Craftsman Push Mower Owner's Manual

The Craftsman Push Mower is a reliable, user-powered lawn care tool designed for efficient grass cutting on small to medium-sized lawns. It features a durable steel deck, adjustable cutting heights, easy-roll wheels, and a robust blade system. This manual covers essential safety instructions, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and storage guidelines to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your mower.

1. Safety Instructions 2. Assembly & Setup 3. Controls & Features 4. Operation Guide 5. Cutting Height Adjustment 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Blade Care & Sharpening 8. Storage Guidelines 9. Troubleshooting 10. Specifications & Warranty

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before operating. Failure to follow warnings may result in serious injury.

Hazard	Precaution
Rotating Blade	Keep hands and feet away from mower deck. Disconnect spark plug before servicing.
Thrown Objects	Clear lawn of stones, sticks, and debris before mowing. Wear safety glasses.
Hot Surfaces	Avoid contact with engine and muffler during/after operation.
Slip/Trip Hazard	Mow across slopes, not up/down. Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear.
Children & Pets	Keep bystanders at a safe distance. Never allow children to operate.

WARNING! Always stop engine and wait for all moving parts to stop before adjusting, cleaning, or leaving mower unattended.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack all parts from box. Verify contents against packing list.

Handle Assembly: Attach lower handle to deck using provided bolts and wrench. Secure upper handle with knobs or pins.
Wheel Installation: Slide wheels onto axles. Secure with retaining clips or nuts. Ensure wheels rotate freely.
Height Adjustment Lever: Attach lever to deck bracket if required. Test adjustment mechanism.
Final Check: Tighten all fasteners. Ensure handle is secure and wheels are aligned.

Tip: Use a flat, clean surface for assembly. Keep hardware organized.

Controls & Features

Familiarize yourself with mower components for safe operation.

Deck: 21-inch steel cutting deck.
Blade: Single, high-lift steel blade for even discharge.
Handle: Adjustable height with cushioned grip.
Wheels: 10-inch rear, 8-inch front wheels for easy maneuvering.
Height Adjustment: Single-lever control for 6 cutting positions (1.5" - 4").
Grass Bag: Optional rear-bagging attachment (sold separately).
Safety Key: Engine will not start without safety key inserted (if equipped).

Operation Guide

Proper mowing technique ensures a clean cut and reduces strain.

Pre-Start Check: Inspect blade for damage. Clear mowing area. Check oil level (if applicable).
Starting: If self-propelled, engage drive lever. Pull recoil starter firmly.
Mowing Pattern: Mow in straight, overlapping passes. Change direction periodically.
Speed: Maintain a steady, walking pace. Do not rush.
Stopping: Release drive lever (if engaged). Stop engine. Wait for blade to stop completely.

CAUTION! Never mow wet grass. It can clog deck and cause slippery conditions.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Adjust height based on grass type and season.

Stop mower on level ground.
Pull height adjustment lever outward.
Move lever to desired setting (1=lowest, 6=highest).
Release lever to lock position.
Adjust all wheels to same setting for even cut.

Recommended Settings: Cut cool-season grasses at 2.5"-3.5". Raise height during summer heat or for uneven terrain.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance and safety.

Interval	Task
Before Each Use	Check blade condition, fasteners, clear deck of debris.
Every 25 Hours	Sharpen or replace blade. Check wheel bearings.
Season End	Clean underside thoroughly. Lubricate moving parts. Inspect for wear.
As Needed	Tighten bolts/nuts. Replace damaged wheels or handles.

Note: Refer to engine manual for specific engine maintenance (oil changes, air filter, spark plug).

Blade Care & Sharpening

A sharp blade provides a clean cut and reduces engine strain.

Removal: Disconnect spark plug wire. Tip mower on side (carburetor side up). Use block of wood to prevent blade from turning. Remove blade bolt.
Sharpening: Use a file or bench grinder to sharpen at original angle (approx. 30°). Remove equal metal from both ends to maintain balance.
Balancing: Hang blade on a nail or use a balancer. It should sit level. File heavy end if unbalanced.
Installation: Reinstall blade with cutting edge toward ground. Torque bolt to specification (if provided). Reconnect spark plug.

WARNING! Always wear heavy gloves when handling blade. Replace if cracked, bent, or excessively worn.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents corrosion and damage.

Clean: Thoroughly clean underside and top of deck. Allow to dry completely.
Fuel (if equipped): For gas models, either run engine until fuel tank is empty OR add fuel stabilizer to full tank and run for 5 minutes.
Protect: Lightly coat bare metal parts with oil to prevent rust.
Store: Keep in a clean, dry place, preferably off the ground. Cover with a breathable tarp.

CAUTION! Never store mower with grass clippings in bag or deck, as this promotes moisture and corrosion.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Mower is hard to push	Cutting height too low; Wheels binding; Deck clogged	Raise cutting height. Clean wheels/axles. Clear deck of packed grass.
Uneven cutting	Blade dull or bent; Uneven tire pressure; Deck low on one side	Sharpen or replace blade. Check tire pressure. Level deck by adjusting height levers.
Grass not discharging	Wet grass; Deck clogged; Engine speed too low	Mow when grass is dry. Clean deck. Ensure throttle is set to "FAST".
Excessive vibration	Loose blade or adapter; Bent blade; Debris stuck in blade	Stop engine immediately. Tighten blade bolt. Inspect and replace blade if bent. Remove debris.
Wheels not turning smoothly	Axle debris; Worn bearings; Loose wheel nuts	Clean axle. Lubricate. Tighten nuts. Replace wheels if necessary.

Specifications & Warranty

Model: Craftsman Push Mower (Model # varies).
Cutting Width: 21 inches.
Cutting Heights: 6 positions, 1.5" to 4".
Deck Material: Powder-coated steel.
Wheel Size: 10" rear, 8" front.
Weight: Approximately 65 lbs.
Warranty: Limited 2-year warranty on mower. Engine warranty provided separately by manufacturer.
Support: For parts and service, contact Craftsman Customer Support at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.

Note: Specifications may vary by model. Refer to your specific model's label for exact details.