Craftsman 21-Inch Gas Push Mower

A stunning lawn can often be the pride of a homeowner, and for many, a reliable lawn mower is an essential tool in achieving that. I recently had the chance to put the Craftsman 21-Inch Gas Push Mower (model CMXGMAM201103) through its paces, and I wanted to share my experiences with it, both positive and negative.

From the outset, the mower's 149cc engine seemed promising, and its vertical storage feature piqued my interest. When space is at a premium in your garage or shed, being able to store the mower vertically to save over 70% of floor space is a significant advantage.

First Impressions and Assembly

Upon unboxing, the mower's ergonomic handle caught my eye. It was designed with comfort in mind, making it easier to guide the mower through the yard. Assembly was relatively straightforward, and the instructions were easy to follow. Within a short time, I had the mower ready for its first outing.

Initial Performance

The first time I fired up the Craftsman mower, it started on the first pull, which was a reassuring sign. The mower moved smoothly across the lawn, and the six-position height adjustment allowed me to select the perfect cutting height for my grass, ranging from 1.25 inches to 3.75 inches. The three-in-one deck provided versatility, giving me options for mulching, side discharge, or rear bagging of clippings. I found the Dust Blocker bag particularly useful as it minimized the usual dust clouds associated with mowing, making for a more pleasant experience.

Emerging Issues

However, as I continued to use the mower over the following weeks, several issues began to surface. The engine performance started to falter; it would sputter and occasionally stall, particularly when mowing at a regular pace. This meant I had to slow down significantly to prevent the mower from stalling completely.

Additionally, the vertical storage feature, while a great idea, revealed some drawbacks. Frequently tipping the mower seemed to exacerbate oil and fuel leaks, which led to some messy cleanups. Moreover, the mower struggled with reliability. On subsequent uses, it became increasingly difficult to start, often requiring multiple pulls before coming to life, if at all.

Build Quality Concerns

The build quality of the Craftsman mower also left much to be desired. The rod between the front wheels was bent upon closer inspection, making it difficult to adjust the front wheel height. The plastic components on the mower, while making it lighter, felt flimsy and prone to damage. This was particularly evident when mowing over slightly uneven terrain or encountering small obstacles.

Maintenance and Durability

Another significant concern was the high maintenance this mower seemed to require. Despite regular upkeep, including oil changes, spark plug replacements, and air filter cleanings, the mower continued to exhibit performance issues. The automatic choke system, intended to simplify starting, often seemed to cause more problems than it solved, particularly in cooler weather or after the mower had been stored for a while.

The carburetor also presented problems, becoming clogged or dirty far more often than I would have expected. This necessitated frequent cleanings and adjustments, which were both time-consuming and frustrating.

Cutting Performance

When it was running smoothly, the cutting performance of the Craftsman mower was satisfactory. The 21-inch deck provided ample coverage, and the mulching feature did an excellent job of returning fine clippings to the lawn. However, the dust-blocking bag, while effective at minimizing dust, did not always fit securely, leading to occasional debris leakage.

The mower's power also seemed underwhelming, particularly when tackling thicker grass or light weeds. The engine would sometimes bog down, requiring me to make multiple passes to achieve a clean cut. This lack of power diminished the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the mower.

Final Thoughts

In summary, the Craftsman 21-Inch Gas Push Mower (CMXGMAM201103) has several appealing features, such as its vertical storage capability, ergonomic design, and versatile cutting options. However, these positives are overshadowed by its numerous performance and reliability issues. The engine's inconsistent starting, high maintenance requirements, and overall durability concerns make it difficult to recommend this mower wholeheartedly.

Recommendation

Based on my experience, I would not recommend the Craftsman 21-Inch Gas Push Mower. While it offers some innovative features and initially performs well, the long-term reliability and maintenance issues significantly detract from its overall value. For homeowners seeking a dependable and powerful mower, investing in a more robust and reliable model from another brand may be a better decision.