Swisher RC11544BS, RC14544BS, RC14544BS-CA Owner's Manual

www.swisherinc.com

OWNER’S

M

ANUAL

MODEL NO.

STARTING SERIAL #:

L117-335001

RC11544BS

IMPORTANT

IMPORTANT

Read and follow all

Read and follow all

afety Precautions

Safety Precautions

S

and Instructions

and Instructions

before operating this

before operating this

equipment.

equipment.

44” COUNTRY CUT

TRAIL CUTTER

Assembly
O

peration
Service and Adjustment
Repair Parts

SWISHER ACQUISITION INC.

602 CORPORATE DRIVE, WARRENSBURG, MISSOURI 64093

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PHONE [phone] FAX [phone]

21009 REV 17-335

ade I The

USA

of US and Global Parts

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 has 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 or its agents responsible
for the engine warranty. The Briggs & Stratton Engine Service
Hot Line is 1-800-233-3723.

2) Commercial Use This product is not intended for commercial use and carries no
commercial warranty.

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 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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Thank you for choosing Swisher’s 44” Trail Cutter. Before operating
your cutter, please read, understand and follow all of the safety precautions
and other instructions explained in this manual. As with all power
equipment, lawn mowers and cutters can be potentially dangerous if
improperly used.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

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.

Read this manual completely. This machine can amputate hands and feet, and
throw objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in
serious injury or death.

• 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 cutters
discharge direction and do not point at anyone. Stop the machine if anyone enters the
cutting area. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity.
Never assume 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.

• Do not mow in reverse. Always look down and behind before and during backing.

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• Turn off the blades when not cutting. 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 cutter if it has been dropped or damaged in any manner or if the

mower vibrates excessively. Excessive vibration is an indication of damage.
Repair cutter as necessary.

• Dress properly. Do not operate the cutter when barefoot or wearing open sandals.

Wear only solid shoes with good traction when cutting.

• Never allow operation by untrained persons.

• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Do not operate on slopes greater than 15 degrees.

• 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.

• Cutter blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blades or wear gloves, and use extra

caution when servicing them. Do not operate at too fast a rate.

• Return lever to its vertical position to disengage blades.

• The braking system is applied when the blades become disengaged. It is designed to

bring the blades to a quick stop (approximately 7 seconds). Each Trail Cutter brake
system has been set at the factory. For safety, the consumer should not alter the
braking system.

• Disengage spark plug wire and place where it cannot make a connection.
Refer to Fig. 1 pg. 11. Attach hitch assembly parts to front of mower using 3/8-16 X 1¼ bolts and

•
secure with 3/8-16 nuts. Insert 3/4-10 X 4 ½” bolt through the bottom hole of the pivot assembly,
(2) 3/4 washers, and hitch tube and secure with 3/4-10 nut. Tighten nut tight until tube is clamped
then back off 1/4 turn to allow tube to pivot. Insert 5/8-11 X 2 ½ bolt through the top of pivot
assembly and top link and secure with 5/8-11 nut.

• The hitch can be adjusted up or down to level the deck from front to back. (See figure 2 page 11)

• Check engine oil. All engines are filled with oil at the factory. Verify oil level and
add if necessary before starting engine. (See Engine Owner’s Manual)

• Verify fuel level and add if necessary before starting engine.

• Reconnect spark plug wire.

• Refer to Owner’s Manual pg 5 for proper operating procedures.

ASSEMBLY

ASSEMBLYASSEMBLY

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OPERATING YOUR TRAIL CUTTER

The operation of any mower can produce foreign objects to be thrown into the eyes, resulting in severe eye
damage. Always wear certified safety glasses or wide-vision safety goggles over spectacles before starting
any cutting machine and while operating such a machine.

The operation of any mower 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.

INTENDED USE

The 44” Trail Cutter is designed to clear dense areas of grass and cut saplings up to 3” thick
on meadows and small estates. It is not intended to create a finish cut on lawns. Your
Trail Cutter should be towed behind an ATV, golf cart, lawn tractor or other approved
vehicle. It is not recommended for speeds exceeding 5 MPH.

ATTACHING TRAIL CUTTER TO TOW VEHICLE

• Back vehicle up to desired towing position.

• Offset the Trail Cutter to the side opposite the tow vehicle discharge (if any).
This prevents the tow vehicle from throwing grass into Trail Cutter engine.

• Using the 7365 2” ball coupler, connect the hitch to the vehicle your machine

will be towed with. Once attached, adjust the cutting height and level the
mower by rotating the adjustment rod (See figure 2 page 11).

TRANSPORTING CUTTER

• Stop Trail Cutter.

• Place Trail Cutter deck in its highest position.

• When transporting without the use of a tow vehicle, remove spark plug wire
and place it where it cannot contact the spark plug.

STOPPING THE ENGINE

• Make sure the tow vehicle parking brake is set.

• Disengage cutting blades.

• Reduce engine to idle speed and allow engine to run momentarily for cooling.

• Turn the key to the off position.

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ENGAGING BLADES
Note: Do not attempt to start the unit with the T-handle console in the “ENGAGED” position.

• Engage blades by pulling down the T-handle lever into the horizontal position.

• Return lever to the vertical position to disengage blades. See Fig 10 pg 17.

• The braking system is applied when the blades become disengaged. It is designed to bring
the blades to a quick stop (approximately 7 seconds). Each Trail Cutter brake system has
been set at the factory the consumer should not alter any part of the brake system.

BREAKING IN YOUR CUTTER

• Set the vehicle parking brake and chock the wheels to prevent accidental rolling.

• While engine is running, engage the blade control.

• In a safe environment, (i.e. no children or pets) allow the blades to rotate and the engine to
run at full throttle for 5 minutes, breaking in the belt for longer life.

• Disengage the blades and shut off the engine.

STARTING THE ENGINE

See engine manufacturer’s recommendations for the type and amount of oil and fuel used.

• Make sure the tow vehicle parking brake is set, mower is level, and blades are disengaged.

Engine must be level to accurately check and fill oil. Do not overfill.

• Check spark plug wire, oil, and fuel.

• Check all electrical connections for buildup of debris.

• Set engine idle to “CHOKE” position.

• Turn key to the “RUN” position.

• Pull rope with a single fluid motion.

• Set engine idle at maximum RPM for best performance.

• Allow engine to run a few moments before engaging blades.

CAUTION: SHUT OFF THE CUTTER ENGINE AND REMOVE SPARK

LUG WIRE FROM SPARK PLUG BEFORE MAKING ANY

P
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE CUTTER.

IMPORTANT: This engine is not equipped with a spark arrester muffler. It is a violation of
California Public Resource Code Section 4442 to use or operate the engine on any forest-covered,
brush-covered, or grass-covered land. Other states or federal areas may have similar laws.

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CUTTER HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

• There is approximately 4” of height adjustment.

• Rotate height adjust crank handle in a clockwise direction to lower the mower deck.
Rotate counterclockwise to lift the mower deck.

• Dense areas should be cut twice.

• Push handle down to lock height position.

• Adjust the top link located on the front of the hitch to level the mower after
adjusting the cutting height (See figure 2 page 11).

TOW HITCH OFFSET

• If towing with a lawn tractor, offset the rough cut mower to the opposite side of the
lawn tractor grass discharge.

• Swisher recommends if the tow vehicle is equipped with a mid-mount mower to

overlap the cut approximately 6”. This may vary depending on mowing terrain,
obstacles, and/or tow vehicle. Always keep safety the first priority.

• Always keep the tow vehicle cutter raised higher than the Trail Cutter.

STARTING TO CUT

• Adjust the cutting height.

• Double check tow vehicle to rough cut mower attachment.

• Start mower engine and set throttle to “FAST” for best cutting performance.

• Slowly engage T-handle lever. See Fig 8 pg 16.

• Carefully mount tow vehicle and start mowing at a slow travel speed.

STOPPING THE CUTTING SESSION

• Bring tow vehicle to a complete stop, set the parking brake and disengage blades.

• Turn key switch to the “OFF” position.

• Always remember to remove keys to avoid irresponsible usage.

SUGGESTED CUTTING PRACTICES

• Operate cutter engine at full throttle to assure the best cutting performance and

maximum material discharge.

• Allow wet grass to dry. Wet grass will clump and collect under the mowing deck.

• Cutter should be started with tow vehicle in low gear and increased only as safe

mowing conditions permit. Cutting speed should not exceed 5 MPH.

• Cutting conditions and the types of grass will vary from place to place. You may

find when cutting dense areas that the pressure of the wheel tracks may cause the
grass to be pushed down and not effectively mowed. If this happens you may want
to mow the area twice. Once with the cutter raised and the second cutting at the
desired height. The second cutting should be at a right angle from the previous for
best results.

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