How To Start The Craftsman Lawn Mower

If you’re looking at your lawn and wondering how to start the Craftsman lawn mower, you’re in the right place. Starting a lawn mower should be simple, but sometimes it’s not. This guide will walk you through every step for different models, from older ones to the newest Craftsman mowers.

We’ll cover the basics you need to check first. Then, we’ll give you clear starting procedures. You’ll also learn how to fix common problems that prevent starting.

Let’s get your mower running so you can tackle that grass.

Before you pull the starter rope or turn a key, there are a few universal steps you must take. Skipping these is the most common reason a mower won’t start. Always perform these safety and preparation checks first.

Essential Pre-Start Checks And Safety

Your safety and the mower’s health depend on these steps. Never bypass them, especially the blade control.

Confirm Fuel And Oil Levels

First, check the fuel tank. Use only fresh, clean gasoline that is less than 30 days old. Old fuel is the top cause of starting issues. For four-cycle mowers, also check the engine oil level using the dipstick. If it’s low, top it up with the recommended oil type.

Use fresh gasoline, ideally with a fuel stabilizer if stored.
Check oil level on a level surface with the engine off.
For 2-cycle models, ensure the correct gas/oil mix is in the tank.

Engage The Safety Blade Control

This is critical. The blade control lever, often on the handle, must be disengaged. This means the blades are not spinning. On most Craftsman mowers, you must press and hold this lever against the handle to start and operate the mower. Releasing it stops the engine and blades.

Inspect The Cutting Deck And Area

Walk the area you plan to mow. Remove sticks, toys, rocks, and debris. Look under the mower’s deck and clear any caked-on grass. A clear deck allows the blade to spin freely and prevents engine strain.

Starting A Craftsman Push Mower With A Pull Cord

This is for standard manual-start push mowers. The steps are straightforward if your mower is in good condition.

Move the mower to a flat, clear area of grass or pavement.
Locate the primer bulb on the engine. Press it 3 times slowly to draw fuel into the carburetor.
Find the engine throttle or choke lever. If the engine is cold, move it to the “Choke” position.
Firmly grip the starter handle on the cord. Do not wrap the cord around your hand.
Pull the cord briskly and firmly. Let the cord rewind gently. It may take 2-3 pulls to start.
Once the engine starts, move the throttle/choke lever to the “Run” or “Fast” position.

Starting A Craftsman Self-Propelled Or Riding Mower

These models have a few extra steps, but the core principles are the same.

For Self-Propelled Walk-Behind Mowers

These often have electric start buttons. The procedure is similar to push mowers but easier.

Complete all pre-start checks (fuel, oil, clear deck).
Press the primer bulb 3 times (if equipped).
Set the throttle to the choke position for a cold start.
Insert the ignition key and turn it to the “On” position.
Hold down the blade control lever against the handle.
Press the electric start button. The engine should crank and start. If it doesn’t, you may need to charge the battery.

For Craftsman Riding Lawn Mowers

Riding mowers have the most steps, but they are simple once you know them.

Ensure you are seated firmly in the seat. The engine often has a safety switch under the seat.
Set the parking brake. This is usually a must-do step for the engine to crank.
Make sure the mower’s transmission is in “Neutral” or “Park.”
Set the blade engagement lever to “Off.”
Turn the ignition key to the “On” position. You may hear a click.
If cold, pull the choke knob out. For warm starts, leave it in.
Turn the key to “Start.” Release it once the engine starts. It should spring back to the “On” position.
Push the choke knob in after a minute of warm-up.

Troubleshooting A Craftsman Mower That Won’t Start

If your mower doesn’t start after following the steps, don’t worry. Work through this checklist methodically.

Engine Does Not Turn Over (No Sound)

When you turn the key or pull the cord and nothing happens, check these items.

Blade Control: Are you holding the lever against the handle? On riders, is the PTO disengaged?
Parking Brake: On riding mowers, is the parking brake fully set?
Seat Switch: Are you sitting fully on the seat of the riding mower?
Battery: For electric start models, are the battery terminals clean and tight? Is the battery charged?
Fuse: Check the main fuse on riding mowers or electric-start walk-behinds.

Engine Cranks But Will Not Start

The engine is trying to turn over but won’t fire up. This is usually a fuel or spark issue.

Fuel Valve: Is the fuel shut-off valve (if equipped) in the “On” position?
Old Fuel: Drain and replace any gas older than 30 days. Stale gas loses combustibility.
Spark Plug: Remove and inspect the spark plug. Is it fouled with carbon or wet with gas? Clean it with a wire brush or replace it. Ensure the gap is correct.
Air Filter: A clogged air filter can prevent starting. Remove and tap it clean or replace it if it’s very dirty.
Carburetor: If the mower has been sitting with old fuel, the carburetor jets may be clogged. This often requires cleaning with a carburetor cleaner spray.

Engine Starts Then Immediately Stops

If the mower runs for a few seconds and dies, focus on fuel flow.

Check that the fuel cap vent is not clogged. Try running the mower with the cap slightly loose.
The carburetor may be partially clogged, allowing only a small amount of fuel through.
On some models, a faulty ignition coil can fail when hot, causing a shutdown.

Seasonal Starting And Long-Term Storage Tips

Proper storage is the key to easy starting next season. A little prep work saves a lot of frustration.

Preparing Your Mower For Storage

Follow these steps at the end of the mowing season.

Add a fuel stabilizer to a full tank of gas and run the engine for 5 minutes. This coats the carburetor internals with treated fuel to prevent gumming.
Disconnect the spark plug wire for safety.
Change the engine oil while it’s warm so contaminants drain out.
Clean the mower deck thoroughly to prevent rust.
Remove the battery from riding mowers and store it on a trickle charger in a cool, dry place.

First Start Of The Season

When you’re ready to mow again, your prepped mower should start easily.

Reinstall a fully charged battery.
Check the oil level and top up if needed.
Inspect the air filter and spark plug, replacing them if necessary.
Your stabilized fuel should still be good. If you drained the tank, add fresh gasoline.
Follow the standard starting procedure for your model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Is The Primer Bulb On A Craftsman Mower?

The primer bulb is a small, soft rubber button on the engine, usually near the air filter cover. You press it to manually pump fuel into the carburetor before starting, especially when the engine is cold.

Why Does My Craftsman Mower Only Start With Starter Fluid?

If it needs starter fluid to start, it means fuel is not reaching the engine cylinder. This points to a problem in the fuel system: clogged fuel lines, a stuck carburetor float, or gummed-up jets from old gasoline. Using starter fluid regularly can damage the engine, so fix the underlying fuel issue.

What Is The Correct Starting Procedure For A Craftsman Riding Mower?

The correct procedure is: Sit on seat, set parking brake, ensure PTO/blades are off, put transmission in park, turn key to “on,” pull choke for cold starts, then turn key to “start.” Release the key when it starts. Always consult your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions.

How Do I Start A Craftsman Lawn Mower After Winter?

After winter storage, check the oil, ensure you have fresh gas, and inspect the spark plug. If you used a stabilizer, the fuel in the tank may be fine. Prime the engine (if equipped), set the choke, and follow your normal starting steps. It may take a few extra pulls to get fuel flowing.

Why Won’t My Electric Start Craftsman Mower Start?

For electric start models that won’t crank, the issue is usually electrical. Check that the battery terminals are clean and tight. Test the battery charge with a multimeter; it should read above 12.6 volts. A weak or dead battery is the most common culprit. Also, verify all safety switches (seat, brake, blade control) are properly engaged.