Craftsman M230 Parts Manual

The Craftsman M230 is a 21-inch 3-in-1 gas-powered lawn mower featuring a 190cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 mulching, bagging, and side-discharge capabilities, 7-position single-lever height adjustment, 2.1 bushel rear bag, and durable steel deck. Below are key sections for safety, parts identification, maintenance, troubleshooting, and replacement procedures.

1. Parts Identification 2. Maintenance Schedule 3. Engine Components 4. Deck & Cutting System 5. Drive & Control System 6. Safety Features 7. Assembly Instructions 8. Troubleshooting 9. Parts Replacement 10. Warranty Information 11. Specifications

Parts Identification

Key components: Engine assembly, cutting deck, drive system, control panel, wheels, and bagging system.

Part Number	Description
CMXGZAM110001	190cc Briggs & Stratton Engine Assembly
CMXGZAM110002	21-inch Steel Cutting Deck
CMXGZAM110003	High-Lift Mulching Blade
CMXGZAM110004	2.1 Bushel Rear Bag Assembly
CMXGZAM110005	7-Position Height Adjustment Lever
CMXGZAM110006	Drive Control Cable
CMXGZAM110007	Wheel Assembly (Front & Rear)
CMXGZAM110008	Safety Key Ignition System
CMXGZAM110009	Fuel Tank (1.1 gallon capacity)
CMXGZAM110010	Oil Drain Plug & Tube

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Before each use: Check oil level, inspect blade for damage, ensure tires are properly inflated.
Every 25 hours: Change engine oil, clean or replace air filter, check spark plug.
Every 50 hours: Sharpen or replace blade, inspect drive belt, lubricate wheel bearings.
End of season: Drain fuel or add stabilizer, clean underside of deck, store in dry location.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug before performing any maintenance to prevent accidental starting.

Engine Components

190cc Briggs & Stratton 850 Series engine with overhead valve design.

Engine Type: 4-cycle, single cylinder, air-cooled.
Displacement: 190cc.
Oil Capacity: 20 oz (SAE 30 or 10W-30).
Air Filter: Dual-element foam and paper.
Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC (gap: 0.030 inch).
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).
Fuel Capacity: 1.1 gallons.
Starting System: Recoil with primer bulb.

Deck & Cutting System

21-inch stamped steel deck with 3-in-1 functionality.

Blade Specifications: High-lift mulching blade, length 21 inches, center hole 5/8 inch, thickness 0.165 inch.

Height Adjustment: 7 positions from 1.25 to 3.75 inches. Mulching Kit: Includes mulching plug and specialized blade. Bagging System: 2.1 bushel rear bag with easy-empty feature. Side Discharge: Optional chute attachment for clippings.

Drive & Control System

Single-speed forward drive with auto-stop safety features.

Drive Control: Lever on handle engages drive system.
Speed Control: Fixed speed (approx. 3 mph).
Handle Height: Adjustable to three positions.
Wheels: 8-inch rear, 7-inch front with ball bearings.

Tip: Adjust drive cable tension if mower does not move when control lever is engaged.

Safety Features

Safety Key: Must be inserted to start engine. Blade Control: Auto-stop when handle is released. Protective Shield: Covers rotating parts. Warning Labels: Located on deck and handle.

Assembly Instructions

For new unit assembly after purchase.

Attach handle: Secure with provided bolts and wing nuts.
Install bag: Hook bag frame onto rear deck brackets.
Add oil: Pour 20 oz SAE 30 oil into engine (check dipstick).
Add fuel: Fill tank with fresh unleaded gasoline.
Attach safety key: Insert into ignition slot.

CAUTION! Do not attempt to start engine without proper oil level.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Empty fuel tank, old fuel, clogged air filter	Add fresh fuel, replace air filter, check spark plug.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blade, low engine speed, clogged deck	Sharpen/replace blade, clean underside of deck.
Vibration or shaking	Unbalanced blade, loose parts	Tighten blade bolt, check for damaged blade.
Mower doesn't drive	Loose drive cable, worn drive belt	Adjust cable tension, replace drive belt.
Engine stalls under load	Dirty carburetor, old fuel	Clean carburetor, use fuel stabilizer.

Reset: Ensure safety key is properly inserted.

Parts Replacement

Common replacement parts and procedures.

Blade Replacement: Disconnect spark plug, tilt mower, remove blade bolt (clockwise threads), install new blade with cutting edge toward ground.
Air Filter: Remove cover, clean foam pre-filter with soapy water, replace paper element if dirty.
Spark Plug: Remove wire, clean area, use 13/16-inch socket to remove old plug, gap new plug to 0.030 inch.
Drive Belt: Remove deck, release tension, route new belt according to diagram.

WARNING! Always use genuine Craftsman replacement parts.

Warranty Information

Limited 2-year warranty for residential use. Proof of purchase required. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. For warranty claims, contact 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman M230.
Engine: 190cc Briggs & Stratton 850 Series.
Cutting Width: 21 inches.
Cutting Height: 1.25 - 3.75 inches (7 positions).
Deck Material: Stamped steel.
Bag Capacity: 2.1 bushels.
Wheels: 8-inch rear, 7-inch front.
Weight: 65 lbs (without bag).
Warranty: 2-year limited.