Craftsman 21-in. FWD Gas Self-Propelled Mower

The Craftsman 21-in. FWD Gas Self-Propelled Mower (Model CMXGMAM1125502) is a machine that promises to bring ease and efficiency to your lawn care routine. As someone who has spent considerable time with this mower, I have gathered a comprehensive perspective on its strengths and weaknesses.

Initial Impressions and Setup

Setting up the Craftsman mower was straightforward. The assembly instructions were clear, and within a short period, I had it ready to go. One of the first things I noticed was the mower's solid build. While there is a fair amount of plastic, particularly in the controls, the overall construction felt robust. The folding handle is a practical feature for storage, although it would have been even better if the mower supported vertical storage.

Starting and Engine Performance

The 163cc Briggs and Stratton engine is a highlight of this mower. It starts reliably with a single pull, which is a significant advantage, especially for those who might have struggled with older mowers that required multiple pulls. This model eliminates the need for priming, which simplifies the starting process. The engine runs smoothly and is powerful enough to handle various lawn conditions. I tested it on both short and overgrown grass, and it managed to cut through without stalling, although it did bog down slightly in very thick patches.

Maneuverability and Handling

The front-wheel-drive (FWD) system is designed to make the mower easy to maneuver, particularly when turning. I found it effective on flat terrain and gentle slopes, but it struggled on steeper inclines. The dual-lever height adjustment allows for easy changes to the cutting height, which ranges from 1.25 inches to 3.75 inches. The 11-inch rear wheels provide decent maneuverability, although the mower can feel a bit heavy to push when the self-propelled feature isn't engaged.

Cutting and Bagging

The 21-inch cutting deck offers a good balance between coverage and ease of handling. The 3-in-1 deck allows for side discharge, mulching, or bagging. I primarily used the mulching mode, which worked well, although it did leave clumps of grass in thicker areas. The bagging system has a capacity of 1.9 bushels, which is adequate for smaller yards but may require frequent emptying for larger lawns. One drawback is that the bag doesn't seal perfectly, leading to some grass clippings escaping.

Build Quality and Durability

While the Craftsman mower has a generally solid build, there are areas where it falls short. The plastic controls for the propulsion system feel flimsy and may not hold up well over time. Additionally, the mower exhibits significant vibration, which can cause parts like the gas cap and oil dipstick to loosen. This is a design flaw that could lead to maintenance issues down the line. The placement of the spark plug near the muffler is another concern, as it makes accessing and maintaining the plug more challenging.

User Comfort and Ergonomics

Using the mower for extended periods can be tiring due to the lack of padding on the handle. The handle design could benefit from some ergonomic improvements to reduce fatigue. The self-propelled feature is supposed to ease the workload, but its performance is inconsistent, particularly on uneven terrain. The propulsion system could use more power to handle inclines and thicker grass more effectively.

Maintenance and Longevity

Maintenance is a mixed bag with this mower. The "never change the oil" feature is convenient, but it feels counterintuitive to those accustomed to regular oil changes. The mower is also equipped with a hose fitting for cleaning the deck, which is a nice touch. However, the overall durability of the mower is questionable. Issues like excessive vibration and flimsy plastic parts raise concerns about its long-term reliability. Additionally, finding authorized repair centers can be a hassle, which is something to consider if you anticipate needing repairs.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Easy to start with a single pull
• Powerful engine that handles various lawn conditions
• 3-in-1 deck for versatile cutting options
• Folding handle for easier storage
• Dual-lever height adjustment

Cons:

• Flimsy plastic controls
• Significant vibration leading to maintenance issues
• Inconsistent self-propelled performance on uneven terrain
• Small bag capacity requiring frequent emptying
• Ergonomic shortcomings in handle design

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

After spending considerable time with the Craftsman 21-in. FWD Gas Self-Propelled Mower, I have mixed feelings about it. The mower performs well in terms of cutting and starting, and it offers some useful features like the 3-in-1 deck and easy height adjustment. However, the build quality and durability issues, coupled with the inconsistent self-propelled performance, are significant drawbacks.

Given these factors, I would hesitate to recommend this mower for those with larger yards or more challenging terrain. For smaller, flatter lawns, it could be a viable option, especially if you prioritize ease of starting and engine performance. However, be prepared for potential maintenance issues and the need for frequent bag emptying.

In conclusion, while the Craftsman mower has some strong points, its weaknesses make it hard to wholeheartedly recommend. If you decide to purchase it, consider an extended warranty and be prepared for some potential maintenance challenges.