This document is an owner's manual for a Sears Craftsman 16.5 HP Electric Start 42" Mower Automatic Lawn Tractor, Model No. 944.604931. It provides comprehensive information on assembly, operation, maintenance, service, adjustments, and repair parts for the lawn tractor.
Function Description
The Sears Craftsman 16.5 HP Electric Start 42" Mower Automatic Lawn Tractor is designed for residential lawn care, specifically for mowing grass. Its primary function is to cut grass efficiently and can be configured for mulching, bagging, or discharging clippings. The electric start feature simplifies engine ignition, and the automatic transmission provides ease of operation. The tractor is equipped with various safety features to ensure safe use.
Important Technical Specifications
The manual provides detailed product specifications:
- Engine: 16.5 HP, Electric Start.
- Mower Deck: 42 inches.
- Gasoline Capacity: 4 gallons, requiring unleaded regular gasoline.
- Oil Type (API: SF-SJ): SAE 10W30 (above 32°F) or SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F).
- Oil Capacity: 1.11 quarts with filter, 0.95 quarts without filter.
- Spark Plug: NGK BPR5ES, with a gap of 0.030 inches.
- Ground Speed (MPH): Forward: 0-5.5 MPH, Reverse: 0-2.4 MPH.
- Tire Pressure: Front: 14 PSI, Rear: 10 PSI.
- Charging System: 15 Amps @ 3600 RPM.
- Battery: 35 AMP/HR, 280 MIN. CCA, U1R case size.
- Blade Bolt Torque: 27-35 FT. LBS.
Usage Features
The tractor incorporates several features designed for user convenience and effective lawn maintenance:
- Electric Start: Simplifies engine ignition.
- Automatic Transmission: Allows for smooth changes in speed and direction without manual shifting.
- Throttle Control: Used to control engine speed, with full throttle recommended for best bagging and mower performance.
- Choke Control: Assists in starting a cold engine.
- Forward and Reverse Drive Pedals: Control the direction and speed of movement.
- Cruise Control: Can be used for forward travel at a desired speed on smooth, straight surfaces.
- Attachment Lift Lever: Used to raise, lower, and adjust the mower deck or other attachments.
- Mower Cutting Height Adjustment: Allows adjustment of cutting height from approximately 1-1/2 to 4 inches.
- Gauge Wheels: Help maintain proper mower deck position and prevent scalping.
- Mulcher Plate: Enables mulching of grass clippings. The mower blades are designed for both mulching and bagging/discharging.
- Operator Presence Sensing Switch: A safety feature that shuts off the engine if the operator leaves the seat with the engine running and parking brake not set, or with the attachment clutch engaged.
- Parking Brake: Locks the clutch/brake pedal to secure the tractor.
- Freewheel Control: Disengages the transmission for pushing or slowly towing the tractor when the engine is off.
- Light Switch: Turns headlights on and off.
- Ammeter: Indicates battery charging or discharging status.
- Slope Operation Guidelines: Emphasizes mowing up and down slopes (not across) and avoiding slopes greater than 15 degrees. A visual guide for sighting slopes is included.
Maintenance Features
The manual outlines a comprehensive maintenance schedule and procedures to ensure the tractor's longevity and optimal performance:
- Maintenance Schedule: A detailed chart specifies service intervals for various components (e.g., every 8, 25, 50, 100 hours, every season, before storage).
- Lubrication Chart: Identifies points for general purpose grease and engine lubrication.
- Battery Maintenance: Instructions for cleaning terminals, checking charge, and recharging. The original battery is maintenance-free.
- Brake Operation Check and Adjustment: Ensures proper stopping distance and provides adjustment procedures.
- Tire Pressure Maintenance: Advises maintaining correct tire pressure for best cutting performance.
- Blade Care: Instructions for sharpening and replacing blades, emphasizing balance to prevent vibration and damage.
- Engine Oil: Guidelines for checking oil level, changing oil (with or without filter), and selecting appropriate SAE viscosity grades based on temperature.
- Air Filter: Procedures for cleaning the foam pre-cleaner and servicing/replacing the paper cartridge.
- Air Screen: Cleaning instructions to prevent engine overheating.
- Air Intake/Cooling Areas: Cleaning procedures for blower housing and cooling shrouds.
- Engine Oil Filter: Replacement schedule.
- Spark Plugs: Replacement schedule and gap setting.
- In-Line Fuel Filter: Replacement schedule.
- V-Belts: Inspection and replacement guidelines.
- Transaxle Cooling: Cleaning instructions for the transmission fan and cooling fins.
- Transaxle Pump Fluid: Notes that the transaxle is sealed and fluid maintenance is not required for its life, but to contact service for leaks or servicing.
- Mower Deck Levelness: Instructions for side-to-side and front-to-back adjustment to ensure optimal cutting results.
- Belt Routing: Verification of correct routing for motion and mower blade drive belts.
- Carburetor: Notes that it is not adjustable and recommends contacting a service center for problems.
- Steering Wheel Alignment: Instructions for adjustment if crossbars are not horizontal.
- Wheel Removal: Procedures for removing wheels for repair.
- Headlight Bulb Replacement: Instructions for replacing the headlight bulb.
- Fuse Replacement: Location and type of fuse.
- Hood and Grill Assembly Removal: Instructions for removal and replacement.
- Storage Instructions: Detailed steps for preparing the tractor for storage, including fuel system treatment (draining or stabilizer use), engine oil change, cylinder lubrication, and battery care.
- Troubleshooting Guide: A comprehensive section to diagnose and correct common problems such as starting issues, loss of power, uneven cutting, and excessive vibration.
The manual also includes schematic diagrams for electrical components, drive system, chassis, steering assembly, mower lift, mower deck, and the Hydro Gear Transaxle, along with detailed repair parts lists for each section. It emphasizes safety rules throughout, including warnings about thrown objects, slope operation, children, and handling gasoline.
To Next Page
Need help?
General
