Mower Is Black As Shown In Image - Not Red As In Video
Blaze A Trail Or Clear A Field •Get rid of overgrown ditches, fence lines and fields •Use for brush cuttting applications •Cuts most woody materials up to 1-1/2" in diameter
12.5 HP Briggs and Stratton I/C Engine •Recoil start
44" Cutting Deck •11 gauge welded steel construction •2 heavy duty swinging blades •Rear discharge •Convenient single-point cutting height adjustment
Remote Blade Engagment Brake For Added Safety
Easy Offset Adjustment •Cut to the left, right or directly behind your tractor or ATV
Universal Articulating Hitch •Use your tractor or ATV to clear the most rugged overgrown areas
Q: On the Swisher RTB14544, how far ahead of the hitch attachment point can the 'remote' control be mounted? I plan on pulling this with a Gator-type utility vehicle. One of the competing brands specifically said that if the box on the back of a utility vehicle was longer than 2 feet, you could not mount their models to a utility vehicle as the operator could not reach the controls.
Thanks
Martin by Martin Stover from Texas on April 26, 2012
A: Martin - On a current 44" RTB model Trail Cutters, the control box attaches to the hitch bar directly behind the attachment point. No longer does the box attach to the pulling vehicle. And Swisher no longer offers any sort of longer wiring harness so that the control box can be mounted to the tow vehicle. If you want to mount the control box to your tow vehicle, you will have to step up to the 52" RTB model, which still has the tow vehicle mounting option. by Jose, Product Expert
Q: How does the off set hitch attach to the UTV? Does it attach to a standard hitch just without the ball? by Chuck Skalski from New York on April 22, 2012
A: Chuck - yes, the ball would have to be removed from the hitch in order to tow a Swisher rough cut mower. Here are the complete instructions from the owners manual on the hook-up:
ATTACHING TRAILCUTTER TO TOW VEHICLE • 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. (Ref Fig 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.
Q: I have a pond with steep banks and a flat trail around it. I would like to ride safely on the flat trail and use the pull behind at a sharp side angle to the waters edge six feet down and to the side. Is the draw bar long enough and can the engine work at a sharp angle? by Jon Swanson from Illinois on October 29, 2011
A: Jon - it is not recommended that you run any of the Swisher tow-behind mowers on a bank or slope that is greater than 15 degrees of slope. All of these mowers have a "splash" type lubrication system, and running them on slopes more severe than 15 degrees may cause the oil to not fully lubricate all the engines parts. by Jose, Product Expert
Q: Hi, I have a 3 acre piece of land that must be cut twice a year for weeds. The weeds vary in type but are usually about 3 feet high. No grass, just lots of weeds. The land is totally flat with no obstructions. Will this do the job and cut the weeds down? If not, what would you recommend? by Nelson from California on July 24, 2011
A: Nelson - this Husqvarna tractor definitely will NOT handle 3 foot tall weeds. For this type of task, you would need a Swisher tow-behind trail cutter. Click on the link and open up any of the models to watch a video of this machine in action: Swisher Trail Cutter You will need a tractor or an ATV to tow a Swisher trail cuter. by Jose, Product Expert
Q: Can this unit be used as a finish mower also? by Edward from New York on May 09, 2011
A: You can use this as a finish mower, but it is meant for cutting into trails and thicker brush. Most likely is not going to give you the best cut you would be looking for. You would want something more along the line of a trail mower, not a cutter. I would suggest taking a look at the T12544.
Q: What is the highest setting for your cut on these? I need something you can pull with a quad but will cut our clover at 6-8 inches high. by Vance from Iowa on April 13, 2011
A: Thanks for your inquiry. The cutting height on this trail cutter is four inches. That is the highest it will cut. by Jose, Product Expert
Q: Todd, Can you pull one of these trail cutter field mowers with just a riding mower? Thanks by Anonymous on March 24, 2011
A: Thanks for your inquiry. This needs to be pulled by a tractor or ATV. A riding mower will not work. by Jose, Product Expert
Swisher RTB12544 Reviews & Ratings
7 Reviews
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Ed
Purchased 8/23/12
Most Helpful Positive Review
REVIEWED
Sep.
20
2012
Occasional Field Mowing
RTB12544 was purchased to allow once or twice a year mowing of about 7 acres of pasture, unfortunately containing a high amount of Johnson grass.
So far I have cut about half. I find the cut height is fine, with much of the Johnson grass stubble left behind.
Starting the engine is easy so far. Don't know how balky it will become over time.
I use a Kubota 550 to tow the mower, using 4 Wheel Low due to the hilly terrain.
Storage space is tight, so I made a trailer dolly out of scrap aluminum and it works well to maneuver the mower into its storage space.
Fuel consumption is good, but I wish there was a capacity listed somewhere in the documents. I'd say the tank holds about 1.5 gal, which gives me an hour of mowing without refueling.
RTB12544 was purchased to allow once or twice a year mowing of about 7 acres of pasture, unfortunately containing a high amount of Johnson grass.
So far I have cut about half. I find the cut height is fine, with much of the Johnson grass stubble left behind.
Starting the engine is easy so far. Don't know how balky it will become over time.
I use a Kubota 550 to tow the mower, using 4 Wheel Low due to the hilly terrain.
Storage space is tight, so I made a trailer dolly out of scrap more
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Bob P. Auburn, CA
Purchased 5/26/12
Most Helpful Critical Review
REVIEWED
Jul.
09
2012
Built Strong Except The Drive
I had a great experience with the ordering and delivery process. Power Equipment Direct did what they promised. My disappointment was after 2-3 hours of use the drive literally came apart. I think the blade was not tight and with it being loose the blade was spinning on the drive bolt. I discovered it and tightened the nut but the damage was done. The bearings and spacer were shot. The Swisher people sent me new parts and I just reassembled.
What I noticed is that the drive is a 1" bolt that goes through the blade assembly and up through the bearing assembly. It is interesting that the bolt is sloppy in the bearings and does not contact the bolt. I guess when you tighten it up the spacer must drive the bearings. I would think that a castle nut and cotter pin would be better to hold it tight instead of the lock nut. Will give it a test this weekend hopefully it stays together. If you have any kind of debris that will contact the blade assembly and allow the bolt to become lose this is not the mower for you.
I had a great experience with the ordering and delivery process. Power Equipment Direct did what they promised. My disappointment was after 2-3 hours of use the drive literally came apart. I think the blade was not tight and with it being loose the blade was spinning on the drive bolt. I discovered it and tightened the nut but the damage was done. The bearings and spacer were shot. The Swisher people sent me new parts and I just reassembled.
Just got my new rough-cut mower. It arrived in excellent condition, well protected and easy to complete assembly. They even put oil in it! I seems to cut through my field pretty good, which is a mix of tall grass, willow and young pine trees. It does die, even going slow through the heavy patches of willow. If I were to do it again, I'd probably go with the 14.5 HP.
One other nitpick is the control module, which you mount on the tow bar. The darn thing will not stay in place! Swisher needs to do some work here. They provide wing nuts with bolts- they shake loose right away. I will be replacing the wing nuts with teflon locking nuts, and replacing the one that vibrated off. This after only 3 days of use.
Overall very happy.
Just got my new rough-cut mower. It arrived in excellent condition, well protected and easy to complete assembly. They even put oil in it! I seems to cut through my field pretty good, which is a mix of tall grass, willow and young pine trees. It does die, even going slow through the heavy patches of willow. If I were to do it again, I'd probably go with the 14.5 HP.
One other nitpick is the control module, which you mount on the tow bar. The darn thing will not stay in place! Swisher more
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Wolf
REVIEWED
May.
15
2012
Swisher Trail Cutter - Rough Cut 44"
I just used the recently purchased SWISHER 44" model Trail Cutter. I was under the impression that the control box, which is wired to the main unit to engage/disengage the blades and turn off the engine was engineered to be mounted to the tow vehicle (in my case an ATV). I found out the hard way that this is not so. You may be able to mount it in the straight position while the unit is hooked up to the tow vehicle, but any turn will put tension on the wire and ultimately rip it off.
When calling customer service at Power Equipment Direct, I was told that the control box attaches to the hitch bar directly behind the attachment point, and not the tow vehicle. No longer does the box attach to the pulling vehicle. And Swisher no longer offers any sort of longer wiring harness so that the control box can be mounted to the tow vehicle. Say What?
This in my mind one of the most useless items I have ever encountered...besides the pet rock. Why would you not add 2 feet to the remote cable, so it can be properly mounted to the tow vehicle. This would make logical sense and also be a true safety feature. Now I have to stop and jump off the ATV to work the "Remote" mounted to the tow bar, which by the way vibrates loose with the hardware provided after about 10 minutes of use. Does Swisher employ real mechanical engineers, or just summer interns from the local high school tech program? One wonders......
Another comment: Buy lots of V-belts. The drive eats them, and/or they come off frequently.
I just used the recently purchased SWISHER 44" model Trail Cutter. I was under the impression that the control box, which is wired to the main unit to engage/disengage the blades and turn off the engine was engineered to be mounted to the tow vehicle (in my case an ATV). I found out the hard way that this is not so. You may be able to mount it in the straight position while the unit is hooked up to the tow vehicle, but any turn will put tension on the wire and ultimately rip it off.
Order stayed processing for almost two weeks, finally shipped and trucking company contacted me day before delivery, driver did call an hour before delivery and was right on time. No damage but crate was put together with hundreds of staples, every board broke trying to get it out. Everything went together except for one bolt, just wouldn't line up, finally had to use height screw to force piece to align with hole.
Fueled it up and it started on first pull, started to cut property and noticed i couldn't turn left without the hitch hitting the tire. Set up to track right behind the atv, next day finally removed the tow bar and did a 180 with it. Had to drill two new holes but now it tracks 10" to the left and i can turn either way. Mower is doing the job i wanted it to do, so much faster than riding mower.
Order stayed processing for almost two weeks, finally shipped and trucking company contacted me day before delivery, driver did call an hour before delivery and was right on time. No damage but crate was put together with hundreds of staples, every board broke trying to get it out. Everything went together except for one bolt, just wouldn't line up, finally had to use height screw to force piece to align with hole.
Fueled it up and it started on first pull, started to cut property and notice more
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Mike H. Lewiston, ID
Purchased 5/17/12
REVIEWED
Jun.
08
2012
Performed Perfectly
I received the mower to my property just as promised. I am 70 years old and was able to uncrate myself but didn't have enough hands to attach the tongue to the mower. My wife was able to help with the bolts on one side while I did the other. The mower started on the second pull and I was able to mow about 4 acres of snow berries and grass. The snow berries grow in the timbered areas at 4000 feet and above here in SE Washington. They are woody stemmed and about 3 feet to 4 feet tall and very thick. The mower worked as advertized. It looks very nice. I will mow again in a couple of weeks with the deck set lower. I set it high to miss any unseen rock. Have another 5 or 6 acres of snow berries to cut and another 10 to 15 acres of grass to mow in meadows. This machine has performed perfectly so far. Mowers Direct....you operate a business the old fashioned way. Glad I discovered you.
p.s. My timber land is 30 miles south of Lewiston on the Washington side of the Snake River in the Blue Mountains.
I received the mower to my property just as promised. I am 70 years old and was able to uncrate myself but didn't have enough hands to attach the tongue to the mower. My wife was able to help with the bolts on one side while I did the other. The mower started on the second pull and I was able to mow about 4 acres of snow berries and grass. The snow berries grow in the timbered areas at 4000 feet and above here in SE Washington. They are woody stemmed and about 3 feet to 4 feet tall and very more
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Ron L. Morgan Hill, CA
Purchased 4/24/12
REVIEWED
May.
17
2012
Swisher Trail Cutter
Received the Swisher trail cutter yesterday and was impressed by how well the unit was crated and tied down--first class job. Took a while to figure out how to start it because keyed ignition switch was located under the engaging lever and there was no mention of it in the manual and certainly no diagram. Also, there is no mention of how to adjust the belt on the unit in the manual. The engaging cable is too short to reach anywhere on my garden tractor, so I had to mount it on the connecting bar between the tractor and the cutter. Swisher needs to do a lot better job on the operation manual.
The cutter is well built and it starts easily once you turn on the ignition. It does the job as advertised and is pulled easily by my 19 1/2 hp garden tractor. Service from Mowers Direct was excellent and I would buy from them again.
Received the Swisher trail cutter yesterday and was impressed by how well the unit was crated and tied down--first class job. Took a while to figure out how to start it because keyed ignition switch was located under the engaging lever and there was no mention of it in the manual and certainly no diagram. Also, there is no mention of how to adjust the belt on the unit in the manual. The engaging cable is too short to reach anywhere on my garden tractor, so I had to mount it on the connecting more
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