Craftsman M230 Lawn Mower Manual

The Craftsman M230 is a 21-inch push lawn mower featuring a 159cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side discharge capability, single-lever height adjustment (6 positions: 1.25-3.75 inches), durable steel deck, easy-start system, and rear-wheel drive. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 159cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, rear bagger, mulch plug, side discharge chute, single-lever height adjuster, rear-wheel drive system.

Feature	Description
Engine	159cc Briggs & Stratton 675 Series, OHV
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Height	6 positions (1.25-3.75 inches)
Deck Material	Durable steel
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive
3-in-1 Function	Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge
Start System	Easy-start recoil
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Fuel Tank Capacity	1.1 quarts
Oil Capacity	20 oz (SAE 30 recommended)

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: Slide wheels onto axles; secure with retainer clips.
Attach bagger: Connect rear bagger assembly to deck brackets.
Install mulch plug (if mulching): Place plug into rear discharge opening.
Add oil and fuel: Fill engine with SAE 30 oil; add unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

WARNING! Do not add fuel indoors or near ignition sources. Tighten all fasteners securely.

Safety Guidelines

Read all instructions before operation. Wear appropriate safety gear.

Clear mowing area of debris, stones, and toys.
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 hearing and eye protection.
Do not allow children to operate mower.

CAUTION! Gasoline is flammable; store in approved container away from heat.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman M230
Engine: 159cc Briggs & Stratton 675 Series, OHV
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height Range: 1.25 - 3.75 inches (6 positions)
Deck: 3-in-1 (Mulch/Bag/Side Discharge), steel construction
Drive: Rear-wheel drive
Wheels: 8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum)
Oil Type: SAE 30 (above 40°F), 10W-30 (below 40°F)
Weight: Approx. 65 lbs

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Drive control bar (squeeze to engage wheels), height adjustment lever, engine control (stop switch).

Starting Procedure:

Check oil and fuel levels.
Prime engine (3-5 presses on primer bulb).
Set throttle to FAST position.
Pull recoil starter firmly.

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

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single-lever adjustment for all four wheels simultaneously.

Stop engine and ensure blade is not rotating.
Pull lever outward and move to desired height position (1-6).
Release lever to lock in place.
Test mower on flat surface to ensure even cut.

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

3-in-1 Deck Function

Configure deck for desired cutting style:

Mulching: Install mulch plug; grass clippings are cut finely and returned to lawn.
Bagging: Attach rear bagger; clippings collected for disposal.
Side Discharge: Remove mulch plug and bagger; install side discharge chute.

WARNING! Always stop engine before changing deck configuration. Ensure all attachments are securely installed.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level; inspect blade for damage; clear deck of debris
Every 25 hours	Change oil; clean/replace air filter; check spark plug
Every season	Sharpen or replace blade; lubricate wheel bearings
As needed	Clean underside of deck; check tire pressure

Blade Sharpening: Remove blade; maintain original cutting angle; balance before reinstalling.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for extended storage (especially winter):

Run engine to warm oil; drain and refill with fresh oil.
Add fuel stabilizer to tank; run engine 5 minutes to circulate.
Remove spark plug; add 1 oz of oil to cylinder; pull starter slowly to coat.
Clean entire mower; store in dry, covered location.

CAUTION! Never store mower with fuel in tank beyond 30 days without stabilizer.

Warranty Information

Craftsman M230 includes limited warranty: 2 years on mower, 3 years on engine. Proof of purchase required. Warranty covers defects in materials/workmanship under normal use. Does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, or improper 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	Check fuel level; replace with fresh gas; clean/replace air filter.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty spark plug, clogged carburetor	Clean/replace spark plug; use fuel stabilizer; clean carburetor.
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure	Sharpen or replace blade; inflate tires to 15 PSI.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, debris in deck	Tighten blade bolt; clean underside of deck.
Wheels not driving	Drive cable loose or broken	Adjust drive cable tension; replace if damaged.

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