Craftsman 944101761 Owner’s Manual

Owner’s Manual

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

725 Series Briggs & Stratton Engine
Power-Propelled
Electric Start
22" Multi-Cut

Model No.

944.101761

CAUTION:

Read and follow all
Safety Rules and In struc tions
before operating this equipment

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Safety Rules .......................................... 2-3

Warranty ................................................ 4-5

Product Spec i fi ca tions ........................... 5

Assembly/Pre-Operation ....................... 6-7

Operation ............................................ 8-12

Maintenance Schedule .......................... 13

SAFETY RULES

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.

Look for this symbol to point out im por­ tant safety precautions. It means
CAU TION!!! BECOME ALERT!!!
YOUR SAFE TY IS INVOLVED.

WARNING: In order to prevent ac ci­ den tal starting when setting up, trans port­ ing, ad just ing or making repairs, always
dis con nect spark plug wire and place wire
where it can not come in contact with plug.

CAUTION: Muffler and other engine
parts become extremely
hot during operation and
remain hot after engine
has stopped. To avoid
severe burns on contact,
stay away from these areas.

I. CHILDREN

WARNING: CHILDREN CAN

BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR
KILLED BY THIS EQUIPMENT.
Carefully read and follow all of
the safety instructions below.

The American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends that children be a minimum
of 12 year of age before operating a
pedestrian controlled lawn mower and a
minimum of 16 years of age before operat­ing a riding lawn mower.
Tragic accidents can occur if the op er a tor is
not alert to the presence of children. Children
are often attracted to the ma chine 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 a re-

spon si ble adult other than the operator.

• Be alert and turn machine off if chil dren

enter the area.

• Before and while walking back wards,

look behind and down for small chil-

dren.

• Never allow children to operate the

machine.

Maintenance ...................................... 13-16

Service and Adjustments .................. 17-18

Storage .............................................. 18-19

Troubleshooting ................................ 20-21

Repair Parts ....................................... 22-31

Sears Service ...........................Back Cover

II. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all
in struc tions on the machine and in the
manual(s) before starting. Be thor ough ly
familiar with the controls and the proper
use of the machine before starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis­ charge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals, who
are familiar with the in struc tions, to
operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which
could be picked up and thrown by
blade. Stay behind the handle when the
engine (motor) is running.

• Be sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing. Stop ma chine if anyone
enters the area.

• Do not operate machine bare footed or
while wearing sandals. Al ways wear
substantial footwear with good ankle
support while mowing.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless
absolutely nec es sary. Always look down
and behind before and while moving
backwards.

• Never direct discharged material toward
anyone. Avoid discharging material
against a wall or obstruction. Material may
richochet back toward the operator. Stop
blade when crossing gravel surfaces.

• Do not operate the mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
oth er safety protective devices in place.

• See manufacturer’s instructions for
proper operation and installation of
accessories. Only use accessories ap­proved by the manufacturer.

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing grav el
drives, walks, or roads.

• Never leave a running machine unattended.

• Stop the engine (motor) and wait until
the blade comes to a complete stop
before clean ing the machine, removing
the grass catcher, or unclogging the
discharge chute.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

2

• Do not operate the machine while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing: keep a
firm hold on the handle; walk, never run.

• Disengage the drive system, if so equipped,
before starting the engine (motor).

• If the equipment should start to vi brate
abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and
check immediately for the cause. Vibra­tion is generally a warning of trouble.

• Always wear eye protection when op er­ at ing machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.

• When loading or unloading this ma­chine, do not exceed the maximum
recommended operation angle of 15°.

• Wear proper Personal Protective Equip­ment (PPE) while operating this machine,
including (at a minimum) sturdy footwear,
eye protection, and hearing protection. Do
not mow in shorts or open toed footwear.

Always let someone know you are outside
mowing.

III. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip &
fall accidents, which can result in severe
injury. All slopes require extra caution. If
you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.

DO:

• Mow across the face of slopes: nev er
up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps or hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could cause a
slip and fall accident. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.

DO NOT:

• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. You could lose your foot­ing or balance.

• Do not mow on wet grass or excessively
steep slopes. Poor footing could cause
a slip and fall accident.

IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

To avoid personal injury or property dam­age, use extreme care in handling gaso­line. Gasoline is extremely flammable and
the vapors are explosive.

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes
and other sources of ignition.

• Use only an approved container.

• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with
the engine running.

• Allow engine to cool before refueling.

• Never refuel the machine indoors.

• Never store the machine or fuel contain­er where there is an open flame, spark
or pilot light such as a water heater or
on other appliances.

• Never fill containers inside a vehicle, on
a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner.
Always place containers on the ground
away from your vehicle before filling.

• Remove gas-powered equipment from
the truck or trailer and refuel it on the
ground. If this is not possible, then
refuel such equipment with a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline
dispenser nozzle.

• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim
of the fuel tank or container opening at
all times until fueling is complete. Do
not use a nozzle lock-open device.

• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change
clothing immediately.

• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas
cap and tighten securely.

V. GENERAL SERVICE

• Never run a machine inside a closed area.

• Never make adjustments or repairs with
the engine (motor) running. Dis con nect
the spark plug wire, and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent ac ci den tal
starting.

• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check
their proper operation reg u lar ly. Never
do anything to interfere with the intended
function of a safety device or reduce the
protection provided by a safety device.

• 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 nec es sary,
before restarting.

• Never attempt to make wheel height
adjustments while the engine is running.

• Grass catcher components are sub ject
to wear, dam age, and de te ri o ra tion,
which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently
check com po nents and replace with
man u fac tur er’s recommended parts,
when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut.
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when ser vic ing them.

• Do not change the engine governor set­ting or overspeed the engine.

• Maintain or replace safety and instruc­tion labels, as necessary.

3

WARRANTY

GENERAL: Craftsman products are warranted to be free from defects in materials

or workmanship for a specific time period as set-out below (the “Warranty Period”).
Warranties extend to the original purchaser of a Craftsman product only. Purchases
made through an online auction or through any website other than www.sears.ca are
excluded. The relevant Warranty Period commences on the original date of purchase.
Within this period, Sears Canada, Inc. will, at its sole option, repair or replace any
products or components which fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be
made at no charge to the customer for parts or labor, provided that the customer shall be
responsible for any transportation cost.

EXCLUSIONS: This warranty does not cover failures due to normal wear, abuse, misuse,
neglect (including but not limited to the use of stale fuel, dirt, abrasives, moisture, rust,
corrosion, or any adverse reaction due to improper storage or use habits), improper
maintenance or failure to follow maintenance guidelines and/or instructions, failure to
operate the product in accordance with the owner’s manual or any additional instructions
or information provided at the time of purchase or in subsequent communications with
the original purchaser, accident or unauthorized alterations or repairs made or attempted
by others. Also excluded from warranty coverage – except as provided below - are
the following: maintenance, adjustments, components subject to wear including but
not limited to: cosmetic components, belts, blades, blade adapters, bulbs, tires, filters,
guide bars, lubricants, seats, grips, recoil assy’s, saw chains and bars, trimmer lines and
spools, spark plugs, starter ropers and tines, and discoloration resulting from ultraviolet
light. Any product missing the model and/or serial number identification label will be
disqualified from coverage under this warranty.

REPAIRS: Repairs have a 90 day warranty. If the defective product is still within the
Warranty Period, then the new warranty is 90 days from the date of repair or to the end of
the original Warranty Period, whichever period is longer.

DISCLAIMERS: THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE
EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER ORAL OR
WRITTEN (OTHER THAN AS STATED HEREIN), AND WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED
OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU
SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY FROM PROVINCE TO PROVINCE.

IN NO EVENT SHALL SEARS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE
OR INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT. THE
EXCLUSIONS IN THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL NOT APPLY IN JURISDICATIONS WHERE
APPLICABLE LAW DOES NOT ALLOW FOR THE EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. IN SUCH JURISDICTIONS, THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL
NOT APPLY, BUT THE REMAINING PROVISIONS OF THIS DOCUMENT SHALL REMAIN
VALID.

Sears retains the exclusive right to repair or replace the product or offer a full refund of
the purchase price at its sole discretion. SUCH REMEDY SHALL BE YOUR SOLE AND
EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES: In additional to complying with all suggested
maintenance guidelines and instructions, customers’ obligations shall include but shall
not be limited to: operating the product in accordance with the owner’s manual or any
additional instructions or information provided at the time of purchase or in subsequent
communications to the purchaser from time to time, exhibit reasonable care in the use,
operation, maintenance, general upkeep and storage of the product. Failure to comply
with these requirements will void any applicable warranty.

4

WARRANTY

LIST OF APPLICABLE WARRANTY PERIODS: The following list contains the applicable

Warranty Period for your Craftsman product and is based on a combination of the type
of product or component and the intended and actual use of the product or component:

1. 90 DAYS: Craftsman products intended for use or actually used for commercial,
institutional, professional or income-producing purposes

2. 2 YEARS: Craftsman riding lawn mowers, yard and garden tractors, walk behind
mowers, tillers, brush cutters, snow blowers, handheld blowers, backpack blowers,
hedge trimmers and electrical products for noncommercial, nonprofessional, non­institutional, or non-income-producing use, except for those components which are
part of engine systems manufactured by third party engine manufacturers for which
the purchase has received an separate warranty with product information supplied
at the time of purchase.

3. 1 YEAR: Craftsman power cutters, stump grinders, pole pruners, gas chain saws,
electric chain saws, trimmer attachments, baggers and pole saws for noncommercial,
nonprofessional, non-institutional, or non-income-producing use.

4. 90 DAYS: All defective batteries, which will be replaced during this 90-day Warranty
Period.

5. 60 DAYS: Additional Warranty Period of 60 days will apply to adjustments and worn
products or components BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE WEAR OR ADJUSTMENTS
for products used for commercial, institutional, professional or income-producing
purposes. Wear items include but are not limited to: belts, blades, tires, spark plugs,
air filters, chains, shear bolts, skid plates, scraper bars, drift cutters, ropes, tines,
collection bags and pulleys.

As the Warranty Period runs from the date of purchase and NOT from the date that a
product is delivered, opened, assembled or first used, plea se ensure during this time
period that your product or component has been assembled and tested for correction
operation regardless of when you intend to actually use it. Claims made after the
Warranty Period has expired will not be honored.

PROOF OF PURCHASE/DOCUMENTATION: Warranty coverage is conditioned upon
the original purchaser furnishing Sears Canada or its authorized third party service
provider if applicable, with the original sales receipt or other adequate written proof
of the original purchase date and identification of the product. In the event that the
original purchaser is unable to provide a company of the original sales receipt, Sears
Canada Inc. reserves the right to determine in its sole discretion what other written
proof of the original purchase date and identification of the product is acceptable.

Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
Gasoline Capacity / Type: 1,51 Litres (Unleaded Regular)
Oil Capacity: 0,42 Litres

Oil Type (API SJ–SN): SAE 30 (above 0°C/32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 0°C/32°F)

Spark Plug: Champion RC12YX (Gap: 0,5 mm)
Blade Bolt Torque: 35–40 ft. lbs. (47–54 Nm)

• The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal on the rear of the lawn mower

housing. Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

5

ASSEMBLY / PRE-OPERATION

Read these instructions and this manual
in its entirety before you attempt to as­semble or operate your new lawn mower.
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the
engine.

Your new lawn mower has been as sem­ bled at the factory with the exception of
those parts left unassembled for shipping
pur pos es. To ensure safe and proper op­ er a tion of your lawn mower, all parts and
hard ware you assemble must be tight­ ened securely. Use the correct tools as
nec es sary to ensure proper tightness. All
parts such as nuts, wash ers, bolts, etc.,
nec es sary to complete the as sem bly have
been placed in the parts bag.

TO REMOVE MOWER FROM
CARTON

1. Remove loose parts included with

mower.

2. Cut down two end corners of carton

and lay end panel down flat.

3. Remove all packing materials except

padding be tween upper and lower
handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.

4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and

check carton thor ough ly for additional
loose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOW ER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as not to pinch or damage con trol cables.

1. Remove protective padding, raise up-

per handle sec tion into place on lower
handle and tighten both handle knobs.

2. Raise handles until they lock into place

in the vertical position.

3. Remove handle padding holding

operator pres ence control bar to upper
handle.

4. Move operator presence control bar

forward to unlock the handle.

5. Lower handle to desired mowing posi-

tion.
Refer to “AD JUST HANDLE” in the Service
and Adjustments section of this manual.

Operator presence

control bar

VERTICAL
POSITION

Handle
knob

Upper

handle

LIFT

UP

LIFT UP

Lower
handle

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCH ER

1. Put grass catcher frame into grass bag
with rigid part of bag on the bottom.
Make sure the frame handle is outside
of the bag top.

2. Slip vinyl bindings over frame.

NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold
them in warm water for a few minutes. If
bag gets wet, let it dry before using.

Frame

handle

Vinyl
bindings

Frame

opening

6

INSTALL STARTER ROPE

1. Loosen T-knob.

2. Hold control bar against upper handle.

3. Slowly pull engine starter rope out until
rope will slip into loop of rope guide.

4. Tighten T-knob.

Control bar

Upper handle

Rope guide

T-Knob

TO PREPARE BATTERY
NOTE: Your battery must be charged

before you can start your lawn mower.

1. Open port on electric start housing.

2. Con nect battery charger con nec tor
(male) to bat tery con nec tor (fe male).

3. Plug battery charger into 110 volt A.C.
outlet.

• Leave battery charger connected for
24 hours before starting your engine
for the first time.

Connect your battery charger to charge
battery as re quired.
IMPORTANT: The engine will not re­charge your battery.
At the end of the mowing season the
battery should be charged for 48 hours to
protect the battery during winter storage.

Electric
start
housing

Engine
starter rope

Battery
charger

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to
be used as a mulcher. To convert mower
to bagging or discharging, see “TO CON­ VERT MOWER” in the Operation section
of this manual.

7

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OP ER AT ING YOUR
LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself
with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future refer­ence.

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the
product. Learn and understand their meaning.

Drive control
levers

Starter
button

Auxiliary
starter
handle

Grass
catcher

Single point
height adjuster

Engine oil cap
with dipstick

Muffler

Mulcher door

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

Operator presence control bar

Handle knobs

Gasoline filler cap

Air filter

Housing

Spark plug

NOTE: Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable for use in this machine.
The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (E10) will void the product warranty.

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the
American National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Com mis­ sion.

Operator presence control bar – must
be held down to the handle to start the
engine. Release to stop the engine.
Drive control levers – used to engage
power-pro pelled forward mo tion of mower.

Starter button – used for start ing engine.

WARNING: The blade turns when the engine is running.

Single point height adjuster – used to

adjust cutting height of lawn mower.
Auxiliary starter handle – used for starting
engine.
Mulcher door – allows con ver sion to dis­charging or bagging operation.

8

The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects
thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage.
Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your

mend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask over spectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED

Engine speed was set at the factory for
optimum performance. It is not adjustable.

lawn mower or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recom-

control housing to increase tension on the
drive cable. Pro ceed as follows:

1. Turn unit off and disconnect spark
plug wire from spark plug.

2. Rotate turnbuckle on drive control to
increase drive speed.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

CAUTION: Federal regulations re quire
an engine control to be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the risk
of blade contact injury. Do not un der
any circumstances attempt to de feat the

3. Operate mower to test drive speed.
Readjust as required.

4. If condition fails to improve after the
above steps (forward speed remains
the same), your drive belt is worn and
should be re placed.

func tion of the operator con trol. The blade
turns when the engine is running.

• Your lawn mower is equipped with an
operator pres ence control bar which
requires the operator to be positioned
behind the lawn mower handle to start
and operate the lawn mower.

DRIVE CONTROL

• Self-propelling is controlled by hold ing
the operator presence control bar down
to the handle and pulling either drive
control lever rearward to the handle.
The further toward the handle a lever is
pulled, the faster the unit will travel.

• Forward motion will stop when either
the operator presence control bar or
a drive control lever are released. To
stop forward motion without stop ping
engine, re lease a drive control lever
only. Hold op er a tor presence control
bar down against handle to con tin ue
mowing without self-propelling.

NOTE: If after releasing the drive control

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

All four wheels are adjusted by a single
lever.

• Pull adjuster lever toward wheel. To
raise mower, move lever forward to
desired position. To lower mow er, move
the lever toward the rear.

Height
adjuster lever

the mower will not roll backwards, push
the mower forward slightly to disengage
drive wheels.

Operator presence control bar

Use ear
protec­tors to
avoid

damage to hearing.

Adjustment

turnbuckle

Drive
control levers

TO ENGAGE

DRIVE CONTROL

DRIVE CONTROL

DISENGAGED

DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT

Over time, the drive control system may
become “loose”, resulting in decreased
speed. There is a turnbuckle on the drive

LEVER
BACKWARD
TO LOWER
MOWER

LEVER
FORWARD
TO RAISE
MOWER

9

TO CONVERT MOWER

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to
be used as a mulcher. To convert to bag­ging or discharging:

REAR BAGGING

• Lift handle to vertical position. The rear
door will rise to allow easy removal and
replacement of the grass catcher. Place
the grass catcher frame hooks onto the
grass bag brackets.

• To convert to mulching or dis charg ing
operation, remove grass catch er and
close rear door.

Rear doorVertical position

Grass bag

Grass

catcher

frame hook

bracket

Full bag

indicator

window

Grass

catcher

handle

SIDE DISCHARGING

• Rear door must be closed.

• Open mulcher door and install dis­ charge deflector under door as shown.

• Mower is now ready for side discharg­ing operation.

• To convert to mulching or bagging
operation, dis charge deflector must be
removed and mulcher door must be
closed and locked.

SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN
CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER

FOR MULCHING -

1. Rear door closed.

2. Mulcher door closed and locked.

FOR REAR BAGGING -

1. Grass catcher installed.

2. Mulcher door closed and locked.

FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

1. Rear door closed.

2. Discharge deflector installed.
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mow-

er with out rear door closed or ap proved
grass catcher in place. Never at tempt to
op er ate the lawn mow er with the rear door
re moved or propped open.

Unlock
latch

Open
mulcher door

Discharge
deflector

MOWER IS NOW READY
FOR DISCHARGING
OPERATION

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

Empty the grass catcher when clippings
are visible in the full bag indicator window.

1. Move operator presence control bar
forward to unlock the handle.

2. Lift handle to vertical position. The
rear door will rise to allow easy re­moval and replacement of the grass
catcher.

3. Lift up on grass catcher using the
frame han dle.

4. Remove grass catcher with clippings
from under lawn mower han dle.

5. Empty clippings from bag using both
frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when empty­ing; it will cause unnecessary wear.

10