Craftsman 21-In. Gas Push Mower

Purchasing a lawn mower is a significant decision for any homeowner, especially when you’re looking for something reliable to maintain your yard. I recently had the chance to use the Craftsman 21-In. Gas Push Mower (model CMXGMAM7815137), and I’d like to share my thoughts on its performance, build quality, and overall usability.

First Impressions and Assembly

Straight out of the box, the Craftsman mower looks promising. The assembly process is straightforward, and even those not particularly mechanically inclined should find it manageable. The adjustable loop handle is a nice touch, allowing for a customized fit that enhances control while mowing. The mower is equipped with 7-inch front wheels and 11-inch rear wheels, which theoretically should provide good maneuverability.

Engine and Performance

The mower is powered by a 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, a name well-known in the industry for reliability. However, my experience with the engine was a mixed bag. Initially, the mower started on the first pull and ran smoothly. Unfortunately, this performance was not consistent. After a few uses, the engine began to sputter and eventually became difficult to start. Despite changing the spark plug, using fresh gas, and adding carb cleaner, the engine issues persisted.

Cutting Ability and Deck Features

One of the standout features of this mower is its 3-in-1 convertible deck, which allows for side discharge, mulching, or rear bagging. This versatility is excellent for different lawn care needs. The 21-inch deck size is adequate for small to medium-sized lawns, and the 6-position height adjustment (ranging from 1.25 inches to 3.75 inches) provides flexibility for different grass lengths.

However, I found that the mower struggled with thicker grass and uneven terrain. The engine often felt underpowered, and I had to walk at a slower pace to prevent it from stalling. The cutting quality was decent when the mower was running smoothly, but the frequent engine issues overshadowed this.

Build Quality

Craftsman is a brand that many trust for durability, but this model seems to fall short. The overall build quality felt subpar, with several plastic components that didn’t inspire confidence in long-term durability. The front wheels, in particular, seemed flimsy and were difficult to adjust. On closer inspection, I noticed that the rod between the front wheels was bent, which may have contributed to the adjustment issues.

Maintenance and Durability

Maintaining this mower proved to be more challenging than expected. The air filter and spark plug needed frequent attention, and the lack of clear instructions for oil changes and other maintenance tasks added to the frustration. The mower also exhibited issues with leaking oil, which further complicated its upkeep.

Noise and Emissions

The noise level of the mower is another point worth mentioning. While not the loudest mower I’ve used, it certainly isn’t quiet. The engine’s rough running condition amplified the noise, making it less pleasant to use, especially in a residential area where neighbors might be disturbed.

Usability and Comfort

On the positive side, the adjustable loop handle is ergonomic and makes the mower comfortable to use over extended periods. The maneuverability provided by the larger rear wheels is beneficial, especially in navigating tight corners and uneven lawns. However, these advantages are overshadowed by the frequent need to stop and troubleshoot engine issues.

Overall Experience

In summary, the Craftsman 21-In. Gas Push Mower (model CMXGMAM7815137) offers a range of features that, on paper, make it an attractive option for homeowners. The 3-in-1 convertible deck, adjustable handle, and multiple cutting heights are all excellent features. However, the inconsistent engine performance, subpar build quality, and high maintenance requirements significantly detract from its overall value.

Recommendation

Based on my experience, I cannot recommend the Craftsman 21-In. Gas Push Mower. While it has some strong points, the frequent engine issues and questionable durability make it a less reliable choice for maintaining your lawn. If you’re in the market for a new mower, I would suggest exploring other options that offer better reliability and build quality. Investing in a more robust model, even if it’s slightly more expensive, will likely save you time, frustration, and money in the long run.