__ w SEARS OWNER'S MANUAL MODEL NO. 944.609040 CRrlFT$141:IN o Caution: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instruct,ons Before Operating Th,s Equipment 14.5 HP ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER 6 SPEED TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR • Assembly • Operation • Customer Responsibilities • Service and Adjustments • Repair Parts Sears Canada, Inc.
SAFETY Practices RULES for Ride-On Safe Operation 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 Jq OPERATION Ill. Read, understand, and follow all instructionsin the manual and on the machine before starting. Only allow responsible adults, \':_o are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine.
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance. Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized Service Centre/Department. We have competent, welltrained technicians and the proper tools to Serviceor repair this tractor. Please read and retain this manual. The instructionswill enable you to assemble and maintain your tractorprepedy.
TABLE OF CONTENTS SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 14-17 WARRANTY .................................................................. 4 ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 6-8 OPERATION ............................................................. 9-13 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ......................................
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK i Parts Bag contents shown full size Parts packed separately in carton Seat Steedng Boot (2) Sheet Metal Screws #10-16 x 1/2 @ (1) Large Flat Washer Steering Wheel d (1) Locknut 3/8-24 / ,! (1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18 Manual Parts Bag Parts bag contents not shown full size m Steering Wheel Adapter © (1) Knob @ / } '_:_ Steering Bushing (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (2) Hex Bolts 1/4-20 x 3/4 _j,r @ (2) 1/4" Keps Nut Slope Sheet 5 Wheel Steering
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. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY STEERING A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
ASSEMBLY HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR CONNECT BA'n'ERY (See Figs. 2 and 3) CAUTION: Do not short battery terminals by allowing a wrench or any other object to contact both terminals at the same time. Before connecting battery, remove metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings, etc. BOXDOOR Positive terminal must be connected first to prevent sparking from accidental grounding. • Remove cardboard packing from seat pan and liftseat pan to raised position.
ASSEMBLY CHECK TIRE #'CHECKLIST PRESSURE The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance, • Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in =PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual. CHECK DECK LEVELNESS For best cuffing results, mower housing shoutd be propedy leveled.
OPERATION These symbols may appear on your product or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
OPERATION KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL "_ AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare theillustrations with yourtractor to familiarize yourself withthelocationsof variouscontrols and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. AMMETER ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER UGHT IGNITION SWITCH "'" THRO'I-rLE/CHO CONTROL UFTLEVER PLUNGER KE ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER MOWER DECK HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT POSITIONS CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL PARING BRAKE GEARSHIFT LEVER FIG.
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. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig. 6) Your tractor isequipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
OPERATION TO OPERATE MOWER TO TRANSPORT (See Fig. 7) Your tractor isequipped with an operator presence sensing switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the engine runningand the attachment clutchengaged will shut off the engine. • • Select desired height of cut. Start mower blades by engaging attachment clutch control. TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disengage attachment clutch control. • • Raise atts,chment lift to highest position with attachment lift control.
OPERATION TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 6) MOWING TIPS When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine. • • Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake. • • Place gear shift lever in neutral (N) position. Move attachment clutch to =DISENGAGED" position. • Move throttle control to choke position. Mower should be propedy leveled for best mowing performance.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES .A..TENA.CESC.EOUL AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE dl#_ Check Check BrakeOperation Tire Pressure Check OperatorPresenceand I __/_._/_._" _51:HVlC.F DATES _ T InterlockSystems Check for LooseFasteners T LubricationChart Check BatteryLevel Sharpen/Replace MowerBlades Clean Batteryand Terminals _s4 R Check TransaxleCooling t_' V'7 V _ I_ AdjustBladeBelt(s)Tension MotionDrive Belt(s) Tension Ills VPs Adjust Check EngineOil Level Change Engine If V* Oil _1.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES TRACTOR TRAILING EDGE UP Always observe safety rules when performingany maintenance. MANDREL ASSEMBLY BLADE BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, then brake mustbe adjusted. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual). FLAT WASHEF LOCK WASHER TIRES • Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual).
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS Corrosionand dirton the battery and terminals can cause the battery to "leak" power. Open battery box door. • Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor. • Rinse the battery with plain water and dry. • Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush until bdght. Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly. • • After oil has drained completely, replace oil drain plug and tighten securely.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded mufflerend spark arrester (if equipped) a_ it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. CARTRIDGE NUT SPARK PLUGS Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hcurs of operation, whichever occurs first. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual. 'APER FOAM PRE-CLEAN| IN-LINE _BASE CARTRIDGE FIG. 12 CLEAN AIR SCREEN (See Fig.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS CAUTION: • • • • TO REMOVE 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 Ignltlon key "OFF" and remove key. Make sure the biades and all moving parts have completely stopped, Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug. MOWER (See Fig.
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 THE FOLLQWlNG FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT IS NECESSARY, BE SURE TO ADJUST BOTH FRONT LINKS EQUALLY SO MOWER WILL STAY LEVEL SIDE-TOSIDE. Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway. Make sure tires are propedy inflated (See =PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual).
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE (See Fig. 20) MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT WITH PARKINGBRAKE *ENGAGED" 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 MOWER" in this section of this manual). • Work belt off both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys. • Pull belt away from mower. BELT INSTALLATION • Install new belt in reverse order of removal.
SERVICE TO ADJUST STEERING AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REMOVE CABLES, REVERSE ORDER WHEEL ALIGNMENT If steering wheel crossbars ere not horizontal (left to right) when wheels are positionedstraightforward, remove steeringwheel and reassemble per instructionsinthe Assembly section of this manual. • • FRONT WHEEL TOE-IN/CAMBER BLACK cable first from chassis and then from the fully charged battery. RED cable last from both battedes. POSITIVE .
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS FINAL SETTING ENGINE , TO ADJUST THRO'I-rLE CONTROL (See Fig. 26) The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment shouldnot be necessary. Check adjustment as described below before loosening cable. If adjustment is necessary, proceed as follows: • With engine not running, move throttle control lever from slow to choke position. Slowly move lever from choke to fast position. Checkthatholes"A " ingovemorcontrolleverandhole in governor plate line-up.
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. FUELSYSTEM IMPORTANT: IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT GUM DEPOSITS FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIAL FUEL SYSTEM PARTS SUCH AS CARBURETOR, FUEL FILTER, FUEL HOSE, OR TANK DURING STORAGE. ALSO, EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT ALCOHOL BLENDED FUELS (CALLED GASOHOL OR USING ETHANOL OR METHANOL) CAN ATTRACT MOISTURE WHICH LEADS TO SEPARATION AND FORMATION OF ACIDS DURING STORAGE.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM Will not start CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Out of fuel. t. Fill fuel tank. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Engine not =CHOKED" properly. Engine flooded. Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Loose or damaged widng. Carburetor out of adjustment. 8. 9., See "TO START ENGINE" in Operation sect_n. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. Replace spark plug. Clean/replaca air filter. Replace fuel filter.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM CAUSE POINTS CORRECTION Engine continues to run when operator leaves seat with attachment clutch engaged 1. Faulty operator-safety presence control system. 1. Check wiring, switches and connections. If not corrected, contact an authorized service center/ department. Poor cut - uneven 1. 2. Wom, bent or loose blade. Mower deck not level. 1. 2. Replace blade. Tighten blade bolt. Level mower deck. 3. 4. Buildup of grass, leaves, and trash under mower.
SERVICE NOTES 26
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 SCHEMATIC BATTERY .ED FUSE 30 AMP. RED STARTER ;---_---, ) WHITE I ' C_:q , : I O 'NO D I t ....... iG BIJ_K '© I J CLUTCH / BRAKE (PEDAL UP) A1 L WHITE SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) IGNITION SWITCH WHIT E I....... I I I I I BIJ_CK I ' © O II BLACK BLACK BL_CK (CLUTCH OFF) "_[ GROUNDING CONNECTOR ] METER HOUR (OPTIONAL) • , _UEL I_ i _ ' 8LACK (_ _UNEi I_ IGNITION UNIT I SPARK LJ PLUG GAP I (2 PLUGS ON i TWIN CYL.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944,609040 ELECTRICAL I I 41 7O I 25 I "16 29 28 28
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 8 16 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 4O 41 42 43 44 45 52 70 144925 74760412 156417 153664 STD551125 73350400 166181 4152J 4799J 146147 166180 73510400 4207J 121305X 163968 140403 166151 71110408 131563 145673 73640400 121433X 141940 166659 NOTE: DESCRIPTION Battery 12 Volt 25 Amp Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20unc X 3/4 Case Battery Switch Interlock Push -In Washer Lock 1/4 .
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR CHASSIS - - MODEL NUMBER 944.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR CHASSIS - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO, NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 24 25 26 28 29 30 31 33 34 35 37 38 39 54 140 145 161 -- Chassis Drawbar Stretch Screw Thdrol 3/8-16 x 3/4 Ty-tt Washer 13/32 x 3/4 x 16 Ga.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 DRtVE KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 18 19 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 PART NO. ......
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR STEERING - - MODEL NUMBER 944.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR STEERING - - MODEL NUMBER 944,609040 ASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 SEAT ASSEMBLY 5 21 5 25 12 KEY NO. PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 DECALS 13 3 9 9 9 13 10 16 15 12 14 11 KEY NO. 1 3 9 10 11 12 13 14 PART NO. 157163 169313 163204 157140 101892X 146046 163249 160396 WHEELS 2_ DESCRIPTION KEY NO, Decal Decal Decal Decal Decal Decal Decal Decal 15 16 17 20 ----- Oper Sdl P/L Gear Dr E/F Relacement Parts Craftsman Caution English/French Clutch/brake English]French. V-belt Dr Sch Tractor E Panel Dash V-belt Schematic 42"eng & TIRES 5,8 4,10 7 11 PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 ENGINE 72 62 81 13 4 1; 38 78 33 23 29 / \ OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester KEY NO. PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 MOWER LIFT 7 8 / / ! i ,I 5 I / I. / ,/' 3 13 2 4 6 6 11_ _12 13 19 20 15 32 /_ 1718 20 20 / KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 159460 159474 105767X STD581062 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 STD624008 KEY NO. DESCRIPTION 15 16 17 18 19 20 31 32 Wire Asm Inner/Sprg W/Plngr LT Shaft Asm Lift Pin Groove E Ring #5133-62 Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Ga.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR MOWER - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 DECK 76 77 73 .78 79 83 45 34 .
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 MOWER DECK KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 164961 STD533107 138017 138440 STD624008 130832 850857 STD551137 140296 134149 138498 .
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944,609040 PEERLESS PMST TRANSAXLE - MODEL NUMBER 206-545C 35A2gB 156 8 70 6A 83 157 82 16 4 47 56 57 54 58 13 59 34 61 29 35 157 41A 79 NUMBERSI 42 _/
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 PEERLESS KEY PART NO. NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE - - MODEL NUMBER 287707, TYPE NUMBER 1255-E1 230 )614 @ 634A 635 337 562 _tr REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS TO INSTALL.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 BRIGGS & STRATTON 127 138 106 987 ENGINE 95 117 - - MODEL NUMBER 287707, TYPE NUMBER 1255-E1 634 24 137 1 1033 VALVE OVERHAU L 121 CARBURETOR OVERHAUL KIT LI 758 46 27 22 15 141. 52 127 9 _123 138 Ik" REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS TO INSTALL SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR BRIGGS & STRATTON 523 423 - - MODEL NUMBER 944.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE - - MODEL NUMBER 287707, TYPE NUMBER 1255-E1 265 1019 LABEL IQT I 24O 11036 LABEL KIT- EMISSIONS I 2O9 ._ 601 11o- ow.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR BRIGGS & STRATTON KEY PART NO. NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 944.609040 BRIGGS & STRATTON KEY PART NO. NO.
SERVICE NOTES 5O
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION _r _ "" ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL ,...... SIGHTING IIDE "" ",.. _CuT THe. s 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. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
[RI:IFTSMRN° OWNER'S MANUAL 14.5 HP ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER 6 SPEED TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR MODEL NO. 944.609040 Each tractor has its own model number. Each engine has its own model number. The model number for your tractor will be found on the model plate located under the seat. 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.
