Craftsman M130 Lawn Mower Manual

The Craftsman M130 is a 21-inch push lawn mower featuring a 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side discharge capability, single-lever height adjustment (6 positions: 1.25"-3.75"), durable steel deck, easy-start system, and rear bagger with 2.1 bushel capacity. This manual covers safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. Safety Precautions 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting Height Adjustment 7. 3-in-1 Function Setup 8. Maintenance Schedule 10. Storage Guidelines 11. Warranty Information 12. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, rear grass bag, height adjustment lever, recoil starter, and mulch plug.

Feature	Description
Engine	140cc Briggs & Stratton 675 Series, 4-cycle
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Height	6 positions (1.25" to 3.75")
Deck Material	Powder-coated steel
Capabilities	Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge (3-in-1)
Grass Bag Capacity	2.1 bushels
Starting System	Recoil pull-start
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Weight	Approx. 65 lbs
Warranty	2-year limited

Assembly Instructions

Unpack all parts from box. Assembly requires adjustable wrench and screwdriver.

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 grass bag: Slide bag frame onto rear deck hooks until it clicks.
Install mulch plug (if mulching): Insert into rear discharge opening.
Add oil and gasoline: Use SAE 30 detergent oil (20 oz) and unleaded gasoline.

WARNING! Do not add gasoline indoors or near ignition sources. Ensure all fasteners are tight before operation.

Safety Precautions

Read all instructions before operating. Always wear sturdy shoes and eye protection.

Clear mowing area of stones, toys, and other objects.
Do not mow wet grass or in rainy conditions.
Never allow children or pets in area while mowing.
Disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.
Use push motion; never pull mower toward you.
Stop engine and wait for blade to stop before crossing gravel or roads.

CAUTION! Gasoline is flammable. Store in approved container away from mower and living areas.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman M130
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 675 Series, 140cc, 4-cycle
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Heights: 1.25", 1.75", 2.25", 2.75", 3.25", 3.75"
Deck: 21-inch steel, powder-coated
Grass Bag Capacity: 2.1 bushels
Wheels: 8" rear, 7" front
Weight: 65 lbs (approx.)
Oil Capacity: 20 oz SAE 30 detergent oil
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher)

Controls and Operation

Handle: Height adjustment lever, drive control bar. Engine: Throttle control, primer bulb, recoil starter.

Starting Procedure:

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

Stopping: Release drive control bar, move throttle to STOP, wait for blade to stop.

Drive Control: Squeeze bar against handle to engage self-propel (if equipped); release to stop drive.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single-lever adjustment changes height for all four wheels simultaneously.

Stop engine and wait for blade to stop.
Pull height adjustment lever outward.
Move lever to desired position (1-6).
Release lever to lock into place.

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

3-in-1 Function Setup

Configure for mulching, bagging, or side discharge.

Mulching: Install mulch plug in rear discharge opening. No bag attached.
Bagging: Remove mulch plug, attach grass bag to rear hooks.
Side Discharge: Remove mulch plug and grass bag; attach side discharge chute (if included).

WARNING! Always stop engine before changing configuration. Ensure attachments are securely installed.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blade for damage, clear deck of debris
Every 25 hours	Change oil (or annually), clean/replace air filter
Every season	Sharpen or replace blade, check spark plug
As needed	Clean underside of deck, check tire pressure

Blade Sharpening: Disconnect spark plug, remove blade, sharpen at original angle (balance blade after sharpening).

Storage Guidelines

Prepare mower for off-season storage to prevent damage.

Drain or stabilize gasoline from tank and carburetor.
Change oil and run engine briefly to circulate.
Clean underside of deck thoroughly.
Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon oil into cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat.
Store in dry, covered area.

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

Warranty Information

Craftsman M130 includes 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 air filter	Add fresh gasoline, clean/replace air filter, check spark plug.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old gasoline	Replace air filter, drain and refill with fresh gasoline.
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure	Sharpen/replace blade, inflate tires to equal pressure.
Vibration	Loose blade, bent blade	Tighten blade bolt; replace bent blade.
Grass not discharging	Wet grass, clogged deck	Mow when grass is dry; stop engine and clean deck.

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