How to Start a Craftsman Push Mower

Craftsman lawnmowers are specifically manufactured by Poulan for Sears. People associate quality, durability and reliability with the Craftsman brand when considering tools, lawnmowers and other items. However, even Sears' best-selling Craftsman push mower may have problems starting sometimes. The following instructions should prove helpful when starting a Craftsman push mower.  

Items Needed:

• Flat surface


• Gasoline


• Old rag


• Work gloves

Warm Engine:

1. Place gloves on each hand to prevent irritation from the gasoline or burn from a hot push mower engine.


2. Move push mower to a flat surface for starting in an area free of debris.


3. Turn the ignition switch or lever to the “off” position.


4. Fill the gas tank with new gasoline, while avoiding overfilling. If gasoline spills onto the push mower engine, wipe engine with an old rag.


5. Turn the ignition switch or lever to on or to the fastest setting, and press down on the operator safety bar located on the handle.


6. Grasp the starter rope with one hand, while still pressing the operator safety bar with the opposite hand. Pull the rope with a smooth motion. Do not release the operator safety bar until ready to turn the push mower off, as this is a built in safety feature for most new push mowers. 

Cool Engine:

1. Place gloves on each hand to prevent irritation from the gasoline.


2. Move push mower to a flat surface for starting in an area free of debris.


3. Turn the ignition switch or lever to the “off” position.


4. Fill the gas tank with new gasoline, while avoiding overfilling. If gasoline spills onto the push mower engine, wipe engine with an old rag.


5. Find the primer bulb on the end of the carburettor, which is located on the left side of the engine.


6. Use firm pressure to push the primer bulb three times with the thumb and fingers of one hand. Note that pushing the primer bulb should only be done on a cool engine.


7. Turn the ignition switch or lever to on or to the fastest setting, and press down on the operator safety bar located on the handle.


8. Grasp the starter rope with one hand, while still pressing the operator safety bar with the opposite hand. Pull the rope with a smooth motion. Do not release the operator safety bar until ready to turn the push mower off, as this is a built in safety feature for most new push mowers.