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20 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.

944.601181

OWNER’S

MANUAL

• Assembly
• Operation
• Customer Responsibilities
• Service and Adjustments
• Repair Parts

Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2B8

Summary of Contents for Craftsman 944.601181

Page 1: ...TRACTOR Caution Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions Before Operating This Equipment MODEL NO 944 601181 OWNER S MANUAL Assembly Operation Customer Responsibilities Service and Adjustments Repair Parts Sears Canada Inc Toronto Ontario M5B 2B8 ...

Page 2: ...pe 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 DONOT 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 Themo...

Page 3: ...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 slow...

Page 4: ...f 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 f...

Page 5: ... 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 ...

Page 6: ...esteeringwheeladapterfromsteeringwheeland slide adapter onto steering shaft extension Positionsteeringwheelsocrossbarsarehorizontal left to right and slide inside boot and onto adapter Assemble large flat washer 3 8 lock washer 3 8 hex bolt and tighten securely Snapsteeringwheelinsertintocenterofsteeringwheel Removeprotectivematerialsfromtractorhoodandgrill IMPORTANT CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPL...

Page 7: ...f skid Apply brake to stop tractor set parking brake and place gearshift lever in neutral position Turn ignition key to OFF position Continue with the instructions that follow TERMINAL ACCESS DOOR HEX BOLT POSITIVE RED CABLE NEGATIVE BLACK CABLE KEPS NUT DISCARD TERMINAL PROTECTIVE CAPS FIG 2 Use terminal access doors for Inspection for secure connections to tighten hardware Inspection for corrosi...

Page 8: ... were overinflated at the factory 3 Be sure mower deck is properly leveled side to side front to rear for best cutting results Tires must be properly inflated for leveling 3 Check mower and drive belts Be sure they are routed properly around pulleys and inside all belt keepers 3 Check wiring See that all connections are still secure and wires are properly clamped WHILELEARNINGHOWTOUSEYOURTRACTOR P...

Page 9: ... NEUTRAL HIGH LOW ATTACHMENT CLUTCH ENGAGED MOWER LIFT DANGER KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FREE WHEEL Automatic Models only OVER TEMP LIGHT PARKING BRAKE IGNITION ATTACHMENT CLUTCH DISENGAGED P KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS 15 15 15 SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION These symbols may appear on your product or in literature supplied with the product Learn and understand their meaning ...

Page 10: ...H Used for starting and stopping the engine LIGHT SWITCH Turns the headlights on and off AMMETER Indicates charging or discharging of battery ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER Used to engage the mowerblades orotherattachmentsmountedtoyourtractor LIFT LEVER PLUNGER Used to release attachment lift lever when changing its position ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER Used to raise and lower the mower deck or other attachment...

Page 11: ...ISENGAGED POSITION ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER ENGAGED POSITION BRAKE POSITION CLUTCH BRAKE PEDAL DRIVE POSITION PARKING BRAKE DISENGAGED POSITION FIG 6 THROTTLE CONTROL TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT See Fig 6 The position of the attachment lift lever determines the cutting height Grasp lift lever Press plunger with thumb and move lever to desired position The cutting height range is approximately 1 ...

Page 12: ...ift lever is in neutral N position Do not push or tow tractor at more than five 5 MPH NOTE Toprotecthoodfromdamagewhentransportingyour tractor on a truck or a trailer be sure hood is closed and secured to tractor Use an appropriate means of tying hood to tractor rope cord etc TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH MENTS Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the ...

Page 13: ...t For a warm engine start attempt the choke control may not beneeded NOTE Before starting read the warm and cold starting proceduresbelow Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to START position and release key as soon as engine starts Do not run starter continuously for more than fifteen seconds per minute If the engine does not start afterseveralattempts pushchokecontrolin waitafew minu...

Page 14: ...e pivot bolt to 35 ft lbs maximum Do not overtighten 1 12 3 2 5 5 6 7 GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS The warranty on this tractor does not cover items that have beensubjectedtooperatorabuseornegligence Toreceive full value from the warranty operator must maintain tractor as instructed in this manual Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your tractor All adjustments in th...

Page 15: ...towards deck as shown IMPORTANT TO ENSURE PROPER ASSEMBLY CENTER HOLE IN BLADE MUST ALIGN WITH STAR ON MANDREL ASSEMBLY Reassemble hex bolt lock washer and flat washer in exact order as shown Tighten bolt securely 27 35 Ft Lbs torque IMPORTANT BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED TO SHARPEN BLADE See Fig 11 NOTE Wedonotrecommendsharpeningblade butifyou do be sure the blade is balanced Care should be...

Page 16: ...and possible engine bore damage due to inadequatelubrication NOTE Synthetic oil meeting ILSAC GF 2 API certificationmarkandAPIservicesymbol shown at left with SJ CF ENERGY CONSERVING or higher is an acceptable oil at all temperatures Useofsyntheticoildoesnotalterrequiredoil changeintervals Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least onceayearifthetractorisnotusedfor25hoursinoneyea...

Page 17: ...with automotive type wax We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean your tractor unless the electrical system muffler air filter and carburetor are covered to keep water out Water in engine can result in a shortened engine life AIR FILTER See Fig 13 Yourenginewillnotrunproperlyusingadirtyairfilter Clean the foam pre cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or every season Service paper cart...

Page 18: ...tainer spring slide collar off and push housing guide out of bracket Disconnect anti swaybar from chassis bracket by re movingretainerspring Disconnect suspension arms from rear deck brackets by removing retainer springs Disconnect front links from deck by removing retainer springs Raise lift lever to raise suspension arms Slide mower out from under tractor IMPORTANT IF AN ATTACHMENT OTHER THAN TH...

Page 19: ...t F from trunnion on both front links Tighten nut E on both front links an equal number of turns Whendistance D is1 8 to1 2 loweratfrontthanrear tighten nut F against trunnion on both front links Recheck side to side adjustment BOTH FRONT LINKS MUST BE EQUAL IN LENGTH SUSPENSION ARM LIFT LINK ADJUSTMENT NUT FIG 17 FIG 16 GROUND LINE A A BOTTOM EDGE OF MOWER TO GROUND BOTTOM EDGE OF MOWER TO GROUND...

Page 20: ...n highest gear on a level dry concrete or paved surface then brake must be adjusted Depressclutch brakepedalandengageparkingbrake Measuredistancebetweenbrakeoperatingarmandnut A on brake rod If distance is other than 1 1 2 loosen jam nut and turn nut A untildistancebecomes1 1 2 Retightenjamnut against nut A Road test tractor for proper stopping distance as stated above Readjust if necessary If sto...

Page 21: ...N CAMBER Thefrontwheeltoe inandcamberarenotadjustableonyour tractor Ifdamagehasoccurredtoaffectthefrontwheeltoe in or camber contact your nearest authorized service center department FIG 24 RETAINING RING WASHERS SQUARE KEY REAR WHEEL ONLY AXLE COVER TO REMOVE WHEEL FOR REPAIRS See Fig 24 Block up axle securely Removeaxlecover retainingringandwasherstoallow wheelremoval rearwheelcontainsasquarekey...

Page 22: ...e your tractor to run poorly stop running or prevent it from starting Checkwiring SeeelectricalwiringdiagramintheRepair Parts section TO REPLACE FUSE Replacewith20ampautomotive typeplug infuse Thefuse holder is located behind the dash TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY See Fig 26 Raisehood Unsnapheadlightwireconnector Stand in front of tractor Grasp hood at sides tilt toward engine and lift off of ...

Page 23: ... as follows Withenginenotrunning movechokecontrol locatedon dash panel to full choke position Loosen knob and remove cover assembly from air cleaner Chokeshouldbeclosed Ifitisnot loosencasingclamp screw and move choke cable until choke is completely closed Tighten casing clamp screw securely Replace air cleaner cover assembly and tighten knob TO ADJUST CARBURETOR Your carburetor is not adjustable ...

Page 24: ...NG IN ESSENTIAL FUEL SYSTEM PARTS SUCH AS CARBURETOR FUEL FILTER FUEL HOSE OR TANK DURING STORAGE ALSO EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT ALCOHOL BLENDED FUELS CALLED GASOHOL OR USING ETHANOL OR METHANOL CAN ATTRACT MOISTURE WHICH LEADS TO SEPARATION AND FORMATION OF ACIDS DURING STORAGE ACIDIC GAS CAN DAMAGE THE FUEL SYSTEM OF AN ENGINE WHILE IN STORAGE Drain the fuel tank Start the engine and let it run ...

Page 25: ...lty ignition switch 7 Check replace ignition switch 8 Faulty solenoid or starter 8 Check replace solenoid or starter 9 Faulty operator presence switch es 9 Contact an authorized service center department Engine clicks but will not 1 Weak or dead battery 1 Recharge or replace battery start 2 Corroded battery terminals 2 Clean battery terminals 3 Loose or damaged wiring 3 Check all wiring 4 Faulty s...

Page 26: ...e mowing 4 Mower deck not level 4 Level mower deck 5 Low uneven tire air pressure 5 Check tires for proper air pressure 6 Worn bent or loose blade 6 Replace sharpen blade Tighten blade bolt 7 Buildup of grass leaves and trash under mower 7 Clean underside of mower housing 8 Mower drive belt worn 8 Replace mower drive belt 9 Blades improperly installed 9 Reinstall blades sharp edge down 10 Improper...

Page 27: ...ERNATOR SYSTEM THE LIGHTS ARE NOT CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY BUT HAVE THEIR OWN ELECTRICAL SOURCE BECAUSE OF THIS THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE LIGHTS WILL CHANGE WITH ENGINE SPEED AT IDLE THE LIGHTS WILL DIM AS THE ENGINE IS SPEEDED UP THE LIGHTS WILL BECOME THEIR BRIGHTEST WIRING INSULATED CLIPS NOTE IF WIRING INSULATED CLIPS WERE REMOVED FOR SERVICING OF UNIT THEY SHOULD BE REPLACED TO PROPERLY SECURE YO...

Page 28: ...28 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR MODEL NUMBER 944 601181 ELECTRICAL 28 29 26 24 42 43 27 27 25 41 27 27 40 33 30 12 12 11 10 8 2 1 27 D C AMPE RES 45 16 16 52 22 21 55 ...

Page 29: ...nterlock Push In 21 175688 Harness Asm Light W 4152J 22 4152J Bulb Light 1156 24 4799J Cable Battery 6 Ga 11 red 25 146148 CableBattery 26 175158 Fuse 20 AMP 27 73510400 Nut Keps Hex 1 4 20 UNC 28 145491 CableGround 29 121305X Switch Plunger Nc Gray 30 175566 Switch Ign 33 140403 Key Ign 40 170217 HarnessIgn 41 71110408 Bolt Blk Fin Hex 1 4 20unc X 1 2 42 131563 CoverTerminalRed 43 175141 Solenoid...

Page 30: ...UMBER 944 601181 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 74 211 114 60 30 207 20 207 23 3 31 1 9 208 208 5 5 207 144 25 26 26 10 26 144 25 26 60 3 115 3 142 3 3 3 142 58 208 13 208 11 64 143 60 145 37 37 159 18 14 14 38 38 17 29 28 166 39 212 3 2 206 ...

Page 31: ...2X599 Lens Grille 30 164919X558 FenderFootrest 31 139976 BracketSupportFender 37 17490508 Screw Thdrol 6 16 18 x 1 2 TYT 38 175710 Bracket Asm Pivot Mower Rear 39 174714 Bracket Pivot Laser Lt 58 174930 Air Duct 60 STD533707 Bolt Rdhd Sqnk 3 8 16unc x 3 4 64 154798 Dash Lower STLT 74 STD541437 NutCrownlock3 8 16UNC 114 158112 Keeper Belt Rear LH 115 17060620 Screw 3 8 16 x 1 1 4 142 165867 Plate R...

Page 32: ... 57 51 74 75 78 76 77 1 25 19 24 2 53 35 34 37 36 35 62 36 64 65 59 56 212 55 63 116 70 77 61 22 27 26 6 113 18 51 5 18 6 85 52 30 32 32 30 52 11 85 80 4 3 6 81 84 82 145 79 170 16 96 26 89 90 27 51 48 150 151 202 49 47 50 120 21 8 10 156 165 168 166 163 14 159 161 198 158 164 83 162 169 197 ...

Page 33: ... 16 Unc 52 STD541431 Nut Crownlock 5 16 18 Unc 53 105710X Link Clutch 55 105709X Spring Return Clutch 6 75 56 17060616 Screw 3 8 16 X 1 0 57 130801 V Belt Ground Drive 59 169691 Keeper Belt Span Ctr 61 17060612 Screw3 8 16x3 4 62 8883R Cover Pedal Blk Round 63 175410 Engine Pulley LT YT 64 71170764 Bolt Hex 65 STD55143 Washer Lock Hvy Hlcl Spr 7 16 66 154778 Keeper Belt Engine Foolproof 70 134683 ...

Page 34: ...TOR MODEL NUMBER 944 601181 STEERING ASSEMBLY 44 51 54 5 9 5 7 7 9 4 3 32 43 6 43 8 10 40 11 8 6 9 46 46 8 6 9 2 47 47 26 30 28 1 41 42 37 36 37 38 63 11 39 68 67 67 67 13 65 85 85 68 15 15 15 29 29 82 88 71 29 17 29 43 91 ...

Page 35: ...r 13 32 X 7 8 X 16 Ga 29 17060612 Screw3 8 16x3 4 30 STD561210 Pin Cotter 1 8 X 3 4 Cad 32 130465 Rod Tie Wire Form 19 75 Mech 36 155099 Bushing Strg 37 152927 Screw 38 139769 Insert Cap Strg Wh Au 39 19133812 Washer 13 32 X 2 3 8 X 12 Ga 40 STD541537 Lock nut 41 100711L Adaptor Wheel Strg 42 145054X428 Boot Steering Shaft 43 121749X Washer 25 32 X 1 1 4 X 16 Ga 44 153720 Extension Steering Shaft ...

Page 36: ...p Push In 6 STD541437 Nut Hex w Ins 3 8 16 Unc 7 124181X Spring Seat Cprsn 2 250 Blk Zi 8 17000616 Screw 3 8 16 X 1 5 9 19131614 Washer 13 32 X 1 X 14 Ga 10 174894 Pan Seat 11 166369 Knob Seat 12 121246X Bracket Mounting Switch 13 121248X Bushing Snap Blk Nyl 50 Id 14 72050412 Bolt Rdhd Sqnk 1 4 20x1 1 2 15 134300 Spacer Split 28x 96 Yel Zinc 16 121250X Spring Cprsn 1 27 Blk Pnt 17 123976X Nut Loc...

Page 37: ...lk 1 50 x 1 00 144334 Sealant Tire 10 oz Tube 1 156369 Decal Fend STLT Oper 3 177278 DecalHoodRH 4 138047 Decal Batt Diehard 5 165407 DecalEngine 6 146046 Decal V Belt Drive Sch 7 177284 Decal Dash Pnl 8 170563 DecalWarning 9 163204 DecalCraftsman 10 157140 DecalFenderDangerEng Fr 11 177279 Decal Hood LH 12 172331 Decal Mower Srs Heavy Duty 12 KEY PART NO NO DESCRIPTION Ga 13 177253 Decal Hood Sid...

Page 38: ...38 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR MODEL NUMBER 944 601181 ENGINE 2 1 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester 29 10 62 6 5 72 13 26 25 4 8 32 31 34 33 37 33 39 17 16 17 3 81 23 45 14 38 ...

Page 39: ...rew Thdrol 3 8 16x1 1 2 Tytt 23 169837 ShieldBRN DBRGuard 25 145996 ControlChoke 26 73920600 Nut Keps 3 8 24 UNF 29 137180 ArrestorSpark 31 157103 Tank Fuel 3 5 STL W O Sensor 32 161696 CapFuelGauge 33 123487X Clamp Hose Blk 34 106082X Strip Foam 37 8543R LineFuel 38 148315 Plug Drain Oil Easy 39 109227X Pad Spacer 45 17000612 Screw Hexwsh Thdrol 3 8 16 x 3 4 62 10040500 Washer Lock Hvy Hlcl Spr 5...

Page 40: ...4 147 147 142 149 142 49 50 51 54 52 53 55 56 34 1 46 44 21 22 24 25 26 27 2 28 29 23 21 21 21 18 18 20 2 48 59 19 4 3 129 92 131 130 92 5 6 21 40 143 36 40 37 40 159 152 151 153 154 157 158 67 153 156 155 113 117 116 118 119 114 115 112 121 114 117 119 116 115 111 118 121 113 102 102 104 103 105 106 104 105 106 103 101 ...

Page 41: ... 4 20 x 5 8 159 72140614 Bolt Rdhd Sqn 3 8 16unc x 1 3 4 130794 Mandrel Assembly Includes Key Numbers 8 10 13 15 31 and 32 169583 MowerDeck Complete 1 165892 Mower Deck Assembly 42 2 STD533107 Bolt 3 138017 Bracket Assembly Sway Bar Front 4 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38 42 Deck 5 STD624008 RetainerSpring 6 130832 Arm Suspension Rear 8 850857 Bolt Hex 3 8 24 x 1 25 Gr 8 9 STD551137 Washer Lock 10 1402...

Page 42: ...42 15 20 16 1718 20 20 15 20 4 5 6 2 3 1 6 5 4 7 8 12 11 31 32 31 32 19 19 13 13 13 13 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR MODEL NUMBER 944 601181 LIFT ...

Page 43: ... ID 7 125631X GripHandleFluted 8 122365X Button Plunger 11 139865 Link Lift Lh Fixed Length 12 139866 Link Lift Rh Fixed Length 13 STD624008 RetainerSpring 15 173288 Link Front 16 73350800 Nut Jam Hex 1 2 13 Unc 17 130171 Trunnion Blk Zinc 18 73800800 Nut Lock w Wsh 1 2 13 Unc 19 139868 Arm Suspension Rear 20 163552 SpringRetainer 31 169865 Bearing Pvt Lift 32 73540600 Nut Lock 3 8 24 NOTE All com...

Page 44: ...44 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR MODEL NUMBER 944 601181 PEERLESS PMST TRANSAXLE MODEL NUMBER 206 545C ...

Page 45: ...3 Flanged Bushing 5 8 ID 35A 780197 FlangedBushing 751 36 790075 Brake Disk 37 790007 Brake Pad Plate 38 799021 Brake Pad pkg of 2 39 786026 DowelPin 40 792076A Flat Washer 312 ID x 059W REF PART NO NO DESCRIPTION 41A 790079 BrakeLever 42 792073A Screw 1 4 20 x 1 1 4 42A 792085A Screw 1 4 20 x 2 1 4 43 792075 Locknut 5 16 24 44 790025 Brake Pad Holder 45 786066 Spacer 2625 x 1 0 46 786086 Brake Le...

Page 46: ...INSTALL SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL 1036 EMISSIONS LABEL 1058 OWNER S MANUAL 11 9 10 8 50 51 54 122 51A 654 53 1019 LABEL KIT 27 28 27 27 26 25 32 29 24 741 16 146 46 1026 1026A 304 855 305 968 445 967 467 163 222 267 265 188 865 447 703 447A 447 865A 447A 1035 1024 943 750 965 1027 523 177 1081 287 525 847 45 1033 VALVE OVERHAUL KIT 1022 7 51 163 868 883 276 220 615 219 267 265 216 929 213 718 ...

Page 47: ...83 51 51 798 337 383 691 552A 552A 404 616 742 552 505 562 209 211 227 278 212 40 40 40 36 36 5 5A 34 42 871 40 33 34 33 871 42 1023 1023A 51A 231 130 108 633 987 104 137 105 1126 1128 1125 1127 276 276 881 993 95 117 160 1123 150 1124 51 141 125 98 142 947 131 133 975 135 385 601 601 240 918 628 788 387 121 CARBURETOR KIT 137 977 CARBURETOR GASKET SET 1124 987 51A 137 105 276 993 1124 104 987 112...

Page 48: ...NE MODEL NUMBER 407777 TYPE NUMBER 0119 E3 358 GASKET SET 12 9 51 51A 3 20 7 868 1022 163 691 1081 943 276 177 883 573 405 74 668 726 1005 363 332 75 934 1006 1119 334 851 635 789 544 802 801 803 310 697 311 462 579 783 1051 513 797 1090 309 510 877 474 73 23 333 48 878 ...

Page 49: ... High Altitude 121 499811 Carburetor Overhaul Kit 122 690952 Spacer Carburetor 125 499804 Carburetor 130 690993 Valve Throttle 131 499805 Throttle Shaft Kit 133 499806 Float Carburetor KEY PART NO NO DESCRIPTION 135 499803 Fuel Transfer Tube 137 690994 Ø Gasket Float Bowl 141 499807 Choke Shaft Kit 142 499808 Ø Nozzle Carburetor 146 94388 Key Timing 150 281767 Ø Gasket Nozzle 160 690996 Retainer S...

Page 50: ...al Valve 871 690969 Bushing Guide 877 399916 Alternator Connector Wire 878 691237 Harness Alternator 881 690999 Plate Cover KEY PART NO NO DESCRIPTION 883 690970 Gasket Exhaust 914 690960 Screw Rocker Cover 918 691040 Hose Vacuum 929 691003 Screw Choke Control Bracket 934 691058 Screw Fan Retainer 943 690589 O Ring Seal Oil Pump Cover 947 499809 Solenoid Fuel 965 499613 Oil Pump Cover 967 691016 F...

Page 51: ...IDE ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL NOT ACROSS HILL SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes not greater than 15 never across the face Make turns gradu ally to prevent tipping or loss of control Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes ...

Page 52: ...PRINTED IN U S A 178152 1 25 01 JH ...

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