Maintaining a beautiful, well-manicured lawn is a goal for many homeowners, and having the right equipment is essential to achieve that. One of the most trusted names in the world of lawn maintenance is Craftsman—a brand known for durability, performance, and value. Among its lineup, the Craftsman M220 lawn mower has gained popularity for its solid performance, user-friendly design, and affordability. Whether you're upgrading your existing mower or buying your first one, this guide will help you understand everything you need to know about the M220.
From features and performance to pros and cons, we’ll cover it all to help you decide if the Craftsman M220 is the right lawn mower for your yard.
Overview of the Craftsman M220 Lawn Mower
The Craftsman M220 is a self-propelled gas-powered lawn mower designed for residential lawn care. It features a 150cc Briggs Stratton engine, a 21-inch cutting deck, and 3-in-1 mowing capabilities (mulching, side discharge, and rear bagging). Built with efficiency and comfort in mind, the M220 offers a balance between power, performance, and ease of use.
This mower is ideal for medium-sized lawns and homeowners looking for a reliable machine that delivers consistent cutting results with minimal effort.
Key Features
1. 150cc Briggs Stratton Engine
The M220 is powered by a robust 150cc Briggs Stratton engine, known for reliability and easy starts. The engine provides enough torque to handle thick grass and uneven terrain without bogging down.
2. Self-Propelled Rear-Wheel Drive
One of the standout features of the M220 is its self-propelled rear-wheel drive system. This helps reduce the physical effort required to push the mower, especially on sloped or uneven ground. The rear-wheel configuration offers better traction compared to front-wheel drive models.
3. 21-Inch Steel Cutting Deck
The mower's 21-inch cutting deck offers a good balance between coverage and maneuverability. Made of durable steel, it provides a wide path for quicker mowing, reducing the number of passes needed to cover your yard.
4. 3-in-1 Mowing Capability
The Craftsman M220 offers three disposal options:
Mulching for finely chopping grass clippings and feeding nutrients back into the lawn.
Side Discharge for quickly releasing clippings away from the mower.
Rear Bagging for collecting clippings into an attached bag for clean disposal.
5. Dual-Lever Height Adjustment
With six cutting height positions ranging from 1.25" to 3.75", the M220 allows you to customize the length of your grass. The dual-lever height adjustment is easy to use and lets you quickly set the desired mowing height.
6. Ergonomic Handle Design
The handlebar is padded and ergonomically designed for comfort. It’s adjustable to accommodate users of different heights and reduces fatigue during extended mowing sessions.
Performance
The Craftsman M220 performs well in residential settings, handling moderate-sized yards with ease. The rear-wheel drive makes uphill mowing less labor-intensive, while the Briggs Stratton engine ensures smooth operation and reliable starts, even after periods of storage.
Whether you're tackling wet grass, thick patches, or maneuvering around flower beds, the M220 maintains consistent cutting quality. The 3-in-1 system provides flexibility depending on your lawn care goals.
Assembly and Maintenance
Assembly
Out of the box, the M220 requires minimal setup. You’ll need to attach the handle, add oil and fuel, and connect the grass collection bag if you plan to use the bagging function. The instructions provided are clear, and most users can have the mower ready to run in 15–20 minutes.
Maintenance
Routine maintenance includes:
Changing the oil
Cleaning or replacing the air filter
Sharpening or replacing the blade
Checking the spark plug
Emptying the fuel tank before winter storage
Craftsman provides a user manual with detailed maintenance schedules, and replacement parts are readily available from authorized retailers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Powerful 150cc engine for reliable cutting
Self-propelled rear-wheel drive for reduced effort
Durable 21" steel deck for efficient mowing
3-in-1 discharge capabilities offer flexibility
Multiple cutting height adjustments
Trusted Craftsman build quality and warranty
Cons
Not ideal for large or heavily wooded properties
No variable speed control—only one self-propelled speed
Pull start (not electric), which may be difficult for some users
Gas-powered, which means regular maintenance and emissions
Ideal Use Cases
The Craftsman M220 is best suited for:
Residential lawns between 1/4 to 1/2 acre
Lawns with mild to moderate slopes
Users seeking ease of use with self-propulsion
Homeowners wanting multiple grass disposal options
Budget-conscious buyers who still want reliability
Comparisons: Craftsman M220 vs. M215
The Craftsman M215 is a close cousin of the M220. While both mowers share similar features, the M215 comes with a 159cc engine and variable speed control. If your yard requires more power and adaptability, the M215 might be a better choice. However, for most average homeowners, the M220 offers an excellent balance of power and affordability.
Pricing and Warranty
The Craftsman M220 typically falls in the $320–$380 range depending on the retailer and any current promotions. It is backed by Craftsman’s 2-year limited warranty, offering peace of mind against manufacturing defects.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your M220
Mow regularly to avoid overgrowth that strains the engine.
Use fresh fuel to ensure quick starts and smooth performance.
Clean the deck after every few uses to prevent buildup.
Sharpen the blade seasonally for optimal cutting performance.
Store indoors or use a cover to extend the mower’s life.
Conclusion
The Craftsman M220 lawn mower is a solid choice for homeowners seeking a dependable, easy-to-use, and feature-rich mower without spending a fortune. Its powerful engine, self-propelled design, and multiple cutting options make it suitable for most residential lawns. While it may not have the bells and whistles of higher-end models, the M220 excels in delivering consistent performance and excellent value for money.
If you're in the market for a mower that gets the job done with minimal hassle, the Craftsman M220 deserves serious consideration.
