Brand: CRAFTSMAN
Category: Lawn Mower
Document Type: Manual
Language: EN
Available Languages: EN , ES
Manual for 104M02-0001-F1
Uploaded: Sept. 12, 2025, 4:25 a.m.
Manual Publish Date: 2015-11-16
Warranty Information
This CRAFTSMAN 2-YEAR FULL WARRANTY covers against defects in material or workmanship for two years from purchase.
ENGINE SPEED
Engine speed was set at the factory for optimum performance. It is not adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
Federal regulations require an engine control to be installed on this lawn mower to minimize the risk of blade contact injury. Do not attempt to defeat the function of the operator control. The blade turns when the engine is running. Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator presence control bar which requires the operator to be positioned behind the lawn mower handle to start and operate the lawn mower.
DRIVE CONTROL
Self-propelling is controlled by holding the operator presence control bar down to the handle and pulling either drive control lever rearward to the handle. The further toward the handle a lever is pulled, the faster the unit will travel. Forward motion will stop when either the operator presence control bar or a drive control lever are released. To stop forward motion without stopping engine, release a drive control lever only. Hold operator presence control bar down against handle to continue mowing without self-propelling. If after releasing the drive control the mower will not roll backwards, push the mower forward slightly to disengage drive wheels.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut, adjust cutting height to suit your requirements. Medium position is best for most lawns.
Troubleshooting and error codes
| PROBLEM | CAUSE | CORRECTION |
|---|---|---|
| Loss of power |
1. Rear of mower housing or blade dragging in grass. 2. Cutting too much grass. 3. Dirty air filter. 4. Buildup of grass, leaves, and trash under mower. 5. Too much oil in engine. 6. Walking speed too fast. |
1. Raise cutting height. 2. Raise cutting height. 3. Clean/replace air filter. 4. Clean underside of mower housing. 5. Check oil level. 6. Cut at slower walking speed. |
| Poor cut - uneven |
1. Worn, bent or loose blade. 2. Wheel heights uneven. 3. Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under mower. |
1. Replace blade. Tighten blade bolt. 2. Set all wheels at same height. 3. Clean underside of mower housing. |
| Excessive vibration |
1. Worn, bent or loose blade. 2. Bent engine crankshaft. |
1. Replace blade. Tighten blade bolt. 2. Contact a Sears or other qualified service center. |
| Starter rope hard to pull |
1. Engine flywheel brake is on when control bar is released. 2. Bent engine crankshaft. 3. Blade adapter broken. 4. Blade dragging in grass. |
1. Depress control bar to upper handle before pulling the starter rope. 2. Contact a Sears or other qualified service center. 3. Replace blade adapter. 4. Move lawn mower to cut grass or to hard surface. |
| Grass catcher not filling (If so equipped) |
1. Cutting height too low. 2. Lift on blade worn off. 3. Catcher not venting air. |
1. Raise cutting height. 2. Replace blade. 3. Clean grass catcher. |
| Hard to push |
1. Grass is too high or wheel height is too low. 2. Rear of mower housing or blade dragging in grass. 3. Grass catcher too full. 4. Handle height position not right for you. |
1. Raise cutting height. 2. Raise rear of mower housing one (1) setting higher. 3. Empty grass catcher. 4. Adjust handle height to suit. |
| Loss of drive or slowing of drive speed |
1. Belt wear. 2. Belt off of pulley. 3. Drive cable worn or broken. 4. "Loose" drive control system. |
1. Check/replace drive belt. 2. Check/reinstall drive belt. 3. Replace drive cable. 4. Adjust drive control. |