Brand: CRAFTSMAN
Category: Lawn Mower
Document Type: Manual
Language: EN
Available Languages: EN , ES
Manual for CMXGMAM1125501
Uploaded: Nov. 21, 2025, 7:02 p.m.
Manual Publish Date: 2018-12-11
Warranty Information
This operator's manual does not cover items subjected to operator abuse or negligence.
Starting the Engine: Ensure the area is clear of debris. Squeeze the blade control and pull the recoil starter rope. For electric start models, insert the push key and press it. Ensure the engine is properly fueled and oiled.
Mowing: Squeeze the drive control against the upper handle to propel. Release it to slow down or stop. Adjust cutting height as needed. Use the grass catcher, side discharge, or mulch function as desired.
Stopping the Engine: Release the blade control to stop the engine and blade. Wait for the blade to stop completely before performing any work.
Safety First: Always wear safety glasses. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts and the blade area. Never operate in wet grass or on steep slopes. Keep children and bystanders at a safe distance.
Troubleshooting and error codes
| Problem | Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Engine fails to start | 1. Blade control disengaged. 2. Spark plug boot disconnected. 3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel. 4. Engine not primed. 5. Faulty spark plug. 6. Engine flooded. 7. Blocked fuel line. |
1. Engage blade control. 2. Connect wire to spark boot. 3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline. 4. Prime engine. 5. Clean, adjust gap, or replace. 6. Wait a few minutes to restart. 7. Contact Parts & Repair Center for fuel line cleaning. |
| Engine fails to start with electric starter | 1. Electric Starter Push Key not fully inserted. 2. Battery not charged. 3. Circuit breaker tripped. |
1. Insert key. 2. Charge battery. 3. Debris may be blocking blade operation. Stop engine, remove key, disconnect spark plug boot. Clean debris. Reattach boot. Wait one minute for circuit breaker to reset. |
| Engine runs erratic | 1. Spark plug boot loose. 2. Stale fuel. 3. Vent in gas cap plugged. 4. Water or dirt in fuel system. 5. Dirty air cleaner. 6. Blocked fuel line. |
1. Connect and tighten spark plug boot. 2. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline. 3. Clear vent. 4. Run engine until empty, refill with fresh fuel. 5. Refer to Air Cleaner Maintenance. 6. Contact Parts & Repair Center for fuel line cleaning. |
| Engine overheats | 1. Engine oil level low. 2. Air flow restricted. |
1. Fill crankcase with proper oil. 2. Clean area around and on top of engine. |
| Occasional skips (hesitates) | 1. Spark plug gap too close. | 1. Adjust gap. |
| Idles poorly | 1. Spark plug fouled, faulty, or gap too wide. 2. Dirty air cleaner. |
1. Reset gap or replace spark plug. 2. Refer to Air Cleaner Maintenance. |
| Excessive vibration | 1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced. 2. Bent cutting blade. |
1. Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade. 2. Replace blade. |
| Mower will not mulch grass | 1. Wet grass. 2. Excessively high grass. 3. Dull blade. |
1. Do not mow when grass is wet. 2. Mow at high cutting height, then at desired height. 3. Sharpen or replace blade. |
| Uneven cut | 1. Wheels not positioned correctly. 2. Dull blade. |
1. Adjust cutting height levers to the same position. 2. Sharpen or replace blade. |
| Mower will not self propel | 1. Belt not installed properly. 2. Debris clogging drive operation. 3. Damaged or worn belt. 4. Drive control out of adjustment. |
1. Check belt installation. 2. Stop engine, clean debris. 3. Inspect belt, contact Parts & Repair Center if needed. 4. Adjust drive control. |