How Do I Start a Craftsman Push Mower? (Step-by-Step Guide)

Quick Answer: How to Start a Craftsman Push Mower

Safety Checks Before Starting

Before attempting to start your Craftsman push mower, perform these essential checks to ensure safe operation and prevent damage to the engine:

Check the Fuel Level and Quality

Craftsman gas mowers typically require regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. Most models accept fuel with up to 10% ethanol content. Check the fuel tank—it should be transparent or have a fill line. Add fresh gasoline if the tank is empty or running low. If your mower has been sitting for more than 30 days, drain old fuel and replace it with fresh gas, as stale fuel can clog the carburetor and prevent starting.

Verify Oil Level

Most Craftsman push mowers use SAE 30 oil during warm months or SAE 10W-30 for winter operation. Locate the oil dipstick (typically on the side of the engine) and check that the level is between the minimum and maximum marks. Low oil can cause engine damage and starting difficulties. If the level is low, add the appropriate oil until it reaches the full line.

Inspect the Spark Plug Wire

Confirm that the spark plug wire (the thick black cable) is firmly connected to the spark plug. A loose or disconnected wire is one of the most common reasons a mower won’t start. Gently tug on the wire boot to ensure it’s seated properly.

Check for Visible Damage

Look for cracks in the fuel tank, bent blades visible under the deck, or debris wrapped around the blade shaft. These issues should be addressed before starting the mower.

Understanding Your Mower Type: Gas vs. Electric

Craftsman manufactures both gas-powered and battery-electric push mowers. The starting procedure differs significantly between the two.

Gas-Powered Craftsman Mowers

Gas mowers are more powerful and suitable for larger lawns. They require manual starting via a pull cord and offer longer runtime without recharging. Most Craftsman gas models feature either a manual choke lever or an automatic choke system. Manual choke requires you to position the lever before pulling the cord; automatic choke adjusts itself based on engine temperature.

Electric Craftsman Mowers

Battery-powered electric mowers are quieter, require less maintenance, and start instantly with a button press. They’re ideal for smaller to medium-sized lawns. Common Craftsman electric models use 40V or 60V lithium-ion batteries shared across the Craftsman V20 or V60 platform. These mowers have no choke, throttle, or pull cord—just charge the battery, attach it, and press start.

Step-by-Step Starting Procedure for Gas Mowers

Step 1: Position the Choke

The choke restricts airflow to create a richer fuel mixture needed for cold starts. For a cold engine (first start of the day or after sitting), move the choke lever fully to the closed or “choke” position. You’ll typically see a lever on the side of the engine or a dial marked with “choke” and “run” symbols. For a warm engine (restarting after recent operation), position the choke halfway or move it to the “run” position entirely, as the engine is already warm and doesn’t need extra fuel.

Step 2: Set the Throttle to Fast

Locate the throttle lever, usually on the handle or engine body. Move it to the “fast” or “high” position. This increases fuel flow and engine speed, making starting easier. Do not attempt a cold start with the throttle in the slow position.

Step 3: Prime the Engine (If Equipped)

Many Craftsman mowers have a primer bulb—a small rubber button on the engine. This bulb draws fresh fuel into the carburetor, helping the engine start faster. Press the primer bulb firmly 3 to 5 times until you feel resistance. You may see fuel move through a transparent fuel line. Do not over-prime, as this can flood the carburetor.

Step 4: Secure Your Position

Place one foot firmly on the mower’s base or deck to prevent the mower from rolling or moving unexpectedly. Grip the handle with one or both hands for stability. This is critical for safe operation.

Step 5: Execute the Pull-Cord Start

Grip the pull-cord handle with your dominant hand. Pull the cord with a quick, firm, and continuous motion—do not jerk or pull halfway. Extend your arm fully to generate enough force. Allow the cord to rewind naturally; do not force it back. If the engine doesn’t start on the first pull, wait a few seconds before trying again.

Typical starting usually happens within 3 to 5 pulls for a well-maintained, cold engine. If the engine cranks but doesn’t fire after 10 pulls, stop and assess: check the spark plug wire connection, verify the choke position, or suspect fuel delivery issues.

Step 6: Gradually Open the Choke

Once the engine catches and begins running (you’ll hear combustion), immediately begin moving the choke lever toward the “run” position. Open it gradually over the next 10 to 15 seconds as the engine warms up. If you open the choke too quickly, the engine may stall. If you leave the choke closed too long, the engine will run rough and may flood.

Step 7: Verify Smooth Running

Listen and observe the engine. A properly started mower runs smoothly with a steady rhythm. The engine should idle without sputtering or surging. If the engine is sluggish or stalling, move the choke slightly toward closed. If it’s running well but roughly, adjust the throttle or move the choke fully open.

Step 8: Adjust Throttle and Begin Mowing

Once the engine is running steadily with the choke fully open, move the throttle to your desired speed. For mowing, most users operate at full throttle (fast position). The mower is now ready to use.

Starting an Electric Craftsman Push Mower

Prepare the Battery

Charge the Craftsman battery fully using the appropriate charger before your first use. Most 40V and 60V batteries charge in 1 to 2 hours. Insert the battery into the mower by aligning the contacts and pushing upward until you hear a click. Verify that the battery indicator lights up, showing charge status.

Press the Start Button

Grip the handle with both hands. Press and hold the start button (usually marked with a power symbol or “start”) for 1 to 2 seconds. The blade and motor will engage immediately. There is no warm-up period or choke adjustment needed.

Monitor Battery Indicator

Most Craftsman electric mowers display battery charge level via LED lights or a digital screen on the mower handle. Green indicates full or good charge; yellow indicates moderate charge; red indicates low charge. Stop mowing when the battery reaches low to avoid running out of power mid-lawn.

Troubleshooting Common Starting Problems

Engine Cranks but Won’t Start

Possible causes:

• Spark plug wire disconnected: Check that the thick black wire is firmly seated on the spark plug.
• Incorrect choke position: For a cold start, the choke must be fully closed. For a warm start, it should be fully open or halfway.
• Flooded carburetor: If you’ve pulled the cord many times, excess fuel may have accumulated. Remove the spark plug wire, allow the engine to rest for 15 minutes, then try again.
• No fuel: Verify the tank contains fresh gasoline and the fuel line isn’t kinked or blocked.
• Weak or dead spark plug: If you’ve tried multiple times without success, the spark plug may need replacement.

Engine Floods (Fuel Smell, No Ignition)

If you smell raw gasoline and the engine won’t start despite multiple pulls, the carburetor is flooded. Solution: Disconnect the spark plug wire to disable ignition. Allow the mower to sit in a well-ventilated area for 15 to 30 minutes. Do not attempt to start during this time. After the wait, reconnect the spark plug wire, move the choke to the run (open) position, and attempt a normal start pull. This allows excess fuel to evaporate.

Engine Starts but Immediately Stalls

If the engine starts and stops within a few seconds:

• Move the choke gradually: You may have opened the choke too quickly. Move it back toward closed slightly and allow the engine to warm up for 10 more seconds.
• Check throttle position: The throttle should be in the fast position. If it’s set to slow or idle, the engine may stall.
• Verify fuel flow: Ensure the fuel line is clear and the fuel tank has adequate gas.

Hard Starting When Engine Is Warm

If your mower is difficult to restart shortly after stopping:

• Move choke to run (open): A warm engine needs no choke; having it closed creates too-rich a mixture.
• Do not prime: Pressing the primer bulb when the engine is warm adds unnecessary fuel and can cause flooding.
• Use gentle pulls: Warm engines start easier than cold ones, so lighter pull-cord tension is often sufficient.

Electric Mower Won’t Turn On

For battery-powered Craftsman mowers:

• Battery not charged: Verify the battery is fully charged before attempting to start. Recharge if the battery indicator shows red or low.
• Battery not inserted properly: Remove and reinsert the battery, aligning the contacts and pushing upward until you hear a firm click.
• Power button not engaged: Ensure you’re pressing and holding the start button for at least 1 to 2 seconds.
• Safety lock engaged: Some models have a safety key or lock. Check that it’s in the “on” position.

Maintenance Tips to Ensure Easy Starting

Change Oil Regularly

Change the engine oil every 50 hours of operation or once per season. Fresh oil ensures proper lubrication and helps the engine start reliably. Drain the old oil into a container and refill with the recommended grade for your climate.

Use Fuel Stabilizer in Off-Season

If you won’t use your mower for more than 30 days, add fuel stabilizer to the gasoline before storage. This prevents the fuel from gumming up the carburetor, which is one of the leading causes of hard starting after winter storage. Run the engine for 5 to 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to circulate it through the fuel system.

Replace Air Filter Annually

A dirty air filter restricts airflow to the engine and can cause starting problems. Check the air filter (usually a foam or pleated paper element on the engine side) before each mowing season. Replace it if it’s clogged with dirt or debris. This is a simple, inexpensive maintenance task that significantly improves starting reliability.

Inspect Spark Plug Once Per Season

Remove and visually inspect the spark plug. It should have a small gap between the electrodes and a light tan or gray color. If it’s black, wet, or heavily corroded, replace it. A worn spark plug is a common cause of hard starting. Craftsman spark plugs are inexpensive and easy to install.

Store Properly Over Winter

For seasonal storage, drain the fuel tank completely or run the engine until all fuel is consumed. This prevents stale fuel from clogging the carburetor. Store the mower in a dry, sheltered location. For electric mowers, remove the battery and store it indoors in a cool location; lithium-ion batteries degrade in extreme heat or cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if my Craftsman push mower won’t start after sitting all winter?

A: Winter storage commonly causes starting issues due to stale fuel. Drain the old fuel and replace it with fresh gasoline. Add a fuel stabilizer if you plan to store it again. Clean or replace the air filter, inspect the spark plug, and ensure the oil level is adequate. Try starting with the choke fully closed for a cold start. If it still won’t start, the carburetor may need cleaning by a professional technician.

Q: Do I need to use premium gasoline in my Craftsman mower?

A: No. Most Craftsman push mowers run on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. Premium fuel offers no benefit for lawn mowers and is unnecessary. Ensure the fuel is fresh (not more than 30 days old) and avoid fuel with more than 10% ethanol content, as high ethanol concentrations can damage some fuel systems.

Q: Can I start my Craftsman mower without priming the engine?

A: Yes, but priming makes cold starts easier. If your mower has a primer bulb and the engine is cold, prime 3 to 5 times before pulling the cord. If the engine is warm or has been recently used, priming is usually not necessary. For mowers without a primer bulb, simply position the choke correctly and pull the cord.

Q: Why does my electric Craftsman mower take time to charge?

A: Battery charging time depends on the charger and battery size. Most Craftsman 40V batteries charge in 1.5 to 2 hours, while 60V batteries may take 2 to 3 hours. Always use the manufacturer-recommended charger. Using an incorrect charger can damage the battery or create a safety hazard. Check the battery and charger documentation for specific timing.