I've put about 12 hours of heavy use on this mower and so far it has exceeded every expectation. My primary concern was whether the 11.5 hp motor would be strong enough to handle heavy brush, I've cleared deer stand shooting lanes and a power line right of way that had grown up in saplings up to 8 feet high and it has chewed through everything. The he only time it faltered was when I ran through a small hole and dug the blades in the dirt, but it still didn't stall. My only two complaints are : The screw on top is really more for deck leveling as you have to move the hitch to get real height adjustments. This thing is a pain to get on a trailer as it hangs up going up a ramp.

Bought the 44" rough cut and sorely regret it. First the good... TS staff have been helpful in both my initial purchase, and in some of the innumerable repairs needed ever since use began. The engine starts every time and changing the oil is easy. Now the bad... The hitch system is poor. The verticle pin will pop out, dropping the mower. The hitch system restricts universal motion therefore stressing and breaking the welds and bolts in the hitching bars. I have replaced the pin hitch both with a 2 inch ball, and most recently a large iron "O" ring and a chain to allow motion. The welds holding the hitching frame have broken repeatedly, and the square tubing used in the hitching framework has broken twice. My local Tractor supply has replaced the first snapped tubing framework under warranty. The next one was on me. The stump jumper blades can lock up and require a heavy duty impact wrench to repair. The wheel bearings are light weight and will need regular replacement, even with regular greasing. The worm screw height adjusting system is inadequately attached to the frame... Mine fell off the first week and I have yet to replace. So.... This machine is not made for use hilly or hummocky terrain. Every bump you go over will stress and possibly break the welds and frame. Do not use in rough terrain! Having access to a welder is a must. Having a trailer to transport the machine to a repair shop is mighty helpful Do not attach the blade controls to your ATV....lest when the pin hitch fails and drops the mower you don't rip out the electric wiring. Another flat tire today.... The 4th, so if thorns are an issue in your area, you may want to use various flat prevention methods prior to use. I have discouraged my friends from buying the Swisher rough cut due to the aforementioned reasons.