Craftsman 944.360452 Owner's Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRHFTSMAH'J

6 HORSEPOWER

21 "Multi-cut

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

944.360452

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

Library Rec'_,_._ _ -

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Copy to L brav___------ ---

Duplicate Document_--------

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

Warranty ............................................... 2

Safety Rules ......................................... 2

Assembly .............................................. 4

Operation .............................................. 5

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 9

Maintenance ......................................... 9

Product Specifications ........................ 10

Service and Adjustments .................... 12

Storage ............................................... 13

Troubleshooting ................................. 15

Repair Parts ........................................ 18

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 orworkmanship.
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 cleanem 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 apply to you.

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

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.
I.GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all
instructions on the machine and in the

manual(s) before starting. Be thor-
oughly 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
discharge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals,
who are familiar with the instructions, to
operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as
recks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, 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.

• Do not operate the mower when
barefoot or wearing open sandals.

Always wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless

absolutely necessary. Always look
down and behind before and while

moving backwards.

• Do not operate the mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or

other 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 gravel
drives, walks, or roads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you

leave the equipment, before cleaning
the mower or unclogging the chute.

• Shuttheengine (motor) off and wait

until the blade comes to complete stop
before removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial

light.

• 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 e

firm hold on the handle and walk; never

run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mecha-

nism or drive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starting the engine

(motor).

• If the equipment should start to vibrate

abnormally, stop the engine (motor)
and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety

glasses with side shields when

operating mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip
and fall accidents which can result in

severe injury. Arl slopes require extra
caution, if you feel uneasy on a slope, do

notmow it.
DO:

• Mow across the face of slopes: never

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.

II1.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 trimming area

and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children

enter the area.

• Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small
children.

• Never allow children to operate the

machine.

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

IV. SERVICES

• 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. Al|ow 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.

• Never make adjustments or repairs

with the engine (motor) running.

Disconnect the spark plug wire, and
keep the wire away from the plug to
prevent accidental 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 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 attempt to make wheel height

adjustments while the engine (motor) is
running.

• Grass catcher components are subject

to wear, damage, and deterioration,
which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently
check components 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.

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

3

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

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

A, CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,

transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

Read these instructions and this manual
in its entirety before you attempt to
assemble or operate your new lawn

mower.
IMPORTANT: Thislawn mower is
shippedWITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in
the engine,

Your new lawn mower has been as-
sembled atthefactorywiththeexception

ofthosepartsleftunassembled for

shipping purposes. All parts such as
nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to

complete the assembly have been placed
in the parts bag. To ensure safe and

proper operation of your lawn mower, all
parts and hardware you assemble must

be tightened securely. Use the correct
tools as necessary to ensure proper

tightness.
TO REMOVE LAWN 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 between upper and lower

handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.

4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and
check carton thoroughly for additional

loose parts.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN
MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handles carefully

so as not to pinch or damage control
cables.

1. Raise handles until lower handle
section locks into place in mowing

position.

2. Remove protective padding, raise
upper handle section into place on

lower handle and tighten both handle
knobs.

3. Remove handle padding holding
operator presence control bar to
upper handle.

Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted
for your mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust

Handle" in the Service and Adjustment

section of this manual.
Operator presence control

bar

Upper handle

Lift up

position

Lower handle

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

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.

• ILCAUTION: Do not run your lawn
mower without clipping deflector or

approved grass catcher in place. Never
attempt to operate the lawn mower with
the rear door removed or propped open.

Catcher
frame -.-.---.---"-_,

handle

opening

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To convert to
bagging or discharging, sea "TO CON-

VERT MOWER" in the OPERATION
section of this manual.

4

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN
MOWER. Compare the illustrationswithyour lawn mower to familiarize yourselfwith the
locationof variouscontrolsend adiustments. Save this manual for future reference.

The_ symbolsmayappeeronyourlavmmow_or Inliteralummq0pliedwllhlhepreduct.Leam_ld

under_andIt_o meanln_

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Enginezone controlcable

\

Operator presence control bar

Stader handle

Grass catcher.

Handleknob

Gasofine cap

Pdmer

Engine oil
cap w/
dipstick

Housing

Mulcher door

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower isshipped

Wheeladjuster

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE intheengine. (oneach wheel)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears rotary walk-behindpower lawn mowers conformto the safetystandards ofthe American

NationalStandards Instituteand the U.S. Consumer ProductSafety Commission. The blade
'urns when the engine is running.

Operator presence control bar - must he
held downto the handle tostartthe engine.

_elease to stopthe engine.

Primer - pumps additionalfuelfrom the
carburetorto the cylinderfor usewhen
startinga cold engine.
Starter handle - used for starlingthe engine.

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

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

lawn mower in order to minimize the risk
of btade 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

requires the operator to be positioned
behind the lawn mower handle to start

and operate the lawn mower.

TO ADJUST CU'I'FING HEIGHT

Raise wheels for low cut and lower
wheels for high cut. Adjust cutting height

to suit your requirements. Medium

position is best for most lawns,

• To change cutting height, squeeze

adjuster lever toward wheel. Move
wheel up or down to suit your require-

ments. Be sure all wheels are in the
same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster is properly 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.

PlateTab

Lower .Wheelsfor HighCutr__,,_=__

Lever

Raise Wheels for LowCut

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 pros

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 -

1. Rear door closed.

2. Mulcher door closed.

FOR REAR BAGGING -

1. Grass catcher installed.

2. Mulcher door closed.

FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

1. Rear door closed.

2. Side discharge deflector installed.

_I,CAUTION: Do not run your lawn

mower without rear door closed or

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

the rear door removed or propped open.

6

Open
door

Mufcher door

Discharge_
deflector

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL

Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in
the engine. Engine holds 20 oz. of oil.
For type and grade of oil to use, see

"ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this
manual.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area
around oil fill is clean.

2. Remove engine oil cap and fill to the

full line on the dipstick. Pour oil slowly.

Do not over fill.
NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine
for accurate reading. To read proper level,

tighten engine oil cap, then remove it to
read the dipstick.

3. Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• Check oil level before each use. Add

oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

• Change the oil after every 25 hours of

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

ADD GASOLINE
NOTE: Before filling fuel tank, remove

and discard the debris plug that is inside
!he tank.

, Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline with a minimum of

87 octane. Do not mix oil with gaso-

line. Purchase fuel in quantities that

can be used within 30 days to assure
fuel freshness.

_.WARNING: 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. To avoid engine
problems, the fuel system should be
emptied before storage of 30 days or
longer. Drain the gas tank, start the
engine and let it run until the fuel lines
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel
next season. See Storage Instructions for
additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel

tank or permanent damage may occur.
_L 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.

Engineoilcap Gasolinefiller cap

TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the

engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present during the initial use of the
product and should be considered
normal.

1. To start a cold engine, push primer

three (3) times before trying to start.
Use a firm push. This step is not
usually necessary when starting an
engine which has already run for a

few minutes.

2. 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

• 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.

MOWINGTIPS

• 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 overloading 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

out 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 filled 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 (ire.

MULCHING MOWlNGTIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance,

keep mower housing free of built-up
grass and trash. See "Cleaning" in

Maintenance section of this manual.

• The special mulching blade will recur
the grass clippings many times and

reduce them in size so that as they fall
onto the lawn they will disperse into the
grass and not be noticed. Also, the

mulched grass will biodegrade quickly
to provide nutrients for the lawn.
Always mulch with your highest engine

(blade) speed as this will provide the

best recutting action of the blades.

• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet.
Wet grass tends to form clumps and
interferes with the mulching action.

The best time to mow your lawn is the
early afternoon. At this time the grass

has dried and the newly cut area will

not be exposed to the direct sun.

• For best results, adjust the lawn mower
cutting height so that the lawn mower

cuts off only the top one-third of the

grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown
it will be necessary to raise the height

of cut to reduce pushing effort and to
keep from overloading the engine and

leaving clumps of mulched grass. For
extremely heavy mulching, reduce your

width of cut by overlapping previously
cut path and mow slowly.

• Certain types of grass and grass

conditions may require that an area be

mulched a second time to completely
hide the clippings. When doing a

second cut, mow across or perpendicu-
lar to the first cut path.

• Change your cutting pattern from week
to week. Mow north to south one week

then change to east to west the next
week. This will help prevent matting

and graining of the lawn.

Max 1/3