Craftsman 944.360040 Owner's Manual

433658 01.25.10 BY Printed in U.S.A.

Model No.

944.360040

CAUTION:

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

Owner’s Manual

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

625 Series Briggs & Stratton Engine
Power-Propelled
22" Multi-Cut

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

2

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

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

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

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

Operation............................................ 7-11

Maintenance Schedule.......................... 12

Maintenance.....................................12-15

Service and Adjustments.................. 16-17

Storage.............................................17-18

Troubleshooting................................ 18-19

Repair Parts...................................... 20-29

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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: Muffl er 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. 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 ma-

chine 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 oper-

ate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,

toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which could

be picked up and thrown by blade.

• Be sure the area is clear of other people

before mowing. Stop ma chine if anyone

enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when bare foot

or wearing open sandals. Al ways wear

substantial foot wear.

• 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 the 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.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you
leave the equip ment, before clean ing the
mower or unclogging the chute.

• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until
the blade comes to complete stop before
removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylight or good artifi cial
light.

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

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

• Disengage the self-propelled mech a nism
or drive clutch on mowers so equipped
before starting the engine.

• 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 safety goggles or safe ty
glasses with side shields when op er at ing
mower.

II. 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.

31

SERVICE NOTES

30

SERVICE NOTES

3

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, or bumps. Tall grass
can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance.

• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing
could cause slipping.

III. CHILDREN

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 trimming area
and under the watchful care of an oth er
re spon si ble adult.

• 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 ma­chine.

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

IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

Use extreme care in handling gasoline.
Gasoline is extremely fl ammable 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 fl ame, spark or pilot
light such as a water heater or on other
appliances.

• Never fi ll 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 fi lling.

• 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 overfi ll fuel tank. Replace gas cap
and tighten securely.

V. GENERAL SERVICE

• Never run 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 nuts and bolts, especially blade at­tachment bolts, tight and keep equipment
in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check
their proper operation reg u lar ly.

• 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.

WARNING: This lawn mower is equipped with an internal com bus tion engine and

should not be used on or near any un im proved 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 muffl er is available through your nearest Sears Service Cen­tre (See the REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).

4

WARRANTY

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

or workmanship for a specifi c 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, fi lters, 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 identifi cation label will be disqualifi ed
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.

29

MODEL NUMBER 122T02-1334-B1

BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE

KEY PART
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION

356 692390 Wire-Stop
358 794307 Gasket Set-Engine
362 793351 Shield-Spark Plug
365 691688 Screw (Carburetor)
404 690272 Washer (Governor Crank)
425 690670 Screw (Air Cleaner Cover)
443 692523 Screw
(Air Cleaner Primer Base)
445 491588s Filter-Air Cleaner Cartridge
455 791960 Cup-Flywheel
456 692299 Plate-Pawl Friction
459 281505s Pawl-Ratchet
505 691251 Nut (Governor Control Lever)
523 499621 Dipstick
524 692296 • Seal- Dipstick Tube
525 495265 Tube-Dipstick
562 691119 Bolt (Governor Control Lever)
564 698589 Screw (Control Cover)
584 697734 Cover-Breather Passage
585 691879 • Gasket-Breather Passage
592 690800 Nut (Rewind Starter)
597 691696 Screw (Pawl Friction Plate)
601 791850 Clamp-Hose (Green)
604 790703 Cover-Control
608 497680 Starter-Rewind
613 790833 Screw (Muffl er)
615 690340 Retainer-Governor Shaft
616 698801 Crank-Governor
617 270344s •* Seal-O Ring (Intake Manifold)
621 692310 Switch-Stop (Brake)
633 691321 * Seal-Choke / Throttle Shaft
(Throttle Shaft)
684 690345 Screw
(Breather Passage Cover)
689 691855 Spring-Friction
718 690959 Pin-Locating
741 795755 Gear-Timing
745 691648 Screw (Brake)
847 692047 Dipstick/Tube Assembly
851 692424 Terminal-Spark Plug
868 697338 • Seal-Valve
869 691155 Seat-Valve (Intake)
870 690380 Seat-Valve (Exhaust)

KEY PART
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION

871 262001 Bushing-Valve Guide
(Exhaust Valve)
63709 Bushing-Valve Guide
(Intake Valve)
883 691881 •+ Gasket-Exhaust
921 795064 Cover-Blower Housing
922 692135 Spring-Brake
923 796136 Brake
957 692046 Cap-Fuel Tank
966 795259 Base-Air Cleaner Primer
968 692298 Cover-Air Cleaner
969 690700 Screw
(Blower Housing Cover)
972 699374 Tank-Fuel
975 493640 Bowl-Fuel
976 694395 Primer-Carburetor
1036 - - - Label-Emissions (Available
From any Briggs & Stratton
Authorized Dealer)
1058 277039 Operator’s Manual
1059 692311 Kit-Screw/Washer
(Fuel Tank)
1095 498528 Gasket Set-Valve
1210 498144 Pulley / Spring Assembly
(Pulley)
1211 498144 Pulley / Spring Assembly
(Spring)
1329 126L021025F1 Replacement Engine
1330 270962 Repair Manual

- - 398067 Spark Arrester

(available accessory)

* Included in Carburetor Overhaul Kit,
Key Number 121

• Included in Engine Gasket Set,

Key Number 358

+ Included in Valve Gasket Set,
Key Number 1095

NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S.
inches. 1 inch = 25.4 mm

28

MODEL NUMBER 122T02-1334-B1

BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE

KEY PART
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION

1 697322 Cylinder Assembly
2 399269 Kit-Bushing / Seal
(Magneto Side)
3 299819s • Seal-Oil (Magneto Side)
4 493279 Sump-Engine
5 691160 Head-Cylinder
7 692249 •+ Gasket-Cylinder Head
8 695250 Breather Assembly
9 699472 + Gasket-Breather
10 691125 Screw (Breather Assembly)
11 691781 Tube-Breather
11A 691923 Tube-Breather
12 692232 • Gasket-Crankcase
13 690912 Screw (Cylinder Head)
15 691680 Plug-Oil Drain
16 691450 Crankshaft
20 399781s • Seal-Oil (PTO Side)
22 691092 Screw
(Crankcase Cover / Sump)
23 691987 Flywheel
24 222698s Key-Flywheel
25 795429 Piston Assembly (Standard)
795430 Piston Assembly
(.020” Oversize)
26 795431 Ring Set (Standard Size)
795432 Ring Set (.020” Oversize)
27 691866 Lock-Piston Pin
28 499423 Pin-Piston
29 499424 Rod-Connecting
32 691664 Screw (Connecting Rod)
(Short)
32A 695759 Screw (Connecting Rod)
(Long)
33 262651s Valve-Exhaust
34 262652s Valve-Intake
35 691270 Spring-Valve (Intake)
36 691270 Spring-Valve (Exhaust)
37 793756 Guard-Flywheel
40 692194 Retainer-Valve
43 691997 Slinger-Governor / Oil
45 690548 Tappet-Valve
46 691449 Camshaft

KEY PART
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION

48 792741 Short Block
50 794305 Manifold-Intake
51 794306 • Gasket-Intake
54 691650 Screw (Intake Manifold)
55 691421 Housing-Rewind Starter
58 697316 Rope-Starter
60 795426 Grip-Starter Rope
65 690837 Screw (Rewind Starter)
78 691108 Screw (Flywheel Guard)
81 691740 Lock-Muffl er Screw
97 696565 Shaft-Throttle
104 691242 * Pin-Float Hinge
117 494870 Jet-Main (Standard)
118 498667 Jet-Main (High Altitude)
121 498260 Kit-Carburetor Overhaul
125 790821 Carburetor (Autochoke)
127 694468 * Plug-Welch
130 696564 Valve-Throttle
133 398187 Float-Carburetor
134 398188 * Kit-Needle/Seat
137 693981 * Gasket-Float Bowl
163 795629 •* Gasket-Air Cleaner
177 691031 • Seal-O Ring (Dipstick)
187 791766 Line-Fuel
(Cut To Required Length)
188 693999 Screw (Control Bracket)
190 690940 Screw (Fuel Tank)
202 691829 Link-Mechanical Governor
209 699056 Spring-Governor (No Color)
222 795937 Bracket-Control
227 690783 Lever-Governor Control
276 271716 * Washer-Sealing (Main Jets)
287 690940 Screw (Dipstick Tube)
300 697038 Muffl er
304 695892 Housing-Blower
305 691108 Screw (Blower Housing)
306 690450 Shield-Cylinder
307 690345 Screw (Cylinder Shield)
332 690662 Nut (Flywheel)
333 793353 Armature-Magneto
334 691061 Screw (Magneto Armature)
337 796112s Plug-Spark

5

Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
Gasoline Capacity / Type: 1,5 Litres (Unleaded Regular)
Oil Capacity: 0,58 Litres
Oil Type (API SG–SL): SAE 30 (above 0°C/32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 0°C/32°F)
Spark Plug: Champion RJ19HX (Gap: 0,76 mm)
Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. lbs.

• 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

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 fi lters, 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 fi rst 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 identifi cation 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 identifi cation of the product is acceptable.

WARRANTY