This document is an owner's manual for a Craftsman Rotary Lawn Mower, Model No. 944.367441, featuring a 650 Series Briggs & Stratton Engine and a 21" Multi-Cut deck.
Function Description
The Craftsman Rotary Lawn Mower is designed for cutting grass. It operates as a walk-behind, power-driven machine, capable of both discharging clippings and mulching them. The "Multi-Cut" feature suggests it can handle various cutting needs, likely including bagging, mulching, and side discharge.
Important Technical Specifications
- Model Number: 944.367441
- Engine: 650 Series Briggs & Stratton Engine, 21" Multi-Cut
- Gasoline Capacity: 1.5 Litres (Unleaded Regular)
- Oil Capacity: 0.58 Litres
- Oil Type (API SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 0°C/32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 0°C/32°F)
- Spark Plug: Champion RJ19HX (Gap: 0.76 mm)
- Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. lbs. (47-54 N-m)
- Deck Size: 21 inches
- Serial Number: The model and serial numbers are found on a decal on the rear of the lawn mower housing.
Usage Features
The mower offers several features for ease of use and versatility:
- Operator Presence Control Bar: This safety feature requires the operator to hold the bar against the handle to start and operate the engine. Releasing the bar stops the engine.
- Adjustable Cutting Height: The mower allows for easy adjustment of cutting height. Rear wheels can be raised or lowered to achieve the desired cut. Front wheels also have a lever for height adjustment. There are 9 position adjustments (if so equipped) allowing the lever to be positioned between the plate tabs.
- Multi-Cut Capability: The mower supports multiple cutting modes, including:
- Rear Bagging: Clippings are collected in a grass catcher bag.
- Mulching: A mulcher door and special mulching blade finely chop grass clippings, returning them to the lawn as fertilizer.
- Side Discharging: A discharge deflector directs clippings out the side of the mower.
- Folding Handle: The handle can be folded for compact storage and easier transport. This involves loosening handle knobs and folding the upper handle over the lower handle.
- Fuel System: The mower uses a special FRESH START™ fuel cap and continuous fuel preservative cartridge to help maintain fuel freshness and prevent fuel system problems.
- Starting: The engine is started using a starter rope handle.
- Engine Speed: The engine speed is set at the factory for optimum performance and is not adjustable by the user.
Maintenance Features
Regular maintenance is crucial for the mower's longevity and safe operation. The manual provides a detailed maintenance schedule and instructions:
- Before Each Use: Check for loose fasteners, check engine oil level.
- Every 10 Hours or Season: Check/clean/replace grass catcher, check drive wheels, check lawn mower, check drive cover, check drive belt/pulleys, sharpen/replace blade, lubricate, check and recharge battery (if equipped).
- Every 25 Hours or Season: Check engine oil level, change engine oil, clean air filter, inspect muffler, replace spark plug.
- Every 100 Hours or Season: Empty fuel system or add stabilizer.
- Engine Oil: Drain old oil and refill with clean engine oil. The manual specifies oil type based on temperature.
- Air Filter: Regular cleaning and replacement of the air filter are recommended to ensure proper engine function.
- Spark Plug: Inspect and replace the spark plug periodically.
- Blade Care: The blade should be kept sharp and balanced. A dull or unbalanced blade can cause excessive vibration and damage. Instructions for sharpening and balancing the blade are provided.
- Fuel System Maintenance: The manual emphasizes the importance of using fresh gasoline and recommends using a fuel stabilizer, especially for storage. It also details how to drain the fuel tank and carburetor.
- Storage: Instructions are provided for preparing the mower for storage at the end of the season or if it will not be used for 30 days or more. This includes cleaning, lubricating, and properly handling the fuel system.
- Troubleshooting: A comprehensive troubleshooting section helps identify and correct common problems related to starting, loss of power, poor cut, excessive vibration, starter rope issues, grass catcher not filling, and difficulty pushing.
The manual also includes a warranty statement, safety rules, product specifications, assembly/pre-operation instructions, and repair parts diagrams with corresponding part numbers. It highlights the importance of reading and following all safety rules and instructions before operating the equipment.
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