This document is an owner's manual for a Craftsman Rotary Lawn Mower, model number 944.363410. It is a 6.25 horsepower, power-propelled, 21-inch rear discharge lawn mower. The manual provides comprehensive information on its operation, maintenance, and repair, ensuring safe and efficient use.
Function Description
The Craftsman Rotary Lawn Mower is designed for cutting grass in residential settings. Its primary function is to efficiently trim lawns to a desired height, with the capability of rear discharge or mulching. The power-propelled feature assists the operator by driving the mower forward, reducing physical effort, especially on larger lawns or uneven terrain. The 21-inch cutting deck allows for a good balance between maneuverability and coverage area. The mulching capability means that grass clippings are finely cut and returned to the lawn as natural fertilizer, eliminating the need for bagging. When converted to bagging, it collects clippings in a grass catcher for disposal.
Important Technical Specifications
- Model Number: 944.363410
- Engine: 6.25 Horsepower, Briggs & Stratton 4-Cycle Engine (Model Number 12Q802-0272-B1)
- Cutting Width: 21 inches
- Discharge Type: Rear Discharge (also convertible to mulching or bagging)
- Propulsion: Power-Propelled
- Gasoline Capacity / Type: 1.5 Litres (Unleaded Regular, minimum 87 octane). Alcohol-blended fuels (gasohol or using ethanol/methanol) can attract moisture and damage the fuel system during storage, requiring specific precautions.
- Oil Type (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)
- Oil Capacity: 0.58 Litres
- Spark Plug: Champion RJ19LM (Gap: 0.76 mm)
- Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. lbs. / 47-54 N-m
- RPM Settings: Low Speed: 1900-2100; High Speed: 3000-3200. Engine speed is factory set and not adjustable by the user.
Usage Features
- Operator Presence Control Bar: A safety feature that requires the operator to hold the bar down against the handle to start and operate the mower. Releasing the bar stops the engine.
- Drive Control Lever: Engages the power-propelled function. Pushing the lever forward until it clicks engages the drive. Releasing the lever or slightly releasing the operator presence control bar disengages the drive.
- Adjustable Cutting Height: Wheels can be raised for a low cut or lowered for a high cut. A medium position is recommended for most lawns. Adjusters allow for precise height settings, with 9-position adjusters available on some models.
- Mulching Capability: The mower is shipped ready for mulching, finely cutting grass clippings and returning them to the lawn.
- Bagging Conversion: Easily converts to bagging by lifting the rear door and attaching the grass catcher. The manual provides clear instructions for assembling and installing the grass catcher.
- Starting Procedure: For a cold engine, the primer should be pushed three times. The starter handle is then pulled quickly while holding the operator presence control bar down.
- Handle Adjustment: The handle can be adjusted for operator comfort and folded for storage or transportation.
- Fuel and Oil Management: The mower is shipped without oil or gasoline. Users must add the correct type and amount of oil and fresh, regular unleaded gasoline before first use.
- Safety Rules: Emphasizes reading and understanding all instructions, keeping hands and feet away from rotating parts, clearing the mowing area of objects, and wearing substantial footwear and safety glasses.
Maintenance Features
The manual provides a detailed maintenance schedule to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of the lawn mower.
- Before Each Use:
- Check engine oil level.
- Check for loose fasteners.
- Lubricate according to the lubrication chart (wheel adjusters, rear door hinge, handle bracket mounting pins).
- Check tires.
- Check drive wheels (for power-propelled models).
- Clean/inspect grass catcher (if equipped).
- Clean lawn mower.
- After Each Use:
- Clean under drive cover (for power-propelled models).
- Every 10 Hours / Every 25 Hours / Every Season:
- Change engine oil (more often under heavy load or dusty conditions).
- Clean air filter (more often in dirty/dusty conditions).
- Inspect muffler.
- Check drive belt/pulleys (for power-propelled models).
- Check/sharpen/replace blade.
- Every 100 Hours:
- Replace spark plug.
- Replace air filter paper cartridge.
- Before Storage:
- Clean the entire lawn mower thoroughly.
- Lubricate all necessary parts.
- Check and securely fasten all nuts, bolts, screws, and pins.
- Inspect moving parts for damage and replace if necessary.
- Touch up rusted or chipped paint surfaces.
- Prepare the engine for storage by emptying the fuel tank and carburetor (or using a fuel stabilizer), draining and replacing engine oil, and pouring a small amount of oil into the cylinder.
- Store the mower in a clean, dry area, covered with a suitable protective cover that allows breathing.
- Blade Care: Regular inspection, sharpening, and balancing of the blade are crucial for best cutting results and to prevent damage to the mower or engine. Instructions are provided for removing, sharpening (with a caution against user sharpening), and replacing the blade.
- Drive Wheels Maintenance: Instructions for cleaning drive wheels to ensure free movement, including removing hubcaps, cotters, and washers.
- Engine Maintenance: Details on oil changes, air filter cleaning/replacement, and spark plug replacement. Emphasizes never tampering with the engine governor.
- Troubleshooting Guide: A comprehensive table listing common problems, their causes, and corresponding corrections, directing users to appropriate sections of the manual or to a Sears Service Center when necessary.
The manual also includes detailed repair parts diagrams and lists for the gear case assembly, main mower components, and the Briggs & Stratton 4-Cycle Engine, facilitating accurate part identification for repairs. Sears Canada, Inc. provides a limited two-year warranty for material and workmanship defects, with a ninety-day warranty for commercial or rental use. Warranty service is available at Sears Parts & Repair Centres in Canada.
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