Swisher RTB14544AC, RTB12544AC User Manual

www.swisherinc.com

OWNER’S
MANUAL

STARTING SERIAL #:

L111-152001

MODEL NO.

RTB12544AC

(Arctic Cat Model 1436-338)

RTB14544AC

(Arctic Cat Model 1436-339)

IMPORTANT

Read and follow all
Safety Precautions
and Instructions
before operating this
equipment.

RTB12544 Shown

44” ROUGH CUT

TRAILCUTTER

Assembly
Operation
Service and Adjustment
Repair Parts

1602 CORPORATE DRIVE WARRENSBURG, MISSOURI 64093 PHONE [phone]
FAX [phone]

Manufacturing quality lawn care equipment since 1945

17340 Rev. 11-152

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. As required by § 1060.120, the fuel system related components, which have
been certified to this equipment by SAI are to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a
period of two (2) years 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 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, 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 cl aim unde r this warranty, you must return the product t o an authori zed
service dealer. All transportation c harges, da mage, 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 thi s warranty, please cont act 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 APP LY TO ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES AND ANY IMPLIE D WARRANTIES AR E LIMITED TO THE SAME TIME
PERIODS STATED HEREIN F OR ALL E XPRESSED WARRANTIES . Some stat es do not

allow the li mitation of consequenti al damages or limitations on how long an i mplied warranty may
last, so the above li mitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This wa rranty gives you speci fic
legal rights and you may have other rights, which vary from state-to-state. This is a l imited warranty
as defined by the Magnuson-Moss Act of 1975.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WARRANTY………………....….2

INTRODUCTION………………..3
SAFETY..……………………….3-4
ASSEMBLY………………..…….4
OPERATION……………………5-8

CUTTER MAINTENANCE..…….…..8
TROUBLESHOOTING………………9
DECALS…..………….………………10
PARTS BREAKDOWN……………11-19

2

Thank you for choosing Swisher’s 44 ‘’ Trailcutter. 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.

3

• 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 Trailcutter brake
system has been set at the factory. 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 Figure 2 p.11. Attach hitch assembly parts to front of mower . Insert 3/8-16 X 2 ½ through

plate and attach 3/8-16 nut to the bottom. Tighten nut tight until tube is clamped then back off ½
turn to allow tube to pivot.

• The L hitch can be adjusted up or down to level the deck from front to back

• 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. ( if so equipped ) 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 TRAILCUTTER

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 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 Trailcutter is designed to clear dense areas of grass and cut saplings
up to 1-1/2 inch thick on meadows and small estates. It is not intended to create a finish
cut on lawns.Your Trailcutter should be towed behind an ATV, golf cart, lawn tractor or
other approved vehicle. It is not recommended for speeds exceeding 5 MPH.

ATTACHING TRAILCUTTER 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 Trailcutter engine.

• Bolt swivel hitch (H10) to tow vehicle 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 to the swivel hitch. (Ref Fig 2)

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 Trailcutter.

TRANSPORTING CUTTER

• Stop Trailcutter.

• Place Trailcutter 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.

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

5

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 detail on page 16 figure – 8

•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 TrailCutter 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 the engine is running, slowly, engage blade control.

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

• Stop cutter.

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 build-up of debris.

• Set engine idle to “CHOKE” position.

• Turn key to the “RUN” position.

• Pull rope with a single fluid motion.

• (12V models only) Turn key to the “RUN” position, then to the “START” position.

• 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
PLUG WIRE FROM SPARK PLUG BEFORE MAKING ANY
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE CUTTER.

FRONT TO BACK ADJUSTMENT

For best cutting results, the cutter deck should be parallel to the ground. To check parallel adjustment,
measure the distance from the bottom edge of the deck in both the front and rear of the deck. This
adjustment is best done while the tow vehicle and Trailcutter are connected.

• Loosen nuts NB182 from u-bolts 9855 enough so that “L” hitch 18353TK can slide freely.

• Raise or lower hitch section to obtain proper front to back adjustment.

• Tighten nuts and u-bolts to “L” hitch securely.

See figure 2, pg 11

6