SWISHER POSTMASTER PST67522 (02) PDF Document

This machine can amputate hands and 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 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 unit when not mowing. Before leaving the machine, turn off the unit 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.

• Do not operate at too fast a rate.

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

• 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.

• Attach swivel hitch (H10TK) to L-Hitch (P/N H1). Then connect trimmer to tow vehicle.

• Install trimmer string to spinner weldment (P/N 2021TC).

• Reconnect spark plug wire.

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 children will remain where you last saw them.

This is not a lawn mower. The Postmaster is designed to trim along fence rows, tree rows, etc. The Postmaster has been designed to run offset to either side and also offset from the center of the tow vehicle to provide additional cutting width.

Use extra caution when mowing on slopes. Operate self-propelled units up and down slopes. There is a significant risk of overturns when operating across slopes. If you feel uneasy on a slope then do not mow it.

• Slide the throttle into the “STOP” position.

• Return unit to travel position.

• Use proper length string. Using a string too long for the unit will cause stalling and unacceptable operation.

• Remove any built-up debris gathered in string holder.

• Fold string in half, creating a balanced loop.

• Place loop of string against outside of loop on trimmer head.

• Bring ends around and through the loop and over the string loop.

• Pull ends to tighten loop.

• Cut string off evenly with outside diameter of the cover to protect fence posts and other items being trimmed.

• Remove any built-up debris from engine.

• Remove trimmer from travel rest and assemble into desired position.

• Check oil & fuel.

• Prime engine as directed. Note: A warm engine may not need to be primed.

• Slide throttle into “FAST” position.

• Pull engine coil rope. Do not pull recklessly.

• Adjust throttle to desired engine RPM. For maximum results, operate in the full throttle position.

• Check engine crankcase for oil. Check with engine dipstick. Do not overfill. See engine manual for proper oil level.

• Fill fuel tank with fresh gasoline. Never fill tank in an enclosed area!

• Check to ensure string has been installed correctly.

• Start trimmer as directed above.

• Under supervision, allow strings to rotate and engine to idle for 5 minutes. This breaks-in the engine and the belt.

• Stop engine.

• 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, setting desired engine speed. Note: This machine is designed to operate at maximum engine speed.

• Start trimming in a low gear. Some bounce may occur when trimmer is returning into position. Use caution.

• Stop engine and remove wire from spark plug.

• Wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop.

• Place unit into travel position.

• This position is recommended while backing the unit.

There are five height settings.

• Stop engine.

• Place unit into travel mode to make adjustments.

• Pull the hairpins and clevis pins out and set both rollers at equal settings.

• Replace hardware.

Spring return-tension should be increased before trimming dense-grass areas.

• Always stop engine while making adjustments.

• Place unit into travel position to make adjustments.

• Move snap hook on chain closer to spring to increase tension.

• Move snap hook to the end furthest from spring to lessen tension.

• Always have chain and spring attached at both ends.

• Take unit out of travel position.

• Pull ball-lock-pin out of hitch, pivot hitch left or right into the desired offset.

• Replace pin securely, assuring that it locks into position.

• Offset to the opposite side by un-hooking chain connector on the roller bracket. Pivot deck around to other side and re-attach to opposite roller bracket.

CAUTION! SHUT OFF ENGINE AND REMOVE WIRE FROM SPARK PLUG BEFORE MAKING ANY ADJUSTMENTS TO THE UNIT.

• Always operate engine at full throttle when cutting to assure the best cutting performance and proper discharge of material.

• Offset unit to the right-hand side whenever possible (as shown). Debris is thrown away from the operator.

• If grass is wet, allow it to dry. Wet grass will clump and collect, clean unit regularly.

• When cutting dense areas go slow. Some dense areas may need to be gone over twice.

• Do not operate trimmer if it vibrates abnormally. Excessive vibration is a sign of damage. Stop the engine and safely check for damage. Repair as necessary.

• For best results, Do not insert cutting head more than halfway through the fence line.

• Do not store engine indoors or other poorly ventilated areas.

• If unit is to be stored for longer than 30 days, prepare as directed below:

Drain fuel outside into an approved container.

Start engine and run until unit is completely out of fuel. Removing fuel prevents gum deposits from forming inside carburetor. Gum deposits can malfunction the engine. Let engine cool.

• Replace the spark plug.

• Clean or replace the air filter and fuel filter.

• Change oil.

• Check belts, tires, hardware, etc. for wear and damage. Repair as necessary.

• New spark plug, clean air filter, and clean fuel filter assure proper air-fuel mixture and help engine perform better and last longer.

• Check and fill engine oil on a level surface. If oil appears black or soiled, change immediately.

• Check condition of filters, spark plug, tires, etc. Clean or replace if necessary.

• Replace/repair strings as necessary.

• Check for loose hardware and tighten as needed.

• Stop engine and remove wire from spark plug.

• Remove belt cover.

• Move idler pulley to free belt and hold.

• Remove old belt.

• Install new belt. Start at the engine pulley and work the belt around the drive pulley and onto the backside of the idler pulley.

• Release idler pulley.

• Replace belt cover.