Craftsman 944.362470 Owner's Manual

Owner's Manual

JCRRFTSMRW

ROTARY LAWN _MOWER

6.5 Horsepower
21" Multi-Cut

Model No.

944.362470

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/Pre-Operation ..................... 4-5

Operation ........................................... 6-10

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 11

Maintenance ................................... 11-14

Product Specifications.......................... 12

Service and Adjustments ...................... 14

Storage ........................................... 15-16

Troubleshooting .................................... 16-17

Repair Parts .................................... 18-23

Sears Service ........................ 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 used 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

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

important safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONtt! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

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.
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

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 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.

2

• 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.

• 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.
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 operat-
ing 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.

• 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
comers, shrubs, trees, or other objects

that may obscure vision.

IV.SERVICE

• 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 acciden-

tal 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.

3

• 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 pads,

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 govemor
setting or overspeed the engine.

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 pads.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN

MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfoldhandles carefully so
as not to pinch or damage controlcables.

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 yourmowing comfort. Refer to

=ADJUST HANDLE" in the Service and
Adjustments sectionof this manual.

Operator r
contml bar

U

LIFT

UF

Mowing
position

Lower handle

4

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

I. 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.

Catcher

frame

\

Frame

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,

TO PREPARE BATTERY
NOTE: Your battery must be charged

before you can start your lawn mower.

1. Disconnect engine battery connector
(male) from battery connector (female)

2. Connect battery charger connector

(male) to battery connector (female).

3. Plug battery charger into 110 volt A.C.

outlet.

4. Leave battery charger connected for

24 hours before starting your engine
for the first time.

5. After charging, connect engine
connector (male) to battery connector

(female).

Your engine has an integral alternator for
partial charging. Connect your battery

charger to charge battery as required.
IMPORTANT: The engine alternator will
not charge a discharged battery.
At the end of the mowing season the

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

_CAUTION: Always disconnect the

engine connector (male) from the battery

connector (female) to prevent accidental

starting when transporting or storing your
lawn mower after the season.

Charger connector Battery connector

, (female)

Engine connector (male) Battery charger

5

I_IOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrationswith your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with

the locationof various controlsand adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

Theeesymbolsmayappearon yourlawnmowerorin literaturesupplbdw#htheproducLLearnand
understandtheirmeaning.

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

_)perator presence control bar

start switch

Auxiliary
starter

handle

knob

Engine oil cap

with dipstick

Grass Primer
catchm

Muffler

Gasoline filler calc

Housing

Mulcher doo

Wheel adjuster

Air filter (on each wheel

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shippedWITHOUT 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 Instituteand 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.

Mulcher door - allows conversion to
discharging or bagging operation.

Key start switch- used for starting the
engine.

Auxiliary starter handle - used for

6 starting the 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 standard safety glasses

or a wide vision safety mask worn over
spectacles.

ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the factory

for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

ACAUTION: 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

Plate tab

RAISE WHEELS FOR LOW CUT

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.

Pivot Rear

Grass

catcher

handle

\

Catcher frame hook \

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.

SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN
CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER

FOR MULCHING -

1. Rear door closed.

2. Mulcher door closed.

FOR REAR BAGGING -

1. Grass catcher installed.

2. Mulcher door closed.

FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

1. Rear door closed.

2. Side discharge deflector installed.

ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn

mower without rear door closed, clipping
deflector or approved grass catcher in

place. Never attempt to operate the lawn
mower with the rear door removed or

Lever propped open.

7

mulcher door

Discharge
deflector

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
emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Grass

catcher

frame

handle

Bag

handle

8