Craftsman 944.361530 User Manual

Owner’s Manual

6.0 HORSEPOWER
21" REAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

944.361530

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Repair Paits

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 EPA/CARB. To
find the life period 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 MSB 2B8

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Warranty

Safety Rules.....................................

Assembly

Operation
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance

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2

.......

2-4

.......

4-5

........6-8 Troubleshooting.....................

............9

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9-12

Product Specifications
Service and Adjustments...

Storage....................................

Repair Parts............................

Parts Ordering.......................... Back Cover

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..................

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

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

............16-23

WARRANTY

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

For Two years from date of purchase Sears Canada, Inc. wilt 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 [imitation on how long an
implied warranty will last so the above limitations may not apply to you.

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

10
12

SAFETY RULES

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and

throwing objects. Faiiure to observe the following safety instructions could result in
serious injury or death.

LGENERAL 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
starling.

• 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
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 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.

• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait
until the blade comes to complete stop
before removing grass catcher.

» l\?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 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.

^Look for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

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.

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.

ASSEMBLY

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 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 UP YOUR 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
for your mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust
Handle" in the Sen/ice and Adjustments
section of this manual.

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.

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.

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR 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.

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the product Learn and

undersbnd their meaning.

_______

A (§) © *^*^ l\l (fl'Cr ^

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

on WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

BTOPI

Seats notary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American
National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. 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.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the

carburetor to the cylinder for use when
starting a cold engine.

Starter handle - used for starting the engine.

The operation of any lawn
mower can result in foreign
objects thrown into the eyes,

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.

which can result in severe eye

HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

ACAUTtON; 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 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.

Lower Wheels for High Cut

Raise Wheels ifor Low Cut

Plate Tab

Lever

TO CONVERT MOWER

Vbur lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging:

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 operation, remove
grass catcher and close rear door.

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
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 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

7 lank or permanent damage may occur.

A CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank
filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any
spilleci oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or
use gasoline near an open flame.

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.

NÒTE: 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.

MOWING TIPS

• Under certain conditions, such as very
tats 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 MOWINGT1PS

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 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