Swisher RTB105441, POLB10544HD, RTB1254412V User Manual

swisherinc.com

OWNER’S
MANUAL

MODEL NO.

POLB10544HD

RTB105441

RTB1254412V

44” ROUGH CUT
TRAILMOWER

Assembly
Operation
Service and Adjustment
Repair Parts

Rev. 05-301

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

ONRT44

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 two (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.
The Honda Engine Service Hot-Line is 1-800-426-7701.

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

3) Limitation 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 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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WARRANTY………………....….2

INTRODUCTION………………..3
SAFETY..……………………….3-4
ASSEMBLY………………..…….4
OPERATION……………………5-7

CUTTER MAINTENANCE..…….…..8
TROUBLESHOOTING………………9
DECALS…..………….………………10
PARTS BREAKDOWN……………11-15

2

Thank you for choosing Swisher’s RC44 Trail mower. Before operating
your mower, please read, understand and follow all of the safety
precautions and other instructions explained in this manual . As with all
power equipment, lawnmowers 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 mower
discharge direction and do not point at anyone. Stop the machine if anyone enters the
mowing 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.

3

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

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

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

Wear only solid shoes with good traction when mowing.

• 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.

• Mower 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 Mower brake
system has been tested and calibrated. For safety, the consumer should not alter the
braking system.

ASSEMBLY

• Disengage spark plug wire and place where it cannot make a connection.

• (Refer to Owner’s Manual p.11) Attach receiver hitch parts to P/N 4866TC.

• 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.

• Check the battery (if so equipped). If battery is put into service after the “month & year” of the
date on the battery, then it may need to be charged with a 12 volt battery charger for a minimum
of 1 hour, but no more than 2 hours at a rate of 6 to 10 amps.

• Attach battery cable(s) to battery. Red wire to positive (FIRST) and black wire to negative
(SECOND).

• Reconnect spark plug wire.

• (Refer to Owner’s Manual p. 5) For proper operating procedures.

4

OPERATING YOUR TRAILMOWER

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 staring any cutting machine and
while operating such a machine.

The operation of any cutter 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” Rugged Cut Trail Mower is designed to clear dense areas of grass and cut
saplings up to 1 inch thick on golf courses and small estates. It is not intended to create a
finish cut on lawns.Your Trail Mower should be towed behind an ATV, golf cart, lawn
tractor, or other approved vehicle. It is not recommended for speeds exceeding 5 MPH.

ATTACHING TRAILMOWER TO TOW VEHICLE

• Back vehicle up to desired towing position.

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

• Bolt swivel hitch (H10) to vehicle tow receiver. If tow vehicle has a ball
hitch, the ball must be removed before swivel hitch can be fastened.

• Attach tow hitch and the “L” hitch (4866 & H1) to the swivel hitch. The hitch
pin (H11) should go completely through both the swivel and “L” hitches and
clipped to prevent accidental separation. Check that all hardware is secure at
both the tow vehicle and the Trail Mower.

TRANSPORTING MOWER

• Stop Trail Mower.

• Place Trail Mower deck in its highest position.

• When transporting unattached from tow vehicle, remove spark plug wire and
place it where it cannot contact the spark plug.

ENGAGING BLADES
Note: Do not start the mower with the T-handle console is in the “ENGAGED” position.

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

5