Craftsman M250 Lawn Mower Owner's Manual

The Craftsman M250 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 (6 positions), easy-start system, durable steel deck, and rear-wheel drive. This manual covers safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications. Always read and understand all instructions before use.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, rear bagger, mulching plug, side discharge chute, single-lever height adjuster, recoil starter, 8-inch rear wheels.

Feature	Description
Engine	140cc Briggs & Stratton 725EXI, 4-cycle, OHV
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Height	6 positions (1.25" to 3.75")
Deck Material	Powder-coated steel
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive
Start Type	Recoil starter with Easy-Spin™ technology
Fuel Tank Capacity	0.95 quarts
3-in-1 Function	Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Weight	Approximately 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 bolts and wing nuts.
Install upper handle: Connect to lower handle, tighten knobs.
Attach grass bag: Hook bag frame onto rear deck brackets; ensure secure latch.
Install side discharge chute (if not pre-installed): Snap into opening on right side of deck.
Insert mulching plug (optional): Place into rear discharge opening when mulching.
Check oil level: Ensure engine is level; add SAE 30 oil if needed (do not overfill).
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

WARNING! Wear gloves during assembly. Keep hands clear of cutting blade. Do not add fuel indoors or near ignition sources.

Safety Information

Read all safety labels on mower. Always operate with care.

Clear mowing area: Remove stones, toys, debris before mowing.
Wear proper attire: Sturdy shoes, long pants, eye protection, hearing protection.
Check fuel: Fill outdoors, away from sparks or flames. Wipe spills immediately.
Start safely: Ensure drive control disengaged, blade control released.
Mow in daylight: Good visibility only.
Keep bystanders away: Especially children and pets.
Stop engine: Before unclogging, adjusting, or crossing gravel drives.

DANGER! Blade rotates at high speed. Keep hands and feet away from deck. Never operate without discharge chute, bag, or mulching plug in place.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman M250
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 725EXI, 140cc, 4-cycle
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height Range: 1.25" - 3.75" (6 positions)
Deck: 21-inch steel, powder-coated
Drive: Rear-wheel drive
Start System: Recoil with Easy-Spin™
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher)
Oil Type: SAE 30 detergent (API service class SJ or higher)
Warranty: 2-year limited

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Blade control lever (must be held to keep blade engaged), drive control lever (squeeze to propel), height adjust lever.

Starting: 1. Check oil and fuel. 2. Push primer bulb 3 times (cold engine). 3. Set throttle to FAST position. 4. Pull recoil starter firmly. Stopping: Release blade control; engine stops. Move throttle to STOP position.

Operation: Squeeze drive control to move forward; release to stop drive. Hold blade control to cut. Mow in overlapping passes. Do not mow wet grass.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single-lever adjustment for all four wheels.

Stop engine and wait for blade to stop.
Pull height adjust lever outward.
Move lever to desired position (1=lowest, 6=highest).
Release lever to lock.

Tip: For first mow of season, set to highest setting. Never remove more than 1/3 of grass height at one time.

3-in-1 Function Setup

Configure for mulching, bagging, or side discharge.

Mulching: Install mulching plug in rear discharge opening. Remove bag and side chute. Grass is cut finely and returned to lawn.
Bagging: Attach grass bag to rear brackets. Ensure mulching plug and side chute are removed.
Side Discharge: Install side discharge chute on right side. Remove mulching plug and bag.

WARNING! Always have one of the three configurations installed. Never operate with discharge openings uncovered.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and safe operation.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blade for damage, clear deck of debris
Every 25 hours	Change oil (first change after 5 hours), clean/replace air filter
Every season	Sharpen or replace blade, check spark plug, clean underside of deck
As needed	Check tire pressure, lubricate wheel axles, tighten bolts

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance. Allow engine to cool.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Run engine to use up fuel in carburetor, or add fuel stabilizer.
Change oil at end of season.
Clean underside of deck thoroughly.
Remove spark plug, add 1 tablespoon of oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat.
Store in clean, dry place, covered to prevent dust.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank indoors or in enclosed spaces. Gasoline vapors are explosive.

Warranty Information

Craftsman M250 includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal residential use. Warranty does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, commercial use, or improper maintenance. Proof of purchase required. 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 fuel, clogged air filter, spark plug	Add fresh fuel; clean/replace air filter; check spark plug gap/connection.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old fuel, clogged carburetor	Clean air filter; use fresh fuel; consider carburetor cleaning.
Uneven cut	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure, low cutting height	Sharpen/replace blade; inflate tires evenly; raise cutting height.
Vibration	Bent blade, loose blade bolt, debris on blade	Stop engine, disconnect spark plug. Inspect blade; tighten bolt; remove debris.
Grass not discharging	Wet grass, clogged deck, dull blade	Mow when dry; clean deck underside; sharpen blade.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized Craftsman service center. Always use genuine Craftsman parts.