This document is an owner's manual for a Craftsman Rotary Lawn Mower, Model No. 944.364542.
Function Description:
The Craftsman Rotary Lawn Mower is a walk-behind power lawn mower designed for cutting grass. It features a 21-inch multi-cut blade and is powered by a 5.5 horsepower engine. The mower is capable of mulching, rear bagging, and side discharging, offering versatility for different lawn care needs. An Operator Presence Control Bar is a key safety feature, requiring the operator to hold it down against the handle to start and operate the engine, and releasing it stops the engine. The mower also includes a Drive Control Bar for engaging power-propelled forward motion.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Model No.: 944.364542
- Horsepower: 5.5 HP
- Cutting Width: 21 inches (Multi-Cut)
- Gasoline Capacity / Type: 0.94 Litres (Unleaded Regular, minimum 87 octane). The manual strongly advises against using alcohol-blended fuels (gasohol, ethanol, methanol) for storage due to moisture attraction and acid formation, which can damage the fuel system. If used, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer.
- Oil Capacity: 0.5 Litres
- Oil Type (API SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 0°C/32°F) or SAE 10W-30. Multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30, etc.) are recommended for improved starting in cold weather.
- Spark Plug: NGK BPR6ES (Gap: 0.76 mm)
- Valve Clearance (± 0.04 mm): Intake: 0.015 mm; Exhaust: 0.020 mm
- Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. lbs. (47-54 N-m). The blade bolt is heat treated, and replacements must be approved.
- Safety Standards: Conforms to American National Standards Institute and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission safety standards. The blade turns when the engine is running.
Usage Features:
- Starting and Stopping: To start, ensure the fuel valve is ON, move the choke lever to ON (||), hold the operator presence control bar down to the handle, and pull the starter handle quickly. The choke lever automatically moves to OFF when the control bar is held down. To stop, release the operator presence control bar and turn the fuel valve to OFF if not restarting soon.
- Cutting Height Adjustment: All four wheels are adjusted simultaneously by a single lever. Pull the adjuster lever toward the wheel to move it forward to raise the mower or toward the rear to lower it.
- Drive Control: Self-propelling is engaged by holding the operator presence control bar down and pulling the drive control bar up to the handle. The closer the bar is pulled, the faster the unit travels. Releasing either bar stops forward motion. A thumbscrew on the underside of the drive control housing allows tension adjustment for the drive cable to maintain speed.
- Mulching: The mower is shipped ready for mulching. It uses a special mulching blade to recut grass clippings into fine pieces that disperse into the lawn, providing nutrients. For best results, operate at the highest engine speed, avoid wet grass, and adjust cutting height to remove only the top one-third of grass blades. Overgrown grass may require a higher cut or slower mowing speed.
- Rear Bagging: To convert to bagging, open the rear door, remove the mulcher plug, and install the grass catcher. The grass catcher frame hooks onto the door pivot pins, and the rear door is lowered to secure it.
- Side Discharging: For side discharging, the mulcher plug must be installed in the rear discharge opening. Open the mulcher door and install the discharge deflector.
- Handle Adjustment: The handle has three height positions for operator comfort. Squeeze the bottom ends of the lower handle to insert the pin into one of the height adjustment holes. The handle can also be folded for storage.
Maintenance Features:
- General Maintenance: The manual emphasizes reading and following all safety rules and instructions. Regular checks for loose fasteners, tire condition, and drive wheels are recommended.
- Engine Oil: The engine is shipped without oil. Check oil level before each use and after every five hours of continuous use. Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or once a year. Use API service classification SG-SL oil, selecting the SAE viscosity grade based on expected operating temperature. Do not overfill.
- Air Filter: Replace the air filter every 100 hours of operation or every season, or more often in dusty conditions. Clean by gently tapping; do not use petroleum solvents or pressurized air.
- Spark Plug: Replace the spark plug at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation.
- Blade Care: The blade should be kept sharp and balanced. Replacement blades must be approved. To remove the blade, disconnect the spark plug wire, tip the mower on its side (air filter and carburetor up), and use a wood block to prevent the blade from turning. The blade bolt should be tightened to 35-40 ft. lbs.
- Grass Catcher: The grass catcher can be hosed with water but must be dry before use. Inspect for damage or deterioration regularly.
- Drive System: The gear case and surrounding area should be kept clean. The gear case is factory-filled with lubricant; if service is performed, use Texaco Starplex Premium 1 Grease, Part No. 750369.
- Cleaning: Clean the mower housing, especially the underside, after each use to prevent grass and trash buildup. Clean the engine frequently to prevent overheating. Avoid using a garden hose to clean the mower unless electrical components are covered.
- Storage: For storage longer than 30 days, clean the mower thoroughly, lubricate it, ensure all fasteners are secure, and touch up any rusted or chipped paint. The handle can be folded. For the engine, either empty the fuel tank and carburetor or use a fuel stabilizer. Drain and replace engine oil, and add 29 ml of oil to the cylinder through the spark plug hole, pulling the starter handle slowly a few times to distribute it. Do not store the mower with gasoline in the tank near an open flame or spark.
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