If you’re looking for a reliable lawn mower that won’t break the bank, you’ve probably come across the Craftsman M310. This is my hands-on Craftsman M310 review, written from the perspective of someone who’s spent years maintaining gardens and knows what truly matters in a mower.
We’ll look at its power, cutting performance, and everyday usability. I’ll also point out where it might fall short for some yards. My goal is to give you the clear, practical information you need to decide if this is the right tool for your grass.
Craftsman M310 Review
At its core, the Craftsman M310 is a 21-inch self-propelled gas mower. It’s designed for the homeowner with a small to medium-sized lawn who wants a bit of help pushing. It features a 163cc Briggs & Stratton engine, a single-lever height adjustment, and a 3-in-1 capability for mulching, bagging, or side discharge.
Having used it for a full season, I can say it sits firmly in the “value workhorse” category. It’s not packed with luxury features, but it aims to handle the fundamentals reliably.
First Impressions and Assembly
Out of the box, the mower comes partially assembled. You’ll need to attach the handle, the lower handle bracket, and the grass bag. The instructions are straightforward, and the whole process took me about 25 minutes with basic tools.
A tip here: don’t overtighten the handle bolts during assembly. You want it firm, but the handle needs to fold down for storage, so leave a little play for that mechanism. I’ve seen a few people snap the plastic brackets by cranking them to tight.
Engine Power and Starting
The 163cc engine is common in this class. For typical cool-season grasses like fescue or bluegrass, and even thicker southern grasses like Bermuda, it has ample power. It handled my moderately thick lawn, even when I let it get a bit too long between cuts.
Starting is usually a one- or two-pull affair when the engine is cold, thanks to the ReadyStart system that eliminates the primer bulb. However, on hotter days after a brief stop, I sometimes experienced a slight “hot start” issue where it needed an extra pull or two. It’s not a deal-breaker, but something to note.
Key Engine Specifications:
- Engine: Briggs & Stratton 163cc Gasoline
- Starting System: ReadyStart (No Primer)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 1.1 gallons
- Oil Type: SAE 30 (check manual for specifics)
Self-Propelled Drive System
This is a major reason to choose the M310 over a push model. The front-wheel drive system is engaged by a lever on the handle. You simply squeeze it to go. The speed is controlled by a separate lever that sets the maximum pace.
The system works well on flat ground and gentle slopes. It provides a confident, steady walk behind the mower. On steeper inclines, you’ll still need to provide some assistive pushing, as the front wheels can sometimes lose a bit of traction. The drive system isn’t as robust as higher-end models, but for the price, it’s very effective.
Cutting Performance and Quality
This is where the rubber meets the road. The 21-inch steel deck houses a standard twin-blade system. The single-lever height adjustment lets you change the cut on all four wheels at once, from 1.25 to 3.75 inches. This is a huge time-saver compared to adjusting each wheel individually.
Cut quality is good for a mower in this range. When the blade is sharp and the grass is dry, it leaves a clean, even stripe. The 3-in-1 function is handy:
- Mulching: Works decently for daily clippings. In very lush growth, it can leave some clumps.
- Bagging: The 2.1 bushel bag fills up quickly but does a solid job collecting clippings and leaves.
- Side Discharge: Best for cutting down overgrown areas quickly.
I found the best results come from not removing more than one-third of the grass blade height at a time. The mower can struggle a bit if you try to cut down very tall grass all at once.
Maneuverability and Ease of Use
At around 80 pounds, it’s not the lightest mower, but the self-propulsion does most of the work. The handle is comfortable and the controls are intuitively placed. Folding the handle for vertical storage is a essential feature for anyone with limited shed or garage space.
One minor gripe: the bag indicator, a little red flag that pops up when the bag is full, is a nice idea but isn’t always perfectly accurate. It’s still best to keep an eye on the bag yourself, especially when mulching leaves in the fall.
Durability and Maintenance
Craftsman mowers are generally built for homeowner use, meaning weekly mowing during the season. The deck is painted steel, so rinse it after use to prevent rust. The plastic components feel durable enough but can crack if abused.
Routine maintenance is simple:
- Change the oil after the first 5 hours of use, then annually.
- Replace the air filter each season.
- Sharpen or replace the blade at least once a year (twice is better).
- Use a fuel stabilizer if you store it with gas in the tank over winter.
Following these steps will significantly extend the mowers life. The engine is a reputable brand, so parts and service are widely available if ever needed.
Pros and Cons: A Quick Summary
Let’s break down the clear advantages and the trade-offs.
Pros:
- Excellent value for a self-propelled mower.
- Easy one-pull starting in most conditions.
- Convenient single-lever height adjustment.
- Folds compactly for storage.
- Reliable brand name engine.
Cons:
- Drive system is best for flat to moderate slopes.
- Bag capacity could be larger for leaf cleanup.
- Some plastic parts feel less premium.
- Can occasionally struggle with very dense, wet grass.
Who Is The Craftsman M310 Best For?
This mower is an ideal fit for a specific set of gardeners. You’ll likely be happy with the M310 if:
- Your lawn is between 1/4 and 1/2 an acre.
- Your terrain is relatively flat or has gentle slopes.
- You want the convenience of self-propulsion without a high price tag.
- You value simple, straightforward operation over bells and whistles.
Conversely, you might want to consider a more powerful model if you have a very hilly yard, extremely thick or tropical grass, or over an acre to mow. The extra investment would be worth it for the added torque and durability.
Final Verdict and Recommendation
The Craftsman M310 delivers exactly what it promises: a no-fuss, self-propelled mowing experience for the average suburban lawn. It gets the job done efficiently and reliably. While it has some limitations, particularly on steep ground or with massive leaf loads, its strengths in ease-of-use, starting, and value are compelling.
For the gardener seeking a dependable tool that makes weekly chores easier without requiring a major financial outlay, the Craftsman M310 is a smart, practical choice. It’s a solid performer that, with proper care, should provide many seasons of good service. Just remember to keep that blade sharp—it makes all the difference in cut quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Craftsman M310 a good mower?
Yes, the Craftsman M310 is a good mower for its price point. It offers reliable self-propelled performance and a reputable engine, making it a strong choice for small to medium, relatively flat lawns.
What is the difference between the Craftsman M310 and M320?
The main difference is the engine size and a slightly larger bag on the M320. The M320 typically has a 190cc engine, providing a bit more power for thicker grass or taller mowing conditions. The M310 is the more budget-friendly option.
How long can I expect a Craftsman M310 to last?
With proper seasonal maintenance—like oil changes, air filter replacement, and blade sharpening—you can reasonably expect the Craftsman M310 to last 8 to 10 years with typical homeowner use. Storing it properly in the off-season is crucial.
Does the Craftsman M310 have a primer bulb?
No, it does not. The Craftsman M310 uses Briggs & Stratton’s ReadyStart system, which is designed for no-primer, one-pull starting in most conditions. This simplifies the starting process.
Can the Craftsman M310 bag leaves?
Yes, it can bag leaves effectively in the fall. However, the 2.1 bushel bag will fill up quickly with dry, fluffy leaves, so be prepared to stop and empty it more frequently. For heavy leaf coverage, you might need to make several passes or consider using the side discharge for initial reduction.