Craftsman 21-in. 140cc Gas Push Mower

Craftsman has long been synonymous with reliability in the realm of lawn care, and their 21-in. 140cc Gas Push Mower, model CMXGMAM201102, is no exception. This mower is tailored for homeowners with smaller yards who are looking for a no-frills, effective mowing solution. After putting this mower through its paces over several lawn care sessions, I’ve gathered a comprehensive understanding of its strengths and weaknesses.

Starting with the basics, the mower is powered by a 140cc gas engine. It offers a 21-inch cutting width, which is adequate for smaller to medium-sized lawns. One of its standout features is the 6-position height adjustment that allows cutting heights from 1.25 inches to 3.75 inches. This flexibility is great for adapting to different grass types and seasonal conditions.

Assembly and Setup

Assembling the mower was a straightforward process, taking about 30 minutes. The instructions were clear, although I did find locating and accessing the oil dipstick to be a bit tricky. It's nestled beneath the cooling fins of the engine block, making it somewhat difficult to reach without removing the top plate. This could be a minor inconvenience for users who are not mechanically inclined.

Performance

Once assembled and fueled, the mower started up reliably with just a few pulls. The adjustable loop handle provides a comfortable grip, and the 11-inch rear wheels offer improved maneuverability, especially on uneven terrain. I appreciated the ease with which I could push and pull the mower, thanks to its lightweight design.

The cutting performance is generally satisfactory. The mower handled standard grass heights with ease, providing a clean and even cut. However, it did struggle with thicker, more lush lawns, occasionally bogging down and leaving clumps of grass clippings. This suggests that the 140cc engine might be underpowered for denser lawns. For routine maintenance of average grass, though, it performs admirably.

Mulching and Side Discharge

One of the versatile features of this mower is its ability to mulch or side discharge clippings. Switching between these modes is simple and doesn't require any additional tools. The mulching function works well for regular grass, but again, it can struggle with thicker, more robust foliage. The side discharge is effective and ensures that clippings are dispersed evenly, reducing the need for additional cleanup.

Durability and Build Quality

This is where the mower shows a few cracks in its armor. The stamped deck, while functional, feels less sturdy than it should. After a few uses, I noticed some stress fractures around the mounting bolts. While this hasn’t yet affected the mower’s performance, it does raise concerns about its long-term durability.

Additionally, the pull-start mechanism is made of plastic, which seems prone to wear and tear. While it hasn't failed on me yet, I can foresee potential issues down the line, especially with frequent use.

Maintenance

Routine maintenance is straightforward. The foam air filter is washable, and regular oil changes are simple enough, provided you can manage the awkwardly placed dipstick. One tip I found useful was running the mower out of gas before storing it for the winter. This helps prevent issues with the carburetor and ensures a smooth start when the mowing season resumes.

Customer Support and Warranty

Craftsman offers a 2-year limited warranty on this mower, which is reassuring. However, accessing customer support can be a bit of a hassle. My interactions with their support team were mixed; while they were polite and willing to help, the process of getting through to a live person was time-consuming.

Final Thoughts

The Craftsman 21-in. 140cc Gas Push Mower is a solid choice for homeowners with smaller lawns. It’s easy to maneuver, starts reliably, and offers versatile cutting options with its height adjustment and dual-mode clippings management. However, it does have its shortcomings, particularly in terms of build quality and power for thicker lawns.

For those with standard lawn care needs and a smaller yard, this mower is a practical and cost-effective option. However, if your lawn is particularly dense or you have a larger area to cover, you might want to consider a more powerful model. The durability concerns, especially with the deck and pull-start mechanism, are something to keep in mind if you're looking for a long-term investment.

In conclusion, I would recommend the Craftsman 21-in. 140cc Gas Push Mower for users with smaller, less demanding lawns. It offers good value for the price and performs well under typical conditions. Just be aware of its limitations and ensure regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly.