Craftsman M220 Lawn Mower Manual

The Craftsman M220 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 (1.25-3.75 inches), 2-gallon grass bag, easy-start system, durable steel deck, and rear-wheel drive. 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. Mulching & Bagging 8. Safety Features 9. Maintenance & Storage 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, 3-in-1 system, single-lever height adjustment, 2-gallon grass bag, rear-wheel drive, easy-start system.

Feature	Description
Engine	140cc Briggs & Stratton 675 Series, 4-cycle
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Height	1.25 to 3.75 inches (6 positions)
Cutting Options	Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge
Grass Bag Capacity	2.0 bushels (approx. 2 gallons)
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive
Start System	Recoil start with easy-start technology
Deck Material	Durable steel
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Weight	Approx. 65 lbs

Assembly Instructions

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

Attach handle: Align lower handle with deck brackets, secure with provided bolts and wrench.
Install upper handle: Connect to lower handle, tighten knobs.
Attach grass bag: Hook bag onto rear deck brackets, ensure secure fit.
Install mulch plug (if mulching): Insert into rear discharge chute.
Add oil and gasoline: Fill engine with SAE 30 oil (20 oz) and unleaded gasoline.

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

First-Time Setup

Before first use, complete final checks and adjustments.

Check oil level: Ensure oil is at full mark on dipstick.
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).
Adjust cutting height: Set lever to desired position (recommend 2.5-3 inches for first mow).
Test operation: Start engine in open area, engage blade, check for smooth operation.
Inspect area: Clear lawn of debris before mowing.

CAUTION! Never add fuel while engine is hot or running. Allow engine to cool for 5 minutes.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman M220
Engine: 140cc Briggs & Stratton 675 Series, 4-cycle
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height Range: 1.25-3.75 inches (6 positions)
Cutting Options: Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge
Grass Bag Capacity: 2.0 bushels
Drive: Rear-wheel drive
Start Type: Recoil
Warranty: 2-year limited
Fuel Capacity: 0.5 gallon
Oil Capacity: 20 oz SAE 30

Controls and Operation

Main controls: Handle with drive control bar, blade engagement lever, height adjustment lever.

Starting Procedure:

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

Operation: Squeeze drive control bar against handle to engage drive. Pull blade engagement lever to start cutting. Release both levers to stop.

Stopping: Release all controls. Move throttle to STOP. Wait for blade to completely stop.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single-lever adjustment controls all four wheels simultaneously.

Stop engine and wait for blade to stop.
Pull height adjustment lever outward.
Move lever to desired position (1-6, with 1 being lowest).
Release lever to lock in position.
Recommended settings: 2.5-3 inches for normal grass, 3-3.5 inches for hot/dry conditions.

Tip: Never adjust height while engine is running. Always mow at highest setting when cutting tall grass.

Mulching & Bagging

3-in-1 system allows quick conversion between functions.

Mulching: Install mulch plug in rear discharge chute. Grass is cut finely and returned to lawn as fertilizer.

Bagging: Remove mulch plug, attach grass bag. Empty bag when full (indicator shows when 80% full).

Side Discharge: Remove mulch plug and grass bag. Install side discharge chute (optional accessory).

WARNING! Always stop engine before changing cutting modes. Ensure proper attachment is securely installed.

Safety Features

Blade brake system: Blade stops within 3 seconds of releasing control lever. Safety key: Must be inserted to start engine. Protective deck: Prevents debris ejection. RIVET™ technology: Reduces vibration for operator comfort.

Maintenance & Storage

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

After Each Use: Clean underside of deck, check blade for damage, empty grass bag.

Monthly: Check air filter, inspect spark plug, tighten bolts.

Seasonal: Change oil (every 25 hours or season), sharpen blade, replace air filter.

Storage: Drain fuel or add stabilizer, clean thoroughly, store in dry location covered.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance. Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days.

Warranty Information

Craftsman M220 includes 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 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	Add fresh fuel, check fuel line, clean/replace air filter.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old gas	Clean air filter, drain and replace gasoline.
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven height	Sharpen or replace blade, adjust cutting height evenly.
Mower vibrates excessively	Loose blade, debris under deck	Tighten blade bolt, clean underside of deck.
Won't drive	Drive cable loose, wheels obstructed	Adjust drive cable tension, clear debris from wheels.
Grass not bagging	Full bag, wet grass, clogged chute	Empty bag, wait for grass to dry, clear discharge chute.

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