Craftsman Lawn Mower M230 Owner's Manual

The Craftsman M230 is a 21-inch 3-in-1 push lawn mower featuring a 159cc Briggs & Stratton engine, single-lever height adjustment (6 positions), 2.1 bushel rear bagger, side discharge, and mulching capability. It includes a durable steel deck, easy-start system, washout port for cleaning, and a 3-year limited warranty. Below are key sections for safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

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 Discharge Options 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 159cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, single-lever height adjustment, 3-in-1 discharge system (bag/mulch/side discharge), rear bagger, washout port, and easy-start technology.

Feature	Description
Engine	159cc Briggs & Stratton 675 Series, OHV
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Height	6 positions (1.25" to 3.75")
Deck Material	Durable steel
Discharge Options	Rear bag, mulch, side discharge
Bag Capacity	2.1 bushels
Start System	Recoil start with easy-start technology
Washout Port	For easy deck cleaning
Warranty	3-year limited
Weight	Approx. 65 lbs

Assembly Instructions

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

Attach handle: Align lower handle with deck brackets, secure with provided bolts and wing nuts.
Install upper handle: Connect to lower handle, tighten knobs.
Attach bagger: Slide bagger frame onto rear deck hooks, ensure secure latch.
Install side discharge chute (if needed): Attach to discharge opening with provided pin.
Add engine oil: Fill with SAE 30 detergent oil (approx. 20 oz) to full mark on dipstick.
Add gasoline: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).

WARNING! Do not add gasoline during assembly. Keep away from sparks or flames.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operation. Always wear protective equipment.

Clear mowing area of debris, rocks, and toys.
Wear safety glasses, long pants, and sturdy shoes.
Do not mow wet grass or in poor visibility.
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
Stop engine before unclogging, adjusting, or crossing non-grass areas.
Do not allow children to operate mower.
Use extreme caution on slopes; mow across slopes, not up and down.

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

Specifications

Model: Craftsman M230
Engine: 159cc Briggs & Stratton 675 Series, OHV
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height Range: 1.25" to 3.75" (6 positions)
Deck: 21-inch steel, 3-in-1 capability
Bag Capacity: 2.1 bushels
Start Type: Recoil with easy-start
Wheel Size: 8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Weight: Approximately 65 lbs
Warranty: 3-year limited

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Drive control bar (must be engaged to start), height adjustment lever, bagger handle.

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

Stopping: Release drive control bar, move throttle to STOP position.

Operation: Engage drive control bar to self-propel. Release to stop movement. Adjust speed with throttle.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single-lever adjustment for all four wheels.

Stop engine and wait for blade to stop.
Pull height adjustment lever outward.
Move lever to desired position (1-6, lowest to highest).
Release lever to lock position.
Test mower stability on flat surface before mowing.

Tip: For first mow of season, set to highest setting; gradually lower for subsequent mows.

3-in-1 Discharge Options

Configure for bagging, mulching, or side discharge.

Bagging: Install rear bagger; ensure mulch plug is removed.
Mulching: Install mulch plug (included); remove bagger and side discharge chute.
Side Discharge: Attach side discharge chute; remove bagger and mulch plug.

WARNING! Always stop engine before changing discharge options. Ensure all parts are securely installed.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Maintenance	Frequency
Check engine oil level	Before each use
Check for loose bolts/nuts	Before each use
Clean underside of deck	After each use
Replace air filter	Every season or 25 hours
Change engine oil	Every season or 50 hours
Replace spark plug	Every season or 100 hours
Sharpen/replace blade	As needed or every season
Lubricate wheels and height adjuster	Every season

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for extended storage (especially winter).

Run engine to warm oil, then drain oil and refill with fresh oil.
Add fuel stabilizer to gas tank, run engine 5 minutes to circulate.
Disconnect spark plug wire and clean spark plug area.
Clean entire mower, especially underside of deck.
Store in dry, covered area away from moisture.

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

Warranty Information

Craftsman M230 includes a 3-year limited warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. Proof of purchase required. For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Support at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Keep original receipt and owner's manual.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Empty fuel tank, old gasoline, clogged air filter, spark plug issue	Add fresh gasoline; clean/replace air filter; check spark plug gap/connection.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old gasoline, water in fuel	Replace air filter; drain and refill with fresh gasoline.
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure, incorrect cutting height	Sharpen or replace blade; check tire pressure; adjust cutting height evenly.
Mower vibrates excessively	Loose blade, bent blade, debris wrapped around blade	Stop engine, disconnect spark plug, tighten or replace blade; remove debris.
Bag not filling	Wet grass, clogged chute, full bag	Mow when grass is dry; clear chute; empty bag frequently.
Self-propel not working	Drive cable loose or broken, drive control not engaged	Check drive cable tension; ensure control bar is fully engaged.

Service: For repairs not covered in manual, contact authorized Craftsman service center at 1-888-331-4569.