Craftsman 944.364680 - User Manual

This document is an Owner's Manual for a Craftsman Rotary Lawn Mower, Model No. 944.364680. It's a 5.5 Horsepower, 21" Multi-Cut walk-behind power lawn mower designed for residential use.

Function Description:

The Craftsman Rotary Lawn Mower is designed for cutting grass. It features a "Multi-Cut" system, indicating its capability for mulching, rear bagging, and side discharging. The mower is self-propelled, allowing for forward motion without manual pushing, which is engaged via a drive control lever. An operator presence control bar must be held down to start and operate the engine, and releasing it stops the engine, a safety feature conforming to CPSC safety requirements. The cutting height is adjustable via dual-point height adjuster levers on the front and rear wheels.

Important Technical Specifications:

Engine: 5.5 Horsepower, Honda 4-Cycle Engine (Model Number GCV-160-AS3A).
Cutting Width: 21 inches.
Gasoline Capacity/Type: 0.94 Litres (Unleaded Regular, minimum 87 octane). Alcohol-blended fuels (gasohol, ethanol, methanol) can be used but require specific storage precautions.
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) are recommended for cold weather starting.
Spark Plug: NGK BPR6ES, with a gap of 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).
Warranty: Limited Two-Year Warranty for residential use. For commercial or rental use, the warranty is 90 days. The warranty does not cover pre-delivery set-up, expendable items (blades, belts, air cleaners, spark plug), or repairs due to operator abuse/negligence.

Usage Features:

Starting: The engine requires oil and gasoline to be added before first use. To start, ensure the fuel valve is ON, move the choke lever to ON, hold the operator presence control bar down, and pull the starter handle quickly. The choke lever automatically moves to the OFF position once the control bar is held.
Stopping: Release the operator presence control bar to stop the engine. Turn the fuel valve to OFF if not restarting soon.
Self-Propelled Drive: Engaged by holding the operator presence control bar and pulling the drive control lever rearward. The farther the lever is pulled, the faster the mower travels. Releasing either the control bar or drive lever stops forward motion.
Cutting Height Adjustment: Both front wheels are adjusted by a single lever on the left front, and both rear wheels by a single lever on the left rear. Pull the adjuster lever toward the wheel; move forward to raise the mower, backward to lower. Ensure all wheels are set to the same height.
Multi-Cut System:
- Mulching: The mower is shipped ready for mulching. The mulcher door should be secured to the housing with a knob. The special mulching blade recuts grass clippings into fine pieces that disperse into the lawn.
- Rear Bagging: To convert, remove the mulcher door, open the mulcher door, insert discharge chute tabs into the hinge bracket, secure the chute to the housing with a knob, and place the grass catcher onto the discharge chute. The round door of the discharge chute should rest on the grass catcher.
- Side Discharging: To convert, remove the grass catcher and discharge chute, open the mulcher door, install the front of the side discharge deflector beneath it, and secure the rear of the deflector to the housing with a knob.
Mowing Tips: Mow across slopes, not up and down. Clear the area of objects. Do not mow barefoot or in open sandals; always wear substantial footwear and safety glasses. Avoid cutting wet grass. For best mulching, maintain the highest engine speed and cut only the top one-third of the grass blades. For heavy grass, reduce cut width by overlapping or mow slowly. Regularly hose off cloth grass catchers to prevent dirt build-up.
Handle Adjustment: The handle has multiple height positions for user comfort. It can also be folded for storage or transport.

Maintenance Features:

Regular Checks (Before Each Use): Check engine oil level and loose fasteners.
Periodic Maintenance:
- Engine Oil: Check oil level before each use. Change oil every 25 hours of operation or each season (whichever comes first), more often in dusty conditions. To change oil, disconnect the spark plug wire, remove the oil fill cap/dipstick, tip the mower to drain oil into a container, then refill slowly to the full line on the dipstick.
- Air Filter: Replace every 100 hours or each season, more often in dusty conditions. Clean by gently tapping; replace if very dirty. Do not use petroleum solvents or pressurized air.
- Spark Plug: Replace at the beginning of each mowing season or every 100 hours.
- Blade Care: Keep the blade sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades. To remove the blade, disconnect the spark plug wire, tip the mower on its side (air filter and carburetor up), use a wood block to prevent the blade from turning, and remove the blade bolt. Ensure the trailing edge of the blade is up when reinstalling.
- Grass Catcher: Hose with water, but ensure it's dry before use. Check for damage and deterioration.
- Drive Wheels: Check for free movement; clean out trash/grass if restricted.
- Gear Case: Keep clean. Lubricant is factory-filled; only add Texaco Starplex Premium 1 Grease (Part No. 750369) if service has been performed on the gear case.
- Drive Belt: Inspect for wear. To replace, disconnect the spark plug wire, remove the drive cover, detach the drive cable spring, pivot the idler arm, and remove the old belt. Install the new belt, ensuring proper routing.
- Rear Deflector: Replace if damaged to minimize thrown objects.
- Cleaning: Clean the underside of the mower housing after each use to prevent grass and trash build-up. Clean the engine regularly. Do not use a garden hose unless electrical components are covered. Clean under the drive cover at least twice a season.
Lubrication: Refer to the "LUBRICATION CHART" for specific points. Use spray lubricant for hinges and handle bracket mounting pins. Do not oil plastic wheel bearings; use dry, powdered graphite if lubrication is needed.
Storage: Prepare the mower at the end of the season or if unused for 30+ days. Clean thoroughly, lubricate, and inspect for damage. Empty the fuel tank or use a fuel stabilizer. Store in a clean, dry area, covered with a breathable cover (not plastic). Allow the engine to cool before storing. The handle can be folded for compact storage.