Craftsman M320 Lawn Mower Manual

The Craftsman M320 is a 21-inch self-propelled gas lawn mower featuring a 190cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side-discharge capability, single-lever height adjustment (6 positions: 1.25"-3.75"), 2-gallon grass bag, rear-wheel drive, and easy-start system. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 190cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel deck, rear-wheel drive system, 3-in-1 discharge system, single-lever height adjustment, 2-gallon grass bag, fold-down handle.

Feature	Description
Engine	190cc Briggs & Stratton, 4-cycle, OHV
Cutting Width	21 inches
Drive System	Rear-wheel self-propelled
Cutting Height	6 positions (1.25" to 3.75")
Discharge Options	Mulch, Bag, Side-discharge
Grass Bag Capacity	2.0 gallons
Start System	Easy-Pull™ recoil
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Handle	Fold-down for storage
Weight	Approx. 65 lbs

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 grass bag: Attach bag support frame to deck rear, hook bag onto frame.
Connect drive cable: Route cable from handle lever to transmission.
Add engine oil: Fill with SAE 30 (20 oz) before first use.
Add gasoline: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

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

Safety Precautions

Always follow safety guidelines to prevent injury.

Read manual completely before operation.
Clear mowing area of debris, stones, toys.
Wear sturdy shoes, eye protection, long pants.
Never operate without grass bag or discharge chute properly installed.
Stop engine and remove spark plug wire before maintenance.
Do not mow wet grass or on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Keep children and pets away from mowing area.

DANGER! Rotating blade can cause severe injury. Always disconnect spark plug before servicing.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman M320
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 190cc, 4-cycle
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height Range: 1.25" - 3.75" (6 positions)
Drive: Rear-wheel self-propelled
Discharge Options: Mulch, Bag, Side-discharge
Bag Capacity: 2.0 gallons
Wheels: 8" rear, 7" front
Fuel Tank: 0.5 gallon
Oil Capacity: 20 oz (SAE 30)
Weight: 65 lbs (approx.)

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Drive lever, Height adjustment lever, Blade control handle.

Starting Procedure:

Check oil and fuel levels.
Prime engine (3-5 presses on primer bulb).
Set throttle to FAST position.
Pull recoil starter firmly.

Operating: Squeeze blade control handle against handlebar to engage blade. Squeeze drive lever to engage self-propelled drive. Release to stop movement.

Stopping: Release blade control handle. Move throttle to STOP. Wait for blade to stop completely.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single-lever adjustment for all four wheels.

Stop engine and wait for blade to stop.
Pull height adjustment lever outward.
Move lever to desired position (1-6).
Release lever to lock in position.

Height Settings: 1 (1.25"), 2 (1.75"), 3 (2.25"), 4 (2.75"), 5 (3.25"), 6 (3.75")

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

Maintenance Schedule

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 (engine off)
Check blade sharpness	Every 25 hours	Sharpen or replace if dull
Replace air filter	Every 50 hours	Clean foam pre-filter; replace paper
Change oil	Every 50 hours	Drain and refill with SAE 30
Replace spark plug	Every 100 hours	Use Champion RC12YC gap .030"

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage extends mower life.

Clean mower thoroughly, especially underside.
Drain fuel or add fuel stabilizer for long-term storage.
Change oil at end of season.
Remove spark plug, add 1 oz oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat.
Store in dry, covered area.
Cover mower to prevent dust accumulation.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable. Store in approved container away from heat sources.

Warranty Information

Craftsman M320 includes limited warranty: 2 years on mower, 3 years on engine. Proof of purchase required. Does not cover normal wear, misuse, or improper maintenance. For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Support at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Keep original receipt and record model/serial numbers.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old gas, clogged air filter	Add fresh gas; clean/replace air filter; check spark plug
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old gasoline	Clean air filter; drain and replace fuel
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure	Sharpen/replace blade; inflate tires to 15 PSI
Self-propelled not working	Drive cable loose, drive belt worn	Adjust drive cable tension; replace drive belt
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent blade shaft	Tighten blade bolt; inspect for damage
Grass not discharging	Wet grass, clogged deck	Wait for grass to dry; clean underside of deck

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized service center. 1-888-331-4569; www.craftsman.com