Craftsman Manual Lawn Mower

The Craftsman Manual Lawn Mower is a reliable, user-powered push mower designed for small to medium-sized lawns. It features a durable steel blade, adjustable cutting height, ergonomic handle, and a grass collection bag. This manual covers safety instructions, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and storage guidelines to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your mower.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Adjustments 6. Operating the Mower 7. Maintenance & Care 8. Safety Features 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Steel cutting blade, Height adjustment lever, Ergonomic handle with grip, Rear grass collection bag, Wheel assembly, and Safety blade guard.

Feature	Description
Steel Cutting Blade	High-carbon steel for clean, efficient cutting
Height Adjustment Lever	Allows cutting height adjustment from 1" to 3"
Ergonomic Handle	Padded grip for comfortable pushing and maneuvering
Grass Collection Bag	Rear-mounted bag for easy grass clippings collection
Wheel Assembly	Four durable plastic wheels for smooth movement
Safety Blade Guard	Protective cover over blade when not in use
Blade Engagement Lever	Engages/disengages blade from wheels
Bag Full Indicator	Visual indicator when collection bag is full
Foldable Handle	Handle folds down for compact storage
Durable Steel Deck	Rust-resistant coating for longevity

Assembly Instructions

Unpack all parts and inspect for damage. Assemble on a flat, clear surface.

Attach Handle: Insert handle into mounting brackets on mower deck; secure with provided bolts and wrench.
Install Wheels: Slide wheels onto axles; secure with retaining clips.
Attach Grass Bag: Hook collection bag onto rear brackets; ensure secure fit.
Adjust Handle Height: Loosen knob, set handle to comfortable height, retighten.
Install Blade Guard: Place safety guard over blade; secure with screw.

WARNING! Wear gloves during assembly. Ensure all bolts are tightened securely before use.

First-Time Setup

Before first use, perform these setup steps.

Check Blade Sharpness: Inspect blade; sharpen if necessary (see Maintenance).
Adjust Cutting Height: Set lever to desired height (recommend 2" for first mow).
Lubricate Wheels: Apply light oil to wheel axles for smooth rolling.
Test Engagement: Push mower forward; ensure blade engages smoothly.
Clear Lawn: Remove stones, sticks, and debris from mowing area.

CAUTION! Do not operate without blade guard installed. Keep hands and feet away from blade area.

Specifications

Cutting Width: 20 inches.
Cutting Height Range: 1 inch to 3 inches (adjustable).
Blade Material: High-carbon steel.
Handle: Ergonomic, foldable design.
Wheels: 4 plastic wheels, 8-inch diameter.
Collection Bag Capacity: 1.5 bushels.
Weight: 35 lbs.
Recommended Lawn Size: Up to 1/4 acre.
Warranty: 2-year limited warranty.

Controls and Adjustments

Primary controls located on handle and mower deck.

Handle Controls: Height adjustment lever, Blade engagement lever, Handle height knob.

Cutting Height: Adjust via lever on each wheel (positions: 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 inches). Blade Engagement: Pull lever toward handle to engage blade with wheels; push away to disengage. Handle Height: Loosen knob, adjust to user height, retighten. Bag Attachment: Quick-release hooks for easy bag removal/attachment.

Operating the Mower

Push mower in straight lines, overlapping slightly for even cut.

Clear Area: Remove debris from lawn.
Engage Blade: Pull engagement lever toward handle.
Start Mowing: Push mower forward at steady pace.
Empty Bag: Check indicator; empty when bag is 2/3 full.
Disengage Blade: Push lever away from handle when stopping.
Turn Off: Always disengage blade before turning or moving over non-grass surfaces.

Tip: Mow when grass is dry for best results. Alternate mowing direction each time.

Maintenance & Care

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

After Each Use: Clean underside of deck; remove grass clippings.
Weekly: Check blade sharpness; sharpen if dull.
Monthly: Lubricate wheel axles and height adjustment mechanisms.
Seasonally: Inspect blade for damage; replace if bent or cracked.
Annually: Tighten all bolts and fasteners.

WARNING! Always wear gloves when handling blade. Ensure mower is completely stopped and disengaged before maintenance.

Safety Features

Blade Guard: Covers blade when not in use. Safety Lever: Blade only engages when lever is actively held. Bag Full Indicator: Prevents overfilling. Non-slip Handle: Provides secure grip during operation.

Storage Guidelines

Store in dry, covered area. Clean thoroughly before storage.

Clean: Remove all grass clippings from deck and blade.
Dry: Wipe all surfaces dry to prevent rust.
Fold Handle: Lower handle to compact position.
Store Upright: Stand mower on rear edge or hang on wall hook.
Cover: Use breathable cover to protect from dust.

CAUTION! Do not store with blade engaged. Keep out of reach of children.

Warranty Information

Craftsman Manual Lawn Mower comes with a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. For warranty claims, contact Craftsman Customer Service at 1-800-832-8665 or visit www.craftsman.com. Keep original receipt as proof of purchase.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Uneven cutting	Dull blade or uneven height adjustment	Sharpen blade; adjust all wheels to same height.
Hard to push	Tall/wet grass or low wheel lubrication	Mow more frequently; lubricate wheel axles.
Blade not engaging	Lever mechanism stuck or debris blockage	Clean engagement mechanism; ensure lever moves freely.
Grass not collecting	Full bag or clogged deck	Empty bag; clean underside of deck.
Wheels wobbling	Loose axle or damaged wheel	Tighten axle nuts; replace damaged wheels.
Rust on deck	Moisture exposure	Clean and dry after use; apply rust inhibitor.

Service: For repairs not covered under warranty, contact authorized Craftsman service center.

Support: 1-800-832-8665; www.craftsman.com