Craftsman 944.364151 - User Manual

The device is a Craftsman Rotary Lawn Mower, featuring a 160cc Honda Engine and a 21" Multi-Cut deck. This lawn mower is designed for residential use, primarily for cutting grass and maintaining lawns. Its multi-cut capability suggests it can handle various cutting styles, including mulching, bagging, and side discharging, offering versatility for different lawn care needs.

Function Description:

The Craftsman Rotary Lawn Mower is a pedestrian-controlled machine that uses a rotating blade to cut grass. The 160cc Honda engine provides the power necessary for the blade to rotate at high speeds, ensuring an efficient and clean cut. The 21-inch cutting deck allows for a wide path with each pass, reducing the time and effort required to mow a lawn. The "Multi-Cut" feature indicates that the mower is equipped to handle different grass management methods. When set to mulching, the special mulching blade recuts grass clippings multiple times into fine pieces that are then dispersed back onto the lawn, providing natural nutrients. For bagging, the mower collects clippings into a grass catcher, which is ideal for removing debris or for a cleaner aesthetic. Side discharging allows the mower to eject clippings from the side of the deck, suitable for taller grass or when mulching is not desired. The operator presence control bar is a key safety feature, requiring the operator to hold it against the handle for the engine to run and the blade to turn, stopping both when released.

Usage Features:

The lawn mower is designed for user convenience and safety. Upon initial setup, the handle needs to be unfolded and secured. The handle can also be adjusted to a high or low position to suit the operator's comfort, which is achieved by repositioning the lower handle on the mounting pins. The mower is shipped without oil or gasoline, requiring the user to add these before the first operation. It's crucial to use fresh, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane and to avoid overfilling the fuel tank. For engine oil, a high-quality detergent oil rated API service classification SG-SL is recommended, with the SAE viscosity grade selected based on the anticipated operating temperature.

Starting the engine involves ensuring the fuel valve is in the ON position, holding the operator presence control bar against the handle, and pulling the starter handle quickly. The starter rope is designed to be pulled slowly until it slips into the rope guide, then tightened. The cutting height is adjustable, allowing users to raise or lower the wheels to achieve the desired grass length. Medium height is generally recommended for most lawns. This adjustment is made by squeezing an adjuster lever toward the wheel and moving the wheel up or down.

For mulching, the rear door and mulcher door should be closed. To convert to bagging, the grass catcher frame hooks are placed onto the door pivot pins, with the mulcher door closed. For side discharging, the mulcher door is opened, and a discharge deflector is installed under the door, with the rear door closed. Mowing tips include avoiding cutting wet grass, reducing cutting width for heavy grass, and varying cutting patterns to prevent matting. For side discharge, cutting in a counterclockwise direction from the outside inward is suggested to spread clippings evenly.

Maintenance Features:

Regular maintenance is essential for the longevity and optimal performance of the lawn mower. A maintenance schedule is provided, outlining tasks such as checking for loose fasteners, cleaning the grass catcher, inspecting tires and drive wheels, and cleaning the mower housing. The underside of the mower should be cleaned after each use to prevent grass and trash buildup, which can hinder performance and shorten engine life. The air filter needs regular cleaning or replacement, especially in dusty conditions, to ensure proper engine function. The spark plug should be replaced at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation.

Engine oil changes are recommended after every 25 hours of operation or at least once a year, with more frequent changes in dusty conditions. The oil level should be checked before each use and after every five hours of continuous use. The fuel system requires attention to prevent gum deposits, especially during storage. It's advised to empty the fuel tank and run the engine until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty before storing for 30 days or longer, or to use a fuel stabilizer. The muffler should be inspected for corrosion and replaced if damaged to prevent fire hazards.

Blade care is crucial; the blade must be kept sharp and balanced. An unbalanced blade can cause damage to the mower and engine. Sharpening can be done with a file or grinding wheel, but it's important not to sharpen it while on the mower. When replacing the blade, only approved replacement parts should be used, and the blade bolt must be tightened to the specified torque. The grass catcher should be checked for damage and can be hosed off with water, but must be dry before use. Lubrication of wheel bearings and other moving parts is also part of the maintenance routine, using a dry, powdered graphite type lubricant for plastic parts to avoid attracting dust. The manual also emphasizes that warranty repairs for emission control devices and systems must be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service outlet.

Craftsman 944.364151 Specifications

General

Cutting Positions	6
Weight	80 lbs
Mulching Capability	Yes
Bagging Capability	Yes
Side Discharge Capability	Yes
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Height	1.25 - 3.75 inch
Wheel Size	8 inches front, 11 inches rear