Craftsman 944.360480 Owner's Manual
Owner's Manual
CRI:IFTSMRN°
6.25 HORSEPOWER
21 "MULTI-CUT
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
944.360480
• 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 2 Product Specifications 10
Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 12
Assembly 4 Storage 13
Operation 5 Troubleshooting 15
Maintenance Schedule 9 Repair Parts 18
Maintenance 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 apply to 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
c.ircumstances.
TRAINING:
• Read this operator's manual carefully.
Become familiar with the controls and
know how to operate your mower
properly. Learn 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.
• Dress properly. Do not operate mower
when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Wear only solid shoes 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 driveways, walks, roads,
and any gravel--covered areas.
• Never direct discharge of material
toward bystanders nor allow anyone
near the mower while you are operating
it.
• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing
your mower, stop the engine and make
absolutely sure the blade and all moving
parts 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 bolts often to be sure they are
tightened properly.
• Check all bolts, 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 worn bags.
Usa 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 storing in
any enclosure.
• Never store mower with fuel in the tank
inside a building where fumes may
reach an open flame or an ignition
source such as a hot water heater,
space heater, clothes dryer, etc.
im_pLOOkfor this to out
symbol point
odant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
pI_CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
ug wire ana place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs.
3
Read these instructionsand this manual in its
entiretybefore 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 assembled
at the factorywiththe exception of those parts
leftunassembled for shipping purposes. All
partssuch as nuts, washers, belts, etc.,
necessary to complete the assembly have
been placed in the pads bag. Toensure safe
and proper operation of your lawn mower, all
pads and hardware you assemble must be
tightened securely. Use the correct tools as
necessary to ensure proper tightn_.
TOREMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
• Remove loose parts included with mower.
• Cut down two end comers of carton and
lay end panel down flat.
• Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower handle
and padding holding operator presence
controlbar to upper handle.
• Rolllawn mower out of carton and check
carton thoroughly for additional loose pads.
HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handles carefullyso as
notto pinch or damage controlcables.
• Raise lower handle section to operating
position and squeeze the bottom ends
of lower handle towards each other
until the pin in handle can be inserted
into one of the three height adjustment
holes.
• Remove protective padding, raise
upper handle section into place on
lower handle and tighten both handle
knobs.
• Remove any packing material from
around control bar.
• Your handles may be adjusted for your
mowing comfort. Refer to Service and
Adjustments section of this manual.
3-position
Handle
Handle / adjustment
pin bracket
Operator presence contrxol
bar _
Upper handle _./_/_,. /)"
_--_,o..;---___ r_// position
,ower }
TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER
• 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.
• 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.
ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn
mower without mulcher plug in place or
approved clipping deflector or grass
catcher in place. Never attempt to
operate the lawn mower with the rear
door removed or propped open.
Catchee;__ __
frame __-.----_s-_ _f_. -_: _ ,_
handle _ _ _/ _\_
:_ , Vin bindings
opening
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to
be used as a mulcher. To convert to
begging or discharging, see "TO CON-
VERT MOWER" in the OPERATION
section of this manual.
4
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING 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.
_ _/mbols m_ _ on your Im_nmowaror in liter_um i_plied withthe p_duct _ I_l
u_lemtmd Ihe_ mea_
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
Enginezone controlcable
\
Operator presence control bar
Starter handle
Grass catcher_
Handle knob
Gasoline cap
Primer
Engine oil
cap w/
dipstick
Housing
Mulcher door
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOUNE in the engine.
Wheel adjuster
(on each wheel)
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotarywalk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American
National Standards Instituteand the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The blade
turns when the engine is running.
Operator presence controlbar - must be
helddownto the handletostartthe engine.
Releasetostopthe engine.
Primer - pumps add_onaJ fuel from the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when
star'a_a cotder_ne.
Starter handle - used for startingthe 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 IJSE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
_I=CAUTION: 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
requires the operator to be positioned
behind the lawn mower handle to start and
operate the lawn mower.
TO ADJUST CUTrlNG HEIGHT
• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for high cut.
• Adjustcutting height to suit your require-
ments. Medium position is best for most
lawns.
• To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster
lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or
down tosuit your requirements. Be sure all
wheels are inthe 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.
Plate Tab
Lower Wheels for High Cut
Raise Wheels for Low Cut
Lever
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.
,I
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.
_{_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
Discharge
deflector
Mulcher door
,AWARNING: 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.
_ILCAUTION: 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.
oil cap
Gasoline filler cap
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
Ol.
Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in
the engine.
• Be sure mower is level and area around oil
fillis clean.
• Remove engine oilcap and fillto the full
line on the dipstick.
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 overfill.
• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if
needed. Fillto fullline on dipstick.
• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap
each time.
• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
• Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may need
to change the oilmore often under dusty,
dirty conditions.
ADD GASOUNE
• Fillfuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be
used within 30 days to assure fuel
freshness.
TO START ENGINE
• To starta cold engine, push primar five (5)
times before tryingto start. Use a firm
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 starterrope to snap
back.
• To stop engine, release operator presence
control bar.
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be
necessary to repeat priming 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.
7
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 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
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 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 life.
MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep
mower housing free of built-upgrass and
trash. See "Cleaning" in Maintenance section
of this manual.
• The special mulching blade will recut the
grass clippings many times and reduce
them in size so that as they fall ontothe
lawn they willdisperse into the grass and
not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass
willbiodegrade quicklyto provide nutrients
for the lawn. Always mulchwith your
highest engine (blade) speed as this will
providethe best recuttingaction of the
blades.
• Avoid cuttingyour lawn when it is wet. Wet
grass tends to form clumps and interferes
with the mulchingaction. The best time to
mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At
thistime the grass has dried and the newly
cut area willnot be exposed to the direct
sun.
• For best results,adjust the lawn mower
cuttingheight sothat the lawn mower cuts
off onlythe top one-thirdof the grass
blades. If the lawn isovergrown it will be
necessary to raise the height of cutto
reduce pushing effortand to keep from
overloading the engine and leaving
clumps of mulched grass. For extremely
beaw mulching, reduce your widthof cut
by overlapping previouslycut path and
mow slowly.
/3
• Certain types of grass and grasscondi-
tions may require that an area be mulched
a second time tocompletely hide the
clippings. When doing a second cut, mow
across or perpendicularto the first cut path.
• Change your cuffing pattem from week to
week. Mow northto south one week then
change to east to west the next week. This
will help prevent matting and grainingof
the lawn.
8
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