Craftsman 944.36153 User Manual

Owner's Manual

6.0 HORSEPOWER 21" REAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

944.361530

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Repair Parts

The D.O.M. decal includes engine life specifications for the emissions-related useful life period of

your engine, This period relates to the emission compliance life as certified by EPNCARB. To find the life pedod specification for your engine, please match one of the following letters with the letter printed on your D.O.M. decal: (C) 125 hours, (B) 250 hours, (A) 500 hours.

CAUTION: Read and follow all

•Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment

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

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

Safety Rules ..................................... 2-4

Assembly .......................................... 4-5

Operation .......................................... 6-8

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

Maintenance ................................... 9-12

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 negrigence, 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

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

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

Storage ......................................... 13-14

Troubleshooting ........................... 14-15

Repair Parts ............. _.................... 16-23

Parts Ordering ..................... 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 senous 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 pads. 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 rocks, 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 weadng 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 accessodes 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.

• I_low 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 a

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. All slopes require extra

caution. If you feel 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. 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 corners, 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. Allow 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 deteriorat)on, 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.

_,Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

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.

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= This lawn mower is

shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

Your new lawn mower has been as- sembled at the factory with the exception

of those parts left unassembled 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 comers 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 handle 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 foryour mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust

Handle" in the Service and Adjusti'nents section of this manual.

control bar

Lift u

Mowing 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,

_i_CAUTION: 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, see "TO CON- VERT MOWER" in the OPERATION

section of this manual.

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND 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.

ThesesymboL_rn_yappearonyourlawnmowerorinliteraturesullied with_e pmducL_ _

understandtheirmeaning.

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence control bar

Starter handle_ '_

Handle knob

Grass catcher

Gasoline cap

Engine oil cap w/dipstick

Primer

IMPORTANT: Thislawn mower is shipped Wheel adjuster

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE inthe engine. (on each wheel)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS Sears rotarywalk-behindpower lawn mowers conform to the safety standards ofthe Amedcan

NationalStandardsInstituteand the U.S. Consumer ProductSafety Commission. The blade tums when the engine is running,

Operator presence control bar - must be

held downto the handle to start the engine. Release to stop the engine.

Primer - pumps additionalfuel from the carburetortothe cylinderfor use when startinga cold engine. Starter handle - used for startingthe engine.

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 _qLCAUTION: 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 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, 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 propedy 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 Wheelsfor High Cut r_,. '_ I

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

TO CONVERT MOWER Yourlawn mower was shipped ready to be

usedas a mulcher. To convert to bagging: REAR BAGGING

• Liftrear doorof the lawn mower and place

the grasscatcherframe hooks ontothe door pivotpins.

• To convert to mulching operation,remove grass catcher and close rear door.

Pivot Grass catcher

pins handle

Catcher frame hook

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 oir 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 the 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 ret it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel

next season. See Storage Instructions for additional )nformation. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel

7 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.

filler 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

handre quickly. Do not allow starter

rope to snap back.

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, release operator

presence control bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather itmay 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.

MOWlNGTIPS

• 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 MOWINGIIPS 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 recut the grass clippings many times and

reduce them in size sothat 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 attemoon. At this time the grass

has dded 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 ovedoading 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 wilt help prevent matting

and graining of the lawn.

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