Swisher ZT2452A Owner’s Manual

ZT2452A

24 HP - 52" CUT

MADE IN THE

USA

CELEBRATING 65 YEARS OF INNOVATION

SINCE 1945

1602 CORPORATE DRIVE, WARRENSBURG MISSOURI 64093

PHONE: [phone] FAX: [phone]

MANUFACTURING QUALITY LAWN CARE EQUIPMENT SINCE 1945

OWNER'S MANUAL

STARTING SERIAL # L110-006001

17469 REV. 10-088

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 (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 1-800-233-3723.

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,
assembly or installation, shipping damage, or to normal wear of the

4) Exclusions

Excluded from this warranty are normal wear, normal adjustments, normal maintenance, and
battery*(see battery section.)

222-8183.

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.

The model number, serial number, date of purchase, and the name of the

misuse, abuse, improper

product.

Some states do not

limited warranty as defined by the Magnuson-Moss Act of 1975.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIMITED WARRANTY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

General....................................4

Before Operating.....................4

Uncrating & Assembly.............5

....................2

..................3

..........................4-5

SYMBOLS AND DECALS

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

General use & Safety rules.....7

Child Safety & Slope...............8

Precautions.............................8

...............

CUSTOMER
RESPONSIBILITY

........................10-13

.............

OPERATION

Features...............................14-15

Starting....................................16

Grass Height of Cut.................16

Parking Brake..........................16

Controls...................................17

SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS

................................14-17

...........18

6

Adjust Deck Height..................18

7

Deck Level...............................18

Parking Brake..........................18

Deck Belt Replacement.......19-20

Hydro Belt Replacement.....19-20

Seat Adjustment.......................21

Operator Presence..................10

Tires.........................................10

Blade Maintenance..................10

Battery.................................10-11

V-Belts......................................12

Engine......................................12

Overall Unit Care......................12

Transporting Safety..................12

Specifications...........................12

Maintenance.............................13

Travel Adjustment....................21

WIRING SCHEMATIC

PARTS BREAKDOWN

TROUBLESHOOTING

...............22-23

...............24-35

................36-37

MOWER IDENTIFICATION

WARRANTY RIGHTS

SWISHER HISTORY

......................39

........................40

............38

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INTRODUCTION

CONGRATULATIONS!

Thank you for purchasing a Swisher Zero Turn mower. This machine is built for the greatest

transmissions regulated by steering levers, contribute to the machine’s performance.

This manual is a valuable document. Following the instructions for use, service,
maintenance, etc. can greatly increase the life-span of your machine .

GENERAL

In this operator’s manual, left and right, backward and forward are used in relation to the
normal operators position.

:

NOTE:

If you have never used a Zero Turn mower
before, refer to the Operation Controls
section of this manual before attempting to
operate one for the first time.

READ BEFORE OPERATING

This machine is constructed only for mowing grass on lawns and other free and even ground
without obstacles. This machine is not intended for commercial use. The manufacturer’s
directions concerning operation, maintenance, and repairs must be carefully followed.

the machine’s special characteristics and who are well versed in safety instructions.

and traffic regulations must be followed without fail.

:

Unauthorized modifications to the design of the machine may absolve the manufacturer from
liability for any resulting personal injury or property damage.

~Read the engine manufacturer’s operating and maintenance instructions.
~Read and observe all safety instructions on your mower and in the manual.
~Check the engine oil.
~Check the fuel cap to be sure that it is tight and in place.
~Know how to set the parking brake.
~Be sure the mower blades are turned off – PTO switch pushed down.
~Know how to stop the engine – Turn the key to off
~Know how to stop the unit – Return control handles to neutral
~Know the process of how to start the engine

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INTRODUCTION

UNCRATING AND ASSEMBLY

Tools Required

~2 - ½” Wrenches or ½” Socket with drive ratchet
~Tire pressure gauge
~Nail bar or claw hammer
~Wire snips

To Remove The Mower From The Crate

~Dispose of top and side panels of the crate.
~Remove loose parts and packing material.
~Cut any banding or strapping that may be holding the mower to the crate.
~Disengage spark plug wire and place where it cannot make a connection.
~Raise the mower deck to its highest position.

~Install steering levers. Remove the bolts from the control arms on the mower. Align the holes
in the lever with the holes in the control arms and attach with the bolts provided.

both bolts on both handles are tight.

~Install the seat. Remove the bolts from the seat bracket that is attached to the frame. Line up
the seat bracket and resinstall bolts. Securely tighten. Plug in the lead from the wiring harness
to the bottom of the seat. It may be necessary to move the seat via the seat slide to gain
access to pluging in the connector the seat switch.

:

:

Make sure

the decal.

~Open the transmission valves at the rear of the unit by pulling the release handles and
locking them in place.

~Carefully push the mower off the crate to a safe and level area.

~Check the engine oil. All engines are filled with oil and tested at the factory. Verify oil level
and add if necessary before starting engine.

~Check the battery. If the battery is put into service after the “month & year” of the date on the

more than 2 hours at a rate of 6 to 10 amps.

~Attach battery cables to battery.

~

Close the transmission valves at the rear of the unit.

REAR OF THE UNIT

~Reconnect the spark plug wire.

~Check tire pressure on all four wheels.

SEE INSTRUCTION DECAL AT THE REAR OF THE UNIT

SEE ENGINE OWNER’S MANUAL

Always attach the positive terminal first.

SEE INSTRUCTION DECAL AT THE

.

REFER TO UNIT SPECIFICATIONS TABLE

.

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SYMBOLS AND DECALS

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

These instructions are for your safety. Read them carefully.

General Use

~Read all instructions in this operator’s manual and on the machine before starting it. Ensure that you understand
them and then abide by them.

~Learn how to use the machine and its controls safely and learn how to stop quickly. Also learn to recognize the
safety decals.

~Only allow the machine to be used by adults who are familiar with its use.

~Make sure nobody else is in the area of the machine when you start the engine, engage the drive, or run the
machine.

~Stop the machine if someone enters the work area.

~Clear the area of objects such as stones, toys, steel wire, etc. that may become caught in the blades and thrown
out.

~Do Not Use this machine without the Discharge Chute in place.

~Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug before cleaning the discharge deck.

~Never take passengers. The machine is only intended for use by one person.

~Always look around before and during reversing maneuvers.

~Slow down before turning.

~Shut down the mower deck when not mowing.

~Be careful when rounding fixed objects, so that the blades do not hit them.

~Only operate the machine in daylight or other well-lit conditions.

~Keep the machine a safe distance from holes or other irregularities in the ground.

~Never use the machine if you are tired, if you have consumed alcohol, or if you are taking other drugs or
medications that can affect your vision, judgment, or coordination.

~Beware of traffic when working near or crossing a road.

~Never leave the machine unsupervised with the engine running. Always shut down the blades, engage the
parking brake, stop the engine, and remove the ignition key before leaving the machine.

~Never allow children or other persons not trained in the use of the machine to use or service it. Local laws may
regulate the age of the user.

~Make sure that you have first aid equipment close at hand when using the machine.

~Never use the machine when barefoot. Always wear protective shoes or boots.

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

General Use Continued…

~Always wear approved protective glasses or a full visor when
assembling or driving.

~Ear Protection is recommended

~Never wear loose clothing that can get caught in moving parts.

Children:

~Serious accidents may occur if you fail to be on guard for children
in the area of the machine. Children are often attracted to the
machine and mowing work.

~Never assume that children will stay put where you last saw
them.

~Keep children away from the mowing area and under close
supervision by another adult.

~Shut off the machine if children enter the work area.

~Never allow a child to ride with you.

~Never allow children to operate the machine.

~Be extra cautious near corners, bushes, trees, or other objects
that block your view.

Slope Operation:

~Remove obstacles such as stones, tree branches, etc.

~Mow up and down, not side to side. Never drive the rider on
terrain that slopes more than 10 degrees.

~Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If the tires begin to slip,
shut down the blades and drive slowly down the slope.

~Always drive evenly and slowly on slopes.

~Make no sudden changes in speed or direction.

~Avoid unnecessary turns on slopes, and if it proves necessary,
turn slowly and gradually downward, if possible.

~Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. On uneven terrain, the machine
can tip more easily. Long grass can hide obstacles.

~Drive slowly and use small movements of the steering controls.
Do not mow wet grass. It is slippery, and the tires can loose their
grip, so that the machine slides.

~Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting a foot on the
ground.

Towing:

~This machine is rated at a 50 lb maximum tongue capacity and a
250 lb maximum towing capacity. Powered pull behind
accessories are not recommended for use with this vehicle.

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

17469 9 REV. 10-088

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

Operator Presence System

~Be sure the operator presence and interlock systems are working properly. If your mower does not function as described,
repair the problem immediately.

~The engine should not start unless the parking brake is engaged, the control handels are placed in their outward positions,
and the PTO (Blade Engagement – See OPERATION FEATURES section of this manual) switch is disengaged (pressed
down).

~When the engine is running, the operator should never leave the seat without first setting the parking brake and shutting off
the engine.

~When the engine is running and the PTO switch is engaged, any attempt by the operator to leave the seat without first
disengaging the PTO switch, should shut off the engine.

~When the engine is running and the control levers are rotated in, the operator should never attempt to leave the seat without
rotating the control levers out, shutting off the engine and engaging the parking brake.

~The PTO switch should never engage without the operator on the seat.

Tires:

~Maintain proper air pressure in all tires ( SEE SPECIFICATIONS section)

~Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber.

Blade Maintenance:

~Stop the engine and remove ignition key for safety. Disconnect the spark plug wire. Wear heavy, thick gloves when holding
onto blade. Avoid the sharp edge of the blade.

~ For best results, mower blades must be kept sharp. Replace bent or damage blades.

~Safely raise front of mower. SEE WARNING

~Hold or block blade from turning.

~Loosen blade nut and remove blade.

~Replace blade, (SEE SPECIFICATIONS).

Battery:

To clean battery and terminals

~Remove terminal guard.

~Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.

~Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush until shiny.

~Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly

~Reinstall battery

~Reconnect the battery cables

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CHARGING TIPS

~To avoid a battery explosion, never attempt to charge a frozen battery.

~Warning:

life.

~Important:

~Prior to charging, read the manufacturer’s instructions for proper charger hook-up and use.

~Turn off charger prior to hook-up to avoid dangerous sparks.

PROTECT YOUR EYES!

~Warning:

At the end of charge, add distilled water as needed to bring levels to the proper height. If water is
added, charge for an additional 30 minutes to mix. If electrolyte levels are low but battery is not
accessible, remove battery from service.

~The maximum charge rate in amperes should be no more than 1/3 of the battery’s reserve capacity
minute rating. If the terminal voltage exceeds 16.0 volts while charging, reduce the charge rate.

~Continue charging and reduce the rate as needed until a 2 hour period results in no increase in
voltage or decrease in current.

~If violent gassing or spewing of electrolyte occurs, or the battery case feels hot to the touch,
temporarily reduce or halt charging.

Gel and AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries require a voltage-limited charger.

Never overcharge batteries. Excessive charging will shorten battery life.

*

Test wet batteries every 4-6 months and recharge if necessary. Always test and charge if

necessary before installation.

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CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

V-Belts:

Check V-belts for deterioration and wear every 50 hours of operation and replace if necessary. Replace belts if they begin to
slip from wear. SEE SPECIFICATION for belt part numbers and SERVICE section of this manual for instructions on how to
replace the belt.

Engine

REFER TO YOUR ENGINE OWNERS MANUAL

:

Overall Unit Care:

~Reduce the risk of fire by removing grass, leaves, and other debris that may have accumulated on the machine. Allow the
machine time to cool before cleaning or putting it in storage.

~Wash your mower periodically. Clean above and below deck.

~Keep all electrical connections clean and tight.

Driving and Transport on Public Roads:

~If the machine is transported, you should always use approved fastening equipment and ensure that the machine is well
anchored.

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