Craftsman Lawn Mower Model 944 Manual Canada

The Craftsman Lawn Mower Model 944 is a robust, self-propelled walk-behind mower designed for Canadian residential use. It features a powerful Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch cutting deck, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side-discharge capability, adjustable cutting heights (1.5-4 inches), single-lever height adjustment, easy-start system, and rear-wheel drive. This manual covers essential safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting specific to the Canadian market. Below are key sections for safe and effective use.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly Instructions 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting & Height Adjustment 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Storage & Winterization 9. Troubleshooting 10. Warranty & Support (Canada)

Features at a Glance

Key components: Briggs & Stratton Engine, 21-inch Steel Cutting Deck, Rear Bag, Mulching Plug, Side Discharge Chute, Height Adjustment Lever, Drive Control Bar, Recoil Starter.

Feature	Description
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 140cc OHV engine, easy-start system
Cutting Deck	21-inch stamped steel, 3-in-1 functionality
Drive System	Self-propelled rear-wheel drive with variable speed control
Height Adjustment	Single lever adjusts all wheels (1.5" to 4")
Bag Capacity	2.5 bushel rear bag with easy-empty handle
Mulching Capability	Includes mulching plug for nutrient recycling
Safety Features	Blade brake clutch system (stop blade without stopping engine)
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front wheels
Fuel Tank	0.95 L capacity, unleaded gasoline only
Weight	Approximately 29 kg (64 lbs)

Safety Information

Read all instructions before assembly and operation. Wear appropriate safety gear.

Clear Area: Remove stones, toys, and debris from lawn.
Personal Protection: Wear safety glasses, sturdy footwear, and long pants.
Operation: Do not mow wet grass. Mow across slopes, not up and down.
Children & Pets: Keep clear of mowing area. Never allow children to operate.
Maintenance: Always disconnect spark plug before servicing blade or underside.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable. Refuel outdoors only, with engine off and cool. Do not smoke near fuel.

Assembly Instructions

Unpack all parts. Assembly requires adjustable wrench and screwdriver (included).

Attach Handle: Insert lower handle into deck brackets, secure with provided bolts and wing nuts.
Install Upper Handle: Connect upper handle section, tighten all fasteners securely.
Attach Bag: Hook rear bag onto deck mounts; ensure it clicks into place.
Install Mulching Plug/Side Chute: For mulching, insert plug. For side discharge, attach chute.
Add Oil & Fuel: Add SAE 30 motor oil to engine (check dipstick). Add unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

CAUTION! Ensure all fasteners are tight. Loose parts can cause injury or damage.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman 944 (Canada)
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 140cc, 4-cycle OHV
Cutting Width: 21 inches (53 cm)
Cutting Heights: 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4 inches
Drive: Self-propelled, rear-wheel, variable speed
Deck Material: Stamped steel
Bag Capacity: 2.5 bushels
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (minimum 87 octane)
Oil Type: SAE 30 (summer), 5W-30 (colder temperatures)
Warranty: 2-year limited warranty (Canada)

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Drive Control Bar (squeeze to engage drive), Height Adjustment Lever, Bag Handle.

Starting: 1. Check oil and fuel. 2. Push primer bulb 3 times (cold engine). 3. Set throttle to FAST. 4. Pull recoil starter firmly.

Stopping: Release Drive Control Bar, move throttle to STOP, wait for blade to stop completely.

Self-Propelled Operation: Squeeze Drive Control Bar to handle to engage wheels; release to stop drive. Adjust speed with throttle.

Cutting & Height Adjustment

For best results, mow when grass is dry. Never cut more than 1/3 of grass height at once.

Adjust Height: Move single lever to desired setting (1.5" to 4"). Ensure all wheels are at same height.
Select Mode: Install bag for collection, mulching plug for recycling, or side chute for discharging.
Mowing Pattern: Overlap each pass by 2-3 inches for even cut. Change pattern weekly.
Bag Emptying: Stop engine, lift bag handle to empty clippings.

Tip: Sharpen blade at least once per season for clean cuts and healthy grass.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blade for damage, clear deck of debris
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (SAE 30), check air filter, inspect spark plug
Every season	Sharpen or replace blade, lubricate wheel axles and height adjuster
As needed	Clean underside of deck, replace air filter, check tire pressure

Blade Sharpening/Replacement: Disconnect spark plug. Remove blade bolt (clockwise to loosen). Sharpen at original angle. Balance blade before reinstalling.

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage extends mower life, especially important for Canadian winters.

Fuel System: Add fuel stabilizer to tank, run engine 5 minutes. Or, drain fuel completely.
Oil: Change oil at end of season (dirty oil contains acids).
Clean: Thoroughly clean underside and exterior. Let dry completely.
Blade: Remove, sharpen, and coat with light oil to prevent rust.
Storage: Store in dry, covered area. Cover mower to keep dust off.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank indoors or in enclosed spaces due to fire risk.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old gas, clogged air filter, spark plug	Check fuel level; use fresh gas. Clean/replace air filter. Check spark plug gap/connection.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old fuel, water in fuel	Replace air filter. Drain fuel tank and carburetor, refill with fresh gasoline.
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure, deck clogged	Sharpen/replace blade. Inflate tires to equal pressure (12-14 PSI). Clean deck underside.
Self-propel not working	Drive cable loose, drive belt worn	Adjust drive cable tension. Inspect and replace drive belt if worn or broken.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent blade, debris stuck	Stop engine, disconnect spark plug. Tighten blade bolt (40-50 ft-lb). Replace bent blade.

Reset: For safety interlock issues, ensure all controls are in proper positions.

Warranty & Support (Canada)

Craftsman Model 944 is covered by a 2-year limited warranty for defects in material or workmanship when used for normal residential purposes in Canada. Proof of purchase required. This warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance.

For Service: Contact authorized Craftsman service centres across Canada. To locate a centre or for technical support:

Website: www.craftsman.com/ca
Phone: 1-888-331-4569 (English) / 1-888-320-4652 (Français)

Parts: Use genuine Craftsman replacement parts (blades, filters, belts) for optimal performance and safety.