Lawn Mower; Drive Wheels; Grass Catcher - Craftsman 944.362201 Owner's Manual

LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety rules when per-
forming any maintenance.
TIRES
• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect
control chemicals which can harm rubber.
• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp
objects and other hazards that may
cause tire damage.
DRIVE WHEELS
Check rear drive wheels each time before
you mow to be sure they move freely.
The wheels not turning freely means trash,
grass cuttings, etc. are in the drive wheel area
and must be cleaned to free drive wheels.
If necessary to clean the drive wheels, be
sure to clean both rear wheels.
IMPORTANT: Blade bolts are heat
treated. If bolts need replacing, replace
only with approved bolts shown in the
Repair Parts section of this manual.
Debris
shield
Trailing edge
Blade
adapter
'Blade
BLADE CARE
For best results, blade must be kept
sharp. Replace a bent or damaged blade.
CAUTION: Use only a replacement
blade approved by the manufacturer of
your mower. Using a blade not approved
by the manufacturer of your mower is
hazardous, could damage your mower
and void your warranty.
TO REMOVE BLADE
1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with plug.
2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make
sure air filter and carburetor are up.
3. Use a wood block between blade and
mower housing to prevent blade from
turning when removing blade bolt.
NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves
and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.
4. Remove blade bolts by turning
counter-clockwise.
5. Remove blade and blade adapter.
6. Remove debris shield.
TO REPLACE BLADE
1. Install debris shield.
2. Position the blade and blade adapter
on the Blade Brake/Clutch.
3. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (op-
posite sharp edge) is up toward the
engine.
4. Install the blade bolts into blade
adapter and Blade Brake/Clutch.
5. Use block of wood between blade and
lawn mower housing and tighten the
blade bolts, turning clockwise.
• The recommended tightening torque is
36-44 ft. Ibs.
Blade bolts
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharp-
ening blade- but if you do, be sure the
blade is balanced. An unbalanced blade
will cause eventual damage to lawn
mower or engine.
• The blade can be sharpened with a file
or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt
to sharpen while on the mower.
• To check blade balance, drive a nail into
a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of
the straight nail exposed. Place center
hole of blade over the head of the nail.
If blade is balanced, it should remain in
a horizontal position. If either end of the
blade moves downward, sharpen the
heavy end until the blade is balanced.
GRASS CATCHER
• The grass catcher may be hosed with
water, but must be dry when used.
• Check your grass catcher often for
damage or deterioration. Through
normal use it will wear. If catcher needs
replacing, replace only with approved
replacement catcher shown in the Re-
pair Parts section of this manual. Give
the lawn mower model number when
ordering.
G EAR CAS E
• To keep your drive system work-
ing properly, the gear case and area
around the drive should be kept clean
and free of trash build-up. Clean under
the drive cover twice a season.
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