Swisher PREDATOR User manual

THE PREDATOR

24” WALK BEHIND

ROUGH CUT

OWNER’S

MANUAL

SWISHER ACQUISITION INC.

1602 CORPORATE DRIVE, WARRENSBURG MISSOURI 64093

PHONE (660) 747-8183 FAX (660) 747-8650

MODEL NO.

Operation

Service and Adjustment

Repair Parts

REV 17-335

WBRC11524

swisherinc.com

19480

STARTING SERIAL #:

L117-335001

Read and follow all

Safety Precautions

and Instructions

before operating this

equipment.

IMPORTANT

ade I The

USA

of US and Global Parts

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 has 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) 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 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.

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.

Thank you for choosing Swisher’s 24” Walk Behind Rough Cut. Before

operating your Walk Behind, please read, understand and follow all of the safety

precautions and other instructions explained in this manual. As with all power

equipment, lawn mowers can be potentially dangerous if not properly used.

• 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 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.

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

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.

• 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.

• Mower 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.

• Disengage spark plug wire and place where it cannot make a connection.

• 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.

• Reconnect spark plug wire.

• Refer to pages 5-7 in this manual for proper operating procedures.

PRE-OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

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 mower 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.

OPERATING YOUR NEW WALK BEHIND

INTENDED USE

This is not a lawn mower. The Predator is designed for cutting overgrown brush, weeds,

and other types of organic growth. This unit is capable of clearing small saplings of 1.5”

in diameter or less.

TRAVEL SPEED

Speed can be varied by choosing a higher or lower gear using the gearshift lever at the

rear of the machine or by changing the engine speed with the engine throttle. Do not

adjust speed with the blade engaged. To shift the cutter into reverse, release the

“GROUND CONTROL” lever, disengage the blade, and rotate the shift lever to the left.

When the lever stops, lift up the reverse lockout latch and continue to move the shift

lever to the left until it stops again.

PROPULSION

The Predator is self-propelled and is controlled by a “GROUND CONTROL” lever. To

engage the drive, shift the transaxle to a gear and activate the left lever by squeezing it

against the handle. Releasing the lever will disengage the self-propel.

Under most conditions cutting should be done in a low gear (1st or 2nd). Upper gears

should be used for conditions where weeds and brush are thinned out or not as tall. In

confined areas the machine can be pushed forwards or backwards by releasing the

“GROUND CONTROL” lever, shifting the transaxle to neutral, and pushing the

machine.

ENGAGING BLADE

An “OPERATOR PRESENCE” lever and a “BLADE ENGAGE DRIVE” control work

together to engage the Predator’s blade. Both devices must be activated before the blade

will work. Releasing the “OPERATOR PRESENCE” lever will disengage both the blade

and the “BLADE ENGAGE DRIVE” control.

STARTING THE ENGINE

See engine manufacturer’s recommendations for the type and amount of oil and fuel used.

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

• Make sure unit is level, blade is disengaged, and transaxle in “NEUTRAL”

• Check spark plug wire, oil level, and fuel level.

• Check all electrical connections for build-up of debris.

• If needed set “CHOKE” to choke position.

• Flip the engine control switch to “ON” position.

• Set engine throttle control to ½ throttle position.

• Pull rope with a single fluid motion.

• After engine has started set “CHOKE” to “RUN” position.

STOPPING

• Bring the Walk Behind to a complete stop by releasing the “GROUND CONTROL”

lever. (left).

• Disengage mower blade by releasing the BLADE ENGAGE DRIVE” control (right).

• Reduce engine idle speed, and allow engine to run momentarily for cooling.

• Place transaxle in the “NEUTRAL” position.

• Flip the engine control switch to “OFF” position.

HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

• Place two 6” wooden blocks under the deck on the side being adjusted.

• Remove nuts and bolts from the side runner.

• Slide skid up or down to preferred position.

• Replace the nuts and bolts making certain they are tightened securely.

• Repeat for the other side. Runners should be at the same height.

BREAKING IN YOUR WALK BEHIND

• Start engine properly.

• Slowly engage blade control.

• Under supervision, allow blade to rotate and engine to idle for 5 minutes.

• Disengage blade.

• Shift through each gear. While in each gear engage the “GROUND CONTROL” lever

and travel 20 yards to ensure transaxle works properly.

BEGIN CUTTING

• Make sure area is clear of all bystanders.

• Make sure that all guards, belt guides, and the spark plug wire are properly attached.

• Start engine, set engine throttle control at maximum engine idle speed for best results.

• Allow engine to run a few moments and slowly engage blade.

• Move transaxle into low gear and activate “GROUND CONTROL” lever.

• Turning is done by rotating the handles left or right. This machine has significant

weight and may take more effort to turn than one may expect. Turning could take

practice.

BACKING UP

• Disengage blade.

• Check behind you for safety.

• Move transaxle into “REVERSE” position.

• Activate “GROUND CONTROL” lever.

IMPORTANT: This engine may not be equipped with a spark arrester muffler. It is a violation of

California Public Resource Code Section 4442 to use or operate the engine on any forest-covered,

brush-covered, or grass-covered land. Other states or federal areas may have similar laws.

TRANSPORTING

• Shut off engine.

• Secure in place while unit is being transported.

• Unit should be left in low gear to avoid any slight rolling.

SUGGESTED PRACTICES

• Always operate engine at full throttle when cutting to assure the best cutting

performance and proper discharge of material.

• If grass is wet, allow it to dry. Wet grass clumps will collect on the bottom of the

deck.

• Go slow when cutting dense areas. Some dense areas may need to be gone over

twice. Better results occur if the second cut is 90 degrees to the first cut.

BEFORE EACH SEASON

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

better and last longer.

• Replace the spark plug.

• Clean or replace the air filter.

• Check blades and belts for wear.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level. Do this twice to ensure an accurate reading.

• Check condition of air filter and clean or replace if necessary.

• Check blade operation.

• Check for loose fasteners.

DAILY MAINTENANCE

Make sure all nuts and bolts are tight and cotter pins and retainer springs are secure.

Keep blades sharp. Observe all safety precautions.

BLADE CARE AND SERVICE

For best results 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 machine.

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.

SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL DECALS

Replace decal immediately if damaged. Order by part number from Swisher.

19976--SWISHER FLAG DECAL

OD55--DANGER DECAL OD45--WARNING DECAL

OD83--RN1234 SHIFT DECAL 10749--REVERSE LOCK DECAL

DECALS NOT SHOWN

OD85--Predator LH Decal

OD86--Predator RH Decal

OD87--Rugged Cut 24 4SP Trans White Decal

OD99112—LARGE LOGO WHITE DECAL

OD99156—SMALL LOGO WHITE DECAL

ASSEMBLY DETAIL

When ordering replacement parts

*USE PAINT CODE: TK=BLACK

Item # Description Part #

1 Cover - Belt 10682*

2 Bolt - Serrated Flange 5/16-18 X 3/4 NB596

3 Nut - Serrated Flange 5/16-18 NB170

4 Channel - Right Side 19211*

5 Channel - Left Side 19212*

6 Clip - Twistlock, Nylon 1/2" NB683

7 Height Adjustment Mount 19214*

8 Clip - Tinnerman 5/16-18 3706

9 Bolt - Serrated Flange 5/16-18 X 2 1/4 NB622

ENGINE & PULLEY ASSEMBLY

Item # Description Part #

1 5/16-18 X 1 1/4 Serr. Flange Bolt NB253

2 5/16-18 X 3/4 Serr. Flange Bolt NB596

3 Bracket - ON/OFF Switch, Txt Blk 19201*

4 Switch - Toggle 19192

5 5/16-18 Serr. Flange Nut NB170

6 Belt Retention Weldment 10767

7 Engine Pulley Spacer 1.75" Long BB105S

8 1/4 X 1/2 Key Stock 4258

9 Engine Pulley- 2.5" 2411

10 Engine Pulley- 4.25"OD,1 1/4 ID BB105

11 Washer Belleville 699

12 Bolt - Serr Flange, 5/16-18 X 1 3/4 Gr5 NB515

13 3/8-16 2 Way Locking Nut NB280

14 Idler Pulley OD-2.16", ID-3/8" B27

15 Transmission Belt-35" 690

16 1 X 1 1/2 10GA Washer NB614HT

17 1/4 X 1 Key Stock 9031

18 Washer, Front Wheel TR150W

19 7/16-20 X 1 1/2 HCF GR5 ZP Nyloc NB637

20 Engine B&S Recoil St W/Gas Tank N/A

21 Nut - Nyloc 5/16-18 ZY NB181

22 Valve - Oil Drain 16000

23 Guard - Wire 19478*

24 1/4-20 Serr. Flange Nut NB524

25 Motor Plate 19213*

26 3/8 SAE Washer NB272

27 3/8-16 X 1 1/2 HCCG NB107

28 Spring T2SM

29 1/4-20 X 3/4 GR5 ZP Bolt NB250

30 Idler Arm 10671*

31 Idler Bushing 6037

32 3/8-16 X 1 GR5 ZP Bolt NB604

Not Shown Transmission Cable 19209

Important: Spring

must be hooked in

Idler Arm as shown.

Install Transmission Cable

(Not Shown) in Idler Arm

before installing Idler Arm

to Motor Plate.

When ordering replacement parts

*USE PAINT CODE: TK=BLACK

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