Craftsman 21-In. 140Cc Fwd Gas Self-Propelled Mower

I recently had the opportunity to put the Craftsman 21-In. 140Cc Fwd Gas Self-Propelled Mower (model CMXGMAM1125501) through its paces, and I approached this task with high expectations. Craftsman has long been a trusted name in lawn care equipment, and I was eager to see if this mower lived up to the brand's reputation. Unfortunately, my experience left me with mixed feelings.

Performance and Ease of Use

Out of the box, the assembly process was fairly straightforward. I appreciated that the mower was relatively lightweight at 75 pounds, which made it easier to handle and maneuver, especially in tighter spaces. One of the first things I noticed was that the mower started on the first pull, which was a promising sign. The Briggs and Stratton engine, known for its reliability, seemed to be a solid choice for this model.

However, my enthusiasm waned quickly. After the initial start, the engine began to sputter, requiring me to walk at a snail's pace to prevent it from stalling. This issue persisted despite my efforts to troubleshoot by changing the spark plug, using fresh gas, and adding carb cleaner. The mower's self-propelled feature, while convenient, became less useful when the engine couldn't maintain a consistent performance.

Build Quality and Design

At first glance, the mower's design seemed robust. The 21-inch cutting deck offers a good balance between coverage and maneuverability, making it suitable for smaller yards. The inclusion of a 2-in-1 deck for both mulching and bagging is a nice touch, providing some versatility based on your lawn care needs.

However, I encountered several build quality issues that were hard to overlook. The height adjustment levers were particularly problematic. While adjusting the rear wheels was straightforward, the front wheel lever was almost impossible to budge. Upon closer inspection, I discovered that the rod between the wheels was bent, rendering the height adjustment feature essentially useless.

Additionally, the deck design had some flaws. Leaves and debris often blew out from the front of the mower, and there was an unfixable gap where the bag attaches, allowing more debris to escape. This made for a messy mowing experience, and I found myself walking through a cloud of dust and grass clippings.

Maintenance and Durability

One of the most significant issues I faced with this mower was its high maintenance needs. After only a few uses, the engine began to emit white smoke, a clear indication of oil burning. The user manual was not particularly helpful in guiding me through oil changes and general maintenance, which added to my frustration. Craftsman could benefit greatly from providing more detailed instructions or even uploading maintenance videos to assist users.

The mower's durability was also a concern. After just a few months of use, the blade fell off due to a broken component, and the engine refused to start. Despite replacing the spark plug, cleaning the carburetor, and using premium gas, the engine continued to run rough and noisy. This was not the level of reliability I expected from a Craftsman product.

Value for Money

Given the issues I encountered, it's hard to justify the cost of this mower. While the initial price point might seem reasonable, the ongoing maintenance and potential repair costs quickly add up. I found myself contemplating whether to invest in repairs or simply purchase a more reliable mower from another brand.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to maneuver.
• 21-inch cutting deck offers good coverage.
• 2-in-1 mulching and bagging capability.

Cons:

• Inconsistent engine performance.
• Poor build quality, particularly with the height adjustment mechanism.
• High maintenance needs and unclear instructions.
• Durability issues, with components failing after minimal use.

Final Recommendation

After spending considerable time with the Craftsman 21-In. 140Cc Fwd Gas Self-Propelled Mower, I find it challenging to recommend this model. While it does have some redeeming qualities, such as its lightweight design and versatile cutting deck, the numerous performance and maintenance issues overshadow these benefits.

For those who are looking for a reliable and low-maintenance mower, I would suggest exploring other options. Brands like Honda and Toro offer models that may come at a higher price point but deliver consistent performance and durability, saving you time and frustration in the long run.

In conclusion, the Craftsman CMXGMAM1125501 has the potential to be a good mower, but it falls short in several critical areas. Until these issues are addressed, I cannot confidently recommend this mower to anyone seeking a reliable and hassle-free lawn care solution.