Craftsman 21-in. FWD Gas Self-Propelled Mower

Craftsman has long been synonymous with reliable and durable tools, so I was eager to put the 21-inch FWD Gas Self-Propelled Mower, model CMXGMAM201201, to the test. This model boasts several features that caught my eye, including its Briggs and Stratton engine, single-lever speed control, and vertical storage capability. However, my experience with this mower has been a mixed bag, and I feel it's crucial to share a balanced, detailed review for prospective buyers.

Assembly and Initial Impressions

Setting up the mower was straightforward; it took me about 30 minutes to get everything in place. The assembly instructions were clear, and all the necessary parts were included in the box. However, I did notice that some components, particularly the plastic ones, felt a bit flimsy compared to older Craftsman models I've used. The vertical storage feature is a real space-saver, especially if you have limited garage space.

First Use

The first time I used the mower, it started on the first pull, which was a promising sign. The Briggs and Stratton engine roared to life, and I was able to adjust the cutting height effortlessly using the 6-position height adjustment lever. The single-lever speed control allowed me to adjust my pace easily, which was particularly useful when navigating around flower beds and other obstacles.

Performance and Usability

The mower's 21-inch cutting deck is designed for medium-sized yards, and it offers a 3-in-1 functionality for mulching, side discharge, or bagging. I tried all three modes, and each had its pros and cons:

• Mulching: The mower did an adequate job of mulching grass clippings, but it struggled with thicker patches. I had to slow down significantly to avoid stalling.
• Side Discharge: This mode worked well for the most part, but I noticed that the deck design sometimes allowed debris to blow out the front, which was annoying.
• Bagging: The Dust Blocker bag is a neat feature that aims to reduce dust clouds. It performed reasonably well, although it didn't eliminate dust entirely.

Maneuverability

The mower's 8-inch wheels and front-wheel drive (FWD) system offer decent maneuverability, but they’re not particularly impressive. The mower felt a bit underpowered when tackling uneven terrain or thicker grass. I had to walk at a slower pace to keep it from stalling, which was somewhat frustrating.

Recurring Issues

After a few uses, I started encountering issues that dampened my initial enthusiasm. The engine, which initially started on the first pull, began to sputter and stall. I followed all the maintenance steps—changing the spark plug, using fresh gas, and adding carb cleaner—but the problems persisted. The mower's performance became increasingly inconsistent, and it often took multiple pulls to start.

Build Quality Concerns

The build quality of this mower leaves much to be desired. The plastic components, in particular, seem prone to wear and tear. The lever for adjusting the front wheels became stuck after a few uses, and I discovered that the rod connecting the wheels had bent. These issues make me question the long-term durability of the mower.

Noise and Vibration

The mower is quite loud, which is to be expected from a gas-powered model. However, the noise level was significantly higher than my previous mowers. Additionally, the mower tends to vibrate excessively, especially when running rough. This not only makes the mowing experience less pleasant but also raises concerns about the engine's longevity.

Maintenance

One of the most significant drawbacks of this mower is the high maintenance it requires. Despite following all recommended maintenance procedures, including cleaning the carburetor and replacing the air filter, the mower continued to perform poorly. The lack of clear instructions for tasks like oil changes adds to the frustration, especially for users who are not mechanically inclined.

Customer Support

My experience with Craftsman's customer support was less than satisfactory. Navigating the phone tree was time-consuming, and when I finally reached a representative, the call dropped. This lack of reliable support only adds to the overall negative experience.

Final Thoughts

In summary, the Craftsman 21-inch FWD Gas Self-Propelled Mower (CMXGMAM201201) has some appealing features and initially performs well. However, the recurring issues with starting, inconsistent performance, and subpar build quality significantly detract from its value. The high maintenance requirements and poor customer support further exacerbate these problems.

Recommendation

Given my experience, I find it challenging to recommend this mower. While it has some innovative features and performs adequately under ideal conditions, the numerous issues and high maintenance needs make it a less reliable choice. If you're in the market for a lawn mower, you might be better off considering other brands or models that offer more consistent performance and better build quality.