Craftsman 944.369340 Owner's Manual

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MODEL NUMBER 944.369340

OWNER'S MANUAL

• Assembly

• Operation

• Customer

Responsibilities

• Service

• Adjustments

• Repair Parts

Caution:

Read and Follow all Safety Rules

and Instructions Before Operating

This Equipment

168232 REV.3 04.12.99 VB Printed in U.S.A.

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT INSERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INJURY. YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH SUCH CONTROLS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE

CONTROLS UNDER ANYCIRCUMSTANCES. TRAINING:

• Read this operator's manual carefully, Become familiar with the controls and know how to operate your mower properly. Learn how to quickly stop mower.

• Do not allow children to use your mower. Never allow adults to use mower without proper instructions.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially small children and pets.

• Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as de- scribed in this manual.

Do not operate mower if it has been dropped or damaged in any manner. Always have damage repaired before using your mower.

Donotuseaccessoryattachmentsthatarenotrecommended by the manufacturer. Use of such attachments may be

hazardous,

• Theblade turnswhenthe engineis running.

PREPARATION:

• Alwaysthoroughlychecktheareatobemowedandclearit of all stones,sticks,wires, bones,and otherforeignobjects.

These objectswill be thrownby the blade and can cause

severeinjury.

• Alwayswearsafetyglassesoreye shieldswhenstartingand whileusingyourmower.

• Dressproperly. Do not operate mowerwhen barefootor weadngopen sandals. Wear onlysolid shoeswith good tractionwhenmowing.

• Checkfuel tankbeforestartingengine. Do notfillgastank iodoom,whentheengineisrunningorwhentheengineishot.

Allowtheenginetocoolforseveralminutesbeforefillingthe gastank. Clean offany spilledgasolinebeforestartingthe engine.

• Alwaysmakewheel heightadjustmentsbeforestartingyour

mower.Neverattempttodothiswhiletheengineis running.

• Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.

OPERATION:

• Keepyoureyes and mindonyourmowerandthearea being

cut. Donot letother interestsdistractyou.

• Donotmowwetor slipperygrass.Neverrunwhileoperating

yourmower.Alwaysbe sureofyourfooting-keepafirmhold onthe handlesand walk.

Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.

Always stop the engine whenever you leave or are not using your mower, or before crossing driveways, walks, roads, and any gravel-covered areas.

Never direct discharge of matedal toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the mower while you are operating it.

Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing your mower, stop the engine and make absolutely sure the blade and all moving partshave stopped. Then disconnect the spark plugwire and keep it away from the spark plug to prevent accidental

starting.

Donotcontinuetorunyourmowerifyouhita foreignobject. Followtheprocadumoutlinedabove,then repairany dam- agebefore restartingandoperatingyoumower.

Do not change the govemor settings or overspeed the engine. Enginedamageorpersonalinjurymay result.

Do notoperateyourmowerifitvibratesabnormally.Exces- sivevibrationisan indicationof damage; stopthe engine, safelycheckforthecause ofvibrationandrepairasrequired.

Donotrunthe engineindoors.Exhaustfumes are danger-

ous. ,

Never cutgrassby pullingthe mowertowardsyou. Mow acrossthe face ofslopes, neverupand downoryoumight loseyourfooting.Donotmowexcessivelysteepslopes.Use

cautionwhenoperatingthemoweronuneventerrainorwhen changingdirections- maintaingoodfooting.

Never opdrateyourmowerwithoutproper guards,plates, grasscatcheror othersafetydevicesin place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

• Check the blade and the engine mounting bolts often to be

sure they are tightened properly.

• Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure mower is in safe working condi- tion.

• Keep all safety devices in place and working.

• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves

or excessive grease and oil.

• Check grass catcher often for detedoration and wear and

replace wom bags. Use only replacement bags that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your mower.

• Always keep a sharp blade on your mower,

• Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

• Never store mower with fuel in the tank inside a building

where fumes may reach an open flame or an ignitionsource such as a hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc.

Look for this symbol to point out Impor-

tant safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!I! BECOME ALERTIn YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wireand placewirewhere Itcannot contact

spark plug in order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase ofa Sears Lawn Mower. Ithas been designed, engineered and manufactured togiveyouthe bestpossible dependabilityand performance.

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily

remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center/Department. We have competent, well-

trained technicians and the proper toolsto service or repair this lawn mower.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructionswill enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

MODEL NUMBER 944.369340

SERIAL NUMBER

DATEOFPURCHASE THE MODELAND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND

ON A DECALATTACHED TOTHE REAR OFTHE LAWN MOWER HOUSING

YOUSHOULDRECORDBOTHSERIALNUMBERAND

DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE FORFUTUREREFERENCE.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 6.5 GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.25 quarts

ANDTYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR ONLY OILTYPE (API-SF/SG): SAE 30 (above32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 20 ozs. SPARK PLUG: Champion RJ19LM

(GAP: .030") VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .004 -.008

EXHAUST: .004 - .008

SOLID.STATE IGNITION

AIRGAP: .0125 IN. BLADEBOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product, Contact your nearest Sears store for details.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule inmaintaining, cadng for and usingyour lawn mower.

• Follow the instructions under"Customer Responsibilities"and "Storage" sections ofthis owner's manual.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ........................................................... 2

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 3

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBIUTIES ....................... 3,10-13

WARRANTY .................................................................. 4

ASSEMBLY ................................................................... 5

OPERATION ............................................................... 6-9

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ....................................... 10

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................. 14

STORAGE ................................................................... 15

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 16

REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER .......................... 18-21

REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ...................................... 22-25

PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE .................................... 26

LIMITED TWO (2) YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

ForTwo (2) yearsfrom date ofpurchaseSearsCanada, Inc.willrepairor replaceat Searsoptionfree of chargepartswhich

are defectiveas a resultof matedalor workmanship.

COMMERCIAL OR RENTAL USE: Warrantyon PowerMower(Gas) willbe ninety(90) daysfromdateof purchaseifusedforcommercialorrental purposes.

This Warranty does NOTcover:

1. Pre-dellvery set-up.

2. Expendable Items which become worn duflng normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, belts,

filters and spark plugs.

3. Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, Including bent crankshafts and the failure to operate and maintaintheequipment accordingto the instructionscontalnndinthe Owner's Manual.

Warranty serviceis availableby returningthe CraftsmanPower Mower to the nearestSears ServiceCentre/Departmentin Canada. Thiswarrantyappliesonlywhilethis productis inuse inCanada.

This warrantyis in additionto any statutorywarrantyand does notexcludeor limitlegal rightsyou may have but shallrun concurrentlywith applicable provinciallegislation. Furthermore,some provincesdo NOT allow limitationon how long an

impliedwarrantywilllastsothe abovelimitationsmay notapplyto you.

SEARS CANADA, INC., TORONTO, ONTARIO M5B 2B8

ASSEMBLY

TO INSTALL AI"rACHMENTS

Read these instructionsand this manual initsentiretybefore you attempt toassemble or operate your new lawn mower.

IMPORTANT: THIS LAWN MOWER ISSHIPPED WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE IN THE ENGINE.

Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shippingpurposes. To ensure safe and properoperation of yourlawn mower, allparts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct toolsas necessary toensure propertightness. Allparts such as nuts,washers,

bolts,etc., necessary tocomplete the assembly have been placed inthe parts bag.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with mower.

• Cut down two end corners of carton and layend panel

down flat,

• Remove allpacking materiels except padding between

upper and lower handle and padding holdingoperator presence control bar toupper handle.

• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton

thoroughly for additional loose pads.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE (SEE FIG. 1A & 1B)

IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLE CAREFULLY SO AS NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.

• Raise lower handle section to operating position and

squeeze the bottom endsof lowerhandletowards each other untilthe pin inhandle can be inserted intoone of the three height adjustment holes.

• Removeprotective padding, raiseupper handlesecUon

tooperating positionand tightenhandle knobssecurely.

• Remove any packing material from around control bar.

• Your handles may be adjusted for yourmowing comfort.

Refer to Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

OPERATOR PRESENCE

CONTROL BAR

UPPER

LIFT UF

SUPPORT BRACKET

MOWING POSI-

TION

LOWER HANDLE

FIG. 1A

HANDLE PIN

f 3-POS_ION

HANDLE ADJUSTMENT BRACKET

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a

mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging; See

OPERATION section ofthis manual

TO ASSEMBLE & ATTACH GRASS CATCHER (SEE

FIGS. 2A & 2B)

• Putgrasscatcher frameinto gress bag with rigidpart of bag on the bottom. Make sure the frame handle is outside of the bag top.

• Slip vinyl bindings over frame.

NOTE: Ifvinylbindingsare toostiff,holdthem inwarmwater

for a few minutes. If bag gets wet, let itdry before using.

• Close the lifttop lid. Lifttop lid must be closed while

operating lawn.mower.

• Liftthe rear on the mower and place the grass catcher frame hooks into the slots of the rear door.

• The grasscatcherissecured tothe lawn mower housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass catcher

frame.

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

without mulcher plug In place or grass

catcher inplace. Never attemptto operate

the lawn mower with the rear door

removed or propped open

CATCHER FRAME HANDLE

FRAME OPENING

RG.2A

REAR DOOR

SLOTS

GRASS CATCHER FRAME HOOK

FIG. 2B

FIG. 1B 5

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrationswithyour lawn mower tofamiliarize yourselfwiththelocationofvarious controlsand adjustments. Savethis manual

for future reference, _ , , Thesesymbols mayappear onyour lawn mower orin literature suppliedwiththe product. Learnand understandtheir meaning.

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

DRIVE CONTROL BAR

PRESENCE CONTROL BAR

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

DRIVE SPEED'CONTROL LEVER

STARTER HANDLI

GRASS CATCHER

HANDLE KNOB

GAS

PRIMER

WHEEL ADJUSTER

MULCHER PLUG

OIL

MULCHER

IMPORTANT: THIS LAWN MOWER IS SHIPPEDWlTHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE IN THE ENGINE.

LAWN MOWER HOUSING

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 Commission. The blade turns when the engine is running.

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR - must be held down to the handle to start the engine. Re ease to stopthe

engine. PRIMER - pumps additional fuelfrom the carburetor to the

cylinderfor use when starting a cold engine.

MU LCHER PLUG - locatedat the discharge opening, must be removed when converting to bagging operation.

STARTER HANDLE - used for starting the engine.

OPERATION

The operation ofany lawn mower can result inforeign objects thrown into the eyes, which can

result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your lawn mower orpedorming any adjustments or repairs. We recommend widevision safetymask over spectacles or standard safety glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without mulcher plate in place and door

closed or approved clipping deflector or

grass catcher in place. Never attamptto operate the lawn mower with the rear

door removed or propped open.

ENGINE SPEED The engine speed was set at the tactory for optimum

performance. Speed isnot adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

CAUTION: Federal regulations require an engine control to be Installed ORthis

lawn mower In order to minimize the dek of blade contact injury. Do not under

any circumstances attempt to defeat the

function of the operator control. The

bladeturns when the engine Is running.

GROUND DRIVE SPEEDS

(See Rg. 4A)

Your lawnmowerprovidesmultiplespeedsto letyouselectthe

speedthatsuitsyoubest.

• Lowerspeeds arefor, heaw/th'P..,kgrass¢_ing ortrimming.

• Medium speeds arefor non-naigrasscutting or trimming.

• High isfor light cuttingand for groundtransport. NOTE! Do not mQve speed control lever unless the engine

isrunning

TO OPERATE DRIVE SYSTEM (SEE RGS. 4A & 4S)

• W_henginerunningselectgroundspeed bymovingspeed controllevertodesiredposition.

• To startforward motion,pulldrivecontrolbar backagainst

handle.

• To stopforward motion,releaseddvecontrolbar. IMPORTANT: ALWAYSKEEP DRIVE CONTROL BAR FULLY

ENGAGEDAGAINSTHANDLEWHEN INUSE.

• Your lawn mower is equipped withan operatorpresence

control barwhich requires the operator tobe positioned

behind the lawn mower handle to start and operate the lawn mower.

TO ADJUST CU'I-FING HEIGHT (SEE FIG.3 )

• All four wheels are adjusted by a single lever.

• Pull adjuster lever toward wheel.To ralee mower, move lever forward to desired position,To towermower, move

the lever toward the rear.

DRIVE SPEED CONTROL LEVER

LOWER WHEELS

FOR _GH CUT

WHEEL ADJUSTER--s-

FIG. 3

FIG. 4A

OPERATOR

DRIVE CONTROL PRESENCE ENGAGED CONTROL

BAR

_ DRIVE

CONTROL

DISEN- GAGED

FIG. 4B

OPERATION

TO CONVERT MOWER

Yourlawn mowerwas shipped readytobe usedasa mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:

REAR BAGGING (See Fig. 5A) -

• Openreardoorandremovemulcherplug. Storemulcher

plug in a safe place.

• You can now install grass catcher.

• To convert to mulching or discharging operation, install

mulcher plug into rear discharge opening of mower.

SIDE DISCHARGING (See Fig. 5B) -

• Mulcher plug must be installed into rear discharge

opening of mower (see above instructions).

• Open mulcherdoor and installdischarge deflectorunder

guard as shown.

• Mower isnow 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-

• Rear mulcher plug installed.

• Mulcher door closed.

FOR REAR BAGGING -

• Rear mulcher plug removed.

• Grass catcher installed.

• Mulcher door closed.

FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

• Rear mulcher plug installed. Side discharge deflector installed.

CAUTION: DOnot run your lawn mower

without rear mulcher plug in place or

approved grass catcher In place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower

with the rear door removed or propped

open.

MULCHER PLUG

FIG. 5A

MULCHER DOOR

OPEN MULCHER DOOR

DISCHARGE DEFLECTOR

FIG. 5B

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

(SEE FIG. 6)

• Liftup on grass catcher using the frame handle.

• Remove grass catcher with Clippingsfrom under lawn

mower handle.

• Emptyclippings from bagusing bothframe handle and

bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will cause unnecessarywear.

BAG HANDLE

CATCHER

FRAME HANDLE

FIG. 6

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE OIL (SEE FIG. 7)

Your lawn mower isshipped without oil in the engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around oilfillisclean.

• Remove engine oil cap and fill to the full line on the

dipstick.

+ 18 hidden pages

Craftsman 944.369340 Owner's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual