Swisher RT10544, RT80044 User Manual

OWNER’S

MANUAL

MODEL NO.

RT10544

RT80044

Rev. 12.10.99

44” RUGGED CUT

TRAILMOWER

Assembly

Operation

Service and Adjustment

Repair Parts

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

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 1-800­233-3723. 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.

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 operator's 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 and stop engine when

transporting or not in use.

•• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when

starting and while using your mower.

• Exercise special care when mowing around fixed objects

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
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.

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

drivers seat.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

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

• 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 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 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 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

D20-CAUTION DECAL

D30-WARNING DECAL

D28-OFF/ON DECAL

D10-ENGAGE DECAL

D99116-MED. SILVER LOGO DECAL