This document is a user manual for a Sears Craftsman 18.0 HP Electric Start 42" Mower Automatic Lawn Tractor, model number 944.602952. It provides comprehensive information on assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair parts for the lawn tractor.
Function Description:
The Sears Craftsman lawn tractor is designed for residential lawn maintenance, specifically for mowing grass. It features an 18.0 HP engine and a 42-inch cutting deck, making it suitable for medium to large-sized lawns. The "Automatic" designation likely refers to a hydrostatic or automatic transmission, allowing for smooth speed control without manual gear shifting. The "Electric Start" feature simplifies engine ignition. The tractor is designed for various lawn care tasks, including assembly, operation, maintenance, and repair, as detailed in the manual.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Engine: 18.0 HP, Electric Start. The manual specifies a Kohler engine, model CV492, type number 27506.
- Mower Deck: 42 inches.
- Transmission: Automatic (likely hydrostatic). The manual refers to a Hydro Gear Transaxle, model number 314-0510.
- Fuel Capacity: 1.25 Gallons, Unleaded Regular Gasoline.
- Oil Capacity: 1.5 Pints. Recommended oil is SAE 10W30 (above 32°F) or SAE 5W30 (below 32°F), API service classification SF-SJ.
- Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC, gap 0.030".
- Ground Speed (MPH): Forward: 5.5, Reverse: 2.4.
- Tire Pressure: Front: 14 PSI, Rear: 10 PSI.
- Battery: 12 Volts, 28 Amps, 3600 RPM.
- Blade Bolt Torque: 27-35 Ft. Lbs.
Usage Features:
The manual outlines several usage features and safety guidelines:
- Safety Rules: Emphasizes the importance of reading and following all instructions before operating the equipment to prevent serious injury. It includes warnings about operating on slopes, avoiding obstructions, and proper handling of the mower deck and blades. Specific warnings are provided for operating on hills, towing attachments, and using jumper cables.
- Controls: Descriptions of the throttle/choke control, clutch/brake pedal, parking brake, attachment clutch lever, ignition switch, light switch, lift lever plunger, attachment lift lever, height adjustment indicator, motion control lever, and freewheel control.
- Starting the Engine: Detailed instructions for starting the engine, including safety checks (clutch/brake pedal fully depressed, attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position, parking brake set).
- Operating the Tractor: Guidance on moving forward and backward, adjusting cutting height, and proper mowing techniques. It advises on maintaining appropriate engine speed and travel speed for optimal cutting performance.
- Mowing Tips: Recommendations for best cutting results, including proper deck leveling, avoiding wet grass, and cleaning the underside of the mower housing. It also covers mulching, bagging, and discharging options.
- Slope Operation: Specific warnings and instructions for operating on hills, including avoiding steep slopes and sudden turns. A visual guide for sighting 15-degree slopes is provided.
Maintenance Features:
The manual provides a comprehensive maintenance schedule and detailed instructions for various tasks:
- Maintenance Schedule: A checklist indicating maintenance intervals (Before Each Use, Every 8 Hours, Every 25 Hours, Every 50 Hours, Every 100 Hours, Every Season, Before Storage) for tasks such as checking brake operation, tire pressure, loose fasteners, sharpening/replacing mower blades, lubrication, battery, V-belts, engine oil, air filter, spark plug, and fuel filter.
- Engine Maintenance:
- Oil Change: Instructions for checking engine oil level, draining old oil, and refilling with new oil. Specifies oil type and capacity.
- Oil Filter: Guidance on replacing the engine oil filter.
- Air Filter: Procedures for cleaning the foam pre-cleaner and servicing/replacing the paper cartridge.
- Air Screen/Cooling Areas: Instructions for keeping the air screen, cooling fins, and external engine surfaces clean to prevent overheating.
- Spark Plugs: Recommendations for replacing spark plugs.
- Fuel Filter: Instructions for replacing the in-line fuel filter.
- Tractor Maintenance:
- Brake Operation: How to check and adjust the brake system.
- Tires: Maintaining proper air pressure and avoiding tire damage.
- Operator Presence System: Verifying proper function of safety interlock systems.
- Battery: Instructions for cleaning terminals, keeping bolts tight, and recharging. Notes that the original battery is maintenance-free.
- V-Belts: Checking for deterioration and wear, and replacement if necessary.
- Transaxle Cooling: Keeping the transmission fan and cooling fins clean.
- Transaxle Pump Fluid: Notes that fluid maintenance is not required for the life of the transaxle, but to contact a service center if servicing is needed.
- Steering Wheel Alignment: How to reassemble the steering wheel if alignment is off.
- Headlight Bulb: Instructions for replacing the headlight bulb.
- Fuse: How to replace the 20 amp automotive-type plug-in fuse.
- Hood and Grill Assembly: Instructions for removal and replacement.
- Mower Deck Maintenance:
- Blade Care: Keeping blades sharp and replacing bent/damaged blades.
- Blade Removal/Sharpening: Detailed steps for removing, sharpening, and reinstalling mower blades, emphasizing balancing.
- Deck Levelness: Instructions for leveling the mower housing for best cutting results.
- Mulcher Plate: Instructions for installing and removing the mulcher plate.
- Storage: Guidance on preparing the tractor for storage, including fuel stabilization, cleaning, and battery care.
- Troubleshooting: A table listing common problems, their causes, and corresponding corrections for various issues like engine not starting, poor cut, mower blades not rotating, poor grass discharge, headlights not working, battery not charging, and loss of drive.
- Repair Parts: Detailed diagrams and part lists for various components, including electrical, chassis and enclosures, drive, steering assembly, seat assembly, decals, wheels & tires, engine (Kohler), hydro gear transaxle, mower lift, and mower deck.
To Next Page
Need help?
General
