Craftsman 944.612540 User manual

SHAR$
OWNER'S
MANUAL
MODEL NO.
944.612540
Caution:
Read and follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
ICRRFTSMRN'I
54 INCH MOWER
GRASS CATCHER
•Assembly
•Operation
•Customer Responsibilities
•Repair Parts
Sears Canada, Inc,, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2B8
190228 Rev. 1 06.22.04 rad PRINTED IN U.S.A.

SAFETY RULES
& Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers &
IMPORTANT: THIS CUFFING 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.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
Read, understand, and follow eUinstructions in the manual
and on the machine before starting.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instructions, to operate the machine.
•Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
•Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing.
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
Never carry passengers.
•Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
lookdown and behind before and while backing.
Be aware ofthe mower discharge direction and do not point
it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the
entire grass catcher or the guard in place.
•Slow down before turning.
•Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn
off blades, setparking brake, stop engine, and remove keys
before dismounting.
•Turn off blades when not mowing.
•Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging
chute.
•Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
•Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
•Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into
a trailer or truck.
•Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above,
are involved in alarge percentage of riding mower-related
injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to
operate the ridingmowersafelyenoughtoprotectthemselves
and others from serious injury.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves orother debris build-up
which can touch hot exhaust /engine parts and burn.Do not
allow the mower deck to plow leaves or other debris which
can cause build-up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel spillage
before operating or storing the machine. Allow machine to
cool before storage.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover
accidents, which can result in severe in ury or death. All slopes
require extra caut on. f you cannot back up the slope or if you
feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose alow gear so that you will not
have to stop or shift while on the slope.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability.
•Usa extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability ofthe machine.
Keep all movement onthe slopes slowand gradual Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straightdown the
slope.
DO NOT:
•Donor turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly
and gradually downhill, ifpossible.
•Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The
mower could suddenly turn over ifa wheel is over the edge
of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding,
•Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on
the ground.
•Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
Ill.CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur ifthe operator isnot alert tothe pres-
ence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine
and the mowing activity. Neverassume that children will remain
where you last saw them,
•Keep children out ofthe mowing area and under the watchful
care of another responsible adult,
•Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
• Before and when backing, look behind and down for small
children.
•Never carry children, They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
•Never allow children to operate the machine.
•Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They
are flammable and vapors are explosive.
Use only an approved container.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running.
Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke.
Never refuel the machine indoors.
Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, such as a water heater.
• Never run amachine inside a closed area.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment botts, tight
and keep equipment in good condition.
• Never tamperwith safetydevices. Check their proper operation
regularly.
•Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-
up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
•Stopand inspecttheequipment ifyou strike an object. Repair,
if necessary, before restarting.
Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.
Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage,
and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components
and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when
necessary.
•Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
•Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.

SAFETY RULES
& Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers &
•Be surethe area isclear of otherpeoplebeforemowing.
Stopmachineifanyone entersthearea.
•Never carry passengersor childreneven withthe blades
off.
Donotmowinreverseunlessabsolutelynecessary.Always
lookdownand behindbeforeand whilebacking.
•Never carry children.They may fall offand be seriously
injuredorinterferewithsafe machineoperation.
•Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandunderthewatchful
careofanotherresponsibleadult.
Bealert and turnmachineoffifchildrenenterthearea.
Beforeand whenbacking,lookbehindand downforsmall
children.
•Mowup and downslopes(15° Max), notacross.
•Removeobstaclessuchas rocks,tree limbs,eto.
Watchforholes,ruts,orbumps.Uneventerraincouldoverturn
the machine.Tailgrasscanhideobstacles.
Use slow speed.Choosea low gear sothat you willnot
havetostoporshiftwhileontheslope.
• Avoid startingor stoppingon a slope. Iftireslose traction,
disengagethebladesandproceedslowlystraightdownthe
slope.
• If machinestopswhilegoinguphill,disengageblades,shift
intoreverseand backdownslowly.
•Do not turn on slopesunlessnecessary,and then,turn
slowlyand graduallydownhill,ifpossible.
&
&
Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions, It means
CAUTION!!t BECOME ALERT!It YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION: Do not coast down ahill
in neutral, you may lose control of
the tractor.
CAUTION: Tow only the attachments
that are recommended by and
comply with specifications of
the manufacturer of your tractor.
Use common sense when towing.
Operate only at the lowest possible
speed when on a slope. Too heavy
of a load, while on a slope, as
dangerous. Tires can lose traction
with the ground and cause you to
lose control of your tractor.
CAUTION: In order to prevent
accidental starting when setting
up,transporting, adjusting or making
repairs, always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it
cannot contact spark plug.
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new Grass Catcher. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to
give you the best possible dependability and performance.
Should you experience any problems you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service center/
department. They have competent, well trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit.
Please read and retain this manual.The instructionswillenable you to assemble and maintain yourGrass Catcher properly.
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ......................................................... 2-3
CARTON CONTENTS .................................................... 4
ASSEMBLY ................................................................. 5-7
OPERATION .................................................................. 8
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................................. 9
STORAGE ...................................................................... 9
WARRANTY ................................................................... 9
REPAIR PARTS....................................................... 10-11

KNOWYOUR GRASS CATCHER
READTHIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR OPERATINGYOUR GRASS CATCHER,
Compare the illustrationswith the carton contents to familiarize yourself with the parts before starting the assembly. Study
the operating instructions and safety precautions thoroughly to insure proper functioning of your Grass Catcher and to
prevent injury to yourself and others. Save this manual for future reference.
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
before starting yourtractor and while mowing.We recommend a wide vision safety
mask for over the spectacles or standard safety glasses.
UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS
• Remove all parts and packing materials from carton.
• Check carton contents against list. Be sure all parts
are there.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY-
(1) 5/8" Wrench (for changing Blades)
PARTS IDENTIFICATION
COVER
ASSEMBLY
CARTON CONTENTS:
(3) ContainerTops
(3) Container Bottoms
(1) UpperChute
(1) Lower Chute
(1) Cover Assembly
SUPPORT
ASSEMBLY
_'_ RETAINER
SPRING
FULL
BAG
INDICATOR
LATCH
UPPER CHUTE
GRASS
CATCHER
CONTAINERS LOWER CHUTE LOWER CHUTE
ATTACHING
STRAPS
NOTE: When right hand (R.H.) and left hand (L.H.) are mentioned in this manual, it means when you are seated on the
tractor, in the operator's position.
CAUTION: BEFORE ASSEMBLING GRASS CATCHERTOTRACTOR:
_Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake.
Place gearshift/motion control lever in "NEUTRAL" position,
Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position.
Turn ignition key "OFF" and remove key.
•Make sure the blade 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.

ASSEMBLY
INSTALL HIGH LIFT BAGGING BLADES
(See Fig. 1)
I _ CAUTION: Blades are sharp. Protect
your hands with gloves and/or wrap
blade with heav_ cloth.
NOTE: Ifyou already have high liftbagging blades on your
mower, store the supplied blades in a safe place for future
use. Go on to step 2.
1. Raise mower to highest position to allow access to
blades.
2. Remove blade bolts by turning counterclockwise.
3. Install bagging blades supplied with stamped "THIS
SIDE UP"facing uptowards mower, or,blades stamped
with "GRASS SIDE" facing down towards grass.
IMPORTANT:Toensureproperassembly,centerholeinblade
must align with star pattern on mandrel assembly.
4. Install and tighten blade boltssecurely (45-55 Ft. Lbs.
torque). _ ..
STAR _ _/_ _-_
PAI-rERN I-_.--,, _ \\ _\
BLADE_ _MANDREL
(SPEC, ASSEMBLY
_%_v _ _._ HIGH LIFT
_,_ _ ./ BAGGING
FIG_ BLADE
HANG SUPPORT ASSEMBLY ON
REAR DRAWBAR (See Fig. 2)
1. Slide flanges of support assembly into drawbar slots
first, then, pivot backwards inserting pin into drawbar
pin hole.
2. Be sure support assembly is seated properly, then
secure with retainer spring.
,% SUPPORT
,' ASSEMBLY
DRAWBAR SLOTS
INSERT
FLANGES
FIRSTINTO,
DRAWBAR
SLOTS
PiN
DRAWBAR
PIN HOLE
MOUNTING COVER ASSEMBLYTO
SUPPORT ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 3)
NOTE: For ease of assembly, you may wish to obtain the
assistance of another person for mounting coverassembly
to tractor.
1. Position cover assembly on ground behind tractor as
2.
.
COVER
ASSEMBL_
\
shown.
Lift and rotate cover to align cover brackets with support
assembly tubes.
Slide cover assembly down onto the s_3port tubes.
.:::.....,'t:,,,_
.,-,:._:_
L_/_\\_ SUPPORT
__ ASSEMBLY
RETAINER FIG. 3
FIG. 2 SPRING 5