As an update, Swisher has recommended that I take the unit to a service center to have them do a test and evaluation. This is a bit of a challenge since Swisher does not have a local, within a couple of hours driving distance to me. So the Swisher customer service rep had a discussion with nonSwisher service center that I have used and trust for other things and the unit is now there going under evaluation.
The professionals mowed and got the same thing. Forward, backwards at any speed except a very slow walking speed. Swisher had them check everything, tire pressure, shaft stability, motor, blades and they still come up with the striping.
The next step in discussions with Swisher is that they are going to have a discussion with Swisher engineering and get back to me today.
I just want a unit that will work and not have to mow like this is a 27 inch mower. I have asked if they would send me a new unit and they are reluctant to do that, or to give me a significant discount on a new one. This will be a good test to see how committed they are customer service and customer satisfaction.
So we will see what they come up with as the next step.
I will keep this group updated when we figure out a path forward.
My neighbor has a DR pull behind mower and that cut the same field just great, so it's not the tow vehicle or the field, it's the mower.