I bought mine a couple of years ago and attempted to use it last year for the first time with less than favorable results. Before I even got to the ditch, the drive belt cover came off and I found the screws in the grass. And like you mentioned, it cut a hole in the cover. Today I'm going to try again but couldn't find the manual to see what kind and how much oil I have to put in. So I landed on your page. I'm almost scared of the thing and was glad that you got yours started. My complaint is that the handle is too short, makes for back-breaking work and I should think that the noise level is way above the acceptable db/A. At any rate, you have given me courage :) and I'll see what damage I can do.
I've had my Swisher for going on 7 years now and not had one single problem.It always starts on the 1st or 2nd pull of the cord.These aren't meant for heavy duty trimming,a person just can't bull doze their way through a thick patch of weeds or grass with this. When used right this can be a really good tool.But when using it on thick wood type stalks and weeds,the strings won't last very long.I see you use yours the same way I use mine,lift up on the front and let it ease it's way down.
This is great for tall weeds. I will say this does not replace your push lawn mower. This feels like a push weed wacker more then a lawn mower and should be treated so....
Mine worked fine in two foot tall field grass. Canary grass was tough but it could be cut. Blackberries are pushing the limit on this machine. Keep the air filter on top of the motor free of debris. It is not recommended to push the handle down so as to raise the cutting string away from the ground as the operator is doing in this video. It is recommended to keep the machine level. Mine has been going strong for five years and only one professional tune up (spark plug, oil change). Use the best grade of gasoline for best longest engine life.
you are right about the recommendation on keeping it level. causes back pain to lift it. problem is it scalps the ground if you don't lift it! also, i found that the supplied string which is nearly .125" thick breaks easily. i am still using multiple pieces of .062" string from walmart or wherever. i can easily put 4 or 5 pieces of it on each connector on the wheel. i think it works much better than the supplied thick stuff. not nearly as brittle.
You don’t have the strings put in right. Mine has a 6.75 horsepower but mine will take a tree down. Mine is almost 7 years old and it’s a boss. Love it. I don’t know why you make it look so hard. I’m 53 years old and use it on 10 acres and I can’t carry a hand held, even with the strap, very good anymore lol kills my back. Downfall is needs self propelled and stronger wheels. I do so much walking. Starts first pull every time.
That spiked plant is a yucca. They are harder than hell to trim around! They love to grab a regular trimmer and pull it into the plant and out of your hands.
I accidentally on purpose ran over that plant with my 18hp 44" riding lawn mower. It ripped the plant out of the ground and wrapped the plant around the blades, which stalled the engine. I had to take off the mower deck to get the thing out of my mower blades. Then the plant grew back!
I bought an Antique one that has large car tires on the front with 8 horse motor with a saw blade instead of the string, it's needs a tune up and the clutch disengaged so it will roll free.
Diane, I have an ST100 Cub Cadet trimmer. As much as I have tried I cannot under any circumstances even get my machine to slow the rpm. Those of us who have and use the ST100, refer to the unit as a beast. I have cut weeds as tall as myself and this machine just destroys anything in its path.
okay this machine was not used correctly at all in this video. if used right, its actually a good way to trim your yard. use it this way and kiss it good bye.
@@donboychuk9278 You need to modify the string holder. I looked at a different brand of trimmer and it had 3 loops per string. I removed the original loops, drilled new mounting holes, and welded 3 loops per side to match the configuration of the other brand. Now it works better.
If you want to take down those tough weeds, stems, small bushes, replace the current head plate with a 'weedshark' head. It has a (sort of) teeth and still uses the trimmer string.
The trimmer did not sound like it was at full throttle. The engine is governed, and to develop best power it needs to be run at full throttle Don't bother with pressing down on the handles, The head has a built up area in the center so it will not be dragging on the ground. As you get to using it, you will find your self swinging the handles side to side in a smooth sweeping action, just like you would on a hand held trimmer
This is how I used the rental mower that I had. I used it on some really tall grass, (actally, heavy weeds and light brush ) and found that it worked best sweeping the head back and forth. It was cutting a path about about three feet wide, and while hard work, it really was the best way to work it.
An idea but another video a guy made a plate with a swivel caster wheel. I have no covers so thinking I can put a caster wheel on a bar and clamp to housing or arm so can wheel it like a mower with head just slightly off the ground
Jamming the trimmer into the thick stuff is the fastest way of stalling the machine. There is no reason to do that. Ease it into the brush for each pass and let the heavy strings do the work gradually so the cut vegetation has a chance to be thrown clear of the rotating string head.
any idea of the belt size? I have a red one, $5 at yard sale. needs carb cleaned to run but no belt. Thought read a 59" but that seems long. the modle number has rubbed off so if you know the belt the manual states I can work from there.
@@meatdogg101 think I saw a belt, Mayne a swisher 1911 something and was 59". I just unloaded it so going to use a tape measure on it. Our TSC has a variety and some adjustable length ones. Love to get the carb cleaned up and see how it runs.
Hahaha, Ya, me too. I'm a bit late for this Vid but, hey, I'll try it. So, I was on the way home one day and saw this trimmer sitting in a driveway next to our dirt road. Swisher. I stopped to see how much he wanted for it and it said "FREE, won't start, only used 3 times." So, I scooped it up and took it home. Pulled the plug and cranked it over and it had compression at the Spark Plug hole so I continued to work on it. Replacer the Carb, fuel filter, fuel line, air filter, adjusted valves to spec, removed gas tank and cleaned it out. It is a 8.75 Motor. Put it all back together and cranked it up. It started and ran just fine. But, the only complaint is the cutting line. I have found the twisted red stuff works best, so far. Still experimenting with different cutting Lines. Might try a liter line which would be more flexible. Thanks all.
Howdie How Much for the Head on this Machine if you could get back to me live on farm need replacement for mine and this really work,s thank,s again Paul
I bought this with the intention of cutting back the briars along our wooded areas thinking it was a bit more heavier duty than just a yard trimmer. The string NEVER stays attached long enough to get anything done. I feel it is a poor design. There are others out their that hold the thicker string in place much better than this thing. I am not impressed at all.
@@robertstark9454 Same here. I did have to replace the head twice, but they can be found on the I-net. 7 years and still cutting. Great machine. Got a Swisher from a neighbor for Free. Working on that. It now runs good but the cutting line is still a problem. 8.75 motor.
i'm sure there are better ones. the drive belt eventually slapped the plastic cover enough to gouge a hole in the cover. no way to adjust belt tension. looks ugly, but doesn't effect how it works.
POS... The handle is way short.... your back's gonna need some pain killer after a few mins of that angle/walking ... I've got a Ryobi - not reeeel happy with it but at least my old back doesn't hurt from doing half a Limbo maneuver under the handle...
excellent point! when i use it my back tends to get sore pretty quick. it's better if i leave the cutter down, basically scalping the ground. it could use front wheels like a push mower.
Get some good trimmer line. That soft plastic junk that come with the trimmer is just that, junk. My suggestion would be 'vertex professional trimmer line, made by rotary corp in glenville, ga. You can find it on Amazon.
Nope. The Craftsman out did them all. I have had mine for 6 years now. Replaced the Ball head twice. I did try a Cub but it didn't last. I picked up a Swisher that had a FREE sign on it. Working with that now to work out the kinks in it. Runs good but string is still a problem.
I bought mine a couple of years ago and attempted to use it last year for the first time with less than favorable results. Before I even got to the ditch, the drive belt cover came off and I found the screws in the grass. And like you mentioned, it cut a hole in the cover. Today I'm going to try again but couldn't find the manual to see what kind and how much oil I have to put in. So I landed on your page. I'm almost scared of the thing and was glad that you got yours started. My complaint is that the handle is too short, makes for back-breaking work and I should think that the noise level is way above the acceptable db/A. At any rate, you have given me courage :) and I'll see what damage I can do.
Ursula Adamson It looks like bull shit to me
It' tells you on the dipstick 20oz. Oil
I've had my Swisher for going on 7 years now and not had one single problem.It always starts on the 1st or 2nd pull of the cord.These aren't meant for heavy duty trimming,a person just can't bull doze their way through a thick patch of weeds or grass with this. When used right this can be a really good tool.But when using it on thick wood type stalks and weeds,the strings won't last very long.I see you use yours the same way I use mine,lift up on the front and let it ease it's way down.
This is great for tall weeds. I will say this does not replace your push lawn mower. This feels like a push weed wacker more then a lawn mower and should be treated so....
Video on how to a off the head trimmer on that trimer
In tall grass, I suggest you go easy, dont push it hard.
It’s a trimmer you work on the edge of the string like any trimmer going bonsai into a mess of weeds will kill any trimmer lol
Mine worked fine in two foot tall field grass. Canary grass was tough but it could be cut. Blackberries are pushing the limit on this machine. Keep the air filter on top of the motor free of debris. It is not recommended to push the handle down so as to raise the cutting string away from the ground as the operator is doing in this video. It is recommended to keep the machine level. Mine has been going strong for five years and only one professional tune up (spark plug, oil change). Use the best grade of gasoline for best longest engine life.
you are right about the recommendation on keeping it level. causes back pain to lift it. problem is it scalps the ground if you don't lift it! also, i found that the supplied string which is nearly .125" thick breaks easily. i am still using multiple pieces of .062" string from walmart or wherever. i can easily put 4 or 5 pieces of it on each connector on the wheel. i think it works much better than the supplied thick stuff. not nearly as brittle.
You don’t have the strings put in right. Mine has a 6.75 horsepower but mine will take a tree down. Mine is almost 7 years old and it’s a boss. Love it. I don’t know why you make it look so hard. I’m 53 years old and use it on 10 acres and I can’t carry a hand held, even with the strap, very good anymore lol kills my back. Downfall is needs self propelled and stronger wheels. I do so much walking. Starts first pull every time.
I’m a woman too haha 😂 😃
That spiked plant is a yucca. They are harder than hell to trim around! They love to grab a regular trimmer and pull it into the plant and out of your hands.
I accidentally on purpose ran over that plant with my 18hp 44" riding lawn mower. It ripped the plant out of the ground and wrapped the plant around the blades, which stalled the engine. I had to take off the mower deck to get the thing out of my mower blades. Then the plant grew back!
Yup. When I get to that stuff, I hook up my Bush Hog to the tractor and then cut them down.
I bought an Antique one that has large car tires on the front with 8 horse motor with a saw blade instead of the string, it's needs a tune up and the clutch disengaged so it will roll free.
When pushing the trimmer, try not to "stab" the weeds. It will bog out any trimmer/mower
Diane, I have an ST100 Cub Cadet trimmer. As much as I have tried I cannot under any circumstances even get my machine to slow the rpm. Those of us who have and use the ST100, refer to the unit as a beast. I have cut weeds as tall as myself and this machine just destroys anything in its path.
Oh, yes I forgot to tell you that I bought self-locking screws for the cover, hope they will not work themselves loose.
okay this machine was not used correctly at all in this video. if used right, its actually a good way to trim your yard. use it this way and kiss it good bye.
Curious. How was it not used correctly?
Yeah, show us how to use it, "correctly". In my opinion, the string holder sucks...and I own one.
@@donboychuk9278 You need to modify the string holder. I looked at a different brand of trimmer and it had 3 loops per string. I removed the original loops, drilled new mounting holes, and welded 3 loops per side to match the configuration of the other brand. Now it works better.
If you want to take down those tough weeds, stems, small bushes, replace the current head plate with a 'weedshark' head.
It has a (sort of) teeth and still uses the trimmer string.
check them bearings in front, could be slowing you down.
Looks way harder than just getting a good stihl w shoulder straps. Good demo thanks.
For us in the 70 year range, shoulder stuff is no longer an option. Worn out joints and pinched nerves means we have to push machinery.
THANKS.... I was going thru heack trying to figure out what this stuff was...
The trimmer did not sound like it was at full throttle.
The engine is governed, and to develop best power it needs to be run at full throttle
Don't bother with pressing down on the handles, The head has a built up area in the center so it will not be dragging on the ground.
As you get to using it, you will find your self swinging the handles side to side in a smooth sweeping action, just like you would on a hand held trimmer
This is how I used the rental mower that I had. I used it on some really tall grass, (actally, heavy weeds and light brush ) and found that it worked best sweeping the head back and forth. It was cutting a path about about three feet wide, and while hard work, it really was the best way to work it.
Ya, I was going to say. Didn't sound like the rpms were up.
An idea but another video a guy made a plate with a swivel caster wheel. I have no covers so thinking I can put a caster wheel on a bar and clamp to housing or arm so can wheel it like a mower with head just slightly off the ground
Its not a bush hog. Think you will find it takes a very sharp blade to cut a Yuca bush. Mine will TRIM fine
Jamming the trimmer into the thick stuff is the fastest way of stalling the machine. There is no reason to do that. Ease it into the brush for each pass and let the heavy strings do the work gradually so the cut vegetation has a chance to be thrown clear of the rotating string head.
This guy was wearing facemasks before wearing facemasks were cool!
The handle will adjust on mine. You should be able to move it up.
Did it! Thanks for the idea, I should have seen that. The handle is now longer and that helps.
any idea of the belt size? I have a red one, $5 at yard sale. needs carb cleaned to run but no belt. Thought read a 59" but that seems long. the modle number has rubbed off so if you know the belt the manual states I can work from there.
58' belt is what I use on my Swisher 675e series Trim-N-Mow
@@meatdogg101 think I saw a belt, Mayne a swisher 1911 something and was 59". I just unloaded it so going to use a tape measure on it. Our TSC has a variety and some adjustable length ones. Love to get the carb cleaned up and see how it runs.
@@Jack-Surreal_Panes my owners manual shows 57 inches. Part number 2113. Mine is a trim-n-mow from 2013. Www.swisherinc.com
@@Jack-Surreal_Panes For $22 you can get a whole new Carb, plug, filter and fuel line set up off the I-net. Worked for me.
@@davidleatherneck Cool. Just been sitting and haven't messed with it yet. 22 is great deal . You said I-net site?
did u put oil in it
adjust the governor for more RPM
Got one for free tonight.
Hahaha, Ya, me too. I'm a bit late for this Vid but, hey, I'll try it. So, I was on the way home one day and saw this trimmer sitting in a driveway next to our dirt road. Swisher. I stopped to see how much he wanted for it and it said "FREE, won't start, only used 3 times." So, I scooped it up and took it home. Pulled the plug and cranked it over and it had compression at the Spark Plug hole so I continued to work on it. Replacer the Carb, fuel filter, fuel line, air filter, adjusted valves to spec, removed gas tank and cleaned it out. It is a 8.75 Motor. Put it all back together and cranked it up. It started and ran just fine. But, the only complaint is the cutting line. I have found the twisted red stuff works best, so far. Still experimenting with different cutting Lines. Might try a liter line which would be more flexible. Thanks all.
You have to be a knuckle dragger or have a bionic back to use this machine.
Howdie How Much for the Head on this Machine if you could get back to me live on farm need replacement for mine and this really work,s thank,s again Paul
You are stupid, I have one and it works great.
Did you hit the prime button 4x?
3 or 4. usually starts easily on the 1st pull. once i had trouble and i think it was unexpectedly out of fuel and took a little to prime it.
If only swisher would put a sticker if the string install process on the side if the thing….#bigredtruck
Mine has one an I bought mine 2 years ago. They probably forgot to put it on during assembly.
Lol 😂. You don’t need to pick it up. It’s not a lawnmower.
Why does it say no comment to display?
I bought this with the intention of cutting back the briars along our wooded areas thinking it was a bit more heavier duty than just a yard trimmer. The string NEVER stays attached long enough to get anything done. I feel it is a poor design. There are others out their that hold the thicker string in place much better than this thing. I am not impressed at all.
The way the string is attached is a sad joke. Check out an ST100 Cub Cadet, you will see what I mean.
Okay I don't to worry about buying one of those. Get a Craftsman, abd adjust the handle bar before you break your back.....jeezz
Craftsman stuff is junk too lol
@@kevinboaz317 but at least it 6 and 3/4 HP, has a clutch and is still running😃
@@robertstark9454 Same here. I did have to replace the head twice, but they can be found on the I-net. 7 years and still cutting. Great machine. Got a Swisher from a neighbor for Free. Working on that. It now runs good but the cutting line is still a problem. 8.75 motor.
That machine sounds terrible. If I had a thought of getting one you sure cured me of that.
Coulda bought you a damn good name brand trimmer like an Echo etc. for what that Walmart junk cost.
i'm sure there are better ones. the drive belt eventually slapped the plastic cover enough to gouge a hole in the cover. no way to adjust belt tension. looks ugly, but doesn't effect how it works.
@@soundslikefun47802 ,, More like it looks Brutal. It is well made but string is still a problem. Mine has an 8.75 Motor on it. Got it free.
POS... The handle is way short.... your back's gonna need some pain killer after a few mins of that angle/walking ... I've got a Ryobi - not reeeel happy with it but at least my old back doesn't hurt from doing half a Limbo maneuver under the handle...
excellent point! when i use it my back tends to get sore pretty quick. it's better if i leave the cutter down, basically scalping the ground. it could use front wheels like a push mower.
Get some good trimmer line. That soft plastic junk that come with the trimmer is just that, junk.
My suggestion would be 'vertex professional trimmer line, made by rotary corp in glenville, ga.
You can find it on Amazon.
no need to hold the handle down, you are probably thinking its a brake/stop handle but its not.
The threading of the cutting line SUCKS 100%....it just lost value...I wouldn’t purchase that mower...
Wow, not impressed at all.
He wasn’t doing it right but it was his first use of it so
Yes you used it all wrong.
A handheld brush trimmer would do a better job
Well, ya, but at 76 my shoulders no longer have that cushion in the joints and nerves get pinched.
he has string in there wrong, an acts like he is scared of it!
He has the string exactly the way the manual and the label on the mower says.
Nope, that is just the way the manual says to do it!
That machine is a piece of junk.
These are garbage! Buy a Cub Cadet, they are the best hands down!
Nope. The Craftsman out did them all. I have had mine for 6 years now. Replaced the Ball head twice. I did try a Cub but it didn't last. I picked up a Swisher that had a FREE sign on it. Working with that now to work out the kinks in it. Runs good but string is still a problem.