Swisher T1260, T1360 User Manual

OWNER’S
MANUAL

FROM SERIAL #96­354001 TO L199-307000

MODEL NO.
T1260
T1360

60” UNIVERSAL
TRAILMOWER

Assembly
Operation
Service and Adjustment

Rev.05-193

P.O. BOX 67, WARRENSBURG, MISSOURI 64093 PHONE [phone] FAX [phone]

Manufacturing quality lawn care equipment since 1945

10829

Repair Parts

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 1-800-233-3723. 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 1-800-222-8183.
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.

2

Safety Rules

Keep your eyes and mind on your mower

cidents, which can result in

Safe Operation Practices for Trailmowers

Important: This cutting machine is capable of
amputating hands and feet, and throwing
objects. Failure to observe safety
instructions could result in serious injury or
death.

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 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 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.

• Do not attempt to operate the tow vehicle
when not in the driver’s seat

•

Disengage power to mower, stop engine
when transporting or not in use.

• Exercise special care when mowing
around fixed objects in order to prevent
the blades from striking them. Never
deliberately run mower onto or over any
foreign object.

• Use mower only as the manufacturer
intended and as described in the manual.

• Do not operate the mower if it has been
dropped or damaged in any manner.
Always have damage repaired before
using your mower.

• Always wear safety glasses or eye
shields when starting and while 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.

•

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.

II. Slope Operation

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of­control and tip over ac
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.

3

• Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven

IV. Service

Caution:

Caution:

wire and place it where it cannot

contact the spark plug in order to

setting up, transporting, adjusting

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

and the 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

• 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 card when approaching blind

Use extra care when approaching blind

corners, shrubs, trees or other objects
that may obscure vision.

Tragic accidents can occur if the
operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children
are attracted to the machine and
the mowing activity. Never

assume that children will remain
where you last saw them.

• Use extra care handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are flammable and vapors are
explosive.

o Use only an approved container.
o Never remove gas cap or add fuel

with the engine running.

o Allow engine to cool before refueling.

Do not smoke.

o Never refuel the machine indoors.
o Never store the machine or fuel

container where there is an open
flame, such as a gas 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.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap
the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra
caution when servicing them.

Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It
means CAUTION!!! BECOME

ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS
INVOLVED!!!

Always disconnect spark plug

prevent accidental starting when

or making repairs.

4

SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL DECALS

Replace decal immediately if damaged. Order by part number from
Swisher Mower and Machine Co. Inc.

OD42 Warning Decal

OD43 Danger Decal

5

SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL DECALS

Replace decal immediately if damaged. Order by part number from
Swisher Mower and Machine Co. Inc.

44 Caution Decal

OD

OD

45 Danger Decal

OD

OD

47 No Step Decal

48 Blade Decal

46 Speed Decal

OD OD

6

49 Engine Power Decal

The operation of any mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the

shields before starting your mower and while mowing. We recommend wide vision

Caution:

Operating Your New Mower

Caution:

without both safety tethers

Caution:

mower without

Caution:

eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye

safety mask for over the spectacles or standard safety glasses.

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children.
Children are attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that

children will remain where you last saw them.

Stopping

• Move blade clutch lever to disengage position.

• Turn key switch to the OFF position.

Attaching Mower to Tow Vehicle

• Place mower behind tractor and back tractor up
to it for attaching.

•

Slide tow bar of mower over tractor drawbar so
that holes line up.

• Insert hitch pin until it extends through the
bottom of the tow bar.

•

Place safety latch over end of the hitch pin. The
red tether is used to manually disengage the
blades in normal operation, and automatic
disengage the blades if the tow vehicle
becomes separated from the Trailmower.

• A black tether is used to manually engage the
blades of the Trailmower without leaving the
operator position.

• It is important that you securely attach both
the blade engage and disengage tether to
the tow vehicle.

Never operate this mower

securely attached to the tow
vehicle.

Transporting Your Mower

• Disengage blades.

• Shut off mower engine.

• Place mower deck in the highest cutting

position.

Starting to Mow

• Adjust mower cutting height.

•

Start mower engine.

• Move throttle to RUN position.

• Move mower blade clutch lever to the engaged

position to start mower blades.

Never operate the
both discharge chute cover in

the

place.

Mower Height Adjustment

Shut off mower and remove
spark plug wire before making
any adjustments to the mower.

• The mowing height range is approximately 1­1/2 to 4-1/2 inches. The heights are measured
from the ground to the blade tip with the engine

not

running.

• The average lawn should be cut to
approximately 2-1/2 inches during the cool
season and to over 3 inches during hot months.
For healthier and better-looking lawns, mow
often and after moderate growth.

• For best cutting performance, grass over 5
inches in height should be mowed twice. Make
the first cut relatively high, the second to
desired height.

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Caution:

Shut off mower and remove

Caution:

Caution:

Caution:

spark plug wire before making
any adjustments to the mower.

Cutting Height Adjustments

• Rotate height adjust crank handles (item #8
and #5 in fig. 4) in a clockwise direction to
raise the mower and in a counter-clockwise
direction to lower.

• Make sure that height adjustment is the same
on both sides of the mower, as indicated by
the graduated scales on the height
adjustment tubes.

• NOTE: Graduated scales are for reference
only.

Front to Back Adjustment

To obtain the best cutting results, the mower housing
should be adjusted so that the front is approximately
¼” to ¾” lower that the rear. To check for front to
back adjustment, measure from the bottom edge of
the deck to the ground at both the front and rear of
the deck.

Tow Hitch Offset Assembly

This Trailmower has been designed to run offset from
the center of the tow vehicle to provide additional
cutting width. (Refer to fig. 2 for assembly
information)

• The adjustable tow hitch of this mower can
be assembled in several positions from
straight to 58” offset to either side.

•

We recommend when towing with a tow
vehicle equipped with a mid mount mower to
offset the Trailmower to overlap the cut of
the mid mount mower by 6”. This will need to
be adjusted depending on the type of terrain,
obstacles, and the tow vehicle being used.

•

If your tow vehicle is not equipped with a mid
mount mower the hitch can be adjusted to a
straight position, but we recommend using
the offset position to eliminate grass being
crushed by the tow vehicle.

Shut off mower and remove
spark plug wire before making
any adjustments to the mower.

Tow Hitch Offset Assembly

• Please refer to figure 2 for the assembly of
the hitch bar.

Before Starting Engine

•

Fill engine with oil. (See engine manual for
proper procedure and requirements.)

• Add gasoline. Fill tank using fresh clean
unleaded gasoline.

Fill to bottom of fuel tank filler
neck. Do not overfill; wipe off
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store,
spill or use gasoline near open
flame

To Start Engine

Keep the blade clutch lever in
“Disengaged” position when
starting engine

Make sure spark plug wire is properly

•

connected.
Place throttle control in “Choke” position if the

•

engine is cold. A warm engine may not
require choking to start.

•

Turn key to start position. Release key
immediately when engine starts.

• When engine starts, move throttle control to
the “Run” position. (Full throttle)

• Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes
before engaging blades.

NOTE: If at high altitude (above 3000 ft) or in cold
temperatures (below 32° F), the carburetor fuel
mixture may need to be adjusted for best
performance. (See service and adjustments
section of engine manual.)

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