Craftsman 944.604212 Owner's Manual

21 hp electric start 42" mower 6 speed transaxle lawn tractor

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SEARS
OWNER'S
MANUAL
MODEL NO.
944.604212
Important:
Read and follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
CRRFTSMRN °
21 HP
ELECTRIC START
42" MOWER
6 SPEED TRANSjaO(LE
LAWN TRACTOR
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Service and Adjustments
• Repair Parts
Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2B8

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Summary of Contents for Craftsman 944.604212

  • Page 1 SEARS OWNER'S MANUAL MODEL NO. 944.604212 CRRFTSMRN ° Important: 21 HP Read and follow all Safety Rules ELECTRIC START and Instructions Before Operating 42" MOWER This Equipment 6 SPEED TRANSjaO(LE LAWN TRACTOR • Assembly • Operation • Maintenance • Service and Adjustments •...
  • Page 2: Safety Rules

    SAFETY RULES & Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLEOF AMPUTATINGHANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS, FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONSCOULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. I. GENERAL OPERATION • Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose trac- tion, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight •...
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers • Be sure the area is clear of other people before mow- WARNING: Do not coast down a hill ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. in neutral, you may lose control of the •...
  • Page 4: Product Specifications

    A spark attester for the muffler is available through your nearestauffmrized service center/department (See REPAIR PARTS section of this manual). WARRANTY LIMITED TWO (2) YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TRACTOR (RIDING EQUIPMENT) ForTwo(2) yearn fromdate of purchaseSears Canada, Inc. willrepairor replaceat Searsoptionfree of chargepartswhichare defective as a resultof matedalor workmanship.
  • Page 5 UNASSEMBLED PARTS Seat Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge Steering Extension (1) Knob Shaft Steering Wheel Battery Adapter Stee (2) Keps Nut 1/4-20 (2) Hex Bolts1/4-20 x 3/4 For Future Use (1) Locknut 1/2-20 (1) Large Flat Washer Slope Sheet Keys...
  • 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 NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor oft the skid. DISCARDTERMINAL Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the KEPS PROTECTIVE CAPS tractor from the skid. HEX BOLT,,,,_. TERMINAL ROLL TRACTOR SKID(See COVER eration section for location and function controls) •...
  • Page 8 ASSEMBLY ,/CHECKLIST DEFLECTOR BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOYYOUR NEW TRAC- SHIELD TOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST PERFORMANCEAND SATISFACTION FROMTHIS PLATE QUALITY PRODUCT. PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST: All assembly instructions have been completed. No remaining loose parts in carton. Battery is properly prepared and charged.
  • Page 9: Operation

    OPERATION These symbols may appear on your product or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understandtheir meaning. REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH CHOKE FAST SLOW IGNITION ENGINE OFF LIGHTS ON ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE LOCKED UNLOCKED OVER TEMP...
  • Page 10 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 POSITION 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 op- erating your tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses.
  • Page 12 OPERATION • For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches "ENGAGED" POSITION in height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut ATTACHMENT relatively high; the second to desired height. LIFT LEVER TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 6B) -IIGH POSITION Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly off the ground when mower is at the desired cutting height POSITION...
  • Page 13 OPERATION BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 6) When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine.
  • Page 14 OPERATION MULCHING MOWING TIPS MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: FOR BEST PERFORMANCE, KEEP MOWER • Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing per- HOUSING FREE OF BUILT-UPGRASS AND TRASH. CLEAN formance. See'TO LEVEL MOWE R HOUSING" in the AFTER EACH USE. Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
  • Page 15: Maintenance

    MAINTENANCE ..,.TE...CESC.EO..E /SERV,OE OATES AS YOU COMPLETE "_" "_" "P _" "_ REGULAR SERVICE Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence Interlock Systems Check for Loose Fasteners Lubrication Chart Sharpen/Replace Check Battery Level Mower Blades Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling Check V-Belts Check Engine Oil Level...
  • Page 16 MAINTENANCE TRACTOR MANDREL TRAILING ASSEMBLY EDGE UP Always observe safety rules when performing any main- BLADE tenance. CENTER BRAKE OPERATION HOLE If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest FLATWASHER speed in highest gear on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be checked and adjusted, then LOCK WASHER brake must be adjusted.
  • Page 17 MAINTENANCE TO CLEAN BAI-rERY AND TERMINALS Change the oil after every 50 hours of operation or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 50 hours in one Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause year.
  • Page 18 MAINTENANCE CLEAN INTAKE/COOLING AREAS MUFFLER To insure proper cooling, make sure the grass screen, Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester cooling fins, and other external surfaces of the engine are (if equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or dam- kept clean at all times.
  • Page 19: Service And Adjustments

    SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, 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 to "STOP" and remove key. •...
  • Page 20 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS Check adjustment on right side oftractor. Measure distance • Place flat washer and clutch spring on idler pulley bolt "D" directly in front and behind the mandrel at bottom edge and secure with small retainer spring. of mower housing as shown. •...
  • Page 21 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS • Work belt off both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys. WITH PARKING BRAKE "ENGAGED" • Pull belt away from mower. BELT INSTALLATION • Install new belt in reverse order of removal. NUT "A" • Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides.
  • Page 22 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TRANSAXLE GEAR SHIFT LEVER NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT (See Fig. 23) WASHERS The transaxle should be in neutral when the gear shift RETAINING lever is in neutral (N) (lock gate) position. The adjustment RING is preset at the factory; however, if adjustment is needed, proceed as follows: •...
  • Page 23 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULB (See Fig. 28) TO ADJUST CHOKE CONTROL • Raise hood. The choke control has been preset at the factory and ad- • Pull bulb holder out of the hole in the backside of the justment should not be necessary.
  • Page 24: 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 more. FUEL SYSTEM IMPORTANT: IT IS IMPORTANTTO PREVENTGUM DEPOSITS WARNING: Never store the tractor with FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIAL FUEL SYSTEM PARTS SUCH gasoline in the tank inside a building AS CARBURETOR,...
  • Page 25: Troubleshooting

    TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS CORRECTION CAUSE PROBLEM Out of fuel Fill fuel tank. Will not start Engine not "CHOKED" properly. See "TO START ENGINE" in Operation section. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. Engine flooded. Bad spark plug. Replace spark plug. Cleaniraplace air filter.
  • Page 26 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 authorized service center/ when operator leaves seat department. with attachment clutch engaged Poorcut-uneven Replace _ade. Tighten blade bolt. Worn, bent or loose blade.
  • Page 27 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.604212 SCHEMATIC REO 1111 B OK BATFERY FUSE STARTER BLACK <_,'-- h ..WHITE CLUTCH/BRAKE (PEDAL UP) _ITE SEAT SWITCH IGNITION (NOT OCCUPIED) SWITCH WHITE BLACK -i I1_I ..1I-I '© _ _O_--_ _ BLACK GROUNDING aLaCK (CLUTCH O?F)""...
  • Page 28 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.604212 ELECTRICAL...
  • Page 29: Repair Parts - Tractor

    REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.604212 ELECTRICAL PART DESCRIPTION 144927 Battery 12 Volt 35 Amp 74760412 Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20 unc x 3/4 186491 Box Battery 176138 Switch Interlock Push-In 183759 Harness Asm Light W/4152J 4152J Bulb Light #1156 4799J Cable Battery 6 Ga.
  • Page 30 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.604212 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES ch_ssis-I._ler -It.stlt 39...
  • Page 31 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.604212 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES PART DESCRIPTION 174619 Chassis Stl Stamping 176554 Drawbar, Stretch 155272 Bumper Hood/Dash Dash P/L 187846X011 STD533710 Bolt Carriage 3/8-16 x 1 174996 Panel Dash Lh 172105X010 Panel Dash Rh 17490608 Screw Thdrel 3/8-16 x 1/2 Hood...
  • Page 32 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.604212 DRIVE -" 9_./" I_26 drive-fender.stir_39...
  • Page 33 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.604212 DRIVE PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Cover Pedal BIk Round Transaxle Peerless 206-545C 8883R ..Engine Pulley LT/YT (See Breakdown) 175410 Bolt Hex 146682 Spring Return Brake T/a Zinc 173937 123666X Washer Lock Hvy Hlcl Spr 7/16 Pulley Transaxle 18"...
  • Page 34 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.604212 STEERING ASSEMBLY ,.:. I'-'-"-'-1 steedng o1.1t_47...
  • Page 35 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.604212 STEERING ASSEMBLY PART DESCRIPTION 184704X428 Wheel Steering 184706 Axle Asm 169840 Spindle Asm LH 169839 Spindle Asm RH 6266H Bearing Race Thrust Harden 121746X Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga. 12000029 Ring Klip #15304-75 175121 Link Drag Extended Stamp...
  • Page 36 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.604212 SEAT ASSEMBLY seaLIt.k_ob PART PAIn" DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 121248X Bushing Snap BIk Ny150 Id Seat 180597 72050412 Bolt Rdhd Sqnk 1/4-20 x 1-1/2 Bracket Pivot Seat 8 720 180166 134300 Spacer Split 28 x 96Yel Zinc 71110616 Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16 unc x 1 121250X...
  • Page 37 Pad Footrest LH STLT 190035 Decal Dash Pnl B&S 184311X425 Pad Footrest RH STLT 170563 Decal Warning Mult-Language 138311 186282 Decal Craftsman Decal Handle Lft Height Adjust 192736 157140 Manual Owner's (English) Decal Fender Danger Eng/Fr 186283 Decal Hood Side Panel 192737...
  • Page 38 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.604212 ENGINE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester englne-bs intek-twin 29...
  • Page 39 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.604212 ENGINE PART DESCRIPTION 170546X505 Control Throttle 17720408 Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20 x 1/2 Engine B&S Model 407777-0174-E1 (See Breakdown) 149723 Muffler Exhaust 159955 Exhaust Asm. Left 160589 Exhaust Asm. Right 171877 Bolt 5/16-18 unc x 3/4 162797 Heat Shield Lt...
  • Page 40 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.604212 MOWER DECK _147142...
  • Page 41 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.604212 MOWER DECK PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 165892 Mower Deck Assembly, 42" 155046 Arm, Idler STD533107 Bolt 165723 Spacer, Retainer 138017 Bracket Assembly, Sway Bar, Front 141043 Guard, TUV Idler 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" Deck 184939 Knob Custom Oval Red STD624008...
  • Page 42 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.604212 MOWER LIFT .I'_ 161718 13--_:>,, lift-rh.1piece_3...
  • Page 43 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.604212 MOWER LIFT PART DESCRIPTION 159460 Wire Asm Inner W/Plunger 159471 Shaft Asm Lift 105767X Pin Groove STD581062 E Ring #5133-62 19211621 Washer 29/32 x 1-1/4 x 21 Ga. 120183X Bearing Nylon BIk .629 ID 125631X Grip Handle Fluted 122365X...
  • Page 44 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.604212 PEERLESS GEAR TRANSAXLE - MODEL NUMBER 206-545C...
  • Page 45: Repair Parts - Engine

    REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.604212 PEERLESS GEAR TRANSAXLE - MODEL NUMBER 206-545C KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 772147 Transaxle Cover 790079 Brake Lever 780086A Needle Bearing 5/8" 792073A Screw 1/4 - 20 x 1-1/4" 770128 Transaxle Case 42A 792085A...
  • Page 46 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 944.604212 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE - MODEL NUMBER 407777,TYPE NUMBER 0174-E1 305_ 1019 LABEL Kfl" 1095 VALVEGASKET SET 1058 OWNER'S MANUAL 447A {P 10_6 EMISSION LABEL...
  • Page 47 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.604212 BRIGGS & STRATrON ENGINE - MODEL NUMBER 407777,TYPE NUMBER 0174-E1 1022 1023}!022 209 _) 914_ 24o_ 1169 | 918 Q 121 CARBURETOR OVERHAUL KIT 1128 1n I 11_J130 95 • 1_o _ =_1 276 O 633e 105 0...
  • Page 48 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.604212 BRIGGS & STRA'I-TON ENGINE - MODEL NUMBER 407777,TYPE NUMBER 0174-E1 7891 358 ENGINE GASKET KIT ese_ 276 @ 883 0 697_...
  • Page 49 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.604212 BRIGGS & STRA'I-rON ENGINE - MODEL NUMBER 407777,TYPE NUMBER 0174-E1 KEY PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 690231 Cylinder Assembly 690989 Jet-Main (High Altitude) 499585 Kit-Bushing/Seal (Magneto Side) 499811 Kit-Carburetor Overhaul 391086 ° SeeI-Oil (Magneto Side) 499804 Carburetor 690069...
  • Page 50 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.604212 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE - MODEL NUMBER 407777,TYPE NUMBER 0174-E1 KEY PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 808656 Pump-Fuel 865A 691014 Cover-Air Guide 690442 Washer (Governor Crank) 865S 691015 Cover-Air Guide 690960 Screw (Back Plate) 690968 Seal-Valve 690999...
  • Page 51 SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL 15 DEGREES MAX. WARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor up and down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees.
  • Page 52 Just Call: 1-800-4-MY-HOME ® (1-800-469-4663) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Forthe repairof majorbrand appliancesin your own home... no matterwho made it,no matterwho soldit! For your nearest Sears Parts and Service location, to bring in products likevacuums, lawn equipment and electronics. For Sears Parts &...

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