Craftsman 944364152 Owner’s Manual
Owner’s Manual
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
160cc Honda Engine
21" Multi-Cut
Model No.
944.364152
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and In struc tions
before operating this equipment
Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2B8
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Rules .......................................... 2-3
Warranty - Lawn Mower ........................ 4-5
Product Spec i fi ca tions ........................... 5
Assembly/Pre-Operation ....................... 6-7
Operation ............................................ 8-11
Maintenance Schedule .......................... 12
SAFETY RULES
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 por tant safety precautions. It means
CAU TION!!! BECOME ALERT!!!
YOUR SAFE TY IS INVOLVED.
WARNING: In order to prevent ac ci den tal starting when setting up, trans port ing, ad just ing or making repairs, always
dis con nect spark plug wire and place wire
where it can not come in contact with plug.
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. CHILDREN
WARNING: CHILDREN CAN
BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR
KILLED BY THIS EQUIPMENT.
Carefully read and follow all of
the safety instructions below.
The American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends that children be a minimum
of 12 year of age before operating a
pedestrian controlled lawn mower and a
minimum of 16 years of age before operating a riding lawn mower.
Tragic accidents can occur if the op er a tor is
not alert to the presence of children. Children
are often attracted to the ma chine and the
mowing activity. Never assume that children
will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area
and under the watchful care of a re-
spon si ble adult other than the operator.
• Be alert and turn machine off if chil dren
enter the area.
• Before and while walking back wards, look
behind and down for small chil dren.
• Never allow children to operate the
machine.
Maintenance ...................................... 12-15
Service and Adjustments .................. 15-16
Storage .............................................. 16-17
Troubleshooting ................................ 18-19
Repair Parts ....................................... 20-27
Warranty - Honda Motor ................... 28-29
Sears Service ...........................Back Cover
II. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all
in struc tions on the machine and in the
manual(s) before starting. Be thor ough ly
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 dis charge opening at all times.
• Only allow responsible individuals, who
are familiar with the in struc tions, 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
blade. Stay behind the handle when the
engine (motor) is running.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing. Stop ma chine if anyone
enters the area.
• Do not operate machine bare footed or
while wearing sandals. Al ways wear
substantial footwear with good ankle
support while mowing.
• Do not pull mower backwards unless
absolutely nec es sary. 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 operator. Stop
blade when crossing gravel surfaces.
• Do not operate the mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
oth er 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 grav el
drives, walks, or roads.
• Never leave a running machine unattended.
• Stop the engine (motor) and wait until the
blade comes to a complete stop before
clean ing the machine, removing the grass
catcher, or unclogging the discharge
chute.
2
• 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; walk, never run.
• Disengage the drive system, if so equipped,
before starting the engine (motor).
• If the equipment should start to vi brate
abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and
check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
• Always wear eye protection when op er at ing machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
• When loading or unloading this machine, do not exceed the maximum
recommended operation angle of 15°.
• Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while operating this machine,
including (at a minimum) sturdy footwear,
eye protection, and hearing protection. Do
not mow in shorts or open toed footwear.
Always let someone know you are outside
mowing.
III. 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 uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
DO:
• Mow across the face of slopes: nev er
up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps or hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip and
fall accident. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. You could lose your footing or balance.
• Do not mow on wet grass or excessively
steep slopes. Poor footing could cause
a slip and fall accident.
IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
To avoid personal injury or property damage, 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 equipment from
the truck or trailer and refuel it on the
ground. If this is not possible, then
refuel such equipment with a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline
dispenser nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim
of the fuel tank or container opening at
all times until fueling is complete. Do
not use a nozzle lock-open device.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change
clothing immediately.
• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas
cap and tighten securely.
V. GENERAL SERVICE
• Never run a machine inside a closed area.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with
the engine (motor) running. Dis con nect
the spark plug wire, and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent ac ci den tal starting.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation reg u lar ly.
Never do anything to interfere with the
intended function of a safety device or
reduce the protection provided by a
safety device.
• 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 nec es sary,
before restarting.
• Never attempt to make wheel height
adjustments while the engine is running.
• Grass catcher components are sub ject
to wear, dam age, and de te ri o ra tion,
which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently
check com po nents and replace with
man u fac tur er’s recommended parts,
when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut.
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when ser vic ing them.
• Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
3
WARRANTY
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 FOR ANY 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
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:
1. 90 DAYS: Craftsman products intended for use or actually used for commercial,
institutional, professional or income-producing purposes
2. 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, noninstitutional, 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.
3. 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.
4. 90 DAYS: All defective batteries, which will be replaced during this 90-day Warranty
Period.
5. 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 Quart/0,94 Liters (Unleaded Regular)
Oil Capacity: 0,58 Quart/0,55 Liter
Oil Type (API SG–SL): SAE 30 (above 0°C/32°F) or SAE 10W-30
Spark Plug (Gap: 0,03"/0,76 mm) NGK BPR5ES
Valve Clearance (± 0.04 mm): Intake: 0.015 mm; Exhaust: 0.020 mm
Blade Bolt Torque: 35–40 ft. lbs. (47–54 Nm)
• The model and serial numbers will 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.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
5
ASSEMBLY / PRE-OPERATION
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 sem bled at the factory with the exception of
those parts left unassembled for shipping
purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., nec es sary to complete the
as sem bly have been placed in the parts
bag. To ensure safe and proper operation
of your lawn mower, all parts and hard ware you assemble must be tightened
securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.
TO REMOVE MOWER FROM
CAR TON
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 mower out of carton and check
carton thor ough ly for additional loose
parts.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOW ER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage con trol cables.
1. Raise handles until lower handle section locks into place in mowing position.
2. Insert bolt through handle and bracket
and secure with nut.
3. Remove protective padding, raise upper handle sec tion into place on lower
handle and tighten both handle knobs.
4. Remove handle padding holding
operator pres ence 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 Adjustments section of this manual.
Operator
presence
control bar
LIFT
UP
LIFT
UP
MOWING
POSITION
Upper
handle
Handle
knob
Bolt
Lower handle
Nut
Bracket
6
TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCH ER
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.
Frame
handle
INSTALL STARTER ROPE
1. Loosen T-knob.
2. Hold control bar against upper handle.
3. Slowly pull engine starter rope out until
rope will slip into loop of rope guide.
4. Tighten T-knob.
Control bar
Upper handle
Vinyl
bindings
Frame
opening
Rope guide
T-Knob
Engine
starter rope
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to
be used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging, see “TO CON VERT MOW ER” in the
Operation section of this man u al.
7
OPERATION
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.
Operator presence control bar
Handle knob
Gasoline filler cap
Starter
handle
Grass
catcher
Engine oil plug
Muffler
Mulcher door
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
Fuel valve lever
Air filter
Housing
Spark plug
Wheel adjuster
(on each wheel)
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
NOTE: Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable for use in this machine.
The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (E10) will void the product warranty.
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 mis sion.
Operator presence control bar – must
be held down to the handle to start the
engine. Release to stop the engine.
WARNING: The blade turns when the engine is running.
Mulcher door – allows con ver sion to
discharging or bagging operation.
Starter handle – used for starting engine.
8
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
mend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask over spectacles.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
lawn mower or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recom-
Pivot pins Grass
ENGINE SPEED
Engine speed was set at the factory for
optimum performance. It is not adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CAUTION: Federal regulations re quire
an engine control to be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the risk
of blade contact injury. Do not un der
any circumstances attempt to de feat the
func tion of the operator con trol. The blade
turns when the engine is running.
• Your lawn mower is equipped with an
operator pres ence 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. Me di um position is
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, dis charge deflector must be
removed and mulcher door must be
closed.
best for most lawns.
• To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever to ward wheel. Move wheel
up or down to suit your re quire 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.
LEVER BACKWARD TO
LOWER MOWER
Plate tab
Open mulcher door
Discharge deflector
Use ear
protectors to
damage to hearing.
Rear
door
avoid
catcher
handle
LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER
Lever
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 dis charg ing
operation, remove grass catch er and
close rear door.
MOWER
IS NOW
READY FOR
DISCHARGING
OPERATION
9
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. Discharge deflector installed.
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mow-
er with out rear door closed or ap proved
grass catcher in place. Never at tempt to
op er ate the lawn mow er with the rear door
re moved or propped open.
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
1. Lift up on grass catcher using the
frame han dle.
2. Remove grass catcher with clippings
from under lawn mower han dle.
3. Empty clippings from bag.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.
Grass
catcher
frame
handle
CHANGE ENGINE OIL” in the Maintenance 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 quan ti ties
that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels
(called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to
separation and for ma tion 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 stor age 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 In struc tions for
additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
Oil fill cap /
dipstick
Gasoline
filler cap
BEFORE
STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in
the engine. For type and grade of oil to
use, see “EN GINE” in the Maintenance
section of this manual.
CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with
oil, or it will smoke on startup.
1. Be sure lawnmower is level.
2. Remove oil 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 dipstick.
IMPORTANT:
• 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. See “TO
Upper
mark
Lower
mark
TO STOP ENGINE
• To stop engine, release operator presence control bar. Wait until blade and
all moving parts have stopped and turn
fuel valve to OFF position if you do not
intend to re start the engine soon.
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. Be sure fuel valve is in ON po si tion.
2. Hold operator presence control bar
down to the han dle and pull starter
handle quickly. Do not allow starter
rope to snap back.
10
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