Craftsman 944.360440 Owner's Manual

Owner's Manual

£RAFTSMAN"

6.0, HORSEPOWER
MULTI-CUT

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

944.360440

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow.all
Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

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

Warranty
Safety Rules

Assembly
Operation

Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance

Product Specifications 10

Service and Adjustments 12
4 Storage 13
5 Troubleshooting 15
9 Repair Parts 18

9 Parts Ordering Back Cover

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN power mower
For Two 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.

COMMERCIAL OR RENTAL USE:
Warranty on Power Mower (Gas) will be ninety (90) days from date of purchase if used

for commercial or rental purposes.

This Warranty does NOT cover:

• Pre-delivery set-up.

• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower

blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent
crankshafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions

contained in the owner's manual.

Warranty service is available by returning the Craftsman Power Mower 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 applyto you.

SEARS CANADA, INC., TORONTO, ONTARIO M5B 2B8

Safety standards require operator

presence controls to minimize the

risk Of injury. Your unit is equipped

with such controls. Do not attempt to

defeat the function of the operator
presence controls under any

circumstances.

TRAINING:

• Read this operator's manual carefully.
Become familiar with the controls and

know how to operate your mower
properly. Leam how to quickly stop

mower.

• Do not allow children to use your mower.

Never allow adults to use mower without

proper instructions.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, especially small children and
pets.

• Use mower only as the manufacturer

intended and as described in this
manual.

• Do not operate mower if it has been

dropped or damaged in any manner.
Always have damage repaired before

using your mower.

• Do not use accessory attachments that

are not recommended by the manufac-
turer. Use of such attachments may be

hazardous.

• The blade turns when the engine is

running.

PREPARATION:

• Always thoroughly check the area to be
mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks,

wires, bones, and other foreign objects.
These objects will be thrown by the

blade and can cause severe injury.

• Always wear safety glasses or eye

shields when starting and while using

2 your mower.

• Dressproperly.Donotoperate mower
when barefootor weadngopen sandals.
Wear onlysolidshoes with good traction

when mowing.

• Check fuel tank before starting engine.

Do not fill gas tank indoors, when the
engine is running or when the engine is
hot. Allow the engine to cool for several
minutes before filling the gas tank. Clean
off any spilled gasoline before starting
the engine.

• Always make wheel height adjustments

before starting your mower. Never
attempt to do this while the engine is

running.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial
light.

OPERATION:

• Keep your eyes and mind on your
mower and the area being cut. Do not let
other interests distract you.

• Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never
run while operating your mower. Always
be sure of your footing -- keep a firm

hold on the handles and walk.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotating pads. Keep clear of the dis-

charge opening at all times.

• Always stop the engine whenever you

leave or are not using your mower, or
before crossing ddveways, walks, roads,

and any gravel--covered areas.

• Never direct discharge of matedal
toward bystanders nor allow anyone

near the mower while you are operating
it.

• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repaidng

your mower, stop the engine and make
absolutely sure the blade and all moving
pads have stopped. Then disconnect the
spark plug wire and keep it away from
the spark plug to prevent accidental
starting.

• Do not continue to run your mower if you

hit a foreign object. Follow the procedure
outlined above, then repair any damage
before restarting and operating you

mower.

• Do not change the governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Engine damage
or personal injury may result.

• Do not operate your mower if it vibrates
abnormally. Excessive vibration is an

indication of damage; stop the engine,

safely check for the cause of vibration
and repair as required.

• Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust
fumes are dangerous.

• Never cut grass by pulling the mower

towards you. Mow across the face of

slopes, never up and down or you
might lose your footing. Do not mow
excessively steep slopes. Use caution
when operating the mower on uneven
terrain or when changing directions
maintain good footing.

• Never operate your mower without

proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
other safety devices in place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

• Check the blade and the engine
mounting belts often to be sure they are
tightened properly.

• Check all belts, nuts and screws at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to

be sure mower is in safe working
condition.

• Keep all safety devices in place and

working.

• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine

free of grass, leaves or excessive
grease and oil.

• Check grass catcher often for deteriora-
tion and wear and replace wom bags.

Use only replacement bags that are
recommended by and comply with

specifications of the manufacturer of
your mower.

• Always keep a sharp blade on your

mower.

• Allow engine to cool before stodng in

any enclosure.

• Never store mower with fuel in the tank
inside a building where fumes may

reach an open flame or an ignition
soume such as a hot water heater,

space heater, clothes dryer, etc.

ALook for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means

CAUT-IONll! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

FAICAU.TION: ' Always disconnect.spark.

ug wmreano place wire where ,t cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

3

_CAUTI. O.N: .Do.not o_rate this mower ,withoutthe d'Lschargeguard or an entire apl?mved

grass catcner .1 pace. tnose guaras are for your protectionand are required by the American

National Standards Instituteand Consumer Products Safety Commission.
ACAUTION: Disconnect spark plugwire from spark plug and place wire where itcannot

come in contact with plug.

Reed these instructionsand this manual in its
entiretybefore you attempt to assembleor

operate your new lawn mower.
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in theengine.

Your new lawn mower has been assembled
at the factorywith the exception of those parts

left unassombied for shipping puqooses. All
pads such as nuts,washers, belts, etc.,

necessary to complete the assembly have
been placed inthe pads bag. To ensure safe

and proper operation of your lawn mower, all
pads and hardware you _rnble must be

tightened securely. Use the correcttools as
necessary to ensure proper tightness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with mower.

• Cutdown two end comers of carton and

lay end panel down flat.

• Remove all pacldng materials except
paddng between upper and lower handle

and padding holding operator presence

control bar to upper handle.

• Rolllawn mower out of carton and check

carton thoroughlyfor additional loose parts.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handles carefullyso as
not to pinch or damage control cables.

• Raise lower handle section to operating
potion and squeeze the bottom ends of
lower handle towards each other untilthe

pin in handle can be inserted into one of

thethreeheightadjustmentholes.

• Remove protective padding, raise upper

handesectionintoplace on lowerhandle

and tighten both handle knobs.

• Remove any pacldng material from around

control bar.

• Your handles may be adjusted for your
mowing comfort. Refer to Service and

Adjustments sectionof this manual.

3-Position
handle pin
adjustment /

bracket

Operator presence
control bar

Lift

Mowing

Lower position

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

• Put grass catcher frame into grassbag with

dgidpart of bag on tha bottom. Make,sum

the frame handle is outside of the bag top.

• Slip vinylbindings over frame.
NOTE: Ifvinyl bindingsare too stiff,holdthem

inwarm water fora few minutes, ffbag gets

wet, let itdry before using.
ACAUTION: Do not run yourlawn mower

without mulcher plug in place or approved
clippingdeflector or grass catcherin place.

Never attempt to operate the lawn mower

with the rear door removed or propped open.

frCaatrnC;e_--_L'_ _

Frame
opening

TO INSTALL A'rrACHM_rrs

Your lawn mower was shipped reedy to be
used as a mulcher. To convertto bagging or
discha@ng, see =TO CONVERT MOWER"

inthe OPERATION seclion of this manual.

4

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN

MOWER. Compare the illustrationswith your lawn mower to familiarize yourselfwith the _
locationof various controlsand adjustments. Save this manual for futurereference.

Throe=ymbob mwappearonyourIron mow="orinlitB.ature=UpldiedwithIhe_ _ _ _

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Engine zone control cable

Operator presence control bar

Starter handle

Grass catcher

Handle knob

Engine oil
capw/

dipstick

Gasoline cap

Housing

Mulcher

door

IMPORTANT:. This lawn mower isshipped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. Wheal adjuster

(on each wheel)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotaw walk-behind powor lawn mowers conformto the safety standards ofthe American

National Standards Instituteand the U.S. Consumer ProductSafety Commission. The blade

turnswhentheengineisrunning.

Operator preNnce control ber -must be

heUdowntothehand_totortthee_j_e.

Relaasetostoptheengine.

Primer - pumps addtional fuel from the

carburetor to the cylinderfor use when

sta_g a colde_ne.

Starter handle - used for startingthe er_.

5

[_] 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 lawn mower or

performing any adjustments or repairs.
We recommend a wide vision safety mask

over spectacles or standard safety

glasses.
HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed is not

adjustable,
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

ACAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this

lawn mower in order to minimize the risk

of blade contact injury. Do not under any
circumstances attempt to defeat the
function of the operator control. The blade

turns when the engine is running.

• Your lawn mower is equipped with an
operator presence control bar which

requiresthe operator to be positioned

behind the lawn mower handle to start and
operate the lawn mower.

TO ADJUST CUTnNG HEIGHT

• Raise wheels for lowcut and lower wheels

forhigh cut

• Adjustcutting heightto suityour require-

ments. Medium positionis best for most
lawns.

• To change cuttingheight,squeeze adjuster
levertoward wheel. Move wheel up or

downto suit your requirements. Be sure all
wheels aro inthe same sstlJng.

NOTE: Adjuster is prepedy positioned
when plate tab inserts into hole in lever.
Also, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped)

allow lever to be positioned between the
plate tabs.

Plate Tab

Lower Wheels for High Cut _ j_

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

TO CONVERT MOWER

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to
be used as a mulcher. To convert to

bagging or discharging:

REAR BAGGING

• Lift rear door of the lawn mower and
place the grass catcher frame hooks

onto the door pivot pins.

• To convert to mulching or discharging

operation, remove grass catcher and
close rear door.

Pivot pins

SIDE DISCHARGING

• Rear door must be closed.

• Open mulcher door and install dis-

charge deflector under guard as

shown.

• Mower is now ready for discharging

operation.

• To convert to mulching or bagging

operation, discharge deflector must be

removed and mulcher door must be
closed.

" SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER
WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN

MOWER

FOR MULCHING -

• Rear door closed.

• Mulcher door closed.

FOR REAR BAGGING -

• Grass catcher installed.

• Mulcher door closed.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

• Rear door closed.

• Side discharge deflector installed.

ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn
mower without rear door closed or

approved grass catcher in place. Never
attempt to operate the !awn mower with

the rear door removed or propped open.

6

_lchsr door

Open
mulchq
door

Discharge
deflector

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL
Your lawn mower is shipped wiff_ut oil inthe

engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around oil

fillis dean.

• Remove engine oil cap and fillto the full

H_ _ tbaQ_stlok.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine
for accurate dipstick reading.

• Engine holds 20 ozs. of oil. Fortype and
grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in

Maintenance section of this manual.

• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.

• Check oillevel before each use. Add oil if

needed. Fillto full line on dipstick.

• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap
each time.

• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• Change the oil after even] 25 hours of

operation or each season. You may need
to change the oil more often under dusty,

dirty cona_dJons.

ADD GASOLINE
NOTE: Before filling fuel tank, remove and

discard the debris plug that is inside the
tank.

• Fillfueltank. Use fresh,clean,regular

unleadedgasolinewitha minimumof 87
octane. Do not mixoil withgasoline.

Purchasefuelin quantitiesthatcan be used

within30 daystoassurefuelfrestmess.

WARNING: Experience ina_ates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gesohol or

usingethanolorme'a'_lol)canattract

moisturewhich leads to separation and

formation of acids during storage. Ack_ gas
can damage the fuel system of an engine

while in storage. To avoid engine problems,
the fuel system should be emptJ_ before
storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas
tank, start the engine and let it run untilthe
fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use

fresh fuel next season. See Storage

Instructionsfor additional information. Never

use engine or cadouretorcleaner products in
the fuel tank or permanent damage may

occur.

_CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank

filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any

Spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or
use gasoline near an open flame.

Gasoline filler cap

cap

(Discard
debris plug

inside)

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primer three

(3) times before tryingto strut. Use afirm
push. This step is not usuallynecessary

when starting an engine which has
already run for a few minutes.

• Hold operator presence control bar down

to the handle and pull starter handle

quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap
back.

• To stop engine, release operator presence
control bar.

NOTE.: In cooler weather it may be
necessary to repeat pdming steps. In

warmer weather over priming may cause
flooding and engine will not start. If you

do flood engine, wait a few minutes

before attempting to start and do not
repeat priming steps.

MOWING TIPS

• Under certain conditions, such as very
tall grass, it may be necessary to raise
the height of cut to reduce pushing

effort and to keep from ovedoading the
engine and leaving clumps of grass
clippings. It may also be necessary to
reduce ground speed and/or run the

lawn mower over the area a second
time.

• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cut by overlapping previously

cut path and mow slowly.

• For better grass bagging and most
cutting conditions, the engine speed

should be set in the fast position.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can
become tilled with dirt and dust with use

and catchers will collect less grass. To
prevent this, regularly hose catcher off

with water and let dry before using.

• Keep top of engine around starter clear

and clean of grass clippings and chaff.
This will help engine air flow and

extend engine life.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: For bsst performance, keep

mower housing free of built-upgrass and
trash. See =Cleaning" in Maintenance section

of this manual.

• The special mulchingblade will recut the

grass clippingsmany times and reduce
them insize sothat as they fail ontothe

lawn they willdisperse intothe grass and
not be noticed. Abo, the muk:t._ grass

willbiodegrade quicidyto provide nutrients
forthe lawn. Always mulchwith your

highest engine (blade) speed as this will
providethe best recuttingaction of the

blades.

• Avoid cuttingyour lawn when itis wet Wet
grass tends to form clumps and interferes
with the mulchingaction. The best time to
mow your lawn is the early aftemoon. At

thislime the grass hasd_ and the newly
cut area will notbe exposed to the direct
sun.

• Forbest results,adjust the lawn mower

cuttingheight so that the lawn mower cuts
off only the top one-third of the grsss

blades. If thelawn is overgrownit Willbe
necessan] to ralae the height of cutto
reduce pushing effortand to keep from

overloading the engine and leaving
clumps of mulched grass. For extremely

heaW mulching, reduce your width of cut
by overlapping previouslycut"path and

mow slowly.

/3

• Certaintypesof grassandgrasscondi-

tionsmayrequirethatan areabemulched

a secondlimatocompletelyhidethe
clippings.Whendoingasscend cut,mow
acrossorperpendiculartothefiratcutpath.

• Changeyourcuttingpattemfromweekto

week. Mow northtosouthonewssk then
changetoeasttowestthe nextweek. This

willhelppreventmattingand grairu'ngof
the lawn.

8

AsYouCOMPLETE 0_ _ _ _ O_

REGULARSERVICE /_._ERVICE DATES

CheckforLooseFasteners _ ill

Clean/InspectGrasSCatcher

M Clean Lawn Mower

CleanUnderDriveCover

(Power-Propelled MowerS) 9/

W Check drive belt/pulleys

(Power-PropelledMowers)

R Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade :_

LubricationChart _/

Clean Battery/Recharge

IElectric Start MowersI I/' I/'4 ,,

NE Check Er_jine Oil Level _pg

Change Engine Oil I/1.2

G Clean Air Filter I_ 2

I InspectMuffler

N Cleanor ReplaceSparkPlug

ReplaceAir FilterPaperCartridge I_2

1- Change moreoltenwhenoperatingundera heavy loadorin highambienttemperatureS.

2 - Sewicemorn oftenwhen operatingIn dirty_- dustycondlUons.
3 - Replacebladesmornoftenwhen mowklgIn sandysoil

4. Ch_uge48 hoursat endotseason.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this lawn mower does not

cover items that have been subjected to
operator abuse or negligence. To receive
full value from the warranty, operator must

maintain mower as instructed in this
manual.
Someadjustments will need to be made
periodically to propedy maintain your unit.

All adjustments in the Service and

Adjustments section of this manual should

be checked at least once each season.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug,

replace air filter element and check

blade for wear. A new spark plug and
clean/new air filter element assures

proper air-fuel mixture and helps your
engine run better and last longer.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this

manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICA-

TION CHART").

LUBRICATION CHART

(_) Wheel adjuster (_) Engineoil

(_) Rear door hinge

(I) sprayU_ant

Handle bracket

mountingpin

_) Refer to Maintenance 'ENGINE' secgon.

9

IMPORTANT: Do notoil orgrease plastic
wbed bea_ Viscous lubdcantswB attract

dustanddrtthatwmshortanthe_ da_es_f
U=k:aa_gbea_ngs.Hyoufeaitheymustbe

lutmat_ useonlyadry,powderedgral_
typetubrmntspa_.