Craftsman 210 Lawn Mower Manual

The Craftsman 210 is a versatile walk-behind gas-powered lawn mower featuring a 21-inch cutting deck, Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 capability (mulch/bag/side discharge), adjustable cutting heights, easy-start system, and durable steel construction. This manual covers essential safety guidelines, assembly, operation, maintenance, storage, and troubleshooting procedures to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your mower.

1. Safety Instructions 2. Assembly & Setup 3. Controls & Features 4. Specifications 5. Operation Guide 6. Cutting Height Adjustment 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Blade Care & Sharpening 9. Winter Storage 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before operating. Key safety components: Engine Stop Lever, Blade Control Handle, Safety Key, Discharge Chute.

Hazard	Precaution
Rotating Blade	Keep hands and feet away from deck. Disconnect spark plug before servicing.
Fuel Handling	Refuel outdoors only when engine is cool. Use approved gasoline container.
Slope Operation	Mow across slopes, not up and down. Use extreme caution on inclines.
Thrown Objects	Clear lawn of debris before mowing. Keep bystanders at a safe distance.
Hot Surfaces	Avoid contact with muffler and engine during/after operation.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack all parts from box. Assembly requires basic tools (included).

Attach Handle: Align lower handle with deck brackets, secure with provided bolts and wrench.
Install Bagging System: Connect grass bag to rear discharge chute; ensure clips engage securely.
Add Mulching Plug: For mulching, insert plug into rear discharge opening.
Add Oil & Gas: Fill engine with SAE 30 oil (check dipstick). Add fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).
Check Tire Pressure: Inflate all tires to 15 PSI.

WARNING! Never attempt to start engine without proper oil level. Ensure all fasteners are tight.

Controls & Features

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Handle Area: Blade Control Handle (must be held to run), Throttle Control, Drive Control Lever (self-propelled models), Height Adjustment Lever.

Engine: Recoil Starter, Choke Control, Fuel Shut-Off Valve, Oil Fill/Dipstick.

Deck: 3-in-1 Conversion Lever (mulch/bag/side discharge), Discharge Chute, Safety Shield.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman 210
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 140cc OHV
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Heights: 6 positions (1.5" - 4")
Deck Material: Powder-coated steel
Wheels: 8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Fuel Capacity: 1.1 quarts
Oil Capacity: 20 oz (SAE 30)
Weight: 65 lbs (approx.)
Warranty: 2-year limited

Operation Guide

Starting, mowing, and stopping procedures.

Pre-Start Check: Verify oil level, tire pressure, clear deck of debris.
Starting Engine: Set throttle to FAST, engage choke (cold start), pull recoil starter firmly.
Engaging Blade: Hold Blade Control Handle against handlebar.
Mowing: Walk at a steady pace, overlapping passes slightly for even cut.
Stopping: Release Blade Control Handle, move throttle to STOP, wait for blade to stop completely.

Tip: Mow when grass is dry for best results. Avoid cutting more than 1/3 of grass height at once.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Adjust all four wheels evenly for level cut.

Locate height adjustment lever near each wheel.
Pull lever outward and move to desired numbered position (1=lowest, 6=highest).
Ensure all levers are set to the same position.

Recommended Settings: 2-3 for regular maintenance, 4-5 for first cut of season or rough terrain.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, tire pressure, inspect blade for damage, clear deck.
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (or annually).
Every season	Replace air filter, spark plug. Sharpen or replace blade.
As needed	Clean underside of deck, check drive belt (self-propelled models).

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Blade Care & Sharpening

A sharp blade ensures clean cut and healthy grass.

Disconnect spark plug wire.
Tip mower on side (air filter up). Place block of wood to prevent blade from turning.
Remove blade bolt (clockwise to loosen – left-hand thread on some models).
Sharpen with file or bench grinder, maintaining original angle. Balance blade (use balancer).
Reinstall blade with bolt torqued to 40-50 ft-lbs.

WARNING! Wear heavy gloves. Replace blade if cracked, bent, or excessively worn.

Winter Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues.

Run engine to warm oil, then drain and refill with fresh oil.
Add fuel stabilizer to gas tank, run engine for 5 minutes to circulate.
Disconnect spark plug wire and clean entire mower.
Store in a cool, dry place, preferably covered.

CAUTION! Do not store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer.

Warranty Information

Craftsman 210 mowers are covered by a 2-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, misuse, lack of maintenance, commercial use. For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Support at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Keep your dated sales receipt.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old gas, clogged filter, spark plug	Check fuel level; use fresh gas; clean/replace air filter; check/replace spark plug.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty carburetor, old fuel	Add fuel system cleaner; drain and replace gasoline.
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure	Sharpen or balance blade; adjust all tires to equal PSI.
Mower vibrates excessively	Bent blade, loose parts	Inspect and replace blade if bent. Tighten all bolts/nuts.
Self-propel not working	Drive belt worn/disengaged	Check drive belt for wear and proper engagement; replace if necessary.

Reset: For safety interlock issues, ensure Blade Control Handle is fully engaged and all connections are secure.

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