Craftsman M105 Lawn Mower Manual

The Craftsman M105 is a 21-inch self-propelled gas lawn mower featuring a 159cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side discharge capability, 6-position single-lever height adjustment, 2.1 bushel rear bag, and easy-start technology. This manual covers essential safety guidelines, assembly instructions, operation procedures, maintenance schedules, troubleshooting, and warranty information to ensure safe and efficient use of your mower.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly Instructions 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Starting & Stopping Procedures 7. Cutting & Discharge Options 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 159cc OHV engine, 21-inch steel deck, rear bagging system, self-propelled drive system, and single-lever height adjustment.

Feature	Description
Engine	159cc Briggs & Stratton 450E Series OHV engine
Cutting Width	21-inch reinforced steel deck
Cutting Options	3-in-1: Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge
Drive System	Self-propelled rear-wheel drive with variable speed control
Height Adjustment	Single-lever, 6 positions (1.25" to 3.75")
Bag Capacity	2.1 bushel rear bag with easy-empty feature
Starting System	Easy-Pull™ starting technology
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Fuel Tank	0.95 gallon capacity
Weight	Approximately 75 lbs (assembled)

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operating. Wear appropriate safety gear and clear mowing area of debris.

Always wear safety glasses, long pants, and sturdy shoes.
Clear lawn of stones, toys, and other objects before mowing.
Never operate mower without proper guards or safety devices in place.
Do not allow children or pets in mowing area.
Stop engine and remove spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable. Refuel outdoors only when engine is cool. Do not smoke near fuel.

Assembly Instructions

Unpack all parts and verify contents against parts list. Assembly requires basic tools (included).

Attach handle: Insert lower handle into deck brackets, secure with bolts and wing nuts.
Install upper handle: Connect to lower handle, tighten knobs.
Attach bag: Slide bag frame onto rear deck hooks until it clicks into place.
Install side discharge chute (if not mulching): Attach to discharge opening.
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 detergent oil (approx. 20 oz). Check dipstick.
Add gasoline: Use fresh unleaded gasoline with minimum 87 octane.

CAUTION! Ensure all bolts are tightened securely. Do not operate with loose components.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman M105
Engine: 159cc Briggs & Stratton 450E Series OHV
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height: 1.25" to 3.75" (6 positions)
Drive: Self-propelled rear-wheel drive
Speed Control: Variable speed lever on handle
Bag Capacity: 2.1 bushels
Fuel Capacity: 0.95 gallons
Oil Capacity: 20 oz (SAE 30)
Warranty: 2-year limited

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Drive control lever, speed control lever, height adjustment lever, recoil starter grip.

Operation Sequence: Set cutting height, engage drive control, pull starter rope, adjust speed with lever.

Height Adjustment: Move single lever to desired position (1-6). Drive Control: Squeeze lever against handle to engage self-propelled drive; release to stop. Speed Control: Slide lever forward to increase speed, backward to decrease. Bag Indicator: Red flag appears when bag is 80% full.

Starting & Stopping Procedures

Starting: Ensure fuel valve is ON, set throttle to FAST, prime engine (3-5 presses), pull starter rope firmly.

Check oil and fuel levels before starting.
Move mower to clear, level area.
Set cutting height appropriate for grass condition.
Engage drive control lever and squeeze against handle.
Pull starter rope with smooth, rapid motion.
Adjust speed control to desired mowing pace.

Stopping: Release drive control, move throttle to STOP position, wait for all motion to cease.

Cutting & Discharge Options

3-in-1 system: Install appropriate attachment for desired cutting method.

Mulching: Install mulch plug; grass clippings are cut finely and returned to lawn as fertilizer.
Bagging: Attach rear bag; collects clippings for disposal.
Side Discharge: Install discharge chute; ejects clippings to side (use with grass catcher optional).

Tip: For best mulching results, mow when grass is dry and don't cut more than 1/3 of grass height at once.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and extends mower life.

Maintenance Task	Frequency
Check engine oil level	Before each use
Clean underside of deck	After each use
Check/replace air filter	Every 25 hours
Sharpen/replace blade	Every 25 hours or when dull
Change engine oil	First 5 hours, then every 50 hours
Replace spark plug	Every 100 hours
Check drive belt	Every 50 hours

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

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and extends mower life.

Drain fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer for long-term storage.
Run engine until it stops to use up fuel in carburetor.
Change oil if near due for change.
Clean entire mower, especially underside of deck.
Store in dry, covered area away from moisture.
Remove spark plug and add 1 oz of oil to cylinder; pull starter rope slowly to distribute.

WARNING! Never store mower with fuel in tank in enclosed area due to fire risk.

Warranty Information

Craftsman M105 includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, improper maintenance, or commercial use. Keep original receipt as proof of purchase. 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 gas, clogged filter	Check fuel level; use fresh gas; clean/replace air filter.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old fuel	Clean/replace air filter; drain old gas and refill.
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure	Sharpen/replace blade; check tire pressure (12-14 PSI).
Self-propelled drive not working	Drive belt loose or broken	Check drive belt tension; replace if worn or broken.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent blade	Tighten blade bolt; replace bent blade.
Bag not filling	Wet grass, clogged chute	Mow when grass is dry; clean discharge chute.

Service: For technical support, call 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.