Swisher RTB14544, RTB134412V, RTB12544, RTB115441, POLB10544HD Owner’s Manual

swisherinc.com

OWNER'S

MANUAL

MODEL NO.

STARTING SERIAL #:

L506-006001

RTBl15441

RTB12544

RTB134412V

RTB14544

POLB10544HD

POL12544X
POL14544X

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and

Instructions Before

Operating This
Equipment

Rev. 07-159 ,j

44" ROUGH CUT
TRAIL CUTTER

Assembly
Operation

Service and Adjustment
Repair Parts

A TRADITION OF QUALITY SINCE 1945 f

1602 CORPORATE DRIVE, P.O. BOX 67, WARRENSBURG, MISSO[ RI 64093

PHONE [phone] FAX [phone]

Manufacturing quality lawn care equipment since 1945

10292

Made h_ The [

USA

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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

2) Commercial Use

3) Limitation

4) Exclusions

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.

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 1-800-

233-3723. The Tecumseh Engine Service Hot-Line is 1-800-558-5402.
The Honda Engine Service Hot-Line is 1-800-426-7701.
This product is not intended for commercial use and carries no

commercial warranty.

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.
Excluded from this warranty are normal wear, normal adjustments, and

normal maintenance.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WARRANTY .......................... 2

INTRODUCTION .................... 3

SAFETY .............................. 3-4

ASSEMBLY ........................... 4

OPERATION ........................ 5-7

CUTTER MAINTENANCE .............. 8

TROUBLESHOOTING .................. 9

DECALS .................................... 10

PARTS BREAKDOWN ............... 11-17

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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 1

manual. When you see this symbol, carefully read the message tha
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.

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• 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 _/2through

plate and attach 3/8-16 nut to the bottom. Tighten nut tight until tube is clamped then back off 1/2

turn to allow robe 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 |

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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

damage. Ahvays wear certified safety glasses or wide-vision safety goggles over spectacles before staring any I
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 ,,ill

remain where you last saw them.

• 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. (RefFig 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 offposition

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. Seedetailon page14figm'e-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 betbre engaging blades.

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PLUG WIRE FROM SPARK PLUG BEFORE MAKING ANY

I _ CAUTION: SHUT OFF THE CUTTER ENGINE AND REMOVE SPARK |

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.

• Remove bolt and nut from the "L" hitch (RefFig 2 ).

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

• Connect bolt and nut in "L" hitch securely, Then rotate nut counter- clockwise 1/2
turn,"L" hitch should pivot freely.Bolt must go completely through nut ( but do not

over tighten). See_gu,'e-2, ,,age11

ADJUSTMENTS TO THE CUTTER.

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