Sears CRAFTSMAN 944.601211 User manual

21.0 HP
ELECTRIC START
42" MOWER
6 SPEED TRANSAXLE
LAWN TRACTOR
Caution:
Read and follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
MODEL NO.
944.601211
OWNER’S
MANUAL
• Assembly
• Operation
• Customer Responsibilities
• Service and Adjustments
• Repair Parts
Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2B8

2
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions 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 look down and behind before and while backing.
• Be aware of the 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, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
• Turn off blades when not mowing.
• Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclog-
ging 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 road-
ways.
• 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 a large percentage of riding mower-
related injuries. These operators should evaluate their
ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to
protect themselves and others from serious injury.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death.
All slopes require extra caution. If 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 a low 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.
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attach-
ments. These can change the stability of the machine.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and 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
straight down the slope.
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On 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.
SAFETY RULES
DO NOT:
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
•
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The mower could suddenly turn over if a 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.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the 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 a machine inside a closed area.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts,
tight and keep equipment in good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. 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.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam-
age, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts
or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check compo-
nents 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.

3
Look for this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions. It means CAU-
TION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION: In order to prevent acciden-
tal starting when setting up, transport-
ing, adjusting or making repairs, al-
ways disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot contact spark
plug.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing.
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers or children even with the blades
off.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while backing.
• Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
• Keep children out of the 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.
• Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), 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 a low gear so that you will not
have to stop or shift while on the slope.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose
traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
• If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades,
shift into reverse and back down slowly.
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill 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, is
dangerous. Tires can lose traction with
the ground and cause you to lose con-
trol of your tractor.
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
SAFETY RULES
SAFETY RULES ...................................................... 2-3
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ..................................... 4
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................... 4, 14-17
WARRANTY ................................................................ 4
ASSEMBLY .............................................................. 6-8
OPERATION ........................................................... 9-13
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ..................................... 14
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS .......................... 18-23
STORAGE ................................................................. 24
TROUBLESHOOTING .......................................... 25-26
REPAIR PARTS - TRACTOR ............................... 28-44
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ................................... 45-50
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ............... BACK COVER

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PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
GASOLINE CAPACITY 3.5 GALLONS
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (above 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)
SYNTHETIC (below 0°F)
Your tractor was shipped from the factory with non-synthetic SAE
10W-30 motor oil.
OIL CAPACITY: 3.0 PINTS
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJ19LM
(GAP: .030")
GROUND SPEED (MPH): FORWARD:
1st 1.2
2nd 1.5
3rd 2.4
4th 3.5
5th 4.8
6th 5.3
REVERSE: 1.5
TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI
REAR: 10 PSI
CHARGING SYSTEM: 3 AMPS BATTERY
5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS
BATTERY: AMP/HR: 30
MIN. CCA: 240
CASE SIZE: U1R
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 27-35 FT. LBS.
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new 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 authorized service
center/department. We have competent, well-trained tech-
nicians and the proper tools to service or repair this tractor.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly.
Always observe the “SAFETY RULES”.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Maintenance Agreement is available on this product.
Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and
using your tractor.
• Follow the instructions under “Customer Responsibili-
ties” and “Storage” sections of this owner’s manual.
WARNING: This tractor is equipped with an internal com-
bustion engine and should not be used on or near any
unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-cov-
ered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped
with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws
(if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained
in effective working order by the operator.
A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your
nearest authorized service center/department (See RE-
PAIR PARTS section of this manual).
LIMITED TWO (2) YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TRACTOR (RIDING EQUIPMENT)
For Two (2) years from date of purchase Sears Canada, Inc. will repair or replace at Sears option free of charge parts which
are defective as a result of material or workmanship.
FULL ONE (1) YEAR WARRANTY ON BATTERY
For One (1) year from date of purchase, if any battery included with this riding equipment proves defective in material or
workmanship and our testing determines the battery will not hold a charge, Sears will replace the battery at no charge.
COMMERCIAL OR RENTAL USE
Warranty on Riding Equipment used for commercial or rental purposes is limited to ninety (90) days.
This Warranty does NOT cover:
1. Pre-delivery set-up.
2. Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects (such as nails, thorns, stumps, or glass).
3. Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as blades, spark plug, air cleaners and belts.
4. Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including damaged jackshaft or mandrel and the
failure to operate and maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the Owner’s Manual.
5. In Home service.
Warranty service is available by returning the Craftsman Riding Equipment to the nearest Sears Service Centre/Department in
Canada. This warranty applies only while this product is in use in Canada.
This warranty is in addition to any statutory warranty and does not exclude or limit legal rights you may have but shall run
concurrently with applicable provincial legislation. Furthermore, some provinces do NOT allow limitation on how long an
implied warranty will last so the above limitations may not apply to you.
SEARS CANADA, INC., TORONTO, ONTARIO M5B 2B8
WARRANTY

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UNASSEMBLED PARTS
Steering
Wheel Insert
Steering Wheel
(1) Knob
(1) Washer
17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge
Seat
(2) Keys
Keys
Slope Sheet
(1) Large Flat Washer
Steering
Boot
Steering
Extension
Shaft
Steering Wheel
Adapter Battery
(2) Hex Bolts 1/4-20 x 3/4
(2) Keps Nut 1/4-20
(1) Locknut 5/16-18
(1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4
(1) Hex Bolt
3/8-16 x 1
(1) Lockwasher 3/8
(1) Oil Drain Tube
For Future Use