Swisher FT1150 User manual

OWNER'S

MANUAL

MODEL NO.

FTll50

IMPORTANT

Read and follow all

Safety Precautions

and Instructions

before operating this

equipment.

Rev. 04-147

50" UNIVERSAL MOUNT

TRAILMOWER ®

For Vehicle Mounting Options See

Details On Page- 16

Assembly

Operation

Service and Adjustment

Repair Parts

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

PHONE 660-747-8183 FAX 660-747-8650

Manufacturing quality lawn care equipment since 1945

3lade In The

USA

ONFTll50

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, 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 chihlren will remain where you last saw them.

Keep children under the watchful care of another responsible adult.

•No riders on this unit at any time.!

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge

opening at all times.

• Do not mow in reverse. Always look down and behind before and while backing.

• Turn off the blades when not mowing. Before leaving the machine, turn offthe

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.

• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Operate self-propelled machines up and down slopes. There is significant risk of

overturns when operating across slopes. Operate walk-behind machines across

slopes. There is a significant risk of slipping under a walk-behind machine when

operating up and down slopes.

• 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.

?Did You Know ?

Swisher Mower & Machine Co. was started in 1945.

MOWER MAINTENANCE

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this trailmower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or

negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, operator must maintain unit as instructed in this

manual.

Some adjustlnents will need to be made periodically to maintain your unit properly.

All adjustments in this manual should be checked at least once each season.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level on a level surface. (Check twice to insure an accurate reading.)

• Check condition of air filter; clean and replace as necessary.

• Check blade operation; keep blades in good condition.

• Check for loose fasteners and tighten them as needed.

AFTER EACH USE

• Keep blades sharp.

• Remove fresh grass clippings with garden hose.

• Hardened grass clippings on underside should be scraped out with a putty knife.

• Keep fluids at proper levels.

• Cover unit to prevent rain or other debris build-up. Definitely cover the engine.

BEFORE AND/OR AFTER EACH SEASON

• Replace the spark plug.

• Clean or replace the air filter.

• A new spark plug and clean air filter assure proper air-fuel mixture and help your engine run

better and last longer.

• Check blades and belts for wear. Replace as necessary.

STORAGE RECOMMENDATIONS

,_tCAUTION! Do not store engine indoors or other poorly ventilated area. Keep engine away

from gas appliances where fumes could contact open flame, pilot lights, or sparks.

_If engine is to be stored for 30 or more days, prepare unit as follows:

• Drain fuel outside into an approved container.

• Start engine properly and run until unit is out of fuel.

• Let engine cool.

• Remove remaining gasoline from carburetor and fuel tank to prevent gum deposits from

forming within the engine. Gum deposits can cause malfunction in the engine.

• Store mower with blades disengaged to prevent belts from being permanently stretched.

BLADE CARE AND SERVICE

For best results cutter blades must be kept sharp. The blades can be sharpened with a few strokes of

a file or grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen blades while they are on the cutter. Disconnect

spark plug wire before servicing unit.

Important: Mower blades are sharp always wear gloves. [ see page 3 ]

Important: Replace blades that have been damaged or deeply nicked.

Important: Check blade and spindle hardware on a regular basis to make sure nuts are tight.

I.. o°,yo mec,,.,,icsho°, co,, °ctnY" j°s montI_ disassembly or other kind of repairs. 4

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) Comlnercial 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.

OPERATING YOUR MOWER

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 ehihlren will remain where you last saw them.

INTENDED USE

This trail mower is designed to produce a quality finish cut on lawns, golf courses, etc. It is not

designed to clear brash or cut saplings. Your mower be should pushed in front of or be towed

behind an ATV, a golf cart, lawn tractor, or another similar approved vehicle. It is not meant for

speeds exceeding 5 MPH. Your mower should be kept clean and worn parts replaced promptly

and properly. WARN1NG: To avoid serious injury, operate your mower up and down the face

of slopes, NEVER across the face. DO NOT MOW SLOPES GREATER THAN 15 DEGREES!

(SEE DIAGRAM ON PAGE 15 )

FRONT MOUNTING MOWER TO VEHICLE--[figure 9 page-16]

• Securely attach Mount Kit to vehicle. [ As shown in kit mounting instructions ]

• Park vehicle at rear of mower.

• Casters should be able to rotate freely 360 degrees

• Using clips and washers attach mower to vehicle.

• Fix console assembly securely to vehicle using enclosed Velcro strips with adhesive.

• Fix wire harness tubing to hitches using Velcro straps.

STARTING THE ENGINE

•See engine manufacturer's instructions for the type and amount ofoil and fuel used.

Engine must be level to accurately check and fill oil. Do not overfill.

• Park vehicle and mower on a level surface, set the vehicle parking brake, and disengage

blades.

• Check spark plug wire, oil, and fuel.

• Check all electrical connections.

• Make certain console assembly is secured to vehicle.

• Set engine throttle control to the "CHOKE" position.

• Turn key switch to the "START" position

• Set engine throttle at desired RPM.

STOPPING THE ENGINE

• Turn key switch to the "OFF" position.

BREAKING IN YOUR MOWER

• Set vehicle parking brake or chock wheels to prevent accidental rolling.

• Start engine.

• Engage blades.

• In a safely monitored environment, i.e. no children, allow blades to rotate and engine to

idle for 5 minutes. This breaks in the belts and the engine.

• Stop mower.

CAUTION!

SHUT OFF MOWER ENGINE AND REMOVE SPARK PLUG WIRE FROM

SPARK PLUG BEFORE MAKING ANY ADJUSTMENTS TO THE MOWER.

MOWER HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

• Never make any adjustments while mower is running.

• The cutting range is approximately 1.5" to 4.5". The height has been measured from the

ground to the blade tip without the engine running.

• Rotate height adjust crank handles in a clockwise direction to lift the mower deck. A

counter-clockwise direction is used to lower the mower deck.

• Make sure the height adjustment is the same at side crank handles. For best results, see

"SUGGESTED MOW1NG PRACTICE" section. Graduated scales are for reference

only, not the actual cutter height.

•Place crank handle in a retracted position to maintain height adjustment.

START MOWING

• Clear mowing area of debris.

• Check vehicle to mower connection.

• Start mower engine.

• Engage clutch lever.

• Begin mowing slowly. 7

STOP MOWING

• Bring vehicle to a full stop.

• Disengage clutch lever by moving lever to center position.

• Turn key switch to "OFF" position.

TRANSPORTING MOWER

•Never transport unit with engine running.

• If transporting unattached from tow vehicle, remove spark plug wire and place it where

contact with the spark plug cannot be made.

SUGGESTED MOWING PRACTICES

• Operate mower engine at full throttle to assure the best cutting performance and

maximum material discharge.

• Allow wet grass to dry. Clumps of wet grass will collect under the mowing deck.

• Mowing should be started with tow vehicle in low gear and increased only as safe

mowing conditions permit. This speed should not exceed 5 MPH.

• The average lawn should be cut to approximately 2.5" during the cool season and to over

3" during the hot months.

• For a healthier lawn and better aesthetics, your lawn should be mowed often and after

moderate growth.

• When cutting high or dense grass areas go slowly. Some areas may need to be cut twice.

The second cut should be at 90 degrees to the first, if possible.

• Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass length at any one time

GENERAL TROUBLE SHOOTING

• The mower does not cut level.

oLevel deck, making sure height adjustments are equal.

oCheck air pressure of all tires; make sure they are equal (about 25-30 psi).

oCheck blade attaclunent.

• The engine will not start.

o Disengage blades, turn toggle switch to "OFF" position, check all electrical

connections, and inspect spark plug and wire.

• Engine runs poorly.

o See engine manual.

o Check throttle adjuster.

o Replace fuel, clean fuel filter and fuel line.

IF PROBLEMS PERSIST HAVE A QUALIFIED MECHANIC SERVICE THE

MOWER. NEVER ATTEMPT TO MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT THAT YOU ARE

NOT SURE IS CORRECT. DOING SO CAN CAUSE OTHER PROBLEMS.

SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL DECALS

Replace decal ilrnnediately if damaged. Order by part number lioln Swisher Mower and Machine Co. Inc.

3ortant Decal

OD45 -Warning Decal

_I F_Y|_G DE[[R_S

Decal located

On grass chute

_/_ [not shown]

OD33 -Speed Decal

OD 10--BLADE ENGAGE

DECAL -- OD55 - Triangle Danger Decal

OD99- ON /OFF

DECAL OD11-

NO STEP DECAL

FIGURE- 1 5

SEE DETAIL

BELOW- #12

DETAIL-12

FRAME ASSEMBLY HGu_ 1

ItemNo, Description Part#

1 FrameWeldment 5147TK

2 : CasterWeldment 5072

.......................3............................................X[e&Whee!NOT[ead4:!ox3:5:5............................................5o5!..............

4 Bearing,Flanged3/4ID 0B58

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................r

5 3/4PushNutBLKPlastic NB-687

6 3/41DX11/4OD10GA,Washer NB-195

7 1/8X1CotterPin NB-126

10 !/2USSFlatWasher NB-177

12 ....... HeightAdj.Assembly H7NTK

# 12 ........................................................................................................................................................................................

i6 HEIGHTADJI_BE ES225

? Did You Know ?

In 1956 Swisher Mower & Machine Co. introduced the first zero turning radius riding mower.

The design of this 3-wheeled mower included safety features ahead of its time. In January 2000,

it was named one of the century's top inventions by Popular Mechanics Magazine.

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