Craftsman M260 Lawn Mower Manual

The Craftsman M260 is a 21-inch push lawn mower featuring a 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 capability (mulch, bag, side-discharge), single-lever height adjustment, durable steel deck, and easy-start technology. This manual covers essential safety instructions, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and storage guidelines to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your mower.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly Instructions 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: 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, rear bagger, mulch plug, side-discharge chute, single-lever height adjuster, and push handle with safety bail.

Feature	Description
Engine	140cc Briggs & Stratton 675 Series, 4-cycle
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Deck	Durable steel construction
Cutting Options	3-in-1: Mulch, Bag, Side-Discharge
Height Adjustment	Single-lever, 6 positions (1.25" - 3.75")
Start System	Recoil start with Easy-Spin™ technology
Wheels	8-inch front, 10-inch rear
Bag Capacity	2.1 bushels (rear bag)
Handle	Foldable, adjustable with safety bail
Weight	Approximately 65 lbs

Safety Information

Read all instructions before assembly and operation. Always wear appropriate safety gear.

Clear mowing area of debris, toys, and obstacles.
Never operate without proper guards or safety devices in place.
Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades.
Do not mow on steep slopes or wet grass.
Always stop engine and remove spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable. Refuel outdoors only, with engine off and cool. Keep children and pets away from mowing area.

Assembly Instructions

Unpack all parts and inspect for damage. Assembly requires basic tools (included).

Attach handle: Align lower handle sections with deck brackets, secure with bolts and wing nuts.
Install upper handle: Attach to lower handle, secure knobs, and adjust to desired height.
Attach grass bag: Slide bag frame onto rear deck hooks; ensure it locks securely.
Install mulch plug (if desired): Insert into rear discharge opening.
Add oil and gasoline: Refer to engine manual for type and capacity.

CAUTION! Ensure all bolts are tightened securely. Do not operate with loose components.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman M260
Engine: 140cc Briggs & Stratton 675 Series, 4-cycle OHV
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height: 6 positions, 1.25" to 3.75"
Deck Material: Steel
Wheels: 8" front, 10" rear
Bag Capacity: 2.1 bushels
Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.95 quarts
Oil Capacity: 20 oz (SAE 30 recommended)
Product Dimensions: 64" L x 22" W x 43" H (assembled)

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Safety bail (must be held to run), throttle control, and height adjustment lever.

Starting: 1. Check oil and fuel levels. 2. Push primer bulb 3 times (cold engine). 3. Set throttle to FAST. 4. Pull recoil starter cord firmly.

Stopping: Release safety bail; engine will stop. Move throttle to STOP position.

Operation Tips: Mow at steady pace; overlap passes slightly for even cut. Avoid pulling mower backward while cutting.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single-lever adjustment for all four wheels.

Stop engine and ensure blades are not rotating.
Pull height adjustment lever outward.
Move lever to desired setting (1-6, lowest to highest).
Release lever to lock into position.
Test by lifting front of mower; all wheels should be at same height.

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

3-in-1 Deck Function

Configure for mulching, bagging, or side-discharge.

Mulching: Install mulch plug fully into rear discharge opening. Grass clippings are recut and returned to lawn.
Bagging: Remove mulch plug. Attach grass bag to rear hooks. Clippings collected for disposal.
Side-Discharge: Remove mulch plug and bag. Install side-discharge chute (optional accessory). Clippings ejected to side.

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

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance and extends mower life.

Task	Frequency
Check oil level	Before each use
Check blade sharpness/balance	Every 25 hours
Replace air filter	Every season or 25 hours
Replace spark plug	Every season or 100 hours
Change oil	First 5 hours, then every 50 hours
Clean underside of deck	After each use (when cool)
Lubricate wheels & height adjuster	Every 25 hours
Inspect/replace drive belt	Every 100 hours

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for extended storage (especially winter).

Run engine to warm oil, then drain completely (or add fuel stabilizer).
Disconnect spark plug wire and remove spark plug.
Add 1 oz of oil to cylinder, pull starter cord slowly, reinstall plug.
Thoroughly clean deck, wheels, and undercarriage.
Sharpen and balance blade.
Store in dry, covered location, preferably off concrete floor.

CAUTION! Never store mower with fuel in tank indoors. Use fuel stabilizer or drain tank completely.

Warranty Information

Craftsman M260 includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal residential use. Proof of purchase required. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, neglect, or commercial use. For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Support at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Keep this manual and receipt for reference.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old gas, clogged filter, spark plug	Check fuel; use fresh gas; clean/replace air filter; check/replace spark plug.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old gasoline	Clean/replace air filter; drain and refill with fresh gasoline.
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure, deck clogged	Sharpen/balance blade; check tire pressure; clean deck underside.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent blade, debris	Stop engine, disconnect spark plug. Tighten blade bolt; replace bent blade; remove debris.
Grass not discharging	Wet grass, deck clogged, engine speed low	Mow when grass is dry; clean deck; set throttle to FAST.
Wheels not turning	Debris around axles, lack of lubrication	Clean axle areas; apply light lubricant.

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