Craftsman M215 Lawn Mower Manual

The Craftsman M215 is a 21-inch self-propelled gas lawn mower featuring a 159cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side discharge capability, single-lever height adjustment (1.25-3.75 inches), 2-gallon grass bag, rear-wheel drive, and easy-start technology. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting Height Adjustment 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Storage Guidelines 9. Safety Information 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 159cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel deck, 3-in-1 function, self-propelled rear-wheel drive, single-lever height adjustment, 2-gallon grass bag, fold-down handle.

Feature	Description
Engine	159cc Briggs & Stratton 675 Series, OHV
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Height	1.25 to 3.75 inches (single lever)
Drive System	Self-propelled rear-wheel drive
3-in-1 Function	Mulch, bag, or side discharge
Grass Bag Capacity	2.0 bushels (approx. 2 gallons)
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Handle	Fold-down for storage
Starting System	Recoil start with Easy-Spin™ technology
Fuel Tank Capacity	0.95 quarts (0.9 liters)

Assembly Instructions

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

Attach handle: Align lower handle with deck brackets, secure with bolts and wing nuts.
Install upper handle: Connect to lower handle, secure with provided hardware.
Attach grass bag: Hook bag frame onto rear deck brackets; ensure secure fit.
Install side discharge chute (if not mulching): Attach to side port.
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 detergent oil (approx. 20 oz). Do not overfill.
Add gasoline: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

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

First-Time Setup

Before first use, complete pre-operation checks.

Check oil level: Ensure oil is at full mark on dipstick.
Check fuel: Fill with fresh gasoline (do not overfill).
Adjust cutting height: Set lever to desired height (middle setting recommended).
Inspect blade: Ensure it is sharp and securely fastened.
Test controls: Verify drive control lever and blade engagement work smoothly.

CAUTION! Never operate without oil or with dull/damaged blade. Clear area of debris.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman M215
Engine: 159cc Briggs & Stratton 675 Series, OHV
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height Range: 1.25 - 3.75 inches
Deck Material: Steel
Drive Type: Self-propelled, rear-wheel drive
Wheels: 8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Grass Bag Capacity: 2.0 bushels
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum)
Oil Type: SAE 30 detergent (API service class SJ or higher)
Weight: Approx. 65 lbs (without bag)

Controls and Operation

Main controls: Drive control lever, Blade engagement lever, Height adjustment lever, Recoil starter.

Starting Procedure:

Check oil and fuel levels.
Move to well-ventilated outdoor area.
Push primer bulb 3 times (cold engine).
Set throttle control to FAST position.
Pull recoil starter cord firmly until engine starts.

Operation: Squeeze drive control lever to engage self-propulsion. Squeeze blade engagement lever to rotate blade. Release levers to stop.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single-lever adjustment for all four wheels.

Stop engine and wait for blade to stop.
Pull height adjustment lever outward.
Move lever to desired setting (1-7).
Release lever to lock position.

Settings: 1 (1.25") to 7 (3.75"). For best results, do not cut more than 1/3 of grass height at once.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blade, clear deck of debris
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (or annually)
Every season	Replace air filter, spark plug
As needed	Sharpen or replace blade
After each use	Clean underside of deck
Before storage	Drain fuel or add stabilizer

Tip: Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage extends mower life.

Clean mower thoroughly, especially underside.
Drain fuel or add fuel stabilizer and run engine 2 minutes.
Change oil if due.
Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon oil, pull starter cord slowly, reinstall plug.
Store in dry, covered area.

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

Safety Information

Always: Wear sturdy shoes and eye protection. Clear area of stones, toys, debris. Keep children and pets away. Use in daylight only. Stop engine before adjusting height or unclogging.

Never: Operate on wet grass. Mow slopes greater than 15 degrees. Remove safety devices. Leave running unattended. Use hands or feet to clear clogs.

DANGER! Rotating blade can cause severe injury. Always disconnect spark plug before servicing.

Warranty Information

Craftsman M215 comes with a 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 gas, clogged filter, bad spark plug	Add fresh fuel; clean/replace air filter; check spark plug.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old fuel, water in fuel	Replace air filter; drain and refill with fresh gas.
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure, low speed	Sharpen blade; check tire pressure; mow at steady pace.
Self-propel not working	Drive cable loose, debris in drive	Adjust drive cable; clear debris from wheel area.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent blade, debris on blade	Tighten blade bolt; replace bent blade; clean blade.
Grass not discharging	Wet grass, deck clogged, high grass	Mow when dry; clean deck; cut more frequently.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Craftsman service center. Use only Craftsman replacement parts.