Craftsman M115 Lawn Mower Manual

The Craftsman M115 is a 21-inch, 140cc gas-powered push lawn mower featuring a Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side discharge capability, single-lever height adjustment, and a durable steel deck. This manual covers safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications to ensure proper use and longevity of your mower.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, rear bagger, mulch plug, side discharge chute, single-lever height adjuster, and recoil start.

Assembly Instructions

Unpack all parts from the box. Assembly requires basic tools (included: wrench, screwdriver).

1. Attach the handle: Align lower handle with deck brackets, secure with provided bolts and knobs.
2. Install the upper handle: Connect to lower handle, tighten wing nuts.
3. Attach the grass bag: Hook bag frame onto rear deck brackets, ensure it clicks into place.
4. Install the mulch plug (if mulching): Insert into rear discharge opening.
5. Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 detergent oil (approx. 20 oz) – engine ships without oil.
6. Add gasoline: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum). Do not overfill.

WARNING! Do not attempt to start the engine before adding oil and gasoline. Ensure all fasteners are tight.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety rules before operation.

1. Clear mowing area of stones, toys, and other objects that could be thrown.
2. Always wear sturdy footwear and eye protection.
3. Do not mow wet grass or in the rain.
4. Never allow children or pets in the area while mowing.
5. Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance or clearing a clog.
6. Use the mower only in daylight or good artificial light.
7. Always push the mower forward; never pull it backward while the blade is engaged.

DANGER! The rotating blade can cause severe injury. Keep hands and feet away from the deck at all times.

Specifications

• Model: Craftsman M115
• Engine: Briggs & Stratton 450E, 140cc, 4-cycle OHV
• Power: 4.75 ft-lbs torque
• Cutting Width: 21 inches
• Cutting Height Range: 1.25" to 3.75" (6 positions)
• Deck: 21-gauge steel, powder-coated
• Wheels: 8" rear, 7" front plastic
• Start System: Recoil
• Fuel: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane min), 0.95 qt capacity
• Oil Type: SAE 30 detergent (API service class SJ or higher), 20 oz capacity
• Warranty: 2-year limited

Controls and Operation

Primary controls located on the handle.

Handle Controls: Drive Control Bar (must be held to propel mower and engage blade), Recoil Starter Grip, Height Adjustment Lever.

Engine Controls: Throttle Control (Choke/Run/Stop positions), Primer Bulb (2-3 presses for cold start).

Operation: To mow, hold the drive control bar against the handle. This engages the blade brake clutch (BBC) and allows self-propulsion (if equipped). Releasing the bar stops the blade and drive within 3 seconds.

Starting & Stopping Procedure

For a cold engine:

1. Check oil and fuel levels.
2. Move throttle control to CHOKE position.
3. Press primer bulb 2-3 times firmly.
4. Hold drive control bar against handle.
5. Pull recoil starter grip briskly. Engine should start in 1-3 pulls.
6. Once engine starts, move throttle to RUN position.

Stopping: Release the drive control bar to stop the blade. Move throttle control to STOP position. For emergency stop, release the drive control bar immediately.

Tip: For a warm engine, use the RUN position instead of CHOKE.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Adjust all four wheels simultaneously with the single lever.

1. Stop the engine and wait for the blade to stop completely.
2. Pull the height adjustment lever outward to disengage from the notch.
3. Move the lever to the desired height setting (1-6, with 1 being the lowest cut).
4. Release the lever so it locks into the notch.
5. Check that all wheels are at the same height.

Recommended: Do not cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade length at one time. For tall grass, use a higher setting for the first pass.

3-in-1 Function Setup

Configure for mulching, bagging, or side discharge.

1. Mulching: Install the mulch plug fully into the rear discharge opening. Ensure the grass bag is NOT attached. The mower will cut and recut clippings finely back into the lawn.
2. Bagging: Remove the mulch plug. Attach the grass bag assembly to the rear brackets. Clippings are collected for disposal.
3. Side Discharge: Remove both mulch plug and grass bag. Attach the side discharge chute (if included) to the opening on the right side of the deck. Clippings are expelled to the side.

WARNING! Always stop the engine before changing the discharge mode.

Maintenance Schedule

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

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage extends mower life.

1. End of Season: Run the mower until the fuel tank is empty, or add a fuel stabilizer to fresh gas and run for 5 minutes.
2. Change the engine oil.
3. Clean the mower thoroughly, especially the underside of the deck.
4. Remove the spark plug, add 1 tablespoon of oil into the cylinder, pull the starter cord slowly to distribute, then reinstall plug.
5. Store in a clean, dry place, covered, out of reach of children.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable. Never store the mower with fuel in the tank indoors or near an open flame.

Troubleshooting

For Service: Contact Craftsman Customer Support at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Have your model number (M115) and serial number ready.