Craftsman 944.363201 - User Manual

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

This document is the Owner's Manual for a Craftsman Rotary Lawn Mower, model number 944.363201.

Function Description

This device is a 6.75 Horsepower, power-propelled, 21-inch multi-cut rotary lawn mower designed for cutting grass. It can be configured for rear bagging, mulching, or side discharging. The power-propelled feature means the mower moves forward on its own, reducing effort for the user.

Important Technical Specifications

Engine: 6.75 Horsepower, Power-Propelled.
Cutting Width: 21 inches.
Fuel Type: Unleaded Regular Gasoline.
Fuel Capacity: 1.5 Liters.
Oil Type (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (above 32°F/0°C); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F/0°C).
Oil Capacity: 0.58 Liters.
Spark Plug: Champion RJ19LM (Gap: 0.76 mm).
Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. lbs. / 47-54 N-m.
Drive System: Power-propelled, with a drive control lever for engaging and disengaging the drive.
Cutting Height Adjustment: Adjustable wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut, allowing customization of cutting height.

Usage Features

Multi-Cut Capability: The mower supports three modes of operation:
- Rear Bagging: Grass clippings are collected in a grass catcher bag.
- Mulching: The mulcher door is closed, and the blade is designed to cut grass into fine pieces that are returned to the lawn as fertilizer.
- Side Discharging: The discharge deflector is opened to allow clippings to be expelled from the side of the mower.
Power-Propelled Operation: The drive control lever engages the power-propelled forward motion. The speed of the mower can be adjusted by varying the pressure on the drive control lever.
Operator Presence Control Bar: This safety feature must be held down to operate the engine. Releasing it stops the engine.
Starter Handle: Used to start the engine.
Handle Knob: Used to adjust the handle position.
Wheel Adjuster: Allows for adjustment of the cutting height.
Fuel and Oil Access: Clearly marked caps for gasoline filler and engine oil with dipstick for easy access and level checks.
Folding Handle: The upper handle can be folded forward for storage or transportation, making the mower more compact.

Maintenance Features

Maintenance Schedule: A detailed schedule is provided for regular service, including tasks to be performed "Before Each Use," "After Each Use," "Every 10 Hours," "Every 25 Hours," "Every 100 Hours," and "Before Storage."
Lubrication Chart: Specifies lubrication points and types of lubricants (e.g., SAE "ENGINE" in Maintenance section for engine oil, grease for wheel adjusters and bearings).
Engine Oil Check and Change: Instructions for checking engine oil level and adding/changing oil are provided. It is recommended to check the oil level before each use.
Air Filter Maintenance: Instructions for cleaning or replacing the air filter cartridge are included.
Spark Plug Maintenance: Instructions for inspecting and replacing the spark plug are provided.
Blade Care: Emphasizes the importance of keeping the blade sharp and balanced. Instructions for removing, sharpening, and replacing the blade are detailed, including the blade bolt torque specification.
Drive Wheels Maintenance: Instructions for checking and cleaning drive wheels for proper traction.
Grass Catcher Maintenance: Recommendations for cleaning the grass catcher after each use.
Muffler Maintenance: Instructions to inspect and replace corroded mufflers.
Under Deck Cleaning: Regular cleaning of the underside of the mower housing is recommended to prevent grass build-up and ensure efficient cutting.
Storage: Guidelines for preparing the mower for storage at the end of the season or if it will not be used for 30 days or more, including draining fuel or adding stabilizer, and cleaning the mower.
Troubleshooting Guide: A comprehensive section addressing common problems, their causes, and corrections, such as "Does not start," "Loss of power," "Poor cut – uneven," "Excessive vibration," "Starter rope hard to pull," "Grass catcher not filling," and "Hard to push."
Repair Parts: Detailed exploded diagrams and parts lists are provided for the Craftsman Rotary Lawn Mower, Gear Case Assembly, and the Briggs & Stratton 4-Cycle Engine, including part numbers and descriptions for ordering replacement parts.