Sears Craftsman 944.369610 User manual

427275 Rev. 3 03.27.09 BY Printed in U.S.A.
Model No.
944.369610
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Owner’s Manual
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
675 Series Briggs & Stratton Engine
Power-Propelled
22" Multi-Cut
Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2B8

2
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
For Two years from date of purchase Sears Canada, Inc. will repair or replace at Sears
option free of charge parts which are defective as a result of material or workmanship.
COMMERCIAL OR RENTAL USE:
Warranty on Power Mower (Gas) will be ninety (90) days from date of purchase if used
for commercial or rental purposes.
This Warranty does NOT cover:
• Pre-delivery set-up. • In-home service
• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower
blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.
• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crank-
shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions con-
tained in the owner’s manual.
Warranty service is available by returning the Craftsman Power Mower to the near-
est Sears Service Centre/Department in Canada. This warranty applies only while this
product is used in Canada.
This warranty is in addition to any statutory warranty and does not exclude or limit legal
rights you may have but shall run concurrently with applicable provincial legislation.
Furthermore, some provinces do NOT allow limitation on how long an implied warranty
will last so the above limitations may not apply to you.
Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2B8
Warranty.................................................. 2
Safety Rules ......................................... 2-3
Product Specifi cations ........................... 4
Assembly/Pre-Operation ...................... 4-5
Operation............................................ 6-10
Maintenance Schedule...........................11
Maintenance..................................... 11-14
Service and Adjustments.................. 15-16
Storage............................................. 16-17
Troubleshooting................................ 18-19
Repair Parts...................................... 20-26
Sears Service ..........................Back Cover
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARRANTY
SAFETY RULES
IMPORTANT: This cutting machineiscapable of amputatinghandsand feet and throwingob-
jects.Failureto observe thefollowingsafety instructionscouldresult in seriousinjuryor death.
Look for this symbol to point out im-
portant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
WARNING: Inorderto preventaccidental
starting when setting up, transporting, ad-
justing or making repairs, always disconnect
sparkplugwireandplacewire where it cannot
come in contact with plug.
CAUTION: Muffler and other engine
parts become extremely hot during
operation and remain hot after engine
has stopped. To avoid severe burns on
contact, stay away from these areas.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all
instructions on the machine and in the
manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls and the proper
use of the machine before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis-
charge opening at all times.
• Only allow responsible individuals, who
are familiar with the instructions, to
operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which
could be picked up and thrown by 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 bare-
foot or wearing open sandals. Always
wear substantial foot wear. 31
SERVICE NOTES

30
SERVICE NOTES
3
• Do not pull mower backwards unless
absolutely necessary. Always look down
and behind before and while moving
backwards.
• Never direct discharged material toward
anyone. Avoid discharging material
against a wall or obstruction. Material
may richochet back toward the operator.
Stop the blade when crossing gravel
surfaces.
• Do not operate the mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
other safety protective devices in place.
• See manufacturer’s instructions for
proper operation and installation of
accessories. Only use accessories ap-
proved by the manufacturer.
• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel
drives, walks, or roads.
• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you
leave the equipment, before cleaning
the mower or unclogging the chute.
• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait
until the blade comes to complete stop
before removing grass catcher.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial
light.
• Do not operate the machine while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Never operate machine in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing: keep a
firm hold on the handle; walk, never run.
• Disengage the self-propelled mech-
anism or drive clutch on mowers so
equipped before starting the engine.
• If the equipment should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and
check immediately for the cause. Vibra-
tion is generally a warning of trouble.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields when oper-
ating mower.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip &
fall accidents which can result in severe
injury. All slopes require extra caution. If
you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
DO:
• Mow across the face of slopes: never
up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance.
• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
footing could cause slipping.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator
is not alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the ma-
chine and the mowing activity.
Never as-
sume that children will remain where you
last saw them.
• Keep children out of the trimming area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
• Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and
down for small children.
• Never allow children to operate the
machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
Use extreme care in handling gasoline.
Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes
and other sources of ignition.
• Use only an approved container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with
the engine running. Allow engine to
cool before refueling.
• Never refuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel contain-
er where there is an open flame, spark
or pilot light such as a water heater or
on other appliances.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle, on
a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner.
Always place containers on the ground
away from your vehicle before filling.
• Remove gas-powered equipment from
the truck or trailer and refuel it on the
ground. If this is not possible, then
refuel such equipment with a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline
dispenser nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim
of the fuel tank or container opening at
all times until fueling is complete. Do
not use a nozzle lock-open device.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change
clothing immediately.
• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas
cap and tighten securely.

4
V. GENERAL SERVICE
• Never run machine inside a closed area.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with
theengine(motor)running.Disconnect the
spark plug wire, and keep the wire away
fromtheplugtopreventaccidentalstarting.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep equip-
ment in good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
otherdebris build-up. Cleanoil or fuelspill-
age.Allow machine to cool before storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you
strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.
• Never attempt to make wheel height
adjustments while the engine is running.
• Grass catcher components are subject
to wear, damage, and deterioration,
which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently
check components and replace with
manufacturer’s recommended parts,
when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut.
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them.
• Do not change the engine governor set-
ting or overspeed the engine.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruc-
tion labels, as necessary.
WARNING: This lawn mower is equipped with an internal combustion engine and
should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or
grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark
arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it
should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest Sears Service Cen-
tre (See the REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).
ASSEMBLY / PRE-OPERATION
Read these instructions and this manual in
its entirety before you attempt to assemble
or operate your new lawn mower.
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the
engine.
Your new lawn mower has been assem-
bled at the factory with the exception of
those parts left unassembled for shipping
purposes. To ensure safe and proper
operation of your lawn mower, all parts
and hardware you assemble must be tight-
ened securely. Use the correct tools as
necessary to ensure proper tightness. All
parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,
necessary to complete the assembly have
been placed in the parts bag.
TO REMOVE MOWER FROM
CARTON
1. Remove loose parts included with
mower.
2. Cut down two end corners of carton
and lay end panel down flat.
3. Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower
handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.
4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and
check carton thoroughly for additional
loose parts.
Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
Gasoline Capacity / Type: 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.
• The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal on the rear of the lawn mower
housing. Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
29
MODEL NUMBER 126T02-0372-B1
BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE
KEY PART
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION
404 690272 Washer (Governor Crank)
425 690670 Screw (Air Cleaner Cover)
443 692523 Screw
(Air Cleaner Primer Base)
445 491588s Filter-Air Cleaner Cartridge
455 791960 Cup-Flywheel
456 692299 Plate-Pawl Friction
459 281505s Pawl-Ratchet
505 691251 Nut (Governor Control Lever)
523 499621 Dipstick
524 692296 • Seal- Dipstick Tube
525 495265 Tube-Dipstick
562 691119 Bolt
(Governor Control Lever)
564 698589 Screw (Control Cover)
584 697734 Cover-Breather Passage
585 691879 • Gasket-Breather Passage
592 690800 Nut (Rewind Starter)
597 691696 Screw (Pawl Friction Plate)
601 791850 Clamp-Hose (Green)
604 790703 Cover-Control
608 497680 Starter-Rewind
613 790833 Screw (Muffler)
615 690340 Retainer-Governor Shaft
616 698801 Crank-Governor
617 270344s •* Seal-O Ring
(Intake Manifold)
621 692310 Switch-Stop (Brake)
633 691321 * Seal-Choke / Throttle Shaft
(Throttle Shaft)
633A 693867 Seal-Choke / Throttle Shaft
(Choke Shaft)
635 66538s Boot-Spark Plug
684 690345 Screw
(Breather Passage Cover)
689 691855 Spring-Friction
718 690959 Pin-Locating
741 795755 Gear-Timing
745 691648 Screw (Brake)
847 692047 Dipstick/Tube Assembly
851 493880s Terminal-Spark Plug
868 697338 • Seal-Valve
869 691155 Seat-Valve (Intake)
870 690380 Seat-Valve (Exhaust)
KEY PART
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION
871 262001 Bushing-Valve Guide
(Exhaust Valve)
63709 Bushing-Valve Guide
(Intake Valve)
883 691881 •+ Gasket-Exhaust
921 796906 Cover-Blower Housing
922 692135 Spring-Brake
923 796136 Brake
957 793606 Cap-Fuel Tank
966 795259 Base-Air Cleaner Primer
968 692298 Cover-Air Cleaner
969 690700 Screw (Blower Cover)
972 699374 Tank-Fuel
975 796611 Bowl-Fuel
1036 - - - Label-Emissions (Available
From any Briggs & Stratton
Authorized Dealer)
1058 277039 Operator’s Manual
1059 692311 Kit-Screw / Washer
(Fuel Tank)
1095 498528 Gasket Set-Valve
1210 498144 Pulley / Spring Assembly
(Pulley)
1211 498144 Pulley / Spring Assembly
(Spring)
1329 126L02-1625-F1 Replacement Engine
1330 270962 Repair Manual
1386 790848 Vane-Air
1387 790849 Spring-Air Vane
1388 790850 Screw (Air Vane)
- - 398067 Spark Arrester
(available accessory)
* Included in Carburetor Overhaul Kit,
Key Number 121
• Included in Engine Gasket Set,
Key Number 358
+ Included in Valve Gasket Set,
Key Number 1095
NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S.
inches. 1 inch = 25.4 mm

28
MODEL NUMBER 126T02-0372-B1
BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE
KEY PART
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION
1 697322 Cylinder Assembly
2 399269 Kit-Bushing / Seal
(Magneto Side)
3 299819s • Seal-Oil (Magneto Side)
4 493279 Sump-Engine
5 691160 Head-Cylinder
7 692249 •+ Gasket-Cylinder Head
8 695250 Breather Assembly
9 699472 + Gasket-Breather
10 691125 Screw (Breather Assembly)
11 691781 Tube-Breather
11A 691923 Tube-Breather
12 692232 • Gasket-Crankcase
13 690912 Screw (Cylinder Head)
15 691680 Plug-Oil Drain
16 691450 Crankshaft
20 399781s • Seal-Oil (PTO Side)
22 691092 Screw
(Crankcase Cover/Sump)
23 691987 Flywheel
24 222698s Key-Flywheel
25 795429 Piston Assembly (Standard)
795430 Piston Assembly
(.020" Oversize)
26 795431 Ring Set (Standard Size)
795432 Ring Set (.020" Oversize)
27 691866 Lock-Piston Pin
28 499423 Pin-Piston
29 499424 Rod-Connecting
32 691664 Screw (Connecting Rod)
(Short)
32A 695759 Screw (Connecting Rod)
(Long)
33 262651s Valve-Exhaust
34 262652s Valve-Intake
35 691270 Spring-Valve (Intake)
36 691270 Spring-Valve (Exhaust)
37 793756 Guard-Flywheel
40 692194 Retainer-Valve
43 691997 Slinger-Governor/Oil
45 690548 Tappet-Valve
46 691449 Camshaft
48 792741 Short Block
50 794305 Manifold-Intake
51 794306 • Gasket-Intake
KEY PART
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION
54 691650 Screw (Intake Manifold)
55 691421 Housing-Rewind Starter
58 697316 Rope-Starter
60 795426 Grip-Starter Rope
65 690837 Screw (Rewind Starter)
78 691108 Screw (Flywheel Guard)
81 691740 Lock-Muffler Screw
97 696565 Shaft-Throttle
104 691242 * Pin-Float Hinge
108 795935 Valve-Choke
109 795936 Shaft-Choke
117 695042 Jet-Main (Standard)
121 796112 Kit-Carburetor Overhaul
125 794304 Carburetor
127 694468 * Plug-Welch
130 696564 Valve-Throttle
133 398187 Float-Carburetor
134 398188 * Kit-Needle/Seat
137 796610 * Gasket-Float Bowl
163 795629 •* Gasket-Air Cleaner
177 691031 • Seal-O Ring (Dipstick)
187 791766 Line-Fuel
(Cut To Required Length)
188 693999 Screw (Control Bracket)
190 690940 Screw (Fuel Tank)
202 691829 Link-Mechanical Governor
209 699056 Spring-Governor (No Color)
222 795937 Bracket-Control
227 690783 Lever-Governor Control
276 271716 * Washer-Sealing (Main Jets)
287 690940 Screw (Dipstick Tube)
291 790830 Thermostat
300 790828 Muffler
304 790826 Housing-Blower
305 691108 Screw (Blower Housing)
306 790836 Shield-Cylinder
307 690345 Screw (Cylinder Shield)
332 690662 Nut (Flywheel)
333 793354 Armature-Magneto
334 691061 Screw (Magneto Armature)
337 796112s Plug-Spark
356 692390 Wire-Stop
358 794307 Gasket Set-Engine
362 793351 Shield-Spark Plug
365 691688 Screw (Carburetor)
5
HOW TO SET UP YOUR MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables.
1. Raise handles until lower handle sec-
tion locks into place in mowing posi-
tion.
2. Remove protective padding, raise up-
per handle section into place on lower
handle and tighten both handle knobs.
3. Remove handle padding holding
operator presence control bar to upper
handle.
Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted
for your mowing comfort. Refer to “AD-
JUST HANDLE” in the Service and Adjust-
ments section of this manual.
Handle
bracket
Knob
Bolt
MOWING
POSITION
Lower handle
LIFT
UP
Operator
presence
control bar
Upper
handle
LIFT
UP
Handle
knob
TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER
1. Put grass catcher frame into grass bag
with rigid part of bag on the bottom.
Make sure the frame handle is outside
of the bag top.
2. Slip vinyl bindings over frame.
NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold
them in warm water for a few minutes. If
bag gets wet, let it dry before using.
Frame
opening
Vinyl
bindings
Frame
handle
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert mower to
bagging or discharging, see “TO CON-
VERT MOWER” in the Operation section
of this manual.

6
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING
YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize
yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for
future reference.
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the
product. Learn and understand their meaning.
OPERATION
Wheel adjuster
(on each wheel)
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
Operator presence control bar
Handle knobs
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 Com-
mission. The blade turns when the engine is running.
Operator presence control bar – must
be held down to the handle to start the
engine. Release to stop the engine.
Starter handle – used for starting engine.
Drive control levers – used to engage
power-propelled forward motion of mower.
Mulcher door – allows conversion to
discharging or bagging operation.
Muffler
Grass
catcher
Drive control levers
Engine oil cap
with dipstick
Air filter
Gasoline filler
cap
Housing
Mulcher door
Starter
handle
Spark plug
27
MODEL NUMBER 126T02-0372-B1
BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE
9
883
1095 VALVE GASKET SET
7
12
9
7
3
358 ENGINE GASKET SET
883
177
617
524
163
20
585
51
134
121 CARBURETOR OVERHAUL KIT
104
127
137
163 633
617
276
Engine Power Rating Information
The gross power rating for individual gas engine models is labeled in accordance with SAE (So-
ciety of Automo-tive Engineers) code J11940 (Small Engine Power & Torque Rating Procedure),
and rating performance has been obtained and corrected in accordance with SAE J1995 (Revision
2002-5). Actual gross engine power will be lower and is affected by, among other things, ambi-
ent operating conditions and engine-to-engine variability. Given both the wide array of products
on which engines are placed and the variety of environmental issues applicable to operating the
equipment, the gas engine will not develop the rated gross power when used in a given piece of
power equipment (actual “on-site” or net horsepower). This difference is due to a variety of factors
including, but not limited to, accessories (air cleaner, exhaust, charging, cooling, carburetor, fuel
pump, etc.), application limitations, ambient operating conditions (temperature, humidity, altitude),
and engine-to-engine variability. Due to manufacturing and capacity limitations, Briggs & Stratton
may substitute an engine of higher rated power for this Series engine.

26
MODEL NUMBER 126T02-0372-B1
BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE
60
58
592
65
597
456
689
459
1210
1211
55
608
23
455
332
305
304
78
37
1036 EMISSIONS LABEL
745
923 621 922
356
334
851
333
362
851
604
564
921
969
7
DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT
Over time, the drive control system may
become “loose”, resulting in decreased
speed. There is a turnbuckle on the drive
control housing to increase tension on the
drive cable. Proceed as follows:
1. Turn unit off and disconnect spark plug
wire from spark plug.
2. Rotate turnbuckle on drive control to
increase drive speed.
3. Operate mower to test drive speed.
Readjust as required.
4. If condition fails to improve after the
above steps (forward speed remains
the same), your drive belt is worn and
should be replaced.
The operation of any lawn
mower can result in foreign
objects thrown into the eyes,
which can result in severe
eye damage. Always wear
safety glasses or eye shields while oper-
ating your lawn mower or performing any
adjustments or repairs. We recommend a
standardsafety glasses orwide vision safety
mask worn over spectacles.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
Engine speed was set at the factory for
optimum performance. It is not adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the risk
of blade contact injury. Do not under
any circumstances attempt to defeat the
function of the operator control. The blade
turns when the engine is running.
• Your lawn mower is equipped with an
operator presence control bar which
requires the operator to be positioned
behind the lawn mower handle to start
and operate the lawn mower.
DRIVE CONTROL
• Self-propelling is controlled by holding
the operator presence control bar down
to the handle and pulling either drive
control lever rearward to the handle.
The further toward the handle a lever is
pulled, the faster the unit will travel.
• Forward motion will stop when either
the operator presence control bar or a
drive control lever are released. To stop
forward motion without stopping engine,
release a drive control lever only. Hold
operator presence control bar down
against handle to continue mowing
without self-propelling.
NOTE: If after releasing the drive control
the mower will not roll backwards, push
the mower forward slightly to disengage
drive wheels.
TO ENGAGE
DRIVE CONTROL
Drive
control
levers
DRIVE CONTROL
DISENGAGED
Operator presence control bar
Adjustment
turnbuckle
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for high cut, adjust cutting height to suit
your requirements. Medium position is
best for most lawns.
• To change cutting height, pull up on
adjuster lever, move wheel up or down
to suit your requirements and release
adjuster lever. Be sure all wheels are in
the same setting.
NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned
when lever inserts into hole in plate.
LEVER BACKWARD
TO LOWER MOWER
LEVER
FORWARD
TO RAISE MOWER
Plate
Lever

8
NOTE: Rear door will remain open until
operator presence control bar is held
down to the handle.
CAUTION: Do NOT force rear door to
close. Serious damage to your mower
could result.
SIMPLE STEPS TO
REMEMBER WHEN
CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER
FOR MULCHING -
1. Rear door closed.
2. Mulcher door closed and locked.
FOR REAR BAGGING -
1. Grass catcher installed.
2. Mulcher door closed and locked.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
1. Rear door closed.
2. Discharge deflector installed.
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mow-
er without rear door closed or approved
grass catcher in place. Never attempt to
operate the lawn mower with the rear door
removed or propped open.
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging
or discharging:
REAR BAGGING
• Lift rear door of the lawn mower and
place the grass catcher frame hooks
onto the grass bag brackets.
• To convert to mulching or discharging
operation, remove grass catcher and
close rear door.
Grass
catcher
handle
Grass catcher
frame hook
Rear door
Grass bag
bracket
SIDE DISCHARGING
• Rear door must be closed.
• Open mulcher door and install dis-
charge deflector under door as shown.
• Mower is now ready for discharging
operation.
• To convert to mulching or bagging
operation, discharge deflector must be
removed and mulcher door must be
closed and locked.
Unlock
latch
Discharge
deflector
Open
mulcher door
25
MODEL NUMBER 126T02-0372-B1
BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE
97
975
133
134 617
130
633
163
276
137
104
276
108
633A
125 109
127
276
601
187
190
972
1059
957
117
118
443
445
968
425
163
11A
966
1387
1388
1386
883
291
613
81
883
300
188
222
202
209
365

24
MODEL NUMBER 126T02-0372-B1
BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE
1058 OPERATOR’S MANUAL
48 SHORT BLOCK 1329 REPLACEMENT ENGINE 1330 REPAIR MANUAL
32
32A
27
26
27
25
29
28
307
337
13 5
7
306
3
12718
870
869
871
868
10 8
9
11
33
36
40 45
34
35
40 45
684
585
584
868
51
50
54
22 20
15
12
4
847
523
287
524
525
177
24
741
16
43
46
616
404
615
505
562
227
362
851
9
2. Grasp the white peel tab and pull to
remove the entire seal.
3. Screw fuel cap onto fuel tank after fill-
ing tank with gasoline.
Replace cartridge when empty (about
once a season). Check preserver level
visually.
DANGER: Cartridge fluid is HARMFUL
OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED. Avoid con-
tact to eyes, skin, or clothing. Do not take
internally. Do not inhale fluid vapor. Keep
out of reach of children. If swallowed, call
a physician immediately.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck.
Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Pur-
chase fuel in quantities that can be used
within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels
(called gasohol or using ethanol or metha-
nol) can attract moisture which leads to
separation and formation of acids during
storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel
system of an engine while in storage. To
avoid engine problems, the fuel system
should be emptied before storage of 30
days or longer. Empty the gas tank, start
the engine and let it run until the fuel lines
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel
next season. See Storage Instructions for
additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
Grass
catcher
frame
handle
Bag
handle
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in
the engine. For type and grade of oil to
use, see “ENGINE” in the Maintenance
section of this manual.
CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with
oil, or it will smoke heavily from the muffler
on startup.
1. Be sure lawnmower is level.
2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.
3. You receive a container of oil with the
unit. Slowly pour the entire container
down the oil fill spout into the engine.
NOTE: Initial oil fill requires only 18 oz.
due to residual oil in engine from the
manufacturers 100% quality testing. When
changing oil you may need 20 oz.
4. Insert and tighten dipstick.
IMPORTANT:
• Check oil level before each use. Add oil
if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
• Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may
need to change the oil more often
under dusty, dirty conditions. See “TO
CHANGE ENGINE OIL” in the Mainte-
nance section of this manual.
ATTACH FUEL CAP CARTRIDGE
Your mower is equipped with a special
FRESH START
TM
fuel cap and continuous
fuel preserver cartridge. See the infor-
mation and instructions packed with the
FRESH START
TM
cartridge.
1. Snap cartridge into bottom of fuel cap.
NOTE: Do not remove the silver foil seal
on the side of cartridge that snaps into fuel
cap.
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 empty-
ing; it will cause unnecessary wear.
Engine
oil cap
Gasoline
filler cap
TO STOP ENGINE
• To stop engine, release operator pres-
ence control bar.

10
MULCHING MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. See “CLEANING” in the Maintenance section of this manual. • The special mulching blade will recut
the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to
provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as this will provide the best recut- ting action of the blades.
• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet.
Wet grass tends to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action. The
best time to mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At this time the grass has dried, yet the newly cut area will not be exposed to direct sunlight.
• For best results, adjust the lawn mower
cutting height so that the lawn mower 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.
• Certain types of grass and grass
conditions may require that an area be
mulched a second time to completely hide the clippings. When doing a sec- ond cut, mow across (perpendicular) to the first cut path.
• Change your cutting pattern from week
to week. Mow north to south one week then change to east to west the next week. This will help prevent matting and graining of the lawn.
MAX 1/3
TO START ENGINE NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the engine, a small amount of smoke may be present during the initial use of the product and should be considered normal. NOTE: Your engine is equipped with an automatic choke system. No priming or choking is required before starting. • To start engine, hold operator presence
control bar down to the handle and pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back.
MOWING TIPS
CAUTION: Do not use de-thatcher
blade attachments on your mower. Such attachments are hazardous, will damage your mower and could void your warranty. • Under certain conditions, such as very
tall grass, it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of grass clippings. It may also be necessary to reduce ground speed and/or run the lawn mower over the area a second time.
• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.
• For better grass bagging and most cut-
ting conditions, the engine speed should be set in the FAST position.
• Pores in cloth grass catchers can
become filled with dirt and dust with use and catchers will collect less grass. To prevent this, regularly hose catcher off
with water and let dry before using.
• Keep top of engine around starter clear
and clean of grass clippings and chaff. This will help engine air flow and extend engine life.
23
CRAFTSMAN ROTARY LAWN MOWER - - MODEL NUMBER 944.369610
NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S. inches. 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
IMPORTANT: Use only Original Equipment Manufacturer (O.E.M.) replacement parts. Failure to do so could be hazardous, damage your lawn mower and void your warranty.
KEY PART
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION
1 428156 Drive Control Assembly
(Includes Cable)
2 428234 Cover, Top
3 420378 Cam
4 420380X615 Lever, Drive Control, RH
5 420381 Spring, Return
6 181698 Screw
7 420377X428 Cover, Bottom
8 178848 Screw #10-16 x 5/8
9 427426 Cable, Drive
10 420379X615 Lever, Drive Control, LH
11 194231X460 Wheel & Tire Assembly, Front
12 12000058 E-Ring
13 403849 Pinion
14 189403 Dust Cover
15 404845 Pawl, Drive
16 67725 Washer, Flat 3/8
25 404843X004 Belt Guide Bracket
26 163409 Screw, Hi-Lo Thread #12 x 5/8
27 175262 Screw, Pan Head #10-24 x 2-3/4
28 428165 Drive Cover
29 409148 Locknut, Hex
32 194018 Drive Pulley
33 426609 V-Belt
35 424524 Kit, Wheel Adjuster, Front, LH
(Includes Red Knob and Pushnut)
36 424657 Gear Case Assembly, Complete
38 191730 Locknut, Hex 1/4-20
40 406558 Spring
41 424522 Kit, Wheel Adjuster, Front, RH
(Includes Red Knob and Pushnut)
54 427265 Grassbag
57 419951 Frame, Grassbag
80 421114 Kit, Water Washout Assembly
(Includes Key Numbers 81 thru 83)
81 419735 Fitting, Water Washout
82 415585 Washer, Lock, Internal Tooth
83 415586 Locknut, Hex, with O-Ring