Craftsman M140 160cc Manual

The Craftsman M140 is a 160cc walk-behind gas lawn mower featuring a Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, 3-in-1 capability (mulch/bag/side discharge), single-lever height adjustment, easy-start system, and durable construction. Below are key sections for safety, features, 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 Deck Function 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 160cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel deck, single-lever height adjustment, rear bagger, mulch plug, side discharge chute, recoil start, and durable 10-inch rear wheels.

Feature	Description
Engine	160cc Briggs & Stratton 4-cycle OHV engine
Cutting Width	21-inch steel cutting deck
Cutting Options	3-in-1: Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge
Height Adjustment	Single-lever, 6 positions (1.25-3.75 inches)
Start System	Recoil easy-start
Wheels	10-inch rear, 8-inch front
Fuel Tank	0.95-gallon capacity
Handle	Foldable, padded grip
Bag Capacity	2.0 bushels
Weight	Approx. 65 lbs

Assembly Instructions

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

Attach handle: Secure upper and lower handle sections with provided bolts.
Install wheels: Insert axles through deck brackets, secure with washers and nuts.
Attach bagger: Hook bag frame onto deck rear brackets, secure with pins.
Install mulch plug (if mulching): Insert into rear discharge opening.
Add oil and fuel: Use SAE 30 detergent oil (20 oz) and unleaded gasoline.

WARNING! Wear gloves during assembly. Ensure all fasteners are tight before operation.

Safety Precautions

Read all instructions before use. Always wear appropriate safety gear.

Clear mowing area of stones, toys, and debris.
Never mow wet grass or in poor visibility.
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
Stop engine before unclogging deck or adjusting height.
Use outdoors only; ensure proper ventilation.
Keep children and pets away during operation.

CAUTION! Gasoline is flammable. Refuel outdoors with engine off and cool.

Specifications

Engine: 160cc Briggs & Stratton 4-cycle OHV
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height: 6 positions, 1.25-3.75 inches
Deck Material: Powder-coated steel
Start Type: Recoil
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher)
Oil Type: SAE 30 detergent (20 oz capacity)
Bag Capacity: 2.0 bushels
Warranty: 2-year limited

Controls and Operation

Handle controls: Drive control bar, height adjustment lever, engine controls.

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

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

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 lever outward and move to desired height setting (1-6).
Release lever to lock into position.
Test on a small area before full mowing.

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

3-in-1 Deck Function

Configure for mulching, bagging, or side discharge.

Mulching: Install mulch plug in rear discharge. Grass is cut finely and returned to lawn.
Bagging: Attach bagger frame and bag. Grass clippings collected for disposal.
Side Discharge: Remove mulch plug and bagger. Install side discharge chute (optional).

WARNING! Always stop engine before changing deck configuration.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blade, clear debris
Every 25 hours	Change oil (first change after 5 hours)
Every season	Replace air filter, spark plug
As needed	Sharpen or replace blade, check tire pressure
End of season	Drain fuel or add stabilizer

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents damage and starting issues next season.

Drain fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer and run engine 2 minutes.
Change oil and replace air filter.
Clean underside of deck thoroughly.
Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon oil, pull starter slowly.
Store in clean, dry place, covered.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank indoors. Use fuel stabilizer if storing over 30 days.

Warranty Information

Craftsman M140 includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. 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. Keep original receipt as proof of purchase.

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 spark plug, old oil	Clean/replace spark plug; change oil.
Uneven cut	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure	Sharpen/replace blade; inflate tires evenly.
Mower vibrates excessively	Loose blade, debris in deck	Tighten blade bolt; clean deck interior.
Bag not filling	Wet grass, clogged chute	Mow when grass dry; stop engine and clear chute.
Self-propel not working	Drive cable loose, worn belt	Adjust drive cable; inspect/replace drive belt.

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