Craftsman M270 Mower Manual

The Craftsman M270 is a 21-inch self-propelled gas lawn mower featuring a 163cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side discharge capability, single-lever height adjustment (6 positions), 2-gallon rear bag, and 3-year limited warranty. 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 Settings 6. Operating the Mower 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Storage Guidelines 9. Safety Information 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 163cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel deck, 3-in-1 system, single-lever height adjustment, 2-gallon rear bag, self-propelled drive system.

Feature	Description
Engine	163cc Briggs & Stratton 675 Series engine
Cutting Width	21-inch steel cutting deck
Cutting Options	3-in-1: Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge
Height Adjustment	Single-lever, 6 positions (1.25-3.75 inches)
Drive System	Self-propelled, front-wheel drive
Bag Capacity	2-gallon rear bag with easy-empty feature
Starter	Recoil start system
Warranty	3-year limited warranty
Weight	Approximately 65 lbs
Fuel Tank	0.5-gallon capacity

Assembly Instructions

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

Attach handle: Insert lower handle into deck brackets, secure with bolts and wing nuts.
Install upper handle: Connect to lower handle, secure with provided hardware.
Attach bagging system: Slide bag frame onto rear deck hooks, attach bag.
Install side discharge chute: Attach to discharge opening on right side.
Add engine oil: Fill with 20 oz SAE 30 detergent oil (check dipstick).
Add gasoline: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

WARNING! Keep hands and feet clear of cutting blade during assembly. Wear gloves.

First-Time Setup

Before first use, complete pre-operation checks.

Check oil level: Ensure oil is at full mark on dipstick.
Check fuel: Fill tank with fresh unleaded gasoline.
Adjust cutting height: Set lever to desired position (middle recommended).
Test controls: Verify throttle, drive control, and blade control engage properly.
Test start: Pull recoil starter to start engine (choke if cold).

CAUTION! Operate outdoors only. Clear mowing area of debris before starting.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman M270
Engine: 163cc Briggs & Stratton 675 Series, 4-cycle
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height: 1.25-3.75 inches (6 positions)
Drive System: Self-propelled, front-wheel drive
Bag Capacity: 2 gallons
Fuel Capacity: 0.5 gallons
Oil Capacity: 20 oz SAE 30
Weight: 65 lbs (approx.)
Warranty: 3-year limited

Controls and Settings

Handle Controls: Throttle lever, Drive control lever, Blade control lever. Deck Controls: Height adjustment lever, Mulch plug, Bag attachment.

Operation: Throttle (FAST/SLOW/STOP), Drive control (squeeze to engage), Blade control (squeeze to engage blade), Height adjustment (lever positions 1-6).

Settings: Cutting height (1=1.25" to 6=3.75"), Mulching (install plug), Bagging (attach bag), Side discharge (install chute).

Operating the Mower

Starting, mowing, and stopping procedures.

Starting: Set throttle to FAST, engage blade control, pull recoil starter.
Mowing: Squeeze drive control to engage self-propelled motion.
Stopping: Release drive control, release blade control, set throttle to STOP.
Height adjustment: Stop engine, move lever to desired position.
Bag emptying: Stop engine, lift bag door, empty clippings.

Tip: Mow when grass is dry. Overlap passes for even cut.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blade, clear deck
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil, check air filter
Every season	Replace spark plug, sharpen/replace blade
As needed	Clean underside of deck, check drive belt
Storage	Drain fuel or add stabilizer

WARNING! Disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance.

Storage Guidelines

Prepare mower for off-season storage.

Clean: Remove grass clippings from deck and underside.
Fuel: Drain tank or add fuel stabilizer and run engine 5 minutes.
Oil: Change oil if due.
Spark plug: Remove and check gap; replace if worn.
Store: Keep in dry, covered area; cover mower.

CAUTION! Store fuel in approved container away from heat sources.

Safety Information

Read and follow all safety instructions.

Wear eye protection, long pants, and sturdy shoes.
Clear mowing area of stones, sticks, and debris.
Do not mow on steep slopes (over 15 degrees).
Keep hands and feet away from rotating blade.
Stop engine before adjusting height or clearing blockages.
Do not allow children to operate mower.
Use outdoors only; ensure proper ventilation.

Warranty Information

Craftsman M270 includes 3-year limited warranty covering defects in materials/workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Support at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Keep original receipt as proof of purchase.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old gas, clogged air filter	Add fresh fuel; clean/replace air filter; check spark plug.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blade, low engine speed	Sharpen/replace blade; set throttle to FAST.
Self-propelled not working	Drive belt loose, control cable	Check drive belt tension; adjust control cable.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent blade	Tighten blade bolt; replace bent blade.
Engine stalls	Clogged deck, low oil	Clean underside of deck; check oil level.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized service center. Customer Support: 1-888-331-4569; www.craftsman.com