years of trouble free service and will save time and money
by using our products. We regularly receive letters from satisfied riding mower customers who are still using
Swisher mowers they purchased 20, even 25 years ago!
American-Made Swisher mowers feature rugged all-steel construction, and include 1/8 inch welded steel mower
decks. Swisher mower decks are individually fabricated, therefore far more durable than stamped steel decks
commonly found on other mowers. In addition to unsurpassed durability, their unique patented steering provides maximum maneuverability with time saving, zero-turning radius capability.
Founded a half-century ago, Swisher is a family-owned and operated company dedicated to quality and product innovation. We designed and introduced the first zero-turning radius walk-behind mower in 1945, and the
first zero-turning radius riding mower in 1955...long before most other mower manufacturers began business.
Our innovations have continued with popularizing the towing mower concept, solar-automated composters,
rotisserie outdoor cooking and much more!
Please take the time to familiarize yourself with this owners manual paying special attention to the safety
precautions, the operation and the maintenance of your new riding mower.
We appreciate the trust you have placed in our company and our product. Thank you for your business.
Sincerely,
O. Wayne Swisher
President,
Swisher Mower and Machine Co., Inc.
Proven Performance Since 1945
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Rules ............................................................................................... 2
Safety /Operational Decals ........................................................................ 4
Assembly .................................................................................................... 6
Your New Mower....................................................................................... 8
Before Starting Engine - Frist Time .......................................................... 8
Maintenance ............................................................................................. 10
Adjustments/Lubrication ......................................................................... 11
Storing ...................................................................................................... 12
Repairs...................................................................................................... 12
Mulching Mower ..................................................................................... 14
Sweeper/Collector .................................................................................... 14
Brush Adjustments ................................................................................... 15
Bag and Brush Replacement.................................................................... 15
Mower Installation ................................................................................... 16
Belt Housing Illustration ......................................................................... 17
Two Speed Pulley Illustration .................................................................. 18
Variable Speed Pulley Illustration ........................................................... 19
Height Adjustment Illustration ................................................................ 20
Blade Drive Assembly Illustration .......................................................... 21
Traction Assembly Illustration ................................................................ 22
Two Speed Pulley Assembly Illustration................................................. 23
Mulcher Mower Assembly Illustration ................................................... 24
Wiring Diagram Illustration..................................................................... 25
Replacement Parts .................................................................................... 26
SAFETY RULES
Safety Operation Practices for Riding Mowers
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.
Look for this symbol to point out important
safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!!
BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS
!
INVOLVED!!!
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 manual and on the machine before starting.
Read this operators manual carefully. Become
familiar with the controls and know how to
operate your mower properly.
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. 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 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.
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 alcohol or drugs.
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck.
Disengage power to mower, stop engine when
transporting or not in use.
Exercise special care when mowing around fixed
objects in order to prevent the blades from
striking them. Never deliberately run tractor 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.
Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when
starting and while using your mower.
Dress properly. Do not operate mower when
barefoot or wearing open sandals. Wear only solid
shoes with good 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 plug wire and keep it away
from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
Do not operate your mower if it vibrates
abnormally. Excessive vibration is an indication of
damage; stop the engine, safely check for the cause
of vibration and repair as required.
Never operate your mower without proper guards,
plates, or other safety devices in place.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. All slopes requires extra caution. If you feel
uneasy on it, do not mow it.
2
DO:
Mow up and down slopes.
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 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.
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.
- Never refuel the machine indoors.
- Never store the machine or fuel container
inside where there is an open flame, such
as 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
build-up. 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
blades(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when
servicing them.
3
SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL DECALS
Replace decal immediately if damaged. Order by part number from
Swisher Mower and Machine Co. Inc.
!
WARNING
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH CAN OCCUR
- MOVING PARTS - SHARP BLADES - THROWN OBJECTS - POSSIBILITY OF ROLL OVER -
• GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS.
• AVOID SUDDEN TURNS, SUDDEN CHANGES IN DIRECTION, SUDDEN CHANGES IN SPEED.
• IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP BLADE AND BACK SLOWLY DOWN.
• BE EXTRA CAUTIOUS ON ALL SLOPES AND UNEVEN SURFACES.
• DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND.
• NEVER CARRY CHILDREN OR OTHERS AS PASSENGERS.
• LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE BACKING.
• KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND SWITCHES) IN PLACE AND WORKING.
• REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE THROWN BY THE BLADE.
• KNOW SAFE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE STARTING ENGINE.
- READ OPERATORS GUIDE FIRST -
!
DANGER
SPINNING BLADE
KEEP CLEAR
CONTACT CAN INJURE
4
5
IMPORTANT! - READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING MOWER
Be sure to check your new Swisher Riding Mower for shipping damage before beginning assembly.
These parts are packaged with your new mower.
- Steering Wheel - includes one (1) 1/4-20 x 1/2 bolt, washer and cap plug
- Seat - includes two (2) 3/8 - 16 x 3/4 bolts, washers, nuts
- Grass Chute ( for non-mulching mowers) with bolt, nut and spring
- Wheels
- Cotter Pins
The following tools are needed for assembling your new Swisher Riding Mower:
Safety Glasses
1/2” box wrench
2 - 7/16” box wrenches
7/16” socket and ratchet
5/32” hex key wrench
To assemble your new mower, complete ALL of the following steps.
1. INSTALL STEERING WHEEL
•
Align the key in the steering wheel hub
with the slot in the end of the steering shaft
and press down.
•
Use a hex key wrench to install and tighten
the set screws on the side of the steering
hub.
•
Insert the 1/4-20 x 1/2” long bolt and
washer into the steering hub.
•
Tighten the bolt until snug. Do not over-
tighten
•
Install the cap plug to cover the bolt and
washer.
ASSEMBLY
1. INSTALLING THE WHEELS
Insert the axle through the hub of the wheel
with the valve stem facing away from the
mower. (Be sure to place the supplied
spacers between the surface of the axle
weldment and the hub to prevent the tire
from rubbing the weldment.)
With the wheel in position, insert a cotter
pin in the hole on the end of the axle. Use
pliers to spread the ends of the cotter pin
to retain the wheel in position. Repeat this
process for the other side.
Important - Do not forget to spread the
ends of the cotter pins to keep wheel assembly in place.
6
3. CHECKING THE ENGINE
6. INSTALLING THE SEAT
The engine has been serviced prior to ship-
ment. However, it is important to check
the oil level prior to starting the engine.
If more oil is required, follow the engine
manufacturer recommendations. Be
careful not to overfill.
4. ADD GASOLINE
IMPORTANT! GASOLINE SHOULD
BE ADDED OUTSIDE IN
A WELL VENTILATED AREA.
Add approximately one gallon of fuel to
the tank. Be certain to follow the engine
manufacturers recommendations on the
type of fuel to use.
5. CHECKING GEARBOX LUBRICANT
The gearbox is filled with lubricant at the
factory. However, verify that the gearbox
is filled by removing the Oil Check Plug
(Part #T143P) located on the side of the
gearbox.
The seat should be installed using the two
(2) bolts and lock nuts supplied.
Attach the wiring from the mower to the
seat safety switch. Important! The wir-
ing must be connected to the seat safety
switch for the mower to operate.
On 12 volt models: attach green wires
and the brown wires to the two (2) remaining positions on the safety switch.
On non-l2 volt models: attach the two
(2) brown wires to the safety switch.
The order of wire attachment or position
does not matter.
7. INSTALLING THE GRASS CHUTE (for
non-mulching mowers only)
Attach the grass chute using the bolt, nut
and spring supplied. Important! Do Not
operate without the grass chute in place!
The lubricant should be level with the oil
check plug opening.
If you need to add lubricant, use ONLY
TR125L, which is specially blended by
Swisher Mower and Machine Company.
7
BECOMING FAMILIAR WITH YOUR NEW SWISHER MOWER
Select an open area with no obstructions to complete the following steps which will help you familiarize
yourself with the location and movement of the mower controls. The engine SHOULD NOT be running as you
familiarize yourself with these controls.
RIGHT AND LEFT SIDES OF MOWER ARE DETERMINED BY SITTING IN THE DRIVERS SEAT.
OPERATOR POSITION
FRONT
LEFT
BE SURE TO READ THIS SECTION BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINE FOR THE FIRST TIME
Check fuel and oil levels.
Make sure the Drive Control and Blade Clutch
Levers are pulled back and disengaged. Make sure
your foot is off the pedal.
Once engine is started, become familiar with the
steering and maneuvering of the mower before
engaging the blades.
RIGHT
REAR
chain on the front wheel, is engaged when it is
resting flat against the front wheel.
ENGAGING THE DRIVE:
Hand-Operated/Two-speed Drive:
(all models begin with AZ2)
DRIVE ENGAGEMENT PIN:
The Lock Pin Lever (TR148L) should always be
engaged (flat against the wheel) BEFORE start-
ing the engine. To move the mower when en-
gine is not running, the Lock Pin Lever
(TR148L) must be disengaged.
Do not engage pin when engine is running. The
Lock Pin Lever (TR148L), located opposite the
The motion of the mower is controlled by the
Drive Clutch Lever (AZ125) located just below the steering wheel, on the left side.
To engage the drive, start the engine.
Push the Drive Clutch Lever (AZ125), which
is located on the left side of the steering wheel,
forward. The mower will BEGIN MOVING
FORWARD IN THE DIRECTION THE
FRONT TIRE IS POINTED.
8
To disengage the drive, pull the Drive Clutch Le-
ver (AZ125) back.
THE ZERO-TURNING RADIUS
The lever on the right side of the steering wheel
controls ground speed:
Low Speed: place the lever in the lower position
closest to the operator. This speed is excellent for
trimming and maneuvering in tight places.
High Speed: push the lever forward (away from)
the operator. This speed is used for mowing large
open areas.
Changing from low speed to high speed or from
high speed to low speed can be done without
disengaging the drive.
Foot-Pedal Operated:
(all models begin with AZV)
To engage the drive, press your foot against the
pedal. The speed of the mower is regulated by
the amount of pressure against the foot pedal.
The mower automatically stops and brakes when
you lift your foot off the pedal.
Swishers patented front wheel drive steering
mechanism provides 360 degrees of maneuverability.
Reverse directions by simply turning the front
wheel in the direction you want to go.
To reverse directions in tight areas, pull back the
Drive Control Lever (AT125) to stop the mower.
Then turn the steering wheel 180 degrees (in the
opposite direction). Engage the Drive Lever once
again.
QUICK CHANGE MULCHING
MOWER:
WARNING!
ALWAYS STOP ENGINE AND DISCONNECT
SPARK PLUG WIRE BEFORE OPENING OR
CLOSING MULCHING CHUTE!
The abruptness of the stop depends on how quickly
you take your foot off the pedal.
ENGAGING THE BLADES:
The Blade Clutch (BR20AZ) is located on the left
side below the seat.
To engage the blades, move the lever toward the
front of the mower.
To disengage the blades, pull the lever toward the
rear of the mower.
To use as a side-discharge mower:
Twist knob to unlock chute, let chute open and
then twist knob to lock chute.
To use as a mulching mower:
Twist knob, push chute closed and twist knob again
to lock.
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