The Craftsman M250 is a 21-inch self-propelled gas lawn mower featuring a 159cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side discharge capability, single-lever height adjustment (1.25-3.75 inches), 2-gallon grass bag, rear-wheel drive with variable speed control, easy-start system, and durable steel deck. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Key components: 159cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, 3-in-1 discharge system, rear-wheel drive, variable speed control, single-lever height adjustment, 2-gallon grass bag.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Engine | 159cc Briggs & Stratton 675 Series, OHV |
| Cutting Width | 21 inches |
| Cutting Height | 1.25 to 3.75 inches (6 positions) |
| Drive System | Rear-wheel self-propelled, variable speed |
| Discharge Options | Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge |
| Grass Bag Capacity | 2.0 bushels (2-gallon) |
| Starting System | Recoil start with easy-pull technology |
| Deck Material | Powder-coated steel |
| Wheels | 8-inch rear, 7-inch front |
| Weight | Approximately 65 lbs |
Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools (included).
WARNING! Do not add gasoline during assembly. Keep away from sparks or flames.
Complete assembly, then prepare for first use.
CAUTION! Always operate outdoors in well-ventilated area. Keep children and pets away.
Handle Controls: Drive lever, speed control, blade brake/clutch control, height adjustment lever.
Starting Procedure:
Operating: Engage drive lever to move forward. Adjust speed with control lever. To stop, release drive lever and blade brake control.
Stopping: Release blade brake control to stop blade. Move throttle to STOP position.
Single-lever adjustment for all four wheels.
Height Positions: 1 (1.25"), 2 (1.75"), 3 (2.25"), 4 (2.75"), 5 (3.25"), 6 (3.75").
Tip: For first cut of season, set to highest position. Never remove more than 1/3 of grass height at once.
| Maintenance | Frequency | Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Check oil level | Before each use | Use dipstick, add SAE 30 if low |
| Clean underside of deck | After each use | Scrape with putty knife, hose clean |
| Check blade sharpness | Every 25 hours | Sharpen or replace if dull |
| Change engine oil | First 5 hours, then every 50 hours | Drain, refill with 20 oz SAE 30 |
| Replace air filter | Every 25 hours | Clean or replace foam filter |
| Replace spark plug | Every 100 hours | Use Champion RC12YC gap .030" |
| Check drive belt | Every 50 hours | Inspect for wear, replace if cracked |
End-of-season storage preparation:
CAUTION! Never store with gasoline in tank indoors. Gasoline vapors can ignite.
Always:
Never:
Craftsman M250 comes with 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. Keep original receipt as proof of purchase. For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Register your product online for faster service.
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| Engine won't start | No fuel, old gasoline, clogged filter | Add fresh gasoline, clean/replace air filter, check spark plug |
| Engine runs poorly | Dirty air filter, old gasoline | Clean air filter, drain and replace gasoline |
| Uneven cutting | Dull blade, uneven tire pressure | Sharpen or replace blade, check tire pressure |
| Mower won't self-propel | Drive belt loose or broken | Adjust or replace drive belt |
| Excessive vibration | Bent blade, loose parts | Replace blade, tighten all bolts and nuts |
| Grass not discharging | Wet grass, clogged deck | Wait for grass to dry, clean underside of deck |
Service: For technical support, call 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com