Craftsman 944.367652 - User Manual

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Overview

This document is an owner's manual for a Craftsman Rotary Lawn Mower, model number 944.367652. It features a 675 Series Briggs & Stratton Engine, is power-propelled, has electric start, and a 21-inch multi-cut deck.

The primary function of this device is to cut grass using a rotating blade. It is designed for residential use, with a limited two-year warranty covering material and workmanship defects. Commercial or rental use reduces the warranty to ninety days.

Important Technical Specifications:

Engine: 675 Series Briggs & Stratton Engine
Cutting Width: 21 inches (Multi-Cut)
Gasoline Capacity/Type: 1.4 Liters (Unleaded Regular)
Oil Type (API SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F/0°C); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F/0°C)
Oil Capacity: 0.57 Liters
Spark Plug: Champion RJ19HX (Gap: 0.76 mm)
Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. lbs. / 47-54 N-m
Power: Power-Propelled
Starting: Electric Start, with an auxiliary starter handle for manual starting.

Usage Features:

The lawn mower is shipped without oil or gasoline in the engine and requires assembly before first use. The handle needs to be unfolded and secured, and the battery must be charged for 24 hours before the initial electric start.

Controls and Adjustments:

Operator Presence Control Bar: Must be held down to the handle to start and operate the engine. Releasing it stops the engine.
Drive Control Bar: Engages the power-propelled forward motion. Pulling the bar closer to the handle increases speed. Releasing it stops forward motion without stopping the engine.
Key Start Switch: Used for starting the engine.
Auxiliary Starter Handle: Provides an alternative method for starting the engine.
Mulcher Door: Allows conversion between mulching, bagging, or side discharge operations.
Cutting Height Adjustment: Wheels can be raised or lowered to adjust the cutting height. A medium position is recommended for most lawns. Adjuster levers are squeezed towards the wheel to move them up or down. All wheels should be set to the same height.
Engine Speed: Factory-set for optimum performance and is not adjustable by the user.

Mowing Operations:

Mulching: The mower is shipped ready for mulching. The special mulching blade recuts grass clippings into fine pieces that disperse into the lawn, providing nutrients. For best results, operate at the highest engine (blade) speed, avoid cutting wet grass, and adjust cutting height to remove only the top one-third of the grass blades. Overgrown lawns may require a higher cutting height or a reduced width of cut.
Rear Bagging: To convert, lift the rear door and place the grass catcher frame hooks onto the door pivot pins. The mulcher door must be closed.
Side Discharging: To convert, the rear door must be closed, and the mulcher door opened to install the discharge deflector.
Slope Operation: Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction. Remove obstacles, watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Do not trim near drop-offs or on excessively steep or wet slopes.
General Mowing Tips: For heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut and mow slowly. For better bagging, set engine speed to FAST. In moist, heavy grass, reduce ground speed or mow the area a second time. Regularly clean the grass catcher and the top of the engine.

Safety Rules:

Always read and follow all safety rules and instructions before operating.
Wear safety glasses or eye shields.
Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Clear the area of objects before mowing.
Keep children out of the trimming area.
Never operate when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Do not pull the mower backward unless necessary.
Never direct discharged material toward anyone.
Stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces.
Do not operate without proper guards, plates, or grass catcher.
Stop the engine before cleaning, unclogging, or removing the grass catcher.
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
Do not operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Never operate in wet grass.
If the equipment vibrates abnormally, stop and check for the cause.
Gasoline Handling: Use extreme care. Gasoline is flammable and its vapors are explosive. Extinguish all ignition sources. Use an approved container. Never refuel with the engine running or indoors. Do not store near open flames. Always refuel containers on the ground, away from vehicles. Keep the nozzle in contact with the fuel tank rim. Change clothing immediately if fuel is spilled.
Spark Arrester: The engine is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land unless the exhaust system has a spark arrester. If used, it must be maintained in effective working order.

Maintenance Features:

A maintenance schedule is provided, detailing tasks to be performed before each use, after each use, every 10 hours, every 25 hours or season, every 100 hours, and before storage.

General Recommendations:

The warranty does not cover operator abuse or negligence.
Perform periodic adjustments as described in the manual.
At least once a year, replace the spark plug, clean or replace the air filter element, and check the blade for wear.
Follow the maintenance schedule.

Before Each Use:

Check engine oil level.
Check for loose fasteners.

Lubrication:

Keep the unit well lubricated. A lubrication chart indicates points for wheel adjusters, engine oil, mulcher door hinge pin, rear door hinge, and handle bracket mounting pins.
Use spray lubricant for hinge pins and mounting pins.
Do not oil or grease plastic wheel bearings; use a dry, powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly if needed.

Tires:

Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals.
Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects.

Drive Wheels:

Check front drive wheels before each mow to ensure they move freely.
Clean trash or grass cuttings from the drive wheel area if necessary.

Blade Care:

Keep the blade sharp for best results. Replace bent or damaged blades.
Use only manufacturer-approved replacement blades.
To Remove 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. Remove the blade bolt counter-clockwise.
To Replace Blade: Position the blade adapter on the crankshaft, aligning the key. Position the blade with the trailing edge up. Install the blade bolt, lock washer, and hardened washer. Tighten the blade bolt to 35-40 ft. lbs. / 47-54 N-m.
To Sharpen Blade: Sharpen with a file or grinding wheel. Balance the blade by hanging it on a nail through the center hole; if one end drops, sharpen the heavy end until balanced.

Grass Catcher:

Hose with water and let dry before use.
Check for damage or deterioration; replace with approved parts if needed.

Gear Case:

Keep the gear case and surrounding area clean and free of trash.
The gear case is factory-filled with lubricant. If lubricant is required, use only Texaco Starplex Premium 1 Grease, Part No. 750369.

Engine Lubrication:

Use high-quality detergent oil (API SG-SL) with the SAE viscosity grade appropriate for the operating temperature.
Change oil after every 25 hours or once a year. Check oil level before starting and after every five hours of use.
To Change Engine Oil: Empty the fuel tank. Disconnect the spark plug wire. Remove the engine oil cap. Tip the mower on its side to drain oil into a container. Pour new oil slowly, checking the dipstick until the FULL mark is reached. Do not overfill.

Air Filter:

Replace the air filter cartridge every 100 hours or every season, more often in dusty conditions.
To Clean Air Filter: Loosen the screw and tilt the cover. Remove the cartridge. Clean by gently tapping on a flat surface. Replace if very dirty. Do not use petroleum solvents, pressurized air, or oil on the cartridge.

Muffler:

Inspect and replace corroded mufflers.

Spark Plug:

Replace the spark plug at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours.

Drive Belt:

To Remove Drive Belt: Disconnect the spark plug wire. Remove the drive cover and belt keeper. Remove the belt from the gearcase pulley. Tip the mower on its side. Remove the blade, engine pulley, and debris shield. Remove the engine pulley and belt from the debris shield.
To Replace Drive Belt: Place the new drive belt on the engine pulley and debris shield. Reinstall the debris shield. Return the mower to an upright position. Install the new belt on the gearcase pulley. Reinstall the belt keeper and drive cover. Turn the mower on its side to re-install the air filter and carburetor down. Reinstall the blade.

Handle Adjustment:

The handle can be adjusted to a high or low position using mounting holes in the lower handle bracket.

Engine Speed:

The engine speed is factory set and should not be tampered with.

Carburetor:

The carburetor is not adjustable. If problems occur, contact a Sears or other qualified service center.

Storage:

Prepare the mower for storage at the end of the season or if not used for 30 days or more.
Clean the mower thoroughly.
Lubricate as shown in the Maintenance section.
Check nuts, bolts, and screws, and inspect parts for damage.
Touch up rusted or chipped paint surfaces.
Handle: Fold the handle for storage or transport.
Fuel System: Gasoline is extremely flammable. To prevent gum deposits, either run the engine until the fuel tank is empty or add a fuel stabilizer. Never store the mower with gasoline in the tank indoors near open flames.
Battery: Disconnect the battery and charge for 48 hours before storage.
Other: Store in a dry, clean area. Cover with a suitable protective cover that does not retain moisture.

Troubleshooting:

A troubleshooting guide is provided to help diagnose and correct common problems such as the engine not starting, loss of power, uneven cut, excessive vibration, hard-to-pull starter rope, grass catcher not filling, hard to push, and loss of drive or slowing of drive speed.