Craftsman M230 Review

M230 review

Our take on the Craftsman M230

The Craftsman M230 is the best-equipped mower in this group. It is a 21-inch self-propelled mower with variable-speed front-wheel drive. It has a 163 cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 11-inch rear wheels and a 1.9-bushel Dust Blocker bag. It costs more than the M110 and M220. In return you get a smoother walk and better handling.

Below we look at the engine, drive, deck, owner feedback and who should pick the M230 over its cheaper siblings.

Engine

The engine is a 163 cc Briggs & Stratton. Craftsman lists ReadyStart for no-prime, no-choke starting. It also lists a Just Check and Add oil system, which means you top off the oil rather than change it on a schedule. You should still check the level before each mow.

The engine is larger than the 140 cc engines on the M110 and M220. That gives it more reserve in thick grass. One retailer lists a version with a cast iron cylinder liner and a three-chamber muffler. Specs vary by version, so check the label on your unit.

Variable-speed drive

This is the main upgrade. The M230 has front-wheel drive with variable speed. You control the pace with a single lever. Slow down for trimming. Speed up on open ground. You never need to match a fixed speed. That is a clear gain over the single-speed M220.

Wheels and handling

The rear wheels are 11 inches in diameter. The front wheels are 8 inches. Larger rear wheels roll over bumps and thick grass more easily. They also make turns easier on rough ground. The mower weighs about 87 lb. That is heavier than the M110, but the drive does the work.

Deck and bag

The deck is 21 inches and made from steel. It is a 3-in-1 design. You can mulch, side discharge or bag. The included Dust Blocker bag holds 1.9 bushels. It is built to reduce dust and debris in the air as you mow. Height adjustment uses a dual-lever system with six positions from 1.25 to 3.75 inches. A deck wash port lets you connect a garden hose and rinse the underside.

What owners say

Owners like the variable speed and the easy start. Reviewers call it a good mower for the price. Some mention assembly steps that take time. Others note the engine and drive are fine for small yards but not for large ones. As with any budget mower, keep up with oil changes and blade sharpening.

Limits to know about

The M230 is rated for about a quarter to a half acre. It does not have a blade stop system. It is heavier than a push mower. It costs more than the M220 for the same deck size.

How it compares

The M110 is the budget push mower. The M220 adds single-speed drive. The M230 adds variable speed, bigger rear wheels, a larger engine and a better bag. If you mow a quarter acre or more, the M230 is the best fit of the three.

Who should buy it

Buy the M230 if you want to set your own pace and you have up to half an acre. It suits owners with slight slopes or uneven ground. Skip it if you want the lowest price.

Price and warranty

Retailers list the M230 between about $439 and $460. Craftsman backs it with a 2-year limited warranty. Prices vary by seller.

Quick specs at a glance

The deck is 21 inches and steel. The engine is 163 cc. Drive is variable-speed front-wheel. Rear wheels are 11 inches. Cutting height runs from 1.25 to 3.75 inches. The Dust Blocker bag holds 1.9 bushels. The mower weighs about 87 lb. The warranty is two years.

Tips to get the most from it

Use the speed lever to match your pace. Start slow in thick grass, then speed up in open areas. Check the oil level before each mow even though the system is labeled Just Check and Add. Clean the air filter every season. Use the deck wash port after each mow. Connect a hose, run the engine briefly and rinse away clippings. This keeps the deck clean and the cut even.

Empty the Dust Blocker bag before it is completely full. A full bag reduces airflow and can leave clumps behind.

Verdict

The M230 is the most capable of these three Craftsman walk-behind mowers. Variable speed and bigger rear wheels make daily use easier. It is a sensible step up for small to medium yards.