Craftsman 944.365440 User Manual
Owner's Manual
JCRAFTSMIIN' owER
ROTARY LAWN
5.5 Horsepower
21" Multi-Cut
Model No.
944.365440
CAUTION:
Read andfollow all
Safety Rulesand Instructions
beforeoperatingthis equipment
Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2B8
Warranty .................................................. 2
Safety Rules ......................................... 2-4
Product Specifications ........................... 4
Assembly/P re-Operation ......................... 5
Operation .............................................. 6-9
Maintenance Schedule .......................... 10
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 crank-
shafts 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 prod-
uct is used in Canada.
Maintenance ..................................... 10-13
Service and Adjustments .................. 13-14
Storage ............................................. 14-15
Troubleshooting ................................ 15-16
Repair Parts ...................................... 18-23
Sears Service .......................... Back Cover
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
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine iscapable of amputating hands and feet and throwing ob-
jects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
_Look for this symbol to point out im- I. GENERAL OPERATION
portant safety precautions. It means • Read, understand, and follow all
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
AWARNING: In order to prevent ac-
cidental starting when setting up, trans-
porting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot come in contact
with plug.
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.
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 blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing. Stop machine ifanyone
enters the area.
• Do not operate the mower when bare-
foot or wearing open sandals. Always
2 wear substantial foot wear.
• Do not pull mower backwards unless
absolutely necessary. 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 the blade when crossing gravel
surfaces.
• 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 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 self-propelled mech-
anism or drive clutch on mowers so
equipped before starting the engine.
• 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
glasses with side shields when oper-
ating mower.
II. 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: 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 ma-
chine and the mowing activity. Neveras-
sume 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, SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
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 contain-
er 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.
3
V. GENERAL SERVICE
• Never run machine inside a closed area.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with
the engine (motor) running. Disconnectthe
spark plug wire, and keep the wire away
fromthe plugto preventaccidental 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 to cool before storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you
strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.
AWARNING: This lawn mower is equipped with an internal combustion engine and
should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or
grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark
arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any), If a spark arrester is used, it
should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest Sears Service Centre
(See the REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).
• Never attempt to make wheel height
adjustments while the engine 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.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruc-
tion labels, as necessary.
Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
Gasoline Capacity /Type: 0,94 Litres (Unleaded Regular)
Oil Capacity: 0,5 Litres
Oil Type (API SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 0°C/32°F) or SAE 10W-30
Spark Plug (Gap: 0,76 ram) NGK BPR6ES
Valve Clearance (± 0.04 ram): Intake: 0.015 mm; Exhaust: 0.020 mm
Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. Ibs. (47-54 N-m)
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.
4
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 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.
Operator MOWING
POSITION
control bar
uP
Lower handle
Upper
handle
Handle
knob
TO REMOVE 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 mower out of carton and check
carton thoroughly for additional loose
parts.
HOWTO SET UPYOUR 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
operator presence control bar to upper
handle.
Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted
for your mowing comfort. Refer to "AD-
JUST HANDLE" inthe Service and Adjust-
ments 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.
_ame
Vinyl Frame
bindings 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
Operation section of this manual
5
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READTHIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATINGYOUR
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
:Dperatorpresence control bar
Starter
handle'
Gasoline filler cap
Grass
Fuel valve lever
Air filter
=o
+
,,=,
.=
==
+
,,=,
z
Engine oil plug
Muffler
Mulcher door
Wheel adjuster
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT 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 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 tothe handle to start the
engine. Release to stop the engine,
Mulcher door - allows conversion to
discharging or bagging operation.
Starter handle - used for starting engine.
6
(on each wheel)
Housing
Spark plug
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 USI= YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
_I=CAUTION: 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 ad-
juster lever toward wheel. Move wheel
up or down to suit your requirements.
Be sure all wheels are in the same set-
ting.
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.
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 pins Rear
catcher
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.
Open mulcherdoor
Grass
handle
LEVER BACKWARD
TO LOWER MOWER
LEVER FORWARDTO RAISE MOWER Lever
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging
or discharging:
Discharge
deflector
7
deflector
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 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.
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.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when empty-
ing; it will cause unnecessary wear.
"_l'k Grass
I_,_L_ catcher
"_,,,_ "'"--._,_. t_.,_:._) frame
_1_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
CHANGE ENGINE Oil" in the Mainte-
nance 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 quantities that can be
used within 30 days to assure fuel fresh-
BESS.
• k CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
,_ar an open flame.
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.
/ ---_ handle
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.
Oil fill cap / Gasoline
filler cap
Upper
mark mark
8
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