Craftsman 163cc Lawn Mower Manual

The Craftsman 163cc Lawn Mower is a gas-powered walk-behind mower featuring a 163cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel deck, 3-in-1 capability (mulch/bag/side discharge), 6-position cutting height adjustment, easy-start system, and durable construction. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. Safety Information 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting Height Adjustment 7. 3-in-1 Deck Conversion 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 163cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, rear bagger, mulch plug, side discharge chute, 6-position height adjustment lever, recoil start system, and durable 10-inch rear wheels.

Feature	Description
Engine	163cc Briggs & Stratton 675 Series, OHV
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Height	1.25 to 3.75 inches (6 positions)
Deck Material	Powder-coated steel
Start System	Recoil with Easy-Spin™ technology
Drive System	Push-powered (non-self-propelled)
Wheels	10-inch rear, 8-inch front
Bag Capacity	2.1 bushels (standard)
Fuel Tank	1.0 quart capacity
Weight	Approximately 65 lbs

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools (included).

Attach handle: Insert lower handle into deck brackets, secure with bolts and wing nuts.
Install wheels: Slide axle through deck brackets, attach wheels with washers and retainer clips.
Attach grass bag: Hook bag frame onto rear deck brackets, secure with provided pins.
Install mulch plug (if mulching): Insert plug into rear discharge opening.
Add oil and gasoline: Fill engine with SAE 30 oil (check dipstick). Add fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

WARNING! Do not add gasoline during assembly; wait until assembly is complete and mower is outdoors.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operation. Always wear protective equipment.

Clear mowing area of stones, toys, and debris.
Never operate without bag, mulch plug, or discharge chute properly installed.
Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades.
Stop engine and disconnect spark plug before maintenance.
Do not mow wet grass or on steep slopes.
Keep children and pets away during operation.

CAUTION! Gasoline is flammable; store in approved container away from ignition sources.

Specifications

Engine: 163cc Briggs & Stratton 675 Series, OHV, 4-cycle.
Power: Gasoline-powered, recoil start.
Cutting System: 21-inch steel deck, single blade.
Cutting Options: Mulch, bag, side discharge.
Height Adjustment: 6 positions (1.25" to 3.75").
Wheels: 10-inch rear, 8-inch front plastic wheels.
Bag Capacity: 2.1 bushels.
Fuel: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum), 1.0 quart capacity.
Oil: SAE 30 detergent oil (20 oz. capacity).
Warranty: 2-year limited warranty.

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Throttle lever, blade control bail, height adjustment lever.

Starting Procedure:

Check oil and fuel levels.
Push primer bulb 3 times (cold engine).
Set throttle to FAST position.
Pull blade control bail against handle.
Pull recoil starter cord firmly.

Stopping: Release blade control bail; engine will stop. Move throttle to STOP position.

Operation Tips: Mow at steady pace; overlap passes by 2 inches; avoid cutting more than 1/3 of grass height at once.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Adjust all four wheels simultaneously using the single lever.

Stop engine and ensure blade is not rotating.
Pull height adjustment lever toward wheel.
Select desired position (1-6, lowest to highest).
Release lever to lock into place.

Recommended Settings: 2.5-3 inches for most grasses; higher in hot/dry conditions.

3-in-1 Deck Conversion

Convert between bagging, mulching, and side discharge.

Bagging: Install grass bag; remove mulch plug and side discharge chute.
Mulching: Install mulch plug; remove bag and side discharge chute.
Side Discharge: Install discharge chute; remove bag and mulch plug.

Note: Always use one of the three configurations; never operate with openings uncovered.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level; inspect blade for damage; clear deck of debris
Every 25 hours	Change oil (first change after 5 hours); check air filter
Every season	Replace spark plug; sharpen or replace blade; clean deck
As needed	Clean/replace air filter; check wheel bolts; lubricate height adjustment

Blade Sharpening: Remove blade; maintain original angle; balance before reinstalling.

Storage Guidelines

Prepare mower for off-season storage.

Run engine to warm oil, then drain completely.
Add fuel stabilizer to tank, run 2 minutes, or drain fuel completely.
Remove spark plug, add 1 tablespoon oil to cylinder, pull starter cord slowly, reinstall plug.
Clean entire mower; store in dry, covered location.

CAUTION! Never store with gasoline in tank indoors or near open flame.

Warranty Information

Craftsman 163cc Lawn Mower includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials/workmanship. Proof of purchase required. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Support at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old gasoline, clogged filter	Check fuel level; use fresh gas; clean/replace air filter.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old gasoline	Clean/replace air filter; drain and refill with fresh gas.
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure	Sharpen/replace blade; check tire pressure (if applicable).
Vibration	Loose blade, bent blade	Tighten blade bolt; replace bent blade.
Grass not bagging	Wet grass, full bag, clogged deck	Mow when dry; empty bag; clean underside of deck.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized service center. Use genuine Craftsman parts.

Support: 1-888-331-4569; www.craftsman.com