Craftsman 21-in. Gas Push Mower

Craftsman has long been a trusted name in the tool industry, and I recently had the opportunity to put their 21-in. Gas Push Mower (model CMXGMAM7815145) through its paces. This mower is equipped with a 163cc engine, designed with a one-step starting mechanism, and features a 3-in-1 convertible deck for mulching, side discharge, or bagging. As a tool enthusiast, I was eager to see how this mower would perform in real-world conditions.

First Impressions and Assembly

Upon unboxing the mower, I immediately noticed its sturdy build and thoughtful engineering. The assembly process was straightforward and required minimal tools. The mower comes with a bagger and a bottle of engine oil, which is a nice touch to get you started right away. The 11-inch rear wheels and 7-inch front wheels promised good maneuverability, which is essential for navigating around a typical suburban yard.

Ease of Starting

The Craftsman mower boasts a one-step starting mechanism, and indeed, it started on the first pull right out of the box. However, this initial ease of starting did not consistently hold up. Over time, I found that the mower became increasingly difficult to start. After a few uses, it required multiple pulls, and sometimes it wouldn’t start at all. This inconsistency in starting is a significant drawback, especially for those who prefer a hassle-free mowing experience.

Performance and Power

When it was operational, the mower performed adequately on my mid-sized lawn. The 163cc OHV engine provided enough power to tackle moderately thick grass. The 3-in-1 convertible deck is a versatile feature, allowing me to switch between mulching, side discharge, and bagging with relative ease. The mulching function worked well, finely chopping the grass and returning nutrients to the soil. The bagging option, equipped with a 1.9-bushel Dust Blocker bag, effectively collected clippings without a lot of dust and debris.

However, the mower seemed underpowered when dealing with denser grass or slight inclines. It struggled to maintain a consistent speed and sometimes stalled if I pushed it too fast. This lack of power limits its effectiveness for larger or more demanding yards.

Build Quality and Durability

Craftsman tools are generally known for their durability, but this mower left me somewhat disappointed. While the initial build quality appeared robust, several components showed signs of wear and tear after only a few uses. The height adjustment levers were particularly problematic, becoming difficult to maneuver and even bending under stress. Additionally, the connection between the bag and the mower deck had a noticeable gap, allowing debris to escape and creating a mess during operation.

Maintenance and Longevity

Maintenance is a critical factor for any gas-powered tool, and this mower is no exception. Unfortunately, the Craftsman mower requires more maintenance than I anticipated. Issues like white smoke from the engine, oil leaks, and rough running were recurrent problems. These issues often necessitated checking the air filter, spark plug, and carburetor, which can be daunting for users who are not mechanically inclined. The mower’s automatic choke system also appeared to be overly sensitive, causing erratic idling and frequent stalling.

User Experience

In terms of user experience, the mower is relatively lightweight, making it easy to maneuver around the yard. The rear-wheel drive provided decent traction, especially on uneven terrain. However, the noise level was quite high, which could be a concern for users in noise-sensitive areas. The mower’s design also resulted in some ergonomic issues, such as the placement of the height adjustment levers and the difficulty in accessing certain components for maintenance.

Recommendations

After thoroughly testing the Craftsman 21-in. Gas Push Mower, I cannot wholeheartedly recommend it. While it has some positive attributes, such as the versatile 3-in-1 convertible deck and initial ease of starting, these are overshadowed by its inconsistent performance, frequent maintenance issues, and questionable durability.

For users with small, flat lawns who are comfortable performing regular maintenance, this mower might still be a viable option. However, for those with larger or more demanding yards, or for users seeking a reliable and low-maintenance mower, I would suggest looking at alternatives. Brands like Honda, Toro, or even higher-end Craftsman models may offer more consistent performance and durability.

In conclusion, the Craftsman 21-in. Gas Push Mower has potential but falls short in several critical areas. Given the numerous issues I encountered, I would advise prospective buyers to consider their specific needs and perhaps explore other options before making a purchase.