Owners Manual
Owners Manual
JCRRFTSMRW
ROTARY LAWN _MOWER
6.5 Horsepower
21" Multi-Cut
Model No.
944.362470
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in
serious injury or death. I. GENERAL OPERATION
ALook for this symbol to point out • Read, understand, and follow all
important safety precautions. It means instructions on the machine and in the
CAUTIONtt! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
manual(s) before starting. Be thor-
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
oughly familiar with the controls and
A CAUTION: Always disconnect spark the proper use of the machine before
plug wire and place wire where it cannot starting.
contact spark plug in order to prevent • Do not put hands or feet near or under
accidental starting when setting up, rotating parts. Keep clear of the
transporting, adjusting or making repairs. discharge opening at all times.
A CAUTION: Muffler • Only allow responsible individuals,
who are familiar with the instructions, to
and other engine parts become extremely
operate the machine.
hot during operation and remain hot after • Clear the area of objects such as
engine has stopped. To avoid severe rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc.,
burns on contact, stay away from these which could be picked up and thrown
areas. by the blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other
people before mowing. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.
• Do not operate the mower when
barefoot or wearing open sandals.
2 Always wear substantial foot wear.
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• Do not pull mower backwards unless III. CHILDREN
absolutely necessary. Always look Tragic accidents can occur if the operator
down and behind before and while is not alert to the presence of children.
moving backwards. Children are often attracted to the
• Do not operate the mower without machine and the mowing activity. Never
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or assume that children will remain where
other safety protective devices in place. you last saw them.
• See manufacturer's instructions for • Keep children out of the trimming area
proper operation and installation of and under the watchful care of another
accessories. Only use accessories responsible adult.
approved by the manufacturer. • Be alert and turn machine off if children
• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel enter the area.
drives, walks, or roads. • Before and while walking backwards,
• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you look behind and down for small
leave the equipment, before cleaning children.
the mower or unclogging the chute. • Never allow children to operate the
• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait machine.
until the blade comes to complete stop • Use extra care when approaching blind
before removing grass catcher. comers, shrubs, trees, or other objects
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial that may obscure vision.
light.
• Do not operate the machine while IV. SERVICE
under the influence of alcohol or drugs. • Use extra care in handling gasoline
• Never operate machine in wet grass. and other fuels. They are flammable
Always be sure of your footing: keep a and vapors are explosive.
firm hold on the handle and walk; never -Use only an approved container.
run. - Never remove gas cap or add fuel
• Disengage the self-propelled mecha- with the engine running. Allow
nism or drive clutch on mowers so engine to cool before refueling. Do
equipped before starting the engine not smoke.
(motor). -Never refuel the machine indoors.
• If the equipment should start to vibrate - Never store the machine or fuel
abnormally, stop the engine (motor) container inside where there is an
and check immediately for the cause. open flame, such as a water heater.
Vibration is generally a warning of • Never run a machine inside a closed
trouble. area.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety • Never make adjustments or repairs with
glasses with side shields when operat- the engine (motor) running. Disconnect
ing mower. the spark plug wire, and keep the wire
II. SLOPE OPERATION away from the plug to prevent acciden-
tal starting.
Slopes are a major factor related to slip • Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
and fall accidents which can result in
attachment bolts, tight and keep
severe injury. All slopes require extra equipment in good condition.
caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do • Never tamper with safety devices.
not mow it.
Check their proper operation regularly.
• Mow across the face of slopes: never • Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
up and down. Exercise extreme caution other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
when changing direction on slopes. spillage. Allow machine to cool before
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree storing.
limbs, etc. • Stop and inspect the equipment if you
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
grass can hide obstacles. before restarting.
DO NOT: • Never attempt to make wheel height
• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or adjustments while the engine (motor) is
embankments. The operator could lose running.
footing or balance.
• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
footing could cause slipping.
3
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• Grass catcher components are subject • Mower blades are sharp and can cut.
to wear, damage, and deterioration, Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
which could expose moving parts or use extra caution when servicing them.
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently • Do not change the engine govemor
check components and replace with setting or overspeed the engine.
manufacturer's recommended pads,
when necessary.
Read these instructions and this manual HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
in its entirety before you attempt to MOWER
assemble or operate your new lawn TO UNFOLD HANDLE
mower.
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is IMPORTANT: Unfold handles carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables.
shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in
1. Raise handles until lower handle
the engine.
Your new lawn mower has been as- section locks into place in mowing
sembled at the factory with the exception position.
2. Remove protective padding, raise
of those parts left unassembled for
upper handle section into place on
shipping purposes. All parts such as
lower handle and tighten both handle
nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to knobs.
complete the assembly have been placed 3. Remove handle padding holding
in the parts bag. To ensure safe and
operator presence control bar to
proper operation of your lawn mower, all
upper handle.
parts and hardware you assemble must
Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted
be tightened securely. Use the correct
for your mowing comfort. Refer to
tools as necessary to ensure proper =ADJUST HANDLE" in the Service and
tightness.
Adjustments section of this manual.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON Operator r
contml bar
1. Remove loose parts included with
mower. U
2. Cut down two end corners of carton
and lay end panel down flat.
3. Remove all packing materials except LIFT
UF
padding between upper and lower
handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.
4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and Mowing
check carton thoroughly for additional position
loose pads.
Lower handle
4
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TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER TO PREPARE BATTERY
I. Put grass catcher frame into grass bag NOTE: Your battery must be charged
with rigid part of bag on the bottom. before you can start your lawn mower.
Make sure the frame handle is outside 1. Disconnect engine battery connector
of the bag top. (male) from battery connector (female)
2. Slip vinyl bindings over frame. 2. Connect battery charger connector
NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold (male) to battery connector (female).
them in warm water for a few minutes. If 3. Plug battery charger into 110 volt A.C.
bag gets wet, let it dry before using. outlet.
4. Leave battery charger connected for
24 hours before starting your engine
Catcher for the first time.
frame
5. After charging, connect engine
connector (male) to battery connector
(female).
Your engine has an integral alternator for
partial charging. Connect your battery
charger to charge battery as required.
\ IMPORTANT: The engine alternator will
not charge a discharged battery.
Frame At the end of the mowing season the
opening battery should be charged for 48 hours to
protect the battery during winter storage.
_CAUTION: Always disconnect the
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS engine connector (male) from the battery
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to connector (female) to prevent accidental
be used as a mulcher. To convert to starting when transporting or storing your
bagging or discharging, see "TO CON- lawn mower after the season.
VERT MOWER" in the Operation section
Charger connector Battery connector
of this manual, , (female)
5
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I_IOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrationswith your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with
the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
Theeesymbolsmayappearon yourlawnmowerorin literaturesupplbdw#htheproducLLearnand
understandtheirmeaning.
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
start switch
knob
Auxiliary
starter
handle
Engine oil cap
with dipstick
Grass Primer
catchm
Muffler
Housing
Gasoline filler calc
Mulcher doo
Wheel adjuster
Air filter (on each wheel
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American
National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The blade
turns when the engine is running.
7
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TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
1. Lift up on grass catcher using the
frame handle.
2. Remove grass catcher with clippings
from under lawn mower handle.
3. Empty clippings from bag using both
frame handle and bag handle.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when
emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.
mulcher door
Grass
catcher
frame
handle
Bag
handle
Discharge
deflector
9
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MOWING TIPS MULCHING MOWING TIPS
• Under certain conditions, such as very IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep
tall grass, it may be necessary to raise mower housing free of built-up grass and
the height of cut to reduce pushing trash. See "CLEANING" in the Maintenance
effort and to keep from overloading the section of this manual.
engine and leaving clumps of grass • The special mulching blade will recut
clippings. It may also be necessary to the grass clippings many times and
reduce ground speed and/or run the reduce them in size so that as they fall
lawn mower over the area a second
onto the lawn they will disperse into the
time.
grass and not be noticed. Also, the
• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
mulched grass will biodegrade quickly
width of cut by overlapping previously to provide nutrients for the lawn.
cut path and mow slowly. Always mulch with your highest engine
• For better grass bagging and most (blade) speed as this will provide the
cutting conditions, the engine speed
best recutting action of the blades.
should be set in the fast position. • Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet.
• Pores in cloth grass catchers can Wet grass tends to form clumps and
become filled with dirt and dust with
interferes with the mulching action.
use and catchers will collect less grass. The best time to mow your lawn is the
To prevent this, regularly hose catcher early afternoon. At this time the grass
off with water and let dry before using. has dried and the newly cut area will
• Keep top of engine around starter clear
not be exposed to the direct sun.
and clean of grass clippings and chaff. • For best results, adjust the lawn mower
This will help engine air flow and cutting height so that the lawn mower
extend engine life. cuts off only the top one-third of the
grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown
it will be necessary to raise the height
of cut to reduce pushing effort and to
keep from overloading the engine and
leaving clumps of mulched grass. For
extremely heavy grass, reduce your
width of cut by overlapping previously
cut path and mow slowly.
MAX 1/3
10
(If Equipped)
Clean Lawn Mower I_ $ $
M Lawn I Drive Cover
Clean Under
(Power-Prop
(Power-Propelled Mowers) I/
Check drivebelt/pulleys
(Power-Prop
(Power-Propelled Mowers)
R Check/Sharp
Check/Sharpen/Replace
E_ Check ddve I Blade $
Lubrication(Chart
Lubrication hi'
Clean Battery/Recharge
IElectric StartMowersI I_ ll/'4
Check EngineOII Level
E Check
ChangeEngine OII L,
EngineOil _1.2
Clean Air Filter
Inspect Muffler
GI clean Air Filter _ 2
Clean or ReplaceSpark Plug
ReplaceAir FilterPaperCartridge
1 - Change more often when operatingundera heavyload or in high aml_enttemperatures.
2 - Service more often when operatingIn dirty or dustyconditions.
3 - Replace blades more olten when mowing In sandy soil.
4 - Charge 48 hoursat end ofseason.
The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal on the rear of the mower
housing. Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above.
15
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ENGINE ENGINE OIL
FUEL SYSTEM Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace
with clean engine oil. (See =ENGINE" in
IMPORTANT: It is important to prevent the Maintenance section of this manual).
gum deposits from forming in essential CYLINDER
fuel system parts such as carburetor, fuel
1. Remove spark plug.
filter, fuel hose or tank during storage.
2. Pour one ounce (29 ml) of oil through
Also, alcohol blended fuels (called
spark plug hole into cylinder.
gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) 3. Pull starter handle slowly a few times
can attract moisture which leads to to distribute oil.
separation and formation of acids during 4. Replace with new spark plug.
storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel
BATTERY
system of an engine while in storage.
1. Drain the fuel tank. Disconnect the battery from the engine
2. Start the engine and let it run until the connector and charge battery 48 hours.
fuel lines and carburetor are empty. OTHER
• Never use engine or carburetor cleaner • Do not store gasoline from one season
products in the fuel tank or permanent to another.
damage may occur. • Replace your gasoline can if your can
• Use fresh fuel next season.
starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in your
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable
gasoline will cause problems.
alternative in minimizing the formation of
• If possible, store your unit indoors and
fuel gum deposits during storage. Add cover it to protect it from dust and dirt.
stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or • Cover your unit with a suitable protec-
storage container. Always follow the mix tive cover that does not retain moisture.
ratio found on stabilizer container. Run Do not use plastic. Plastic cannot
engine at least 10 minutes after adding breathe, which allows condensation to
stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach form and will cause your unit to rust.
the carburetor. Do not drain the gas tank IMPORTANT: Never cover mower while
and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer. engine and exhaust areas are still warm.
_CAUTION: Never store the lawn
mower with gasoline in the tank inside a
building where fumes may reach an open
flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool
before storing in any enclosure.
TROUBLESHOOTING - See appropriate section in manual unless directed
to a Sears Service Center.
PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION
Poor cut - 1. Worn, bent or loose blade. 1. Replace blade. Tighten bolt.
uneven 2. Wheel heights uneven. 2. Set wheels to same height.
3. Buildup of grass, leaves 3. Clean underside of
and trash under mower. mower housing.
Starter rope ,
Engine flywheel brake is 1. Depress control bar to
hard to pull when control bar is upper handle before
released. pulling starter rope.
2. Bent engine crankshaft. 2. Contact a Sears or other
qualified service center.
3. Blade adapter broken. 3. Replace blade adapter.
4. Blade dragging in grass. 4. Move lawn mower to cut
grass or to hard surface.
17
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CRAFTSMAN ROTARY LAWN MOWER-- MODEL NUMBER 944.362470
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BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE MODEL NUMBER 123K07-0210-EI
758_13_'783A"
304
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21
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BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE MODEL NUMBER 123K07-0210-E1
4o4
977 CARBURETOR
GASKET SET
365_
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127
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1-800-4-MY-HOME ®
(I -800-469-4663)
24 hours a day, 7 days a week