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Blaze A Trail Or Clear A Field •Get rid of overgrown ditches, fence lines and fields •Cuts most woody materials up to 3" in diameter •Use for rough cut and brush cuttting applications
14.5 HP Briggs and Stratton Engine •12-volt electric start system (no recoil back-up) •U1L type battery required (not included - buy locally)
44-Inch, 11-Gauge Welded Steel Cutting Deck •2 heavy duty hardened steel swinging blades •Convenient single-point cutting height adjustment •Rear discharge for mowing overgrown and wooded areas
Stump Jumper And Break Away Blade Feature •Protects unit if you hit an immovable object while mowing
Articulating Hitch Pin Tow Arm •Adjust left to right - position unit behind tow vehicle as needed
Remote Operator Control Console •Engage and disengage blades from the tow vehicle
16-Inch Puncture Resistant Tires •Helps mower roll smoothly over rough terrain
Q: can i rent one some where around the mora mn area? by Kevin Ellis from Minnesota on July 05, 2016
A: Kevin,
Unfortunately we are only an online retailer and therefore I do not have a listing of local rental facilities in your area. by Jose, Product Expert
Q: Is the battery included on the electric start model? I have talked to some individuals that insist that it won't be. by Dean from Washington on April 15, 2016
A: Dean - the battery is not included on Swisher tow behind mowers with electric start by Jose, Product Expert
Q: I am just about to purchase the swisher rough cut trail mower 44in W/ electric start. My question is after I am done cutting the tall grass and brush can I use this machine for just mowing the enormous lawn/open land that I own. Thanks Michelle by Michelle from New York on March 07, 2016
A: Michelle - the Swisher rough cut style mowers, including this RC14544BS, are not really designed to mow your lawn. These mowers use a sickle bar instead of a normal mower blade to cut, so it's going to leave your regular lawn looking very uneven - if it cuts it at all. by Jose, Product Expert
Q: On the Swisher Rough cut trail mower is there any height adjustment for cutting height? I see that the spec says 7" is that the only height that it will cut? by Rob from Michigan on June 22, 2015
A: Rob - the Swisher RC14544BS rough cut mower has a 4-inch height of cut adjustment range - from a "low" setting of 2.5" to a "high" setting of 6.5" by Jose, Product Expert
Q: Is the battery holding case included or is it an accessory? TKS Mixk by Mick from Nebraska on June 05, 2014
A: Mick - the battery case is included, but the battery itself is not. The battery would need to be purchased locally. by Jose, Product Expert
Q: Want to buy either 44 or 52 inch tow behind bush hog mower. Question is : I would be pulling it with a Kubota RTV. How long is the remote control cord ? I would need it to extend to the cab of the RTV. by John Blandford from Kentucky on August 02, 2013
A: John - The remote operator control on the Swisher 44" Trail Cutters is 8-1/2 feet in length, and 10 feet in length on the 52" models. by Jose, Product Expert
Q: what battery should I purchase and does it use gas does it use? by Mary Stuart from New York on July 02, 2013
A: Mary - you would need a 12-volt U1L type battery for the Swisher tow behind mower. This mower runs on regular 87 octane gasoline. by Jose, Product Expert
Q: I plan on using a rough cut trail mower on a pond dam with a 3 to 1 slope This I think is about 18 degrees. Will the mower handle this without sliding or the engine oil running out of its sump. by Randal from Alabama on April 29, 2013
A: Randal - Swisher does not recommend using any of their rough cut mower models on slopes or inclines of greater than 15 degrees for just the reasons you mention in your e-mail. by Jose, Product Expert
Q: The lubrication on the Swisher RC 14544BS, is it splash or pressure? What degree angle of hill will it efficiently operate on? by David Lavers from Oklahoma on March 24, 2013
A: David - all of the Swisher tow-behind mowers use a "splash" lubrication system. These mowers will operate effectively on a slope of up to about 17 degree's. by Jose, Product Expert
The Swisher RC14544BS TrailCutter is pretty much the same unit as the RC12544BS, except that the engine is a 14-1/2HP Briggs and Stratton, and it has an electric start.
The 44-inch cutting deck is made of 11-gauge, welded steel and has a rear discharge design. The deck height can be adjusted using a convenient, single-lever cutting height adjustment. The deck, blades, and height adjustment are all very easy to use. Mow through heavy brush, grass, weeds, and tree saplings with ease. ... more
The Swisher RC14544BS TrailCutter is pretty much the same unit as the RC12544BS, except that the engine is a 14-1/2HP Briggs and Stratton, and it has an electric start.
The 44-inch cutting deck is made of 11-gauge, welded steel and has a rear discharge design. The deck height can be adjusted using a convenient, single-lever cutting height adjustment. The deck, blades, and height adjustment are all very easy to use. Mow through heavy brush, grass, weeds, and tree saplings with ease. Cuts most woody materials up to 1-1/2" in diameter.
The Swisher RC14544BS uses twin heavy-duty hardened steel cutting bars to make short work of brush. These two cutting bars swing back and forth like a pendulum instead of spinning in a full circle.
The Swisher RC14544BS TrailCutter also features a universal articulating hitch that allows you to “offset” the mower – the easy adjustable left-to-right hitch enables you to cut to the left, the right or directly behind your ATV or lawn tractor.
Jose Recommends This Model
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8123
Michael C. Fayetteville, TN
14 Helpful Votes
Most Helpful Positive Review
REVIEWED
JUL.
06
2015
Great Machine
I just wanted to say this machine exceeded my expectations. Cut through 5 acres of thick fescue and other tall weeds.
My mother left a review already but I just wanted to show a video of what the machine can do.
ps: The cable that broke was the blade engage cable when somehow I hit a bump and the latch pin unlocked and released from the 4 wheeler causing the cable to break.
I called Swisher about buying a new cable and the gentleman sent me a new cable and latch pin free of charge under warranty. Awesome service and it arrived 3 days later.
I just wanted to say this machine exceeded my expectations. Cut through 5 acres of thick fescue and other tall weeds.
My mother left a review already but I just wanted to show a video of what the machine can do.
ps: The cable that broke was the blade engage cable when somehow I hit a bump and the latch pin unlocked and released from the 4 wheeler causing the cable to break.
I called Swisher about buying a new cable and the gentleman sent me a new cable and latch pin free of charge... more
Pros:Easy To Use, High Quality, Durable, Exceeded Expectations
Michael Recommends This Swisher Mower
Brand Rep
Michael,
Thank you for your positive review. We enjoy seeing videos of our customers using our machines! Thanks for choosing Swisher!
The adjustment screw broke, but I repaired it in the field. The hitch pin broke and pulled the cable out of the ignition and ruined the plastic conduit fitting, but I replaced it with a better metallic fitting. THIS THING MOWS LIKE A CHAMP! The motor is strong and starts easy. There are some improvements to make like wider wheels, but overall I'm very satisfied with this mower.
Pros:Easy To Use, High Quality, Durable, Price
Kenneth Recommends This Swisher Mower
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21
Ronald B. Evansville, IN
Purchased 7/19/15
REVIEWED
AUG.
10
2015
Nice Machine - Nicknamed "the Beast"
First let me say that your carrier - SAIA Motorfreight for the Evansville, IN area was excellent. The gentleman who delivered my mower was prompt, courteous and very helpful. The mower arrived in good shape. Assembly was relatively easy with the hardest task getting the unit out of the crate, but nothing a hammer and a pry bar couldn't handle. I checked out the mower per instructions, and the only issue I found was that the motor oil level was about 1/2 qt. low.
I topped off the oil level and connected a lawn tractor battery. Motor started on the first turn of the key. No problem. I took my mower to some "recreational property" that I own to give it a try. The ground is old coal strip mining spoils which I have cut roads through 55 acres. I used the mower to cut brush and grasses growing up along the roads. Brush was 3-4 feet high with some small saplings - 1 inch dia. growing in places. I offset the mower behind my 4 wheeler and pulled it from one end of the property to the other. The mower cut down everything in its path. I couldn't be more pleased with its performance.
I agree with other reviewers who said the hitch pin is too small. The hitch pin you supplied was severely bent after my first mowing. I replaced it with a 1/2" Reese hitch pin and had no issues on my second mowing.
On my first mowing, I mounted the start switch and blade engagement lever to the tow bar but in this location the lever was dragged through the weeds and got entangled and bound-up with weeds that were broke-off/grabbed by the lever.
On my second mowing I mounted the lever on the support bracket/tube holding the height adjustment rod and it worked great. The bracket is just behind the front of the mower so the weeds were pushed over to be cut before they reached the lever. Nice machine, so far "The Beast" has mowed over more than 1 mile of rough road and off-trail areas without a problem.
First let me say that your carrier - SAIA Motorfreight for the Evansville, IN area was excellent. The gentleman who delivered my mower was prompt, courteous and very helpful. The mower arrived in good shape. Assembly was relatively easy with the hardest task getting the unit out of the crate, but nothing a hammer and a pry bar couldn't handle. I checked out the mower per instructions, and the only issue I found was that the motor oil level was about 1/2 qt. low.
Thank you for the great review and for including a photo. We enjoy seeing our products in use! Your suggestion regarding the hitch pin will be passed along to the appropriate departments. Thank you for choosing Swisher!
I purchased this mower about 2 years ago to mow down my horse pasture, and it has been a wonderful purchase. Worked immediately and mows like a dream! My pasture is between 8- 10 acres (has allot of brush and berry vines in areas) and I can mow it just as fast towing it behind a 4 wheeler as I could with a tractor and bush hog.
I was looking for an affordable alternative to buying a tractor and bush hog since I could no longer rent them in my east Texas area and came across this mower and it has more than paid for itself in the 2 years I've had it!
No issues with it other than im having to replace the battery this year (but its a battery I purchased since they don't come with one). Would definitely recommend to anyone who asks and I will for sure be a long time user and customer! Very happy!
I purchased this mower about 2 years ago to mow down my horse pasture, and it has been a wonderful purchase. Worked immediately and mows like a dream! My pasture is between 8- 10 acres (has allot of brush and berry vines in areas) and I can mow it just as fast towing it behind a 4 wheeler as I could with a tractor and bush hog.
I was looking for an affordable alternative to buying a tractor and bush hog since I could no longer rent them in my east Texas area and came across this mower and... more
Pros:Easy To Use, Durable, I'd Buy It Again, Exceeded Expectations
Whitney Recommends This Swisher Mower
Brand Rep
Whitney,
Thank you for the wonderful review of your mower and for capturing the before and after photos. We are pleased that your rough cut has provided several years of happiness. Thank you for choosing Swisher!
I purchased this mower to mow 5 acres of rough hilly ground. When the mower arrived I was instantly surprised by beefy and well-built it looked. A major reason I purchased this mower was the price point and was expecting to give up some quality for the cheaper price. It fired up first key turn out of the box and ran good.
I've put about 10 hours on it mowing weeds 3-4' tall with no problem. I pull the mower with a Polaris Ranger but a smaller 4x4 ATV would be ideal. I've only pulled the mower in the straight back position and haven't tried the side offset yet. It seems like it would put a lot of torque on the hitch arms. Overall this is a great mower so far.
I purchased this mower to mow 5 acres of rough hilly ground. When the mower arrived I was instantly surprised by beefy and well-built it looked. A major reason I purchased this mower was the price point and was expecting to give up some quality for the cheaper price. It fired up first key turn out of the box and ran good.
I've put about 10 hours on it mowing weeds 3-4' tall with no problem. I pull the mower with a Polaris Ranger but a smaller 4x4 ATV would be ideal. I've only pulled the... more
Chad Recommends This Swisher Mower
Brand Rep
Chad,
Thank you for the great review and the added picture. We are very happy that you are pleased with your purchase. Thank you for choosing Swisher!
"This website is one of the best in regards to information about its products. It was amazing how quickly the order arrived considering its size. I thought it would take much longer. Great site and service!"
I was in the market for a trail mower to pull behind my Polaris Ranger and I have to tell you, this Swisher mower has exceeded my expectations. It plowed through waist-high grass without missing a beat. As others have said, I'm a little suspect about the hitching mechanism and will put on a 2" ball joint hitch. Regardless, I would buy again in a heartbeat. Starts right up, mows great and seems to be very high quality and durable. Mowers Direct to the rescue again!
Pros:High Quality, I'd Buy It Again, Price, Exceeded Expectations
Randy Recommends This Swisher Mower
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10
Keith M. Minneapolis, MN
Purchased 6/26/17
REVIEWED
JUL.
16
2017
High Grade With A Few Reservations
I ordered the 14.5 HP 44" Swisher Rough Cut Tow-Behind mower with electric start after reading and researching many of the reviews on Mowers Direct and other sites. It seemed like a very good mixture of feature/function and price (strong value) when compared with riding mowers and other pull behind mowers. Overall, I still gave this mower a recommendation, but there are a few items (which were noted by others in reviews) that were annoying at best and very frustrating at worst.
1) As was discussed elsewhere, the hitch definitely is sub-standard.
- First, the size of the two metal posts on the front of the hitch tube for the mower that fit into the hitch on my quad are too small. They are smaller than a standard hitch receiver and therefore have a fair amount of play.
- Because of the extra play mentioned above, the hitch pin not strong enough and therefore gets bent rather severely. Over time, I would suspect this will break because of the constant bending and stress. (Buying a stronger hitch pin will be a must...also, doesn't seem right to have to buy a new part for a new machine because it is not sized correctly.
- I think the real answer is to make the mower compatible with a standard ball hitch. It would seem like this would be much stronger, and allow for some of the stresses on the hitch arm.
2) The battery compartment does not fit. You cannot have the battery in the compartment and fastened with the bungee, and hook up the positive and negative cables. Turning it different ways and configurations of the positive and negative posts still does not allow it to fit. I took it off, and now my battery slides around. I am concerned that over time this will be a bad situation. I believe the fix could be just a little longer battery cables that would stretch to both the positive and negative posts while the battery is in the compartment. That is probably what I will have to do. Does Swisher have longer ones for this machine?
3) My last somewhat critical comment is related to the drive belt. In the instructions it states to run the motor with the cutter engaged for at least 5 minutes before ever cutting anything. I ran it the first time for at least 10 minutes to give it a good break in. I've attached a video of the first cut. We mowed for maybe an hour or two, and then took a break. After the lunch break, we let it warm up for 7-10 minutes again, and started mowing. Shortly into this second mow on the first day of using the mower, the drive belt broke. We needed to open up the machine, and replace the belt. I ran to the store and got a new one. We've mowed a couple of weekends now on this new belt and everything has held up fine. Disappointing on the first day of mowing to go through a belt and have to buy a new one.........after maybe 2 -3 hours of total mowing time.
4) The last comment I'll make on the mower is related to the gas. The instructions mention using Sta-bil with today's gas to make the engine run smoother. If you watch the video of our first cut, and listen to the engine, you can hear the roughness. The mower came with a little packet of Sta-bil for the first fill of gas. I didn't put it in, and the engine ran very rough. Before our second cut of the day, I put the Sta-bil in the gas tank and it was night and day better. Highly recommend using this with every tank full.
Lastly, I think Mowers Direct is an excellent web site and seller. The information I found on the site and breadth and depth of products was very good. I would highly recommend them and buy from them again. I was concerned about the length of time it would take to get the mower and it was at my house three days after I bought it.
I ordered the 14.5 HP 44" Swisher Rough Cut Tow-Behind mower with electric start after reading and researching many of the reviews on Mowers Direct and other sites. It seemed like a very good mixture of feature/function and price (strong value) when compared with riding mowers and other pull behind mowers. Overall, I still gave this mower a recommendation, but there are a few items (which were noted by others in reviews) that were annoying at best and very frustrating at worst.
Pros:I'd Buy It Again, High Quality, Durable, Price
Cons:Durability, Hitch connection
Keith Recommends This Swisher Mower
Brand Rep
Keith,
Thank you for the thorough review. Your comments and suggestions will be passed along. Swisher highly recommends the use of Sta-bil with your gasoline to protect your engine. Thank you for choosing Swisher!
"I would highly recommend Mowers Direct. Excellent web site and comparative information when researching mowers. Had a good experience with the shipping company, although the timing on shipping day got a little mixed up as they told me the truck would be at my house at 10:00 (which we planned for) and he showed up at 8:30 while we were on a walk, and then came back at around 10:00."
The quality of construction is evident assembly. It handled everything I hoped it would, very rough brush, small trees, aggressive vines, and tall weeds. I pull it with my ATV with no issue on a very uneven grade. It's also much quieter than I expected. I added a small trailer jack to make moving around a breeze. Just what I needed.
Pros:Easy To Use, High Quality, I'd Buy It Again, Exceeded Expectations
I use mine with an ATV, and I mow hilly terrain with it. It handles the landscape very well, you just have to be sure that you have adequate brakes on the ATV to control your speed going down hill, I load the ATV and mower on a trailer with ramps, the clearance at the top of the ramp is not enough to drive the mower on to the trailer, usually I have to put a board under the frame so its like a ramp to get the mower all the way on the trailer.
Pros:Easy To Use, I'd Buy It Again, Durable, Reliable
I'm sure it has it's limits, but it did everything I ask it to do. I mowed some really heavy grass and some tough brush. Took out small trees and saplings like nothing.
The good: I cut actual brush, not just thick grass but bushes, saplings, etc with this thing and thought surely the blades would but all dinged up and dull after 4 hours of cutting. Much to my surprise they were still factory sharp if not sharper for the loss of powder coating. 14.5 horses is plenty of power the engine only bogged down a little when it went over a 3-4" branch I didn't see when turning. Otherwise through all of the brush, saplings, etc. it didn't miss a beat (well other than engaging the blades of course).
The bad: This mower is great for trail and brush cutting, but I do wish I'd gotten the 4-wheel model because hauling it across my lawn I tend to tear ruts unless it's at a very high cutting height. An anti-scalp feature would be nice, but that's on me for not buying that (out of budget anyway). Additionally a pullaway disconnect on the controls would be great too. I've read other people's accounts of the hitch pin popping out and pulling the wiring out of the ignition and PTO cable. I was even dumber and pulled the hitch to park the mower and started to pull away, which pulled a wire out of the harness for the ignition before I could stop real quick. I'm lucky it didn't do more damage, but it would be nice to have a failsafe in place for that since it's a normal use hazard (sort of).
All in all I'm extremely satisfied and quite impressed with this mower. If you aren't concerned with scalping, this is your cutter.
The good: I cut actual brush, not just thick grass but bushes, saplings, etc with this thing and thought surely the blades would but all dinged up and dull after 4 hours of cutting. Much to my surprise they were still factory sharp if not sharper for the loss of powder coating. 14.5 horses is plenty of power the engine only bogged down a little when it went over a 3-4" branch I didn't see when turning. Otherwise through all of the brush, saplings, etc. it didn't miss a beat (well other... more
Pros:Easy To Use, High Quality, Durable, Price
Cons:Heavy
Asher Recommends This Swisher Mower
Asher's Experience With Mowers Direct
Web Site
5/5
Service
5/5
Shipping
5/5
"I've already said mowers direct is great even though I didn't end up buying from them. Now I've bought from them and I still think they're great!"
Shop for the Swisher (44") 14.5HP Rough Cut Tow-Behind Trail Cutter w/ Electric Start at Mowers Direct. Research Swisher 728172398434 trail cutters online. Find Swisher RC14544BS trail cutters & Swisher RTB14544 trailcutter features and specifications. Get the best deal; compare Swisher RC14544BS prices now. Buy the RC14544BS direct and save.
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Product Manual
The Beast!
