User Manual Craftsman CMXGMAM2703841 M215 21-in. FWD Gas Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

• User Manual - (English, Spanish)
• User Manual - (English)

Table of contents

• ASSEMBLY
• ADJUSTMENTS
• OPERATION
• SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
• MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
• TROUBLESHOOTING

ASSEMBLY

IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Be certain to service engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the Operation section of the Engine Manual before starting or running your machine.

NOTE: Reference to right and left hand side of the Lawn Mower is observed from the operating position.

Unpacking

Opening Carton

1. Cut each corner of the carton vertically from top to bottom.
2. Remove all loose parts.
3. Remove loose packing material.

Removing Unit From Carton

1. Lift unit from the rear to detach it from underlying carton material and roll unit out of carton.
2. Check carton thoroughly for any other loose parts.

Loose Parts In Carton

• Grass Catcher
• Side Discharge Cover
• Engine Oil

Assembly

Handle Setup

1. Remove any packing material which may be between upper and lower handles.

2. Perform one of the following according to handles shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2:

a. Handles with Knob and Carriage Bolts - Remove knob and carriage bolts. Do not loosen or remove adjacent hex head screws. See Figure 1.

b. EZ-Fold Handles - The EZ-Fold handle release levers are shipped in the unlocked positions. See Figure 2. Proceed to Step 3.

3. While stabilizing mower so it doesn’t move, lift the upper handle up as shown in Figure 3. Do not crimp cable while lifting the handle up.

NOTE: EZ-Fold handles only - When lifting the upper handle ensure the position indicator aligns with one of three handle positions. See Figure 3 inset.

4. Perform one of the following to secure the upper handle to the lower handle:

a. Handles with Knob and Carriage Bolts - Reattach knobs and carriage bolts removed in Step 2a into lower holes of handle. See Figure 4.

b. EZ-Fold Handles - Place the release levers in the locked position. See Figure 5.

5. Remove T-bolts from the handle brackets as shown in Figure 6.

6. Follow the steps below to complete handle assembly:

a. Pull upward on the handle until holes in lower handle (shown in Figure 6 deck cutaway) line up with holes in handle bracket. See Figure 7.

NOTE: When pulling upward on handle, make sure to not pull handle all the way out.

b. Insert the T-bolts removed in Step 2 through the handle brackets and lower handle and tighten securely to secure the handle in place. See Figure 7.

7. The rope guide is attached to the right side of the upper handle. Loosen the wing knob which secures the rope guide. Refer to Figure 8.

1. Hold blade control against upper handle.
2. Slowly pull starter rope handle from engine and slip starter rope into the rope guide. See Figure 8.
3. Tighten rope guide wing knob.
4. Use cable ties provided to secure blade control and drive cables to lower handle as shown in Figure 8.

IMPORTANT: To reduce wear and allow for proper operation, make sure to leave some slack in the upper portion of the cable(s).

Attaching the Grass Catcher

1. Follow steps below to assemble the grass catcher. Make certain bag is turned right side out before assembling (warning label will be on the outside).

1. Place bag over frame so that its black plastic side is at the bottom.
2. Slip plastic channel of grass bag over hooks on the frame. See Figure 9.

2. Follow steps below to attach grass catcher:

1. Lift rear discharge door.
2. Place grass catcher into the slots in the handle brackets as shown in Figure 10. Let go of discharge door so that it rests on the grass catcher

To remove grass catcher, lift rear discharge door on the mower. Lift grass catcher up and off the slots in the handle brackets. Release rear discharge door to allow it to close rear opening of mower.

Attaching Side Discharge Cover

Your mower is shipped as a mulcher. To convert to side discharge, make sure grass catcher is off of the unit and rear discharge door is closed.

1. On the side of the mower, lift the mulch cover. See Figure 11.
2. Slide two hooks of side discharge cover under hinge pin on mulching cover assembly. Lower mulching cover. Do not remove side mulching cover at any time, even when you are not mulching.

ADJUSTMENTS

Adjustments

Cutting Height

There is a cutting height adjustment lever located above the front and rear right wheel.

1. Pull the height adjustment lever outward towards wheel (unit will tend to fall when lever is moved outward). See Figure 13.
2. Move lever to desired position for a change in cutting height. See Figure 13.
3. Release lever towards deck.

IMPORTANT: All wheels must be placed in the same position. For rough or uneven lawns, move each height adjustment lever to a higher position. This will prevent you from cutting the grass too close to the ground.

Handle Pitch (If Equipped)

For convenience of operation, you may adjust the pitch of the handle. Perform one of the following:

1. Handles with Knobs and Carage Bolts. See Figure 14 -

1. Remove wing nuts and carriage bolts from handle.
2. Position the handle in one of the three positions that is most comfortable. See Figure 14 inset.
3. Secure into position with wing nuts and carriage bolts removed in Step 1.

2. EZ-Fold Handles. See Figure 15 -

1. Place the release levers in the unlocked positions.
2. Move the upper handle to align the position indicator with the most comfortable of the three handle positions.
3. Place the release levers in the locked positions.

Drive Control (If Equipped)

The adjustment wheel is located in the drive control handle housing and is used to tighten or loosen the drive belt. You will need to adjust the drive control if the mower does not propel itself with the drive control engaged or if the mower’s wheels hesitate with the drive control engaged. If either of these conditions occur, rotate adjustment wheel clockwise to tighten cable or counterclockwise to loosen the cable. See Figure 16 or Figure 17.

OPERATION

Blade Control

The blade control is attached to the upper handle of the mower. Depress and squeeze it against the upper handle to operate the unit. Release it to stop engine and blade.

WARNING This blade control is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass its operation.

Drive Control - Bail or Single Lever (If Equipped)

The drive control is located on top of the upper handle and is used to engage the drive. Squeeze it against the upper handle to engage the drive; release it to slow down or stop mower from propelling.

Drive Control - Dual Lever (If Equipped)

The drive controls are located on top of the upper handle and are used to engage the drive. Squeeze the right, left, or both right and left controls against the upper handle to engage the drive; release it/them to slow down or stop mower from propelling.

Electric Starter Push Key (If Equipped)

The electric starter push key is located on the right side of the upper handle. It is both a removable key and push button and is only provided on electric start models.

Cutting Height Adjustment Lever

One adjustment lever is located on the right rear wheel and one is located on the right front wheel. Both levers have to be at the same position to ensure a uniform cut. To adjust the cutting height, refer to the Assembly Section.

Side Discharge Cover (If Equipped)

Your mower is shipped as a mulcher. To discharge the grass clippings to the side instead, follow the instructions in the Assembly section to attach the side discharge cover.

WARNING Keep hands and feet away from the chute area on cutting deck. Refer to warning label on the unit.

Grass Catcher (If Equipped)

The grass catcher, located at the rear of the mower, is used to bag the grass clippings for disposal at another site. Once the bag is full, remove it up through the handles and empty it before any further mowing.

Mulch Cover (If Equipped)

The mulch cover is used for mulching purposes. Instead of collecting the grass clippings in a grass catcher or using the side discharge chute, some mower models have the option of recirculating the clippings back to the lawn. This is called mulching.

Trail Shield (If Equipped)

The trail shield is attached to the rear of the mower and is there to protect the operator from flying debris. Do not use the mower unless the shield is fully functional and in place.

Deck Wash (If Equipped)

Your mower’s deck is equipped with a water port on its surface as part of its deck wash system. Use the deck wash to rinse grass clippings from the deck’s underside.

Recoil Starter

The recoil starter is attached to the right upper handle. Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil starter rope to start the unit.

Oil Fill Cap/Dipstick

Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual packed with your mower for detailed oil filling, checking and changing instructions.

GAS AND OIL FILL-UP

WARNING Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine indoors or while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

IMPORTANT: Refer to the separate Engine Operator’s Manual for additional engine information.

This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Be certain to service engine with gasoline and oil as instructed before starting or running your lawn mower.

1. Add provided oil before starting mower for the first time as instructed in the separate Engine Operator’s Manual.
2. Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in the separate Engine Operator’s Manual.

Checking Battery Pack Charge (if equipped)

WARNING Read all safety warnings, instructions, and cautionary markings for the battery pack, charger and product. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury

IMPORTANT: Refer to instructional manual supplied with battery charger for charging, maintenance and battery disposal instructions.

1. Press the battery gauge button on front of the battery pack to check charge level. See Figure 19:
   • Charged Battery - One to three lights of the battery gauge will light to show charge level.
   • Discharged Battery - If no lights show, charge battery pack. Refer to manual supplied with battery charger for charging instructions.

To Start Engine

WARNING Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower while starting engine or operating mower. Never run engine indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing away from any moving parts on engine and lawn mower.

Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual for instructions on starting and stopping the engine.

WARNING Keep a firm grip on the starter cord handle to prevent rapid retraction of starter cord (kickback). Rapid retraction can pull hand and arm toward engine faster than you can let go, and result in broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains.

To Stop Engine

1. Release blade control to stop the engine and blade.

WARNING Wait for the blade to stop completely before performing any work on the mower or to remove the grass catcher.

Using Your Lawn Mower

Be sure lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects which could damage lawn mower or engine. Such objects could be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator and others.

1. Perform one of the following:

• Bail and Single Lever Drive Controls - Once the engine is running, squeeze the drive control against the upper handle to propel mower.
• Dual Lever Drive Controls -

1. Once the engine is running and while continuing to hold the blade control down, squeeze either (or both) drive controls against the upper handle to propel mower. See Figure 20.
2. To change speed, move speed control to the desired speed.

NOTE: When selecting a drive speed, use the first speed until you are comfortable and familiar with the operation of the mower.

IMPORTANT: If you are shifting speeds while the mower is stationary it may be difficult to shift into first speed under certain conditions. This is easily remedied by briefly engaging the drive lever.

WARNING The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes, which can damage your eyes severely. Always wear safety glasses while operating the mower, or while performing any adjustments or repairs on it.

NOTE: Your mower is equipped with an advanced internal drive system for ease of use. When turning or pulling the unit rearward, you may notice higher than normal resistance in the rear wheels under certain conditions. This is perfectly normal and can be remedied by allowing the unit to roll forward slightly without the drive lever(s) engaged before pulling backwards.

Using as Mulcher

For mulching grass, remove the grass catcher or side discharge chute from the mower. When you remove the grass catcher from the mower, ensure the rear mulch plug (if equipped) is installed and allow the rear discharge door to close the rear opening of mower. When you remove the side discharge chute, the mulching cover will close. For effective mulching, do not cut wet grass. If the grass has been allowed to grow in excess of four inches, mulching is not recommended. Use the grass catcher to bag clippings instead.

Using Grass Catcher (If Equipped)

You can use the grass catcher to collect clippings while you are operating the mower.

1. Attach grass catcher following instructions in the Assembly section. Grass clippings will automatically collect in bag as you run mower. Operate mower until grass bag is full.
2. Stop engine completely by releasing the blade control. Make sure that the unit has come to a complete stop.
3. Lift discharge door and pull grass bag up and away from the mower to remove the bag. Dispose of the grass clippings and reinstall the bag when complete.

WARNING If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine. Disconnect the spark plug wire, thoroughly inspect mower for any damage, and repair damage before restarting and operating. Extensive vibration of mower during operation is an indication of damage. The unit should be promptly inspected and repaired.

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

WARNING Before performing any type of maintenance/service, disengage all controls and stop the engine. Wait until all moving parts have come to a complete stop. Disconnect spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent unintended starting.

Follow the maintenance schedule given below. This chart describes service guidelines only. Use the Service Log column to keep track of completed maintenance tasks. To locate the nearest Service Center or to schedule service, call the following toll free number:1-888-331-4569.

See the Engine Operator’s manual packed with the mower for detailed instructions on how to perform many of the following maintenance items.

* Clean more often under dusty conditions or when airborne debris is present. Replace air cleaner if very dirty.

WARNING Always stop engine, allow engine to cool, disconnect spark plug wire, and ground against engine before performing any type of maintenance on your machine.

General Recommendations

• Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.
• The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from warranty, operator must maintain the equipment as instructed here.
• Changing of engine-governed speed will void engine warranty.
• All adjustments should be checked at least once each season.
• Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these are tight.

Lubrication

Blade Control

Lubricate pivot points on the blade control at least once a season with light oil. This control must operate freely in both directions. See Figure 21.

Engine Maintenance

Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual packed with your mower for a detailed description of all engine-related service specifications.

Clean Engine

• Daily or before every use, clean grass, chaff or accumulated debris from engine. Keep linkage, spring, and controls clean. Keep area around and behind muffler free of any combustible debris.
• Keeping engine clean allows air movement around engine.
• Engine parts should be kept clean to reduce the risk of overheating and ignition of accumulated debris.

CAUTION Do not use water to clean engine parts. Water could contaminate fuel system. Use a brush or dry cloth.

Mower Maintenance

Cleaning Deck

Clean underside of the mower deck once a season to prevent build-up of grass clippings or other debris. Follow steps below for this job.

1. Allow the engine to run until it is out of fuel. Do not attempt to pour fuel from the engine. Disconnect spark plug wire. Refer to Engine Operator’s Manual.

2. Tip mower so that it rests on the housing, keeping the muffler side down. Hold mower firmly.

WARNING Never tip the mower more than 90º in any direction and do not leave the mower tipped for any length of time. Oil can drain into the upper part of the engine causing a starting problem.

3. Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a suitable tool. Do not spray with water.

IMPORTANT: Do not use a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit. These may cause damage to bearings, or the engine. The use of water will result in shortened life and reduce serviceability.

4. Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground.

Deck Wash (If Equipped)

Your mower’s deck is equipped with a water port on its surface as part of its deck wash system.

Use the deck wash to rinse grass clippings from the deck’s underside and prevent the buildup of corrosive chemicals. Complete the following steps AFTER EACH MOWING:

1. Push the mower to a level, clear location on your lawn, near enough for your garden hose to reach. Remove the grass bag if attached.

CAUTION Make certain the mower’s discharge chute is directed AWAY from your house, garage, parked cars, etc.

2. Remove the fast attach deck wash nozzle from the mower deck and thread it onto the end of your garden hose.

3. Attach garden hose with the deck wash nozzle to the water port on your deck’s surface. See Figure 22.

4. Turn the water ON.

5. Start the engine as described in the Operation section.

6. Run the engine for a minimum of two minutes, allowing the underside of the cutting deck to thoroughly rinse.

7. Release blade control to stop the engine and blade.

8. Turn the water OFF and detach the deck wash nozzle from the water port on your deck’s surface.

After cleaning your deck, restart the mower. Keep the engine and blade running for a minimum of two minutes, allowing the underside of the cutting deck to thoroughly dry

Blade Care

WARNING When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade.

Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary. Follow the steps below for blade service.

1. Allow the engine to run until it is out of fuel. Do not attempt to pour fuel from the engine. Disconnect spark plug wire. Refer to Engine Operator’s Manual.

2. Turn mower on its side making sure that the air filter and the carburetor are facing up.

3. Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine crankshaft. See Figure 23.

4. Remove blade and adapter from the crankshaft.

5. Remove blade from the adapter for testing balance. Balance the blade on a round shaft screwdriver to check. Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly. When sharpening the blade, follow the original angle of grind. Grind each cutting edge equally to keep the blade balanced.

WARNING An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds. It may cause damage to mower and could break causing personal injury.

6. Lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil. Slide the blade adapter onto the engine crankshaft. Place the blade on the adapter such that the side of the blade marked “Grass Side” (or with part number) faces the ground when the mower is in the operating position. Make sure that the blade is aligned and seated on the blade adapter flanges. See Figure 23 inset.

7. Place blade bell support on the blade. Align notches on the blade bell support with small holes in blade.

8. Replace hex bolt and tighten hex bolt to torque: 450 in-lb (min.), 600 in-lb (max.).

To ensure safe operation of your mower, periodically check the blade bolt for correct torque.

Belt Care

NOTE: Several components must be removed in order to change the mower’s selfpropulsion drive belt. See an authorized Service Center to have your belt replaced.

Charging Electric Starter Battery (If Equipped)

IMPORTANT: Refer to instructional manual supplied with battery charger for charging, maintenance and battery disposal instructions.

WARNING The battery contains corrosive fluid and toxic material; handle with care and keep away from children. Do not puncture, disassemble, mutilate or incinerate the battery. Explosive gases could be vented during charging or discharging. Use in a well ventilated area, away from sources of ignition.

WARNING Read all safety warnings, instructions, and cautionary markings for the battery pack, charger and product. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

TROUBLESHOOTING