Swisher WB11524 Predator 24-Inch 11.5 HP Gas Self-Propelled Brush Cutter

by Swisher

Product Features

• 24-inch, self-propelled gas-powered brush cutter with 4-speed transmission and reverse
• 11-1/2-horsepower Briggs & Stratton mower; cuts undergrowth to 1-1/2 inches diameter
• Single, fixed hardened 11-gauge steel and steel blade
• Includes mower, blade, handle, and safety deflectors
• Non-CARB compliant; not for sale in California

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 60.5 x 32.5 x 31 inches ; 320 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 321 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0007VTNTQ
• Item model number: WB11524
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #36,283 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden)
  • #50 in Patio, Lawn & Garden > Mowers & Outdoor Power > Mower Parts & Accessories > Lawn Tractor Attachments

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Ideal for cutting trails through the woods and clearing fields and ditches year-round, the 24-inch Predator brush cutter clears the densest undergrowth and saplings up to 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Clearing up to 2/3 of an acre per hour, this self-propelled walk-behind features a 11-1/2-horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine and a heavy-duty cutting deck. Its single, fixed hardened-steel blade zips through brush and saplings like butter. Handlebar mounted controls are easily accessed for total control and safety. Ergonomic handles ensure optimal comfort-even on extended jobs. Large pneumatic tires roll easily over the rowdiest terrain for smooth cutting in all conditions. A four-speed transmission is great for climbing or cruising, and a reverse mode is handy for backing out of trouble. Front and side safety deflectors protect against flying debris. And, the Predator's blade is enclosed for maximum safety. --Brian Olson

Product Description

Tired of handheld trimmers that just cant cut the tough stuff The Swisher Roughcut Mower is ideal for cutting trails through the woods and clearing fields and ditches year-round. The Predator self-propelled walk-behind can clear the densest undergrowth and saplings up to 1 1/2in. diameter with ease. It can clear 2/3 of an acre per hour. Not for sale in California. U.S.A. Engine Displacement (cc): 334, Start Type: Recoil, Drive: Self propelled, Transmission: Rear wheel drive, Cutting Width (in.): 24, Engine: Briggs & Stratton, Engine Model: 217802-4145-F1, Rated Power (HP): 11.5, Torque (ft./lbs.): 6.25, Deck Material: 11 gauge welded steel, Cutting Height (in.): 4.65, Cutting Styles: Discharge, Cutting Speeds: 4 plus reverse, Max. Cutting Speed (MPH): 2.12, Blade Type: Single, fixed, hardened steel, Fuel Tank Capacity (qt.): 3, Rear Tire Size (in.): 8 x 4

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

87 of 89 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good value but some anoying minor flaws, August 1, 2005

By 

David J. Neff (Stevenson, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Swisher WB11524 Predator 24-Inch 11.5 HP Gas Self-Propelled Brush Cutter (Lawn & Patio)

Like others, I couldn't believe a DR Field and Brush mower could be worth the $1000 more (although the DR does accept additional overpriced attachments).

So, I ordered the Swisher through Amazon. At first I was given a delivery date in 2 months, but it ended up arriving after 1 month -- still rather long.

The mower was easy to assemble and initially worked great, chomping through the 4 feet grass and various blackberry brushes in my eratically sloped fields. Still a fair amount of work (on flat ground though it is very low effort), but after about 2 hours of use, the motor cut off every time I engaged the mower!

So, I opened up the top cover over the pully system, and noticed a wire going from the motor to the safety switch (detects when the mower is engaged and shuts it off when needed, such as when putting it into reverse). The wire on the left side of the mower (as viewed from the rear handlebars) had come out of a little plastic clip assembly, had been flipping around underneath, and the insulation was stripped off and it was shorting to the chasis as it flopped around, causing the mower to cut out when it would short. I repaired it temporarily with friction tape and re-seating the wiring. Yesterday, I put some standard high temperature flex tubing around the entire wire assembly and then re-hooked it into the plastic clip. Its been OK ever since. Just having a very thin wire hanging down beneath the mower seems like very poor design, and flex tubing costs so little. The wire on the right side of the mower to the safety switch does have flex tubing, is routed to the side, and looks fine. The wire on the left side is just a very poor design.

The rubber grips on the handlebar slip off easily -- one already fell off and subsequently got chewed up by the mower. But I'd never use the thing without gloves -- the handlebar levers pinch your hands constantly without gloves. In general, the handlebar assembly seems a bit cheap.

The B&S motor is great. Mine still runs a bit rough when idling, but does fine when its going.

Pros:

Free shipping, good price, great motor, does mow down the brush as advertised.

Cons:

Poor wiring to the safety switch, handlebar assembly is lightweight and rubber grips on handlebar slide off easily.

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good value - machine does what you need, February 24, 2006

By 

Scott Spahr (Mount Vernon, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Swisher WB11524 Predator 24-Inch 11.5 HP Gas Self-Propelled Brush Cutter (Lawn & Patio)

I bought this machine because I compared prices, and this is the best value on the market. I read the other reviews, and took the precautions mentioned. I used loctite on the handle bolts, wrapped the control cables with flexible tubing and zip-tied them, and used silicon glue on the handle-pads before my first use.

During use, you'll find that this machine won't lose battles with any weeds or brush. This is a good product for the price. The picture makes it look smaller than it is, and the model has been updated, so take a look at the swisher site to see the new handlebar configuration.

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great value! Brush Cutter Not DR Chipper, July 29, 2005

By 

Keith M. "BSME Ohio State" (Dallas Texas) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Swisher WB11524 Predator 24-Inch 11.5 HP Gas Self-Propelled Brush Cutter (Lawn & Patio)

This thing is a great value at about half the DR chipper brand price. It was well packaged with only minor handle and shift knob assembly needed. The Briggs engine ran a little rough at first but this went away after 5 min. I wrapped the fuel lines that run right up along the engine block with heavy foil. I had just replaced these lines on a very similar 25 hp Briggs after only 3 yrs - totally rotted from the heat. The brush cutter went through 4' tall heavy Texas weeds (up to 1" dia.) with no problem. The unit is still tiring in 95+ heat but a lot better than running them over 5x with a regular mower!