Craftsman 944.609040 Owner's Manual
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Craftsman 944.609040 Owner's Manual

Craftsman 944.609040 Owner's Manual

14.5 hp electric start 42" mower 6 speed transaxle lawn tractor
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SEARS
OWNER'S
MANUAL
MODEL NO.
944.609040
Caution:
Read and follow
all Safety
Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
I:RrlFTSMAN o
14.5 HP
ELECTRIC START
42" MOWER
6 SPEED TRANSAXLE
LAWN TRACTOR
• Assembly
• Operation
• Customer Responsibilities
• Service and Adjustments
• Repair Parts
Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2B8

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Summary of Contents for Craftsman 944.609040

  • Page 1 SEARS OWNER'S MANUAL MODEL NO. 944.609040 I:RrlFTSMAN o 14.5 HP Caution: ELECTRIC START Read and follow 42" MOWER all Safety Rules and Instructions 6 SPEED TRANSAXLE Before Operating This Equipment LAWN TRACTOR • Assembly • Operation • Customer Responsibilities • Service and Adjustments •...

  • 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. GENERAL OPERATION III. CHILDREN •...
  • Page 3 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manufac- HORSEPOWER: 14.5 tured to give you the best possible dependability and performance. GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.25 GALLONS AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30 (above 32"F) Service Centre/Depertment.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    ....BACK COVER MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ........LIMITED TWO (2) YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TRACTOR (RIDING EQUIPMENT) ForTwo (2) years fromdate of purchase Sears Canada, Inc.willrepairor replaceat Searsoptionfree of chargepartswhichare defectiveas a resultof matadal or wodo'nanship. FULL ONE (1) YEAR WARRANTY ON BATTERY For One (1) year from date of purchase,if any battery includedwith this ddingequipmentproves defective in materialor workmanship and our testingdeterminesthe batterywillnotholda charge,Searswillreplacethe batteryat no charge.
  • Page 5 CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK Parts Bag contents shown full size Parts packed separately in carton Seat Steedng Boot (1) Large Flat Washer Steedng Wheel (1) Locknut 318-24 li [ (1) Shoulder Bolt 5116-18 Manual Parts Bag Parts bag contents not shown full size _'2_%'_ Steedng Steering Wheel...
  • Page 6 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: Shoulder Bolt

    ASSEMBLY HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR CONNECT BATI'ERY (See Figs. 2 and 3) CAUTION: Do not short battery termi- nals by allowing a wrench or any other object to contact both terminals at the same time. Before connecting battery, BOXDOOR remove metal...
  • Page 8 ASSEMBLY ,/CHECKLIST CHECK TIRE PRESSURE BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW The tired on your tractor were ovednflated at the factory for TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM best cutting performance.

  • Page 9: Operation

    OPERATION These symbols may appear on your produ_ or in literature supplied with the produ_, Leam and understand their meaning. BATFERY CAUTION OR REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW WARNING FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT PARKING BRAKE UNLOCKED MOWER LIFT LOCKED N H L ATTACHMENT REVERSE NEUTRAL...
  • Page 10 OPERATION KNOWYOURTRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with you rtractor to familiarize yourself with the locations ofvarious controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER LIGHT AMMETER IGNITION ;WITCH SWITCH...
  • 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 OPERATION TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 7) TO TRANSPORT • Raise attachment lift to highest position with attach- Your tractor isequipped with an operator presence sensing ment tilt control. switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will •...

  • Page 13: Operation

    OPERATION TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 6) MOWING TIPS When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine • Tire chains cannot be used when the mower housing has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move is attached to tractor.
  • Page 14 cuSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES AS YOU COMPLETE ._j.__j_._-._._..__ _-_'_4,_._'4. '_-_"/.._ c_._'_ FILL IN DATESsERVICE _._f_: Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence and Interlock Systems Check for Loose Fasteners I_:, Lubrication Chart l# # Check Battery Level Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling Adjust Blade Belt(s) Tension...
  • Page 15 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES TRACTOR TRAILING MANDREL EDGE UP ASSEMBLY BLADE Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte- nance. BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance FLAT WASHER at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE"...

  • Page 16: Product Specifications

    CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES TO CLEAN BA'I-rERY AND TERMINALS After oil has drained completely, replace oil drain plug and tighten securely. Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour battery to "leak"...

  • Page 17: Customerresponsibilities

    CUSTOMERRESPONSIBILITIES MUFFLER COVER- KNOB Inspect and replacecorroded muffler and sparkarrester (if equipped)as itcouldcreatea fire hazardand/ordamage. CARTRIDGE SPARKPLUGS Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs first. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"...

  • 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. • Tum ignition key "OFF" and remove key. •...
  • Page 19 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT (See Figs. 18 and 19) TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING 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 propedy inflated (See NECESSARY, BE SURE TO ADJUST BOTH FRONT LINKS =PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"...
  • Page 20 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT WITH PARKING BRAKE "ENGAGED" (See Fig. 20) The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. BELT REMOVAL • Remove mower from tractor (See =TO REMOVE NUT "A"...
  • Page 21 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REMOVE CABLES, REVERSE ORDER TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT • BLACK cable first from chassis and then from the fully If steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (left to right) charged battery. when wheels are positioned straight forward, remove steer- •...
  • Page 22 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ENGINE FINAL SE-I-FING • Startengineandallowtowarmforfiveminutes. Make final adjustments with engine running and shift/motion ADJUST THRO'n'LE CONTROL CABLE control lever in neutral (N) position. (See Fig. 26) • Move throttle control lever to slow position. With finger, The throttle control has been preset at the factory and rotate and hold throttle lever against idle speed screw.

  • Page 23: Storage

    STORAGE ENGINE Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days or lore. FUEL SYSTEM IMPORTANT: IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT DEPOSITS FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIAL FUEL gasoline in the tank inside s building SYSTEM PARTS SUCH ASCARBURETOR,...

  • Page 24: Troubleshooting

    TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS CAUSE CORRECTION PROBLEM 1. Fillfuel tank. Willnot start Out of fuel. See =TOSTART ENGINE" in Operationsection. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. Wait severalminutesbeforeattemptingto start. Engine flooded. Replacesparkplug. Bad spark plug. Clean/replaceair filter. Dirty air tilter. Replacefuel filter. Dirty fuel tilter, Drainfuel tankand carburetor,refilltank with fresh Water in fuel.
  • Page 25 TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Check wiring, switches and connections. If not Faulty operator-safety presence control system. Engine continues to run corrected, contact an authodzed service center/ when operator leaves seal with attaohment clutch department. engaged 1. Replace blade. Tightenblade polL Poor cut - uneven Worn, bent or loose blade.
  • Page 26 i¸ lii] _l,lkJ, l_ j._._, SERVICE NOTES • •...
  • Page 27 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 SCHEMATIC BATTERY FUSE30AMP. STARTER BLACK WHITE SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) BLAC_ -IIi_ I ..BLACX GROUNDING CONNECTOR METER HOUR (OPTIONAL) SPARK PLUG BLACK IGNITION UNIT ¢ ____.,,_FUELI (2 PLUGS ON TWIN CYL. ENGINES) CHARGING SYSTEM OUTPUT 28 VOLTS AC MIN, •...
  • Page 28 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 ELECTRICAL...
  • Page 29 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 ELECTRICAL PART DESCRIPTION 144925 Battery 12 Volt 25 Amp 74760412 Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20unc X 3/4 156417 Case Battery 153664 Switch Interlock Push -In STD551125 Washer Lock 1/4 73350400 Nut Jam Hex 1/4-20 Unc 166181 Harness Asm Light W/4152J 4152J...
  • Page 30 REPAIR PARTS _ACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 25 :...
  • Page 31 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 165480 Chassis 140356 Drawbar Stretch 17490612 Screw Thdrol 3/8-16 x 3/4 Ty-tt STD551025 Washer 13/32 x3/4 x 16 Ga. 155272 Bumper Hood/Dash 155924X012 Saddle 126842X Shield, Heat, Hood 155138 Clip Retainer Slide-On...
  • Page 32 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 DRIVE >...
  • Page 33 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 DRIVE PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Washer 13/32 X 13/16 X 12 Ga Transaxle (See Breakdown) 19131312 Peerless Model 206-545C 127783 Pulley Idler V Groove Plastic Bellcrank Clutch Grad Drv Stl 146682 Spring Extension Brake 154407 123666X Retainer Belt Style Spring...
  • Page 34 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 STEERING ASSEMBLY ,"--"--42...

  • Page 35: Locknut

    REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 STEERING ASSEMBLY PART DESCRIPTION 139768 Wheel Steering Auto Black 154427 Axle Asm Front 156483 Spindle Asm Lh 157473 Spindle Asm Rh 6266H Bearing Race Thrust Harden 121748X Washer 25/32 X 1 5/8 X 16ga 19272016 Washer 27/32 X 1 1/4 X 16 Ga 12000029...
  • Page 36 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 SEAT ASSEMBLY PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 121248X 140122 Seat Bushing Snap BIk Nyl 50 Id 140551 72050412 Bolt Rdhd Sht Nk 1/4-20x1-1/2 Bracket Pnt Pivot Seat (blk) 134300 STD523710 Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16 x 1 Spacer Split 28 X96 Yel Zinc 121250X 19131610...
  • Page 37 DECALS PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 157163 Decal Oper Sdl P/L Gear Dr E/F 149517 Decal Battery Danger/Poison 163204 Decal Fender Craftsman White 133179 Decal Mower QC 157140 273511 Decal Caution English/French Decal HP Engine 101892X 157199 Decal Clutch/brake English/French. Pad Footrest Genedc Sq...
  • Page 38 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 ENGINE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 162144 Control Throt Rh BIk Pd115 10 17490512 Screw Thd rol 5/16-18 x 3/4 TyT 137040 Line Fuel 20" 17720410 Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20x5/8 T Engine (See Breakdown) Briggs Plug Oil Drain (Order From Engine Model 287707-1255-E1...

  • Page 39: Repair Parts - Tractor

    REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 MOWER LIFT . ,_0 161718 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 159460 127218 Link Front Wire Asm Inner/Sprg W/Plngr LT 159474 Shaft Asm Lift 73350800 Nut Jam Hex 1/2-13 Unc 105767X Pin Groove 130171 Trunnion BIk Zinc STD581062 73680800...

  • Page 40: Repair Parts - Engine

    REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 MOWER DECK 75" 58 3_ >21...
  • Page 41 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 MOWER DECK PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION STD541437 164961 Nut Crownlock 3/8-16 Housing Assembly, 42" STD533107 Bolt 5/16-18 x 3/4 133551 Rod, Pivot, with Nibs 138017 140083 Bracket Asm Fr. Sway Bar 3/42 Rod, Clutch, Secondary, with Nibs 138440 140088...
  • Page 42 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 PEERLESS PMST TRANSAXLE - MODEL NUMBER 206-545C O.-27 41A _/ NUMBERS HERE...
  • Page 43 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 PEERLESS PMST TRANSAXLE - MODEL NUMBER 206-545C KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIP'I'.ION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION Brake Lever Transaxle Cover 41A 790079 772147 Soraw 1/4 - 20 x 1-1/4" 780066A Needle Bearing 5/8' 792073A Screw 1/4 - 20 x 2 1/4"...
  • Page 44 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 BRIGGS & STRAI-rON ENGINE - - MODEL NUMBER 287707, TYPE NUMBER 1255-E1 634A 634A lit REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS TO INSTALL. SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL 1026 1023...
  • Page 45 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 BRIGGS & STRA'R'ON ENGINE - - MODEL NUMBER 287707, TYPE NUMBER 1255-E1 106 987 95 117 1033 VALVE OVERHAUL 121 CARBURETOR OVERHAUL 127 T._. 138 _) 1270 "k REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS 186A_ LOCATION TO INSTALL.
  • Page 46 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE - - MODEL NUMBER 287707, TYPE NUMBER 1255-E1 634A 868 868A 171 _ 358 GASKET SET _524 7271 977 CARBURETOR GASKET SET...
  • Page 47 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE - - MODEL NUMBER 287707, TYPE NUMBER 1255-E1 1019 LABEL KIT I e, lsSloNs I ,_ 11036 LABEL KIT- II0U OWNen MANUAL I 1090...
  • Page 48 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 BRIGGS & STRATrON ENGINE - - MODEL NUMBER 287707, TYPE NUMBER 1255-E1 KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 496412 BCylinder A ssembly 281346 Bushing, Throttle Shaft 399265 earing, Cylinder 498030 Valve, Needle 391086...
  • Page 49 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 BRIGGS & STRATrON ENGINE - - MODEL NUMBER 287707, TYPE NUMBER 1255-E1 KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION" Gear, Timing 94704 " Screw, Hex Head 262932 Link, Counterweight 810068 Screw, Set 213998...
  • Page 50 SERVICE NOTES...
  • Page 51 SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, "" NOT ACROSS HILL SIGHTING "" _. _CUT GUIDE TH" _ 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 [RgFTSNRN° SEARS OWNER'S 14.5 HP MANUAL ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER 6 SPEED TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR MODEL NO, Each tractor has its own model number. Each engine has its own model number. 944.609040 The model number .for your tractor will be found on the model plate located under the seat.

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