Sears CRAFTSMAN 944.609881 Owner's Manual
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Sears CRAFTSMAN 944.609881 Owner's Manual

Sears CRAFTSMAN 944.609881 Owner's Manual

18.5 hp electric start 46" mower automatic lawn tractor
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OWNER'S
MANUAL
MODEL NO.
944.609881
Caution:
Read and follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2B8
18.5 HP
ELECTRIC START
46" MOWER
AUTOMATIC
LAWN TRACTOR
• Assembly
• Operation
• Customer Responsibilities
• Service and Adjustments
• Repair Parts
®

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Summary of Contents for Sears CRAFTSMAN 944.609881

  • Page 1 ELECTRIC START Read and follow all Safety Rules 46" MOWER and Instructions Before Operating AUTOMATIC This Equipment LAWN TRACTOR • Assembly • Operation • Customer Responsibilities • Service and Adjustments • Repair Parts Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2B8...

  • Page 2: Safety Rules

    SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. DO NOT: I. GENERAL OPERATION •...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers • Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop Look for this symbol to point out important machine if anyone enters the area. safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! •...

  • Page 4: Product Specifications

    LIMITED TWO (2) YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TRACTOR (RIDING EQUIPMENT) For two (2) years from date of purchase Sears Canada, Inc. will repair or replace at Sears option free of charge parts which are defective as a result of material or workmanship.
  • Page 5 UNASSEMBLED PARTS Steering Wheel Seat (1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18 Steering Wheel (1) Washer Insert 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (1) Knob Steering Sleeve Steering Sleeve Extension Mower Battery (2) Front Link Assemblies (2) Hex Bolts 1/4-20 x 3/4 (2) Keps Nuts 1/4-20 (3) Retainer Springs (4) Retainer Springs (double loop)

  • Page 6: Assembly

    ASSEMBLY Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness.
  • Page 7 ASSEMBLY • Lift hood to raised position. • Open terminal access doors, remove terminal protec- SEAT tive caps and discard. SEAT PAN • If this battery is put into service after month and year indicated on label (label located between terminals) SHOULDER BOLT charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps.
  • Page 8 ASSEMBLY INSTALL MOWER AND DRIVE BELT (See • Turn height adjustment knob clockwise to remove slack from mower suspension. Figs. 4 and 6) • Raise mower to highest position. Be sure tractor is on level surface and mower suspension • Assemble gauge wheels (See "TO ADJUST GAUGE arms are raised with attachment lift control.
  • Page 9 ASSEMBLY CHECKLIST INSTALL MULCHER PLATE (See Fig. 5) (If previously removed) BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW TRAC- • Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position. TOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE • Place front of mulcher plate over front of mower deck BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT.

  • Page 10: Operation

    OPERATION These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. BATTERY CAUTION OR REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW WARNING LIGHTS ON OVER TEMP ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE LIGHT PARKING BRAKE UNLOCKED MOWER LIFT FUEL...
  • Page 11 OPERATION KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. ATTACHMENT LIGHT IGNITION CLUTCH SWITCH SWITCH...
  • Page 12 OPERATION The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses.
  • Page 13 OPERATION TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 8) TO OPERATE ON HILLS Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly CAUTION: Do not drive up or down hills off the ground when mower is at the desired cutting height in with slopes greater than 15°...
  • Page 14 OPERATION BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE • Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to “START” position and release key as soon as engine starts. Do not run starter continuously for more than CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig. 14) fifteen seconds per minute.
  • Page 15 OPERATION • Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine is running, move throttle control to slow position. With motion control lever in neutral (N) position, slowly disengage clutch/brake pedal. • Move motion control lever to full forward position and hold for five (5) seconds.

  • Page 16: Maintenance Schedule

    CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE SERVICE DATES Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence and Interlock Systems Check for Loose Fasteners Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling Adjust Blade Belt(s) Tension Adjust Motion Drive Belt(s) Tension...
  • Page 17 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES TRACTOR MANDREL TRAILING ASSEMBLY EDGE UP Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte- BLADE nance. CENTER HOLE BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted. (See “TO ADJUST BRAKE”...
  • Page 18 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES BATTERY SAE VISCOSITY GRADES Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suffi- cient for normal use. However, periodic charging of the SAE 30 battery with an automotive charger will extend its life. 5W-30 • Keep battery and terminals clean. °...
  • Page 19 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES CLEAN AIR INTAKE/COOLING AREAS MUFFLER To insure proper cooling, make sure the grass screen, Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if cooling fins, and other external surfaces of the engine are equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. kept clean at all times.

  • Page 20: Service And Adjustments

    SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: • Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. • Place motion control lever in neutral (N) position. • Place attachment clutch in “DISENGAGED” position. • Turn ignition key “OFF” and remove key. •...
  • Page 21 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE MOWER DRIVE BELT SUSPENSION ARM MOWER DRIVE BELT REMOVAL (See Fig. 22) - • Park tractor on a level surface. Engage parking brake. • Remove screws from L.H. mandrel cover and remove cover. LIFT LINK •...
  • Page 22 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS • Check secondary idler arm and idler to see that they TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT rotate freely. (See Fig. 25) • Be sure spring is hooked in secondary idler arm and Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For sway-bar bracket.
  • Page 23 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS • Move the motion control lever 1/4 to 1/2 inch in the TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BATTERY direction it is trying to creep. (See Fig. 28) • Tighten adjustment bolt securely. • Start engine and test. CAUTION: Lead-acid batteries generate •...
  • Page 24 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY TO ADJUST CARBURETOR (See Fig. 29) Your carburetor is not adjustable. If your engine does not • Raise hood. operate properly due to suspected carburetor problems, take your tractor to an authorized service center for repair and/or •...

  • Page 25: Storage

    STORAGE Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the • If battery is removed from tractor for storage, do not season or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days or more. store battery directly on concrete or damp surfaces. CAUTION: Never store the tractor with ENGINE gasoline in the tank inside a building...

  • Page 26: Troubleshooting

    TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Will not start Out of fuel. Fill fuel tank. Engine not “CHOKED” properly. See “TO START ENGINE” in Operation section. Engine flooded. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. Bad spark plug. Replace spark plug. Dirty air filter.
  • Page 27 TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Engine continues to run Faulty operator-safety presence control system. Check wiring, switches and connections. If not when operator leaves corrected, contact an authorized service center/ seat with attachment department. clutch engaged Poor cut - uneven Worn, bent or loose blade.
  • Page 28 SERVICE NOTES...
  • Page 29 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609881 SCHEMATIC BLACK BATTERY SOLENOID FUSE STARTER AMMETER WHITE (OPTIONAL) BLACK WHITE WHITE BLACK ELECTRIC CLUTCH CLUTCH / BRAKE (PEDAL UP) IGNITION BLACK SWITCH BLACK SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) PTO (DISENGAGED) GREEN GREEN OPERATOR PRESENCE HOUR BLACK BLUE...

  • Page 30: Repair Parts - Tractor

    REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609881 ELECTRICAL D .C...
  • Page 31 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609881 ELECTRICAL KEY PART DESCRIPTION 163465 Battery 74760412 Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20unc X 3/4 7603J Tray Battery 145211 Bolt Btr Frt 1/4-20 x 7.5 150109 Holddown Battery Front Mount 145769 Nut Push Nylon 1/4" Battery 153664 Switch Interlock 17720408...
  • Page 32 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609881 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES...
  • Page 33 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609881 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 169830 Chassis Stamping 169061 Drawbar, Stretch 17060612 Screw 3/8-16x3/4 163976 Dash Stealth YTGT 2cyl STD533710 Bolt Carriage 3/8-16 x 1 167203 Panel Dash Lh 167202 Panel Dash Rh 161023X558...
  • Page 34 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609881 DRIVE 19 24...
  • Page 35 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609881 DRIVE KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION - - - - - Transaxle (See Breakdown) 17060612 Screw Thdrol. 3/8-16 x 3/4 Hydro Gear Model 314-0510 8883R Cover, Pedal 165866 Rod Shift 145868...
  • Page 36 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609881 STEERING ASSEMBLY...
  • Page 37 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609881 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 159944X428 Wheel Steering 154427 Axle Asm STMP Dropped STL 169840 Spindle Asm LH 169839 Spindle Asm RH 6266H Bearing Race Thrust Harden 121748X Washer 25/32 X 1-5/8 X 16 Ga 19272016 Washer 27/32 X 1-1/4 X 16 Ga 12000029...
  • Page 38 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609881 SEAT ASSEMBLY PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 140124 Seat 121248X Bushing Snap Blk Nyl 50 Id 140551 Bracket Pivot Seat 8 720 72050412 Bolt Rdhd Sqnk 1/4-20x1-1/2 71110616 Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16unc X 1 121249X Spacer Split 28x .88 Zinc 19131610...
  • Page 39 DECALS PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 106202X Reflector Tail Light Red/Amber 164657 Decal Brake/Clutch Stlth EF 138047 Decal Battery Diehard Sears 160397 Decal V-Belt Schematic 163916 Decal Hood RH 163206 Decal Fender Auto 163917 Decal Hood LH 164065 Decal Strng Whl Domed Prem Srs.
  • Page 40 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609881 ENGINE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester...
  • Page 41 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609881 ENGINE PART DESCRIPTION 164067 Control, Throttle - - - - - - - Engine (See Breakdown) Briggs Model 407777-0121-E1 149723 Muffler, Asm. Twin Lo-Tone 160589 Pipe Exhaust Intek 20 RH 159955 Pipe Exhaust Intek 20 LH 150176 Bolt 5/16-18 UNC x 3/4 162797...
  • Page 42 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609881 MOWER LIFT 17 18 20...
  • Page 43 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609881 MOWER LIFT PART DESCRIPTION 159461 Wire Asm Inner W/Plunge5r 159476 Shaft Asm Lift 138284 Pin Groove STD581062 E Ring #5133-62 19211621 Washer 29/32 x 1-1/4 x 21 Ga. 120183X Bearing Nylon Blk .629 ID 125631X Grip Handle Fluted 122365X...
  • Page 44 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609881 MOWER DECK 104 105...
  • Page 45 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609881 MOWER DECK PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 164210 Deck Weldment Mower 46 156086 Keeper, Belt, Idler 138457 Bracket Asm., Sway Bar 144917 Pulley, Idler, Driven STD624008 Retainer Spring 137273 Spring, Secondary 44/46/50 Vent 130832 Arm, Suspension, Rear (Sway Bar) 17060620...
  • Page 46 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609881 HYDRO GEAR TRANSAXLE - MODEL NUMBER 314-0510...
  • Page 47 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609881 HYDRO GEAR TRANSAXLE - MODEL NUMBER 314-0510 KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 170351 Main Housing, Assembly 170408 Rotor, Brake 170352 Side Housing, Assembly 142883 Brake Puck 142881 Puck Plate 170353 Center Section, Assembly...

  • Page 48: Repair Parts - Engine

    REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609881 BRIGGS ENGINE - MODEL NUMBER 407777, TYPE NUMBER 0121-E1 REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS TO INSTALL. SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL. 1019 LABEL KIT 1026 865A 1026A 447A 447A 1017 1081 1024 1013 1027 1035 1033 VALVE OVERHAUL KIT 865B 1058 OWNER'S MANUAL...
  • Page 49 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609881 BRIGGS ENGINE - MODEL NUMBER 407777, TYPE NUMBER 0121-E1 1022 1022 1029 1029 1100 1100 1022 1023 1023A 1022 REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS TO INSTALL. SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL. 187A 1125 1128 121 CARBURETOR KIT 1125 1128 552A...
  • Page 50 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609881 BRIGGS ENGINE - MODEL NUMBER 407777, TYPE NUMBER 0121-E1 1005 1006 358 GASKET SET 1090 1051 1022 1081...
  • Page 51 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609881 BRIGGS ENGINE - MODEL NUMBER 407777, TYPE NUMBER 0121-E1 KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 160 690996 Retainer-Solenoid 690231 Cylinder Assembly 163 691001 Gasket-Air Cleaner 499585 Bushing-Cylinder 690926 + Seal-Oil 177 691031 + O-Ring Seal (Dipstick)
  • Page 52 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609881 BRIGGS ENGINE - MODEL NUMBER 407777, TYPE NUMBER 0121-E1 KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 556 691183 Screw (Alternator) 943 690589 + O-Ring Seal (Oil Pump Cover) 947 499809 Solenoid-Fuel 562 690311 Bolt (Gov.
  • Page 53 SERVICE NOTES...
  • Page 54 SERVICE NOTES...
  • Page 55 SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL SIGHTING GUIDE SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH SKY LINE OR TREE. 15° MAX. Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not greater than 15°), never across the face.
  • Page 56 The model number for your engine will be found on the blower housing of the engine. All parts listed herein may be ordered from any Sears Canada, Inc. Service Centre/Department and most Retail Stores. WHEN ORDERING REPAIR PARTS, ALWAYS GIVE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: •...

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