This document is the owner's manual for a Craftsman 20.0 HP Electric Start 42" Mower Automatic Lawn Tractor, Model No. 944.604841. It provides comprehensive information on assembly, operation, maintenance, service, adjustments, and repair parts for the lawn tractor.
Function Description:
The Craftsman lawn tractor is designed for mowing lawns and can be used with various attachments. It features a 20.0 HP engine, electric start, and a 42-inch mower deck. The automatic transmission allows for variable speed control. The tractor is capable of mulching, bagging, or discharging grass clippings, depending on the configuration and attachments used. It is intended for residential use, with commercial or rental use having a limited warranty period.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Engine: 20.0 HP, Electric Start.
- Mower Deck: 42 inches.
- Gasoline Capacity and Type: 2 Gallons, Unleaded Regular (minimum 87 octane).
- Oil Type (API: SF-SJ): SAE 10W30 (above 32°F) or SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F).
- Oil Capacity: 3 Pints.
- Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC (Gap: .030").
- Ground Speed (MPH): Forward 0-5.5, Reverse 0-2.4.
- Tire Pressure: Front 14 PSI, Rear 10 PSI.
- Charging System: 15 Amps @ 3600 RPM.
- Battery: 35 AMP/HR, 280 MIN. CCA, Case Size U1R.
- Blade Torque: 27-35 FT. LBS.
Usage Features:
- Safety Rules: The manual emphasizes safe operation practices, including warnings about amputation hazards, thrown objects, and specific instructions for general operation, slope operation, child safety, and service. It highlights the importance of reading and following all safety rules before operating the equipment.
- Controls: The tractor is equipped with various controls, including an attachment clutch lever (to engage/disengage mower blades), light switch, throttle/choke control (for starting and engine speed), brake pedal (for braking and starting the engine), parking brake, freewheel control (for disengaging transmission), ammeter, attachment lift lever (to raise/lower mower deck), lift lever plunger, ignition switch, forward/reverse drive pedals, and cruise control lever.
- Starting the Engine: Detailed instructions are provided for starting the engine, including checking oil level, filling the fuel tank with fresh unleaded gasoline, and using the choke for warm and cold weather starting. It warns against using alcohol-blended fuels for storage longer than 30 days.
- Mowing Operation: The mower cutting height is adjustable from approximately 1-1/2 to 4 inches. Gauge wheels are adjustable to prevent scalping. The operator presence sensing switch ensures the engine shuts off if the operator leaves the seat with the attachment clutch engaged. Mowing tips include driving patterns, operating at full throttle for best performance, and avoiding mowing wet or extremely tall grass.
- Mulching Mowing Tips: Special mulching blades recut grass clippings into fine particles that disperse into the lawn as nutrients. For best results, it's recommended to mulch at the highest engine speed, adjust cutting height to remove only the top one-third of grass blades, and avoid mowing wet grass.
- Transport: Instructions are provided for rolling or driving the tractor off the skid, as well as for pushing or towing the tractor by disengaging the transmission using the freewheel control.
- Attachments: The tractor is designed to tow recommended attachments, with a caution against towing excessively heavy loads on slopes.
Maintenance Features:
- Maintenance Schedule: A detailed schedule outlines regular service tasks, including checking brake operation, tire pressure, operator presence and interlock systems, loose fasteners, sharpening/replacing mower blades, lubrication, battery level, cleaning battery and terminals, transaxle cooling, V-belts, engine oil level, changing engine oil and filter, cleaning air filter and screen, inspecting muffler/spark arrester, replacing spark plug, and fuel filter.
- Lubrication: A lubrication chart indicates points for general purpose grease (spindle zerks, front wheel bearing zerks) and refers to the engine section for engine lubrication. It advises against oiling or greasing pivot points with nylon bearings.
- Engine Oil: Instructions for checking and changing engine oil, including oil type recommendations based on temperature. It emphasizes the importance of using fresh, clean oil and proper disposal.
- Air Filter: Procedures for cleaning the foam pre-cleaner and servicing/replacing the paper cartridge.
- Muffler: Inspection and replacement of corroded muffler and spark arrester.
- Spark Plugs: Replacement schedule and type/gap specifications.
- In-Line Fuel Filter: Replacement schedule and instructions for proper installation.
- Cleaning: Recommendations for cleaning the engine, battery, seat, and other surfaces, advising against using a garden hose or pressure washer on the engine and transmission.
- Battery: Instructions for connecting, charging, cleaning terminals, and proper storage to prevent corrosion and power leakage.
- V-Belts: Inspection for deterioration and wear, with replacement as necessary.
- Transaxle Cooling: Cleaning the transmission fan and cooling fins to ensure proper cooling.
- Mower Deck Leveling: Instructions for side-to-side and front-to-back adjustments of the mower housing for optimal cutting performance.
- Brake System: Procedures for checking and adjusting the brake system.
- Motion Drive Belt: Instructions for removal and installation of the mower blade drive belt and motion drive belt.
- Steering Adjustment: Procedures for adjusting steering wheel alignment.
- Headlight Bulb: Instructions for replacing the headlight bulb.
- Fuse: Location and replacement of the 20 amp automotive-type plug-in fuse.
- Hood and Grill Assembly: Instructions for removal and installation.
- Carburetor Adjustment: Procedures for adjusting idle speed and idle fuel needle, with a warning against tampering with the engine governor.
- Storage: Detailed instructions for preparing the tractor for storage, including cleaning, inspecting belts, lubricating, securing fasteners, touching up paint, fully charging the battery, and preparing the fuel system (emptying the tank or using fuel stabilizer). It warns against storing the tractor with gasoline near open flames and recommends covering it with a breathable protective cover.
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