Craftsman M140 Lawn Mower Manual

The Craftsman M140 is a 140cc gas-powered push lawn mower featuring a Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, 3-in-1 discharge system (mulch/bag/side-discharge), single-lever height adjustment, easy-start system, and durable 10-inch rear wheels. 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. Maintenance Schedule 8. Engine Care 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel deck, 3-in-1 discharge system, single-lever height adjustment, rear bagger, mulch plug, and easy-start system.

Feature	Description
Engine	140cc Briggs & Stratton 675 Series, 4-cycle
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Deck	Steel, reinforced
Discharge System	3-in-1 (Mulch/Bag/Side-Discharge)
Height Adjustment	Single-lever, 6 positions (1.5-3.75 inches)
Wheels	10-inch rear, 8-inch front
Starting System	Recoil with Easy-Spin™ technology
Fuel Tank	0.95 gallons
Oil Type	SAE 30 (above 40°F) or 10W-30
Weight	Approx. 65 lbs

Assembly Instructions

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

Attach handle: Insert lower handle into deck brackets, secure with bolts and wing nuts.
Install wheels: Slide axle through deck, attach wheels with washers and retainer clips.
Attach discharge chute: Align with deck outlet, secure with provided pin.
Install bagger: Hook bag frame onto rear deck brackets, ensure secure latch.
Add mulch plug (if mulching): Insert into rear discharge opening.
Add oil and gas: Fill engine with SAE 30 oil (20 oz), add unleaded gasoline.

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

Safety Precautions

Read manual before operation. Always wear safety gear.

Clear mowing area of stones, toys, and debris.
Never mow wet grass or in rain.
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
Stop engine before adjusting height or clearing blockages.
Do not allow children to operate mower.
Use hearing and eye protection.
Refuel outdoors only, with engine off and cool.

CAUTION! Gasoline is flammable. Store fuel in approved container away from ignition sources.

Specifications

Engine: Briggs & Stratton 675 Series, 140cc, 4-cycle.
Cutting Width: 21 inches.
Cutting Heights: 6 positions, 1.5 to 3.75 inches.
Deck Material: Steel.
Discharge Options: Mulch, Bag, Side-Discharge.
Wheels: 10-inch rear, 8-inch front.
Fuel Capacity: 0.95 gallons.
Oil Capacity: 20 oz.
Starting: Recoil with Easy-Spin™.
Warranty: 2-year limited.

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Drive bail (safety handle), throttle control, height adjustment lever.

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

Stopping: Release drive bail, set throttle to STOP, wait for blade to stop.

Operation: Engage drive bail to start blade and self-propel (if equipped). Walk at steady pace, overlap passes by 2 inches.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single-lever adjusts all four wheels simultaneously.

Stop engine and ensure blade is not rotating.
Pull lever outward, move to desired height setting (1-6).
Release lever to lock into position.
Test on small area before full mowing.

Tip: Higher settings for uneven terrain, lower for fine lawns. Never remove more than 1/3 of grass height per mowing.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blade, clear deck
Every 25 hours	Change oil, clean/replace air filter
Every season	Sharpen/replace blade, check spark plug
As needed	Clean underside of deck, lubricate wheels
Storage	Drain fuel or add stabilizer

Engine Care

Briggs & Stratton 675 Series maintenance guidelines.

Oil Change: Run engine 2-3 minutes to warm oil. Drain via dipstick tube into pan. Refill with 20 oz SAE 30 (above 40°F) or 10W-30.
Air Filter: Remove cover, clean foam pre-filter in soapy water, replace paper filter if dirty.
Spark Plug: Gap at 0.030 inches, replace annually or if fouled.
Fuel System: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane). Add fuel stabilizer for storage over 30 days.

WARNING! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents corrosion and starting issues.

Clean mower thoroughly, removing grass clippings and debris.
Drain fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer and run engine 5 minutes.
Change oil if near service interval.
Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat.
Store in dry, covered area, preferably on level surface.

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

Warranty Information

Craftsman M140 includes 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials/workmanship. Proof of purchase required. Does not cover normal wear, misuse, lack of maintenance, or commercial use. 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 oil	Clean air filter; change oil; check spark plug.
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure	Sharpen/replace blade; check tire pressure.
Excessive vibration	Bent blade, loose parts	Inspect blade for damage; tighten all bolts.
Bag not filling	Wet grass, clogged chute	Mow when grass dry; stop engine and clear chute.
Self-propel not working	Drive belt loose or worn	Check belt tension; replace if worn.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Craftsman service center. Always use genuine Craftsman parts.

Support: 1-888-331-4569; www.craftsman.com