Craftsman 944.361371 User Manual

Owner's Manual

CRR

i P R 0 F S I o HAL i

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

700 Series Briggs & Stratton Engine

Power-Propelled Electric Start

22" Multi-Cut

Model No.

944.361371

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 ...................... 6-7

Operation ............................................ 8-12

Maintenance Schedule .......................... 13

Maintenance ..................................... 13-16

Service and Adjustments .................. 17-18

Storage ............................................. 18-19

Troubleshooting ................................ 20-21

Repair Parts ...................................... 22-31

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.

&Look for this symbol to point out im-

portant safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!!

YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED. _i, 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. _i, 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 onwet 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 ortrailer 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 or fue! 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.

_t,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).

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.

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: 1.6 Quarts (Unleaded Regular) Oil Capacity: 20 Ounces

Oil Type (API SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) Spark Plug: Champion RJ19HX (Gap: .030") 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.

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety before 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 assem-

bled at the factory with the exception of

those parts left unassembled for shipping

purposes. To ensure safe and proper

operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be tight-

ened securely. Use the correct tools as

necessary to ensure proper tightness. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,

necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag.

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 LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

iMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as not to pinch or damage control cables.

1. Raise lower handle section to operat- ing position and align holes in lower

handle with holes in handle brackets.

2. Insert handle bolts through lower handles and handle brackets; secure

with lower ("standard") knobs.

3. Remove protective padding, raise up- per handle section into place on lower

handle and tighten both upper ("star") knobs.

4. Remove any packing material from around control bar.

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.

Operator MOWING

POSITION

control bar

Lower handle

Lower handle knob

("standard")

Handle bracket

Knob

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.

handle

Vinyl

bindings

Frame

opening

TO PREPARE BATTERY

NOTE: Your battery must be charged before you can start your lawn mower.

1. Open battery box.

2. Connect battery charger connector (male) to harness connector (female).

3. Plug battery charger into 110 voltA.C. outlet.

4. Leave battery charger connected for 24 hours before starting your engine

for the first time.

5. After charging, disconnect harness connector (female) from battery char-

ger connector (male).

Connect your battery charger to charge

battery as required.

IMPORTANT: The engine will not re- charge your battery. At the end of the mowing season the

battery should be charged for 48 hours to ,_otect the battery during winter storage.

CAUTION: Always disconnect the

harness connector to prevent accidental starting when transporting or storing your

lawn mower after the season.

Battery

Harness connector

(female)

ger

connector (male)

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulcher. To convert mower to

bagging or discharging, see "TO CON- VERT MOWER" in the Operation section

of this manual.

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

Key start

Auxiliary

starter handle

Grass catcher

Wheel adjuster (on each wheel

Gasoline filler ca

::_ Drive control levers

Handle knobs

Engine oil cap

dipstick

Muffler

Air filter

Mulcher dool "Housing

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped Spark plug

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

be held down to the handle to start the

engine. Release to stop the engine.

Drive control levers - used to engage power-propelled forward motion of mower.

Key start switch - used for starting engine. Auxiliary starter handle - used for start-

ing engine.

Mulcher door - allows conversion to discharging or bagging operation.

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

_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.

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 pres-

ence 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.

. To keep drive control engaged when

turning corners, push down on the handle to lift the front wheels off the

ground while turning lawn mower.

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

LEVER FORWARD

TO RAISE

MOWER

Plate

rlve

control levers

TO ENGAGE DRIVE CONTROL "_.

DRIVE CONTROL DISENGAGED 9

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 \\ catcher

"_.. handle

///

Grass

frame hook

Grass

I \

Unlock latch

Open

mulcher door

Discharge

deflector

NOTE: Rear door will remain open until

operator presence control bar is held down to the handle.

• I,CAUTION: Do NOT force rear door to close. Serious damage to your mower

could result.

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.

Af_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.

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