Craftsman 944.365480 Owner's Manual
Owner’s Manual
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
6.75 Horsepower
21" Multi-Cut
Model No.
944.365480
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
Warranty.................................................. 2
Safety Rules ......................................... 2-4
Product Spec i fi ca tions ........................... 4
Assembly/Pre-Operation ......................... 5
Operation.............................................. 6-9
Maintenance Schedule.......................... 10
Maintenance..................................... 10-12
Service and Adjustments....................... 13
Storage............................................. 14-15
Troubleshooting ................................ 15-16
Repair Parts...................................... 18-22
Sears Service .......................... Back Cover
WARRANTY
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
• Pre-delivery set-up. • In-home service.
• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower
blades, blade adapters, belts, air clean ers and spark plug.
• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or neg li gence, including bent crank-
shafts and the failure to main tain the equip ment according to the instructions con tained
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.
cover:
This warranty is in addition to any statutory warranty and does not exclude or limit legal
rights you may have but shall run con cur rent ly 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
SAFETY RULES
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable 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-
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: Muffl er 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
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.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing. Stop ma chine if anyone
enters the area.
• Do not operate the mower when bare foot or wearing open sandals. Al ways
wear substantial foot wear.
2
• 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 the 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.
• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you
leave the equip ment, before clean ing
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 artifi cial
light.
• Do not operate the machine while under
the infl uence of alcohol or drugs.
• Never operate machine in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing: keep a
fi rm hold on the handle; walk, never run.
• Disengage the self-propelled mech a nism or drive clutch on mowers so
equipped before starting the engine.
• 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 safety goggles or safe ty
glasses with side shields when op er at ing 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: 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, 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 op er a tor
is not alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the ma-
Never
chine and the mowing activity.
sume that children will remain where you
last saw them.
• Keep children out of the trimming area
and under the watchful care of an oth er
re spon si ble adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if chil dren
enter the area.
• Before and while walking back wards,
down
look behind and
• Never allow children to operate the
machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
for small chil dren.
as-
IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
Use extreme care in handling gasoline.
Gasoline is extremely fl ammable 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 fl ame, spark
or pilot light such as a water heater or
on other appliances.
• Never fi ll 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 fi lling.
• 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 overfi ll 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. Dis con nect the
spark plug wire, and keep the wire away
from the plug to prevent ac ci den 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 reg u lar ly.
• 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.
WARNING: This lawn mower is equipped with an internal com bus tion engine and
should not be used on or near any un im proved forest-covered, brush-covered or
grass-cov ered 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 muffl er 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 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.
Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
Gasoline Capacity / Type: 1,5 Litres (Unleaded Regular)
Oil Capacity: 0,58 Litres
Oil Type (API SG–SL): SAE 30 (above 0°C/32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 0°C/32°F)
Spark Plug: Champion RJ19LM (Gap: 0,76 mm)
Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. lbs. (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.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
4
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 fl at.
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.
Operator
presence
control bar
LIFT
UP
LIFT
UP
MOWING
POSITION
Upper
handle
Handle
knob
Lower handle
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
HOW TO SET UP YOUR 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. Remove protective padding, raise upper handle sec tion into place on lower
handle and tighten both handle knobs.
3. 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.
Vinyl
bindings
opening
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.
5
Frame
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
Starter
handle
Handle knob
Grass
catcher
Engine oil cap
with dipstick
Spark plug
Mulcher door
Housing
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
Gasoline fi ller cap
Primer
Air fi lter
Muffl er
Wheel adjuster
(on each wheel)
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 mis sion. 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.
Mulcher door – allows con ver sion to
discharging or bagging operation.
Primer– pumps additional fuel from the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when
starting a cold engine.
Starter handle – used for starting engine.
6
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 ad just ments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide
vision safety mask worn over spectacles.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
• To convert to mulching or dis charg ing
operation, remove grass catch er and
close rear door.
Pivot pins Grass
Rear
door
catcher
handle
The 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
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, 9position adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever
to be positioned between the plate tabs.
LEVER BACKWARD
TO LOWER MOWER
Plate tab
Catcher frame hook
SIDE DISCHARGING
• Rear door must be closed.
• Open mulcher door and install dis charge defl ector under door as shown.
• Mower is now ready for discharging
operation.
• To convert to mulching or bagging
operation, dis charge defl ector must be
removed and mulcher door must be
closed.
Open mulcher door
Install
discharge
defl ector
LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER
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.
Lever
MOWER IS NOW READY FOR
DISCHARGING OPERATION
7
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 defl ector installed.
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
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
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 overfi ll engine with
oil, or it will smoke heavily from the muffl er
on startup.
1. Be sure lawnmower is level.
2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fi ll spout.
3. You receive a container of oil with the
unit. Slowly pour the entire container
down the oil fi ll spout into the engine.
NOTE: Initial oil fi ll 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 Maintenance section of this manual.
Gasoline
fi ller cap
Engine
oil cap
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank fi ller neck.
Do not overfi ll. 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 fl ame.
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.
TO STOP ENGINE
• To stop engine, release operator presence control bar.
8
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