"I purchased a 52" Swisher rough cut tow behind this spring and have now logged some 30 hours of operation. I offer the following feedback from this experience.
I am quite impressed with the power available from this machine and have tested it on grass far deeper and denser than most would consider tackling with a tow behind. I have tightened the belt tensioner a couple of times, but no evidence of need for belt replacement anytime soon.
Early in operation I did encounter a problem with slippage in the drive train. This turned out to be the result of inadequate torque on the vertical shaft which connects the driven pulley and the blade. Once torqued to manufacturers spec (235 ft-lbs) it has provided no additional trouble.
Another initial problem was also attributed to inadequate torque at initial installation. One of the 3/4" grade 8 bolts that connect the deck to the carriage vibrated out and was lost. When replacing, several others were found to be less tight than desired. Once properly tightened, all have stayed in place.
One relatively minor design flaw was noted, which was interferrence between a gussett and the mower deck flange. As shipped, this prevented raising up the mower deck to its highest cutting position. Problem was resolved by grinding away a relatively small portion of the rear deck flange. I would expect that Swisher has likely identified and resolved this problem by now and it will not effect future units.
One final note regarding towing this mower. This is a heavy piece of equipment and creates quite a bit of drag when pulling through high grass. I use a Honda Rancher(TRX420)and following this 30 hours of mowing, all but the last 4" of the exhaust is now blue from heat. I would hesitate to use this mower behind an air cooled ATV.
All and all I have no regret over purchasing this equipment and would recommend it to others."
