Craftsman M210 Lawn Mower Manual

The Craftsman M210 is a 21-inch push lawn mower featuring a 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 cutting system (mulch, bag, side discharge), single-lever height adjustment, and durable steel deck. This manual covers safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications for the M210 model. Always read and understand all instructions before use.

1. Safety Information 2. Assembly Instructions 3. Controls and Features 4. Specifications 5. Operation 6. Cutting System Setup 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Engine Care 9. Storage 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Safety Information

Key safety components: Engine Stop Lever, Blade Control Handle, Discharge Chute, Fuel Cap, Oil Fill Cap.

Component	Safety Function
Engine Stop Lever	Stops engine and blade rotation when released
Blade Control Handle	Must be engaged to start engine and operate blade
Discharge Chute	Directs clippings; never operate without it installed
Fuel Cap	Prevents spills; ensure tight seal
Oil Fill Cap	Check oil level before each use
Height Adjustment Lever	Adjust cutting height with engine off
Wheels	Ensure all four are securely attached
Spark Plug	Disconnect wire before maintenance
Mulching Plug	Install for mulching mode
Grass Bag	Empty when full to maintain performance

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 wheels onto axles, secure with push nuts or washers.
Connect control cable: Route cable from handle to engine stop lever; adjust tension.
Attach grass bag: Hang bag on rear deck hooks; ensure secure fit.
Add oil and fuel: Fill engine with SAE 30 oil (check dipstick); add fresh unleaded gasoline.

WARNING! Do not add fuel indoors or while engine is hot. Keep clear of sparks and flames.

Controls and Features

Front Panel: Engine Stop Lever, Blade Control Handle, Primer Bulb, Recoil Starter.

Handle Controls: Height Adjustment Lever, Bag Indicator, Handle Knobs.

Cutting System: 3-in-1 capability (mulch, bag, side discharge). Single-lever height adjustment: 1.5 to 3.75 inches. Engine: 140cc Briggs & Stratton, manual recoil start. Deck: 21-inch steel, reinforced design. Wheels: 8-inch rear, 7-inch front for easy maneuverability.

Specifications

Cutting Width: 21 inches.
Engine: 140cc Briggs & Stratton 450E Series, 4-cycle.
Starting System: Manual recoil.
Cutting Height: 6 positions (1.5" to 3.75").
Cutting Options: Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge.
Deck Material: Steel.
Wheels: 8-inch rear, 7-inch front.
Fuel Capacity: 1.0 quart.
Oil Capacity: 20 oz. (SAE 30).
Weight: 65 lbs (approx.).

Operation

Starting and operating the mower safely.

Pre-start check: Verify oil level, fuel, clear area of debris, attach bag or chute.
Starting engine: Press primer bulb 3 times, set throttle to FAST, pull recoil starter.
Engage blade: Hold blade control handle against handlebar.
Mowing: Push mower at steady pace; overlap passes for even cut.
Stopping: Release blade control handle; wait for blade to stop before leaving mower.

CAUTION! Always mow across slopes, not up and down. Wear eye protection and sturdy shoes.

Cutting System Setup

Configure for mulching, bagging, or side discharge.

Mulching: Install mulching plug and blade; ensure chute cover is closed.
Bagging: Remove mulching plug; attach grass bag to rear hooks.
Side Discharge: Remove mulching plug and bag; attach discharge chute.
Height Adjustment: Move single lever to desired setting (1-6).

Tip: For best mulching, mow when grass is dry and cut no more than 1/3 of blade height.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and optimal performance.

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

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

Engine Care

Briggs & Stratton 140cc engine maintenance.

Oil: Check level before each start; change every 25 hours (SAE 30).
Air Filter: Clean foam pre-cleaner; replace paper element if dirty.
Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane min.); avoid ethanol blends if possible.
Spark Plug: Clean and gap to 0.030"; replace annually.
Carburetor: If engine runs poorly, may need cleaning or adjustment.

CAUTION! Engine parts are hot during and after operation. Allow to cool before servicing.

Storage

Proper storage prevents damage and extends mower life.

Clean: Remove all grass and debris from deck, wheels, and engine.
Fuel: Run engine dry or add fuel stabilizer to full tank.
Oil: Change oil if near due interval.
Blade: Sharpen and balance; consider coating with light oil.
Store: In dry, covered area; protect from moisture and rodents.

Tip: For long-term storage, remove spark plug and add teaspoon of oil to cylinder, then pull starter slowly to coat.

Warranty Information

Craftsman M210 includes limited warranty: 2 years on mower, 3 years on engine (Briggs & Stratton). Proof of purchase required. Warranty covers defects in materials/workmanship under normal use. Not covered: wear items (blades, belts), damage from misuse, lack of maintenance, or commercial use. For warranty service, contact Craftsman customer service 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 fuel filter.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, bad spark plug	Clean air filter; check/replace spark plug.
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure	Sharpen or replace blade; check tire pressure.
Vibration	Bent blade, loose parts	Inspect blade for damage; tighten all bolts/nuts.
Bag not filling	Wet grass, clogged deck	Mow when grass dry; clean underside of deck.
Wheels not turning	Debris in axle, damaged wheel	Clean axle; replace wheel if necessary.

Reset: For safety interlock issues, ensure blade control handle is fully engaged and cable is adjusted.

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