Swisher - Good / Bad ?

[cold1313]

I was hoping to get some feedback from Swisher owners or previous owners

I have some steep inclines that I can稚 send my F3990 or MX5800 due to roll over and sliding concerns. My Ranger handles theses areas no problem, since some of these areas are wet most of the year.

These are areas that I could probably cut 2 or 3 times a year and be set. I was looking at Swisher mowers to tow behind my Ranger. I知 thinking the simple 2 wheel units would be best, as the terrain is uneven and random wood chuck holes etc.

Not looking for a clean cut, just something similar to a bush hog.

I see Swisher is running a sale on some units at the moment, but I知 guessing this sale might come in the Spring as well. Or is there a local store that might have similar pricing? Rural King etc.

If you have experience with these units, what do you think? I致e always have been under the impression that they are junk but maybe it痴 good enough for what I need. I just need to review the engine options to see what degree incline the oil system will still safely operate on.

 

[tomplum]

They do fine. I service one every once and a while and none I see are either kept inside or meticulously cared for. A hundred years ago I worked at dealer that sold some of their stuff. At that time they seemed like they wanted to help if you needed to get a hold of them.

 

[airbiscuit]

Just be aware that Swisher makes a Rough Cut Mower (Square deck with 1 blade spindle) and a Finish Cut Mower (Rectangular deck and 3 blade spindles). The rough cut mower is better suited to your needs.

 

[cold1313]

Agreed. Typo on my part.

 

[QRTRHRS]

I had a 19hp 66" finish cut mower that I pulled with my zero turn to mow pastures. I had a blade break that also ruined the bearing housing and slightly bent the deck after I hit a stump or something. I just replaced the housing and straightened the deck and it was fine. I sold it only because I do not have as much to mow.

I did rig up a brace for the hitch which I found to be "springy".

 

[cold1313]

Swisher said 15* is the most incline they recommend. I'm guessing it's due to liability in regards to roll overs and not necessarily the oil system limitations.

I'm wondering if I am better off to buy new? If so, where?
All of the used ones I see are trashed or broken.

 

[airbiscuit]

It looks like 10.5 hp model will be about $1,300, and 14.5 hp will be about $1,900. FWIW, here's another approach ..

 

[QRTRHRS]

Swisher said 15* is the most incline they recommend. I'm guessing it's due to liability in regards to roll overs and not necessarily the oil system limitations.

I'm wondering if I am better off to buy new? If so, where?
All of the used ones I see are trashed or broken.

Lowe's carries Swisher mowers. That is where I got mine but they had to order it in. Something else I just remembered about the mower; initially it was hard on belts. A friend suggested checking the pressed/welded pullies for rough spots which I did and which it had. Smoothed them up and had smooth mowing afterwards.

You may wish to see if their web site has any local mower dealers to you listed?

 

[cold1313]

Swisher confirmed the 15* was limited mostly to operator safety. The Kawasaki engine is pressurized, so that should handle more than 15* for short periods. I need to be able to back this unit down a hill (towards my pond) so I had concern on the design, if the unit would have issues.

They recommended the RC14544CPKA model. Around $2,200'ish looking quickly online. Just looking for the cheapest place to get one. If I could find a used one that wasn't beat to **** and back, I'd consider it. New is unfortunately probably my best route.

 

[caver]

I had a Swisher tow behind rough cut that I bought used. I sold it after a couple years. It was hard to maintain a constant speed when I towed it behind my atv due to the thumb throttle. It takes quite a bit of area to turn it around which is another downside. The cut on it was less than impressive. I got just about all of my money back out of it when I sold it. I do have a Swisher 22" walk behind I bought new and still going strong but has needed a few repairs or mods over the years.