Sears Craftsman 944.601181 Owner's Manual
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Sears Craftsman 944.601181 Owner's Manual

Sears Craftsman 944.601181 Owner's Manual

20 hp electric start 42" mower 6 speed transaxle lawn tractor
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OWNER'S
MANUAL
MODEL NO.
944.601181
Caution:
Read and follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2B8
20 HP
ELECTRIC START
42" MOWER
6 SPEED TRANSAXLE
LAWN TRACTOR
• Assembly
• Operation
• Customer Responsibilities
• Service and Adjustments
• Repair Parts

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  • Page 1 Read and follow all Safety Rules ELECTRIC START and Instructions Before Operating 42" MOWER This Equipment 6 SPEED TRANSAXLE 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. I. GENERAL OPERATION DO NOT: •...
  • Page 3 SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers • Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Look for this symbol to point out impor- Stop machine if anyone enters the area. tant safety precautions. It means CAU- •...

  • 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

    UNASSEMBLED PARTS Seat Steering Wheel Steering (1) Washer Wheel Insert 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge Steering Steering Extension Boot (1) Knob Shaft Steering Wheel Battery Adapter (1) Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 (2) Keps Nut 1/4-20 (2) Hex Bolts 1/4-20 x 3/4 (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use (1) Large Flat Washer...

  • Page 6: Tools Required For 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 Use terminal access doors for: SEAT • Inspection for secure connections (to tighten SHOULDER hardware). BOLT • Inspection for corrosion. • Testing battery. • Jumping (if required). SEAT PAN • Periodic charging. DISCARD KEPS HEX BOLT TERMINAL PROTECTIVE FLAT WASHER CAPS ADJUSTMENT TERMINAL...
  • Page 8 ASSEMBLY C HECKLIST INSTALL MULCHER PLATE (If previously removed) (See Fig. 4) 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 opening and slide into place, as shown.

  • Page 9: Operation

    OPERATION These symbols may appear on your product 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 10: Know Your Tractor

    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. IGNITION LIGHT SWITCH SWITCH ATTACHMENT...
  • Page 11 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 12: Before Starting The Engine

    OPERATION • If slowing is necessary, move throttle control lever to • Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a flat level surface. slower position. • Adjust mower to desired cutting height (See “TO AD- • If stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake JUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT”...

  • Page 13: Mowing Tips

    OPERATION season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. • When mowing large areas, start by turning to the right so Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel that clippings will discharge away from shrubs, fences, tank or permanent damage may occur. driveways, etc.

  • Page 14: Customer Responsibilities

    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 15 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES TRACTOR MANDREL TRAILING ASSEMBLY EDGE UP BLADE Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte- nance. CENTER BRAKE OPERATION HOLE If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted. FLAT WASHER (See “TO ADJUST BRAKE”...
  • Page 16 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig. 12) TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS Determine temperature range expected before oil change. Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the All oil must meet API service classification SF-SJ. battery to “leak”...
  • Page 17 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES MUFFLER AIR FILTER (See Fig. 13) Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Clean equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. the foam pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or every season.

  • Page 18: Service And Adjustments

    SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: • Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. • Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. • Place attachment clutch in “DISENGAGED” position. • Turn ignition key “OFF” and remove key. •...
  • Page 19 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT (See Figs. 18 and 19) IMPORTANT: DECK MUST BE LEVEL SIDE-TO-SIDE. IF Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or THE FOLLOWING FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT IS driveway. Make sure tires are properly inflated (See “PROD- NECESSARY, BE SURE TO ADJUST BOTH FRONT LINKS UCT SPECIFICATIONS”...
  • Page 20 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT WITH PARKING BRAKE "ENGAGED" (See Fig. 20) The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. 1-1/2" Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. BELT REMOVAL • Remove mower from tractor (See “TO REMOVE MOWER”...
  • Page 21 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TRANSAXLE GEAR SHIFT LEVER NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT (See Fig. 23) WASHERS The transaxle should be in neutral when the gear shift lever RETAINING is in neutral (N) (lock gate) position. The adjustment is preset RING at the factory; however, if adjustment is needed, proceed as AXLE follows: COVER...

  • Page 22: Interlocks And Relays

    SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULB TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 26) • Raise hood. • Pull bulb holder out of the hole in the backside of the grill. • Raise hood. • Replace bulb in holder and push bulb holder securely •...
  • Page 23 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ENGINE STOP TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE (See Fig. 27) The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. Check adjustment as described below before loosening cable. If adjustment is necessary, proceed as follows: •...
  • Page 24 STORAGE Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the ENGINE season or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days or more. FUEL SYSTEM CAUTION: Never store the tractor with IMPORTANT: IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT GUM gasoline in the tank inside a building DEPOSITS FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIAL FUEL SYSTEM where fumes may reach an open flame...

  • Page 25: Troubleshooting Points

    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 26 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 27 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.601181 SCHEMATIC BLACK BATTERY FUSE STARTER AMMETER (OPTIONAL) BLACK WHITE SOLENOID CLUTCH / BRAKE (PEDAL UP) WHITE SEAT SWITCH IGNITION (NOT OCCUPIED) SWITCH WHITE BLACK BLACK BLACK BLACK ATT'MENT CLUTCH GROUNDING (CLUTCH OFF) BLACK CONNECTOR HOUR METER (OPTIONAL)

  • Page 28: Repair Parts

    REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.601181 ELECTRICAL D .C...
  • Page 29 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.601181 ELECTRICAL PART DESCRIPTION 163465 Battery 74760412 Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20unc X 3/4 7603J Case Battery 145211 Bolt Btr Frt 1/4-20 x 7.5 150109 Hold down Battery Front 145769 Nut Push Nylon 1/4 Batt Frt 153664 Switch Interlock Push-In 175688...

  • Page 30: Chassis And Enclosures

    REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.601181 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES...
  • Page 31 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.601181 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES PART DESCRIPTION 174619 Chassis 176554 Drawbar 17060612 Screw 3/8-16x3/4 155272 Bumper Hood/Dash 168337X011 Dash STD533710 Bolt Carriage 3/8-16 x 1 155927 Panel Dash Lh 172107X010 Panel Dash Rh 17490608 Screw Thdrol 3/8-16 x 1/2 174330X558 Hood 126938X...
  • Page 32 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.601181 DRIVE 52 30...
  • Page 33 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.601181 DRIVE PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION - - - - - - - - - Transaxle (See Breakdown) 8883R Cover Pedal Blk Round Peerless 206-545C 175410 Engine Pulley LT/YT 146682 Spring Return Brake T/a Zinc 71170764 Bolt Hex 123666X...

  • Page 34: Steering Assembly

    REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.601181 STEERING ASSEMBLY...
  • Page 35 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.601181 STEERING ASSEMBLY PART DESCRIPTION 139768 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 36: Seat Assembly

    REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.601181 SEAT ASSEMBLY PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 140123 Seat 121246X Bracket Mounting Switch 140551 Bracket Pivot Seat 8 720 121248X Bushing Snap Blk Nyl 50 Id 71110616 Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16unc X 1 72050412 Bolt Rdhd Sqnk 1/4-20x1-1/2 19131610...

  • Page 37: Wheels And Tires

    REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.601181 DECALS PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 156369 Decal Fend STLT Oper 177278 Decal Hood RH 177253 Decal Hood Side 138047 Decal Batt Diehard 160396 Decal V-Belt Schematic 165407 Decal Engine 149517 Decal Bat Dan/Psn 146046 Decal V Belt Drive Sch 172268...

  • Page 38: Optional Equipment

    REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.601181 ENGINE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester...
  • Page 39 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.601181 ENGINE PART DESCRIPTION 170546 Control Throt Paddle 17720410 Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20x5/8 T - - - - - - - - Engine (See Breakdown) B&S Model No. 407777-0119-E3 149723 Muffler Exhaust 159955 Exhaust Asm.

  • Page 40: Mower Deck

    REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.601181 MOWER DECK 153 154...
  • Page 41 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.601181 MOWER DECK PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 165892 Mower Deck Assembly, 42” 131845 Arm Assembly, Pad, Brake STD533107 Bolt 133943 Washer, Hardened 138017 Bracket Assembly,Sway Bar, Front 155046 Arm, Idler 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42” Deck 165723 Spacer, Retainer STD624008...
  • Page 42 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.601181 LIFT 17 18...
  • Page 43 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.601181 LIFT PART DESCRIPTION 159460 Wire Asm Inner W/Plunge5r 159471 Shaft Asm Lift 105767X Pin Groove STD581062 E Ring 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 944.601181 PEERLESS PMST TRANSAXLE - MODEL NUMBER 206-545C...
  • Page 45 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.601181 PEERLESS PMST TRANSAXLE - MODEL NUMBER 206-545C PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 772147 Transaxle Cover 790079 Brake Lever 780086A Needle Bearing 5/8” 792073A Screw 1/4 - 20 x 1-1 /4” 770128 Transaxle Case 792085A Screw 1/4 - 20 x 2 1/4”...
  • Page 46 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.601181 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE - - MODEL NUMBER 407777, TYPE NUMBER 0119-E3 REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS TO INSTALL. SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL. 1019 LABEL KIT 1026 865A 1026A 447A 447A 1017 1081 1024 1013 1027 1035...
  • Page 47 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.601181 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE - - MODEL NUMBER 407777, TYPE NUMBER 0119-E3 1022 1022 1029 1029 1100 1100 1023 1022 1023A 1022 REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS TO INSTALL. SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL. 187A 1125 1128 121 CARBURETOR KIT...
  • Page 48 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.601181 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE - - MODEL NUMBER 407777, TYPE NUMBER 0119-E3 1005 1119 1006 358 GASKET SET 1090 1051 1022 1081...
  • Page 49 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.601181 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE - - MODEL NUMBER 407777, TYPE NUMBER 0119-E3 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 690231 Cylinder Assembly 499803 Fuel Transfer Tube 499585 Bushing-Cylinder 690994 ‡Ø Gasket-Float Bowl 690926 • Seal-Oil 499807 Choke Shaft Kit 690069...
  • Page 50 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.601181 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE - - MODEL NUMBER 407777, TYPE NUMBER 0119-E3 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 690960 Screw (Back Plate) 690970 +• Gasket-Exhaust 691007 Filter-Air Cleaner Cartridge 690960 Screw (Rocker Cover) 691003 Screw (Air Guide Cover) 691040 Hose-Vacuum...

  • Page 51: Suggested Guide For Sighting Slopes For Safe Operation

    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 52 PRINTED IN U.S.A. 178152 1.25.01 JH...

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