Craftsman M250 Lawn Mower Manual

The Craftsman M250 is a 21-inch self-propelled gas-powered lawn mower featuring a 159cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side discharge capability, single-lever height adjustment (6 positions), 2-gallon rear bag, 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 & Discharge Options 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Storage Guidelines 9. Safety Information 10. Warranty & Support 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 159cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel deck, rear bag, height adjustment lever, self-propelled drive system, recoil starter.

Feature	Description
Engine	159cc Briggs & Stratton 450E Series, OHV
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Height	6 positions (1.25" to 3.75")
Drive System	Self-propelled, front-wheel drive
Discharge Options	3-in-1: Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge
Fuel Tank Capacity	0.95 gallons
Starter Type	Recoil (Easy-Pull)
Bag Capacity	2.0 bushels (rear)
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Weight	Approx. 65 lbs

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 bag: Hang bag frame on rear hooks, ensure secure latch.
Install discharge chute: For side discharge, attach chute to deck opening.
Add engine oil: Fill with SAE 30 detergent oil (approx. 20 oz) – check dipstick.
Add gasoline: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

WARNING! Do not add gasoline during assembly. Keep away from sparks or flames.

First-Time Setup

Before first use, complete pre-operation checks.

Check oil level: Ensure oil is at full mark on dipstick.
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 15 PSI (recommended).
Adjust cutting height: Set lever to desired position (test on grass).
Test controls: Verify drive engagement lever and blade control handle function.
Start engine: Follow starting procedure (prime 3 times, pull cord).

CAUTION! Always operate outdoors in well-ventilated area. Keep hands and feet clear of moving parts.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman M250
Engine: 159cc Briggs & Stratton 450E Series, OHV
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height Range: 1.25" - 3.75" (6 positions)
Drive: Self-propelled, front-wheel
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher)
Oil Type: SAE 30 detergent (summer), 5W-30 (winter)
Bag Capacity: 2.0 bushels
Warranty: 2-year limited

Controls and Operation

Main controls: Blade control handle, drive engagement lever, height adjustment lever, recoil starter.

Starting Procedure:

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

Operating: Engage blade control handle to start cutting. Press drive lever to engage self-propelled drive. Release to stop drive.

Stopping: Release blade control handle. Engine will stop. Wait for blade to completely stop before leaving mower.

Cutting & Discharge Options

3-in-1 system: Mulching, Bagging, Side Discharge.

Mulching: Install mulch plug (included). Grass clippings are cut finely and returned to lawn.
Bagging: Attach rear bag. Collects clippings for disposal.
Side Discharge: Install discharge chute. Ejects clippings to side (for tall/wet grass).

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

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, tire pressure, blade condition
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (or annually)
Every season	Replace air filter, spark plug
As needed	Sharpen or replace blade, clean underside of deck
Storage	Drain fuel or add stabilizer

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Clean mower: Remove grass clippings from deck and engine.
Fuel management: Either drain tank completely or add fuel stabilizer and run engine 5 minutes.
Store: In dry, covered area. Protect from moisture.
Battery (if electric start): Remove and store separately, fully charged.

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

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operation.

Always wear eye protection and sturdy footwear.
Clear mowing area of debris, rocks, and toys.
Do not mow wet grass or in poor visibility.
Never allow children to operate mower.
Stop engine and wait for blade to stop before crossing driveways or adjusting mower.
Use extreme caution when mowing on slopes (mow across, not up and down).

DANGER! Blade rotates at high speed. Keep hands and feet away from deck at all times.

Warranty & Support

Craftsman M250 includes 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials/workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. For support, contact Craftsman Customer Service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Keep original receipt for warranty claims.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old gas, clogged air filter	Add fresh fuel, replace air filter, check spark plug.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old gasoline	Clean/replace air filter, drain and refill with fresh gas.
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure	Sharpen or replace blade, inflate tires evenly.
Self-propelled drive not engaging	Drive cable loose, worn drive belt	Adjust drive cable tension, replace drive belt.
Excessive vibration	Damaged or unbalanced blade	Stop engine, inspect and replace blade if damaged.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized Craftsman service center.

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