Craftsman 944.361361 User Manual
Owner's Manual
CRAFTSMAN
i P R 0 S I o HAL i
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
160cc Honda Engine
Power-Propelled
22" Multi-Cut
Model No.
944.361361
CAUTION'.
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2B8
Safety Rules ......................................... 2-3
Warranty ............................................... 4-5
Product Specifications ........................... 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
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.
ALook for this symbol to point out im-
portant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
A WARNING: In order to prevent ac-
cidental starting when setting up, trans-
porting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot come in contact
with plug.
A 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. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instruc-
tions on the machine and in the manua!(s)
before starting. Bethoroughly familiarwith
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 discharge
opening at all times.
• Only allow responsible individuals, who
are familiar with the instructions, 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 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.
• Never direct discharged material toward
anyone. Avoid discharging material
against a wall or obstruction. Material
may richochet back toward the opera-
tor. Stop the blade when crossing gravel
surfaces.
• 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.
• Shut the engine (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. Al-
ways be sure of your footing: keep a firm
hold on the handle; walk, never run.
• Disengage the self-propelled mechanism
or drive clutch on mowers so equipped
before starting the engine.
• 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 & fall
accidents which can result in severe injury.
All slopes require extra caution. If you feel
2 uneasy on a slope, do not mow 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.
Iii. 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. Neverassume 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 whilewalking backwards, look
behind and down for small children.
• Never allow children to operate ma-
chine.
• 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 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 equipmentfrom the
truck or trailer and refuel iton the ground. If
this is not possible, then refuel such equip-
mentwith a portable container, rather than
from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim
of the fue! tank or container opening at
all times until fueling is complete. Do not
use a nozzle lock-open device.
• Iffue! isspilled on clothing, change clothing
immediately.
• Never overfill fue! 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. Disconnect
the spark plug wire, and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent accidental
starting.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade at-
tachment 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 orfue! spill-
age. 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 ad-
justments while the engine is running.
• Grass catcher components are subject to
wear, damage, and deterioration, which
could expose moving parts or allowobjects
to be thrown. Frequently check compo-
nents and replace with manufacturer's
recommended parts, when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap
the blade(s) orwear gloves, and use extra
caution when servicing them.
• Do not change the engine governorsetting
or overspeed the engine.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction
labels, as necessary.
&WARNING: This lawn mower is equipped with an internal combustion engine and
should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or
grass-covered 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 muffler is available through your nearest Sears Service Cen-
tre (See the REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).
3
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 FORANY 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
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:
.
90 DAYS: Craftsman products intended for use or actually used for commercial,
institutional, professional or income-producing purposes
.
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, non-
institutional, 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.
.
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.
.
90 DAYS: All defective batteries, which will be replaced during this 90-day Warranty
Period.
.
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: 0,94 Litres (Unleaded Regular)
Oil Capacity: 0,5 Litres
Oil Type (API SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 0°C/32°F) or SAE 10W-30
Spark Plug (Gap: 0,76 mm) NGK BPR6ES
Valve Clearance (+ 0.04 mm): Intake: 0.015 mm; Exhaust: 0.020 mm
Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. Ibs.
• The model and serial numbers wil! 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.
5
Readtheseinstructionsandthis manualin its entiretybeforeyou attemptto assemble
or operateyour newlawn mower.
IMPORTANT:Thislawn mower isshippedWITHOUTOIL OR GASOLINEin the engine.
Yournewlawnmowerhasbeenassembledatthefactorywiththeexceptionofthose parts
leftunassembledfor shippingpurposes.Toensuresafeand properoperationofyour lawn
mower,all partsandhardwareyouassemblemustbetightenedsecurely. Usethe correct
tools asnecessarytoensure propertightness. All partssuchas nuts,washers,bolts,etc.,
necessaryto completethe assemblyhavebeen placedin the partsbag.
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 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.
NOW TO SET UP YOUR MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
iMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables.
1. Raise handles until lower handle sec-
tion locks into place in mowing posi-
tion.
2. Remove protective padding, raise up-
per 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 "AD-
JUST HANDLE" in the Service and Adjust-
ments section of this manual.
Handle
bracket
Bolt
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.
Operator MOWING
control bar b_,
///
////
LIFT Upper bindings opening
UP handle
POSITION
/ /
j /
////X
, / Vinyl Frame
TO iNSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
Handle
knob
used as a mulcher. To convert mower to
bagging or discharging, see "TO CON-
VERT MOWER" in the Operation section
of this manual.
Lower handle
6
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL 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.
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the
product. Learn and understand their meaning.
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
Operator presence control bar
Drive control levers
Handle knobs
Starter
handle
Gasoline filler cap
Fuel valve lever
Grass
catcher Air filter
Spark
plug
Engine oil cap
with dipstick
Muffler
Mulcher door
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
J
Housing
Wheel adjuster
(on each wheel)
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
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-
mission. _I,WARNING: The blade turns when the engine is running.
Operator presence control bar- must Drive control levers - used to engage
be held down to the handle to start the power-propelled forward motion of mower.
engine. Release to stop the engine. Mulcher door - allows conversion to
Starter handle - used for starting engine, discharging or bagging operation.
7
The operation of any lawn
SAFETVG'ASSESmower can result in foreign
objects thrown into the eyes,
which can result in severe
eye damage. Always wear
safety glasses or eye shields while oper-
ating your lawn mower or performing any
adjustments or repairs. We recommend a
standard safety glasses orwide vision safety
mask worn over spectacles.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
Engine speed was set at the factory for
optimum performance. It is not adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
_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.
DRIVE CONTROL
• Self-propelling is controlled by holding
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 stopping engine,
release a drive control lever only. Hold
operator presence control bar down
against handle to continue mowing
without self-propelling.
NOTE: If after releasing the drive control
the mower will not roll backwards, push
the mower forward slightly to disengage
drive wheels.
Operator presence control bar
DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT
Over time, the drive control system may
become "loose", resulting in decreased
speed. There is a turnbuckle on the drive
control housing to increase tension on the
drive cable. Proceed as follows:
1. Turn unit off and disconnect spark plug
wire from spark plug.
2. Rotate turnbuckle on drive control to
increase drive speed.
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 replaced.
Adjustment
turnbuckle
TO ADJUST CUTTING 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, pull up on
adjuster lever, move wheel up or down
to suit your requirements and release
adjuster lever. Be sure all wheels are in
the same setting.
NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned
when lever inserts into hole in plate.
LEVER BACKWARD
TO LOWER MOWER
LEVER
FORWARD
TO RAISE MOWER
Lever
Plate
rive
control levers
TO ENGAGE DRIVE CONTROL -....
DRIVE CONTROL DISENGAGED 8
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 grass bag brackets.
• To convert to mulching or discharging
operation, remove grass catcher and
close rear door.
door
Grass bag
bracket
\ Grass
"\ catcher
\., handle
Grass
frame hook
NOTE: Rear door will remain open until
operator presence control bar is held
down to the handle.
,ACAUTION: Do NOT force rear door to
close. Serious damage to your mower
could result.
I \
Unlock
latch
Open
mulcher door
Discharge
deflector
\
\
I
I
SIDE DISCHARGING
• Rear door must be closed.
• Open mulcher door and install dis-
charge deflector under door 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 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 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.
9
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
1. Lift up on grass catcher using the
frame handle.
2. Remove grass catcher with clippings
from under lawn mower handle.
3. Empty clippings from bag using both
frame handle and bag handle.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when empty-
ing; it will cause unnecessary wear.
Grass
catcher
frame
\
/
Bag
handle _:_:__:,
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in
the engine. For type and grade of oil to
use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance
section of this manual.
,A CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with
oil, or it will smoke on startup.
1. Be sure lawnmower is level.
2. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick from oil fill
spout.
3. You recieve a container of oil with the
unit. Slowly pour the entire container
down the oil fill spout into the engine.
4. Insert and tighten oil fill cap/dipstick.
IMPORTANT:
• Check oil level before each use. Add oil
if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
• Change the oi! after every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may
need to change the oil more often
under dusty, dirty conditions. See "TO
CHANGE ENGINE OIL" in the Mainte-
nance section of this manual.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck.
Do not overfill. 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 fresh-
ness.
• i, CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
,A CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels
(called gasohol or using ethanol or metha-
nol) 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. Empty 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.
TO STOP ENGINE
. To stop engine, release operator pres-
ence control bar. Wait until blade and
all moving parts have stopped and turn
fuel valve to OFF position if you do not
intend to restart the engine soon.
OFF lever
Oil fill cap / Gasoline
di filler cap
Upper Lowe
mark mark 10
Fuel valve lever
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