Craftsman 944.364330 Owner's Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRRFTSMRN"_OWER

ROTARY LAWN

6.25 Horsepower
21" Rear Discharge

Model No.

944.364330

CAUTION:

Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment
Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2B8

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

Safety Rules ......................................... 2-3

Product Specifications ........................... 4

Assembly/Pre-Operation ......................... 4

Operation .............................................. 5-8

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

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

Service and Adjustments .................. 12-13

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

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

Repair Parts ...................................... 16-21

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:

• Pra-delivery set-up.

• Expendable items whichbecome worn duringnormal use, such as rotary mower
blades, blade adapters, belts,air cleaners and spark plug.

• Repairs necessary because of operatorabuse or negligence, includingbent crank-

shaftsand the failure to maintaintheequipment accordingto the instructionscontained
in the owner'smanual.

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 prod-

uct 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. Fur-
thermore, 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

IMPC RTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing ob-

jects. Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould result in serious injuryordeath.

A Look for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!I BECOME ALERT!!!

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.

• l, 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.

2

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all
instructions on the machine and in the

manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly
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 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 bare-

foot or wearing open sandals. Always
wear substantial foot wear.

• Do notpullmower backwards unless abso-

lutely necessary. Always lookdownand be-
hind 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 ap-

proved 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 indaylight 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 and walk; never run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mechanism
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. Vibra-
tion is generally a warning of trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety glass-

eswith sideshields 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 cau-
tion. 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.

IlL CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is

notalert tothe 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 while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small children.

• Neverallowchildrentooperatethe machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind

corners, 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
fromthe plugtoprevent accidental starting.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade

attachment bolts, tight and keep equip-
ment 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 orfuel spill-
age. Allow machine tocool before storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment ifyou

strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.

• Never attempt to makewheel heightadjust-
ments 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 set-

ting or overspeed the engine.

3

Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
Gasoline Capacity / Type:

Oil Capacity:
Oil Type (API-SF-SJ):

Spark Plug:
Blade BoltTorque:

1,5 Litres (Unleaded Regular)
0,58 Litres

SAE 30 (above 0°C/32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 0°C/32°F
Champio_,RJ19LM (Gap: 0,76 mm)

35-40 ft. Ibs. (47-54 N-m)

The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal or) 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 inthe engine.

Your new lawn mower has been assem-
bled at the factory with the exception of

those parts left unassembled for shipping
purposes. All parts such as nuts, wash-
ers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the
assembly have been placed in the parts
bag. To ensure safe and proper opera-
tion of your lawn mower, all parts and

hardware you assemble must be tightened
securely. Use the correct tools as neces-

sary to ensure proper tightness.
TO REMOVE MOWER FROM CARTON

1. Remove loose partsincludedwith 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, Rolllawnmoweroutofcartonandcheckcar-

ton thoroughly for additional loose parts,

HOW TO SET UP YOUR MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as not to pinch or damage control cables.

1. Raise handles until lower handle sec-

tion locks into place in mowing position.

2. Remove protective padding, raise up-
per handle section into place on lower
handle and tighten both handle knobs.

3. Remove handle padding holding opera-

tor presence 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 Adjust-

ments section of this manual.

Operator presence
control bar

Upper

LIFT

UF

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.

Catcher

frame

handle

Frame

opening

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert to bag-

ging, see "TO CONVERT MOWER" in the

4 Operation section of this manual.

KNOWYOURLAWN 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

_)perator presence control bar

Starter

Grass

catcher

Gasoline

filler cap

knob

Engine oil cap

with dipstick

Primer

Housing

Air filte

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

Wheel adjuster
(on each wheel)

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. 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.
Starter handle - used for starting engine.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when
starting a cold engine.

5

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 recom-

mend standard safety glasses or a wide

vision safety mask worn over spectacles._,

HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER

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

t

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 ad-

juster lever toward wheel. Move wheel

up or down to suit your requirements. 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

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:

• 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.

ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

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.

Pivot Rear

Grass

catcher

handle

\

Catcher frame hook

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 empty-
ing; itwill cause unnecessary wear,

Grass

catcher

frame

handle

Bag

handle

6

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in

the engine. For type and grade of oil to

use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance
section of this manual.

A CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with

oil, or it will smoke heavily from the muffler
on startup.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level.

2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.

3. You receive a container of oil with the
unit. Slowly pour the entire container

down the oil fill spout into the engine.

NOTE: Initial oil fill requires only 18 oz.

due to residual oil in engine from the

manufacturers 100% quality testing. When

changing oil you may need 20 oz.

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
CHANGE ENGINE OIL_'in the Mainte-

nance section of this manual.

oil cap

Gasoline
filler cap

Prime1

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 quantities that can be
used within 30 days to assure fuel fresh-

ness.

_1=CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline

near an open flame.

A CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels

(called gasohol or using ethanol or metha-
nol) 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. 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 Instructions for
additional information. Never use engine

or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stopengine,release operatorpres-
ence controlbar.

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 prod-

uct 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.

NOTE: 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.

7

MOWING TIPS

_1,CAUTION: Do not use de-thatcher

blade attachments on your mower. Such
attachments are hazardous, will damage

your mower and could void your warranty.

• 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 cli_
pings. It may also be necessary to re-

duce 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 cut-
ting conditions, the engine speed should

be set in the FAST position.

• When using a rear discharge lawn
mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps

of cut grass may not enter the grass
catcher. Reduce ground speed (pushing
speed) and/or run the lawn mower over

the area a second time.

• If a trail of clippings is left on the right

side of a rear discharge mower, mow in
a clockwise direction with a small over-

lap to collect the clippings on the next
pass.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can be-
come 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 MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance,

keep mower housing free of built-up
grass and trash. See "CLEANING" inthe

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 recur-

ring 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, yet the newly cut area will not be
exposed to direct sunlight.

• 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. Ifthe 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 grass, reduce your width of cut

by overlapping previously cut path and
mow slowly.

MAX 1/3

• 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 sec-

ond cut, mow across (perpendicular) 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.

8