Craftsman C459-60401 User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

K
Karen WhiteAug 3, 2025
Why won't my Craftsman Lawn Mower engine start?
- M
  Melissa CannonAug 3, 2025
  Several factors can prevent your Craftsman Lawn Mower engine from starting. First, ensure the PTO/Blade Engage lever is disengaged (OFF). Check that the parking brake is engaged. Confirm the spark plug wires are connected, and the Throttle/Choke lever is in the FAST position, or that the choke is activated. The fuel tank might be empty or contain stale fuel; refill with fresh gasoline. A blocked fuel line or faulty spark plug could also be the culprit. If the engine is flooded, crank it with the throttle in the FAST position. Also, check for blown fuses and replace them if necessary. Finally, ensure all safety switches are properly engaged, including the seat position and proper installation of the deck chute, tube, or mulch plug.
N
Natalie AlexanderAug 7, 2025
What to do if my Craftsman C459-60401 engine runs erratically?
- M
  Maria SanchezAug 7, 2025
  If your Craftsman Lawn Mower engine runs erratically, first, check if the CHOKE is activated and deactivate it. Ensure the spark plug wires are securely connected. A blocked fuel line or stale fuel could be the issue; replace the fuel line, fill the tank with fresh gasoline, and replace the fuel filter. Also, inspect the gas cap vent for blockage and clear it or replace the cap if damaged. Water or dirt in the fuel system can also cause this issue; drain the fuel tank and refill with clean, fresh gasoline. Lastly, check the air cleaner and replace the paper element or clean the foam pre-cleaner if equipped.
C
Chelsey WrightAug 11, 2025
Why does my Craftsman C459-60401 Lawn Mower engine idle rough?
- M
  Melanie FloresAug 11, 2025
  A rough idle in your Craftsman Lawn Mower engine can stem from a fouled or faulty spark plug, or one with a gap that's too wide. Replace the spark plug and set the correct gap. Another potential cause is a dirty air cleaner; replace the air cleaner element and/or clean the pre-cleaner.
K
Kayla MillerAug 16, 2025
Why is my Craftsman C459-60401 Lawn Mower engine overheating?
- J
  Justin MasonAug 16, 2025
  Your Craftsman Lawn Mower engine may overheat due to a low engine oil level. Fill the crankcase with the correct amount and weight of oil. Overheating can also happen if airflow is restricted, so clean any grass clippings and debris from around the engine’s cooling fins and housing.
M
Michelle ChenAug 20, 2025
What causes excessive vibration in my Craftsman Lawn Mower?
- J
  jacob00Aug 21, 2025
  Excessive vibration in your Craftsman Lawn Mower can be caused by a loose or unbalanced cutting blade. Tighten the blade and spindle. Another cause could be a damaged or bent cutting blade, in which case you should replace the blade.
S
Sarah CruzAug 25, 2025
What to do if my Craftsman C459-60401 Lawn Mower won't mulch grass properly?
- J
  John HallAug 25, 2025
  If your Craftsman Lawn Mower isn't mulching grass effectively, ensure the engine speed isn't too low by placing the throttle in the FAST position. Avoid mulching when the grass is wet. If the grass is excessively high, mow once at a high cutting height, then mow again at the desired height, or make a narrower cutting swath. Also, check if the blade is dull and sharpen or replace it.
K
Kyle EvansAug 28, 2025
Why does my Craftsman C459-60401 Lawn Mower engine hesitate at high RPM?
- C
  Cheryl FloydAug 29, 2025
  If your Craftsman Lawn Mower engine hesitates at high RPM, it might be due to a spark plug gap that is too close. Remove the spark plug and reset the gap.

Craftsman C459-60401 Specifications

General

Engine	Briggs & Stratton
Drive System	Self-propelled
Deck Material	Steel
Mulching Capability	Yes
Side Discharge	Yes
Rear Bag	Yes
Bagging Capability	Yes
Side Discharge Capability	Yes
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Height	1.25-3.75 inches
Fuel Tank Capacity	0.5 gallons
Wheel Size	7 in. (front), 8 in. (rear)

Summary

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

GENERAL OPERATION

Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s).

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents which can result in severe injury or death.

CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children.

TOWING

Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing.

SERVICE

Safe Handling of Gasoline: To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in handling gasoline.

SAFETY SYMBOLS

This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product.

BYSTANDERS

Keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation.

WARNING- SLOPE OPERATION

Do not operate this machine on a slope greater than 12 degrees.

SLOPE GAUGE

USE THIS SLOPE GAUGE TO DETERMINE IF A SLOPE IS TOO STEEP FOR SAFE OPERATION!

To check the slope, proceed as follows: Remove this page and fold along the dashed line.

ASSEMBLY

Contents of Crate

Before beginning installation, remove all the contents from the crate and all the hardware from the pack.

Recommended Tools for Assembly

List of tools needed for assembly.

Installing The Steering Wheel Assembly

If the steering wheel assembly for your tractor did not come already installed, follow the steps below.

Attaching The Seat

If the seat for your tractor was not attached at the factory, follow the applicable instructions below to attach it.

Seat Adjustment

To adjust the position of the seat, remove the adjustment knob on the bottom of the seat.

Steering wheel height adjustment

To adjust the height of the steering wheel, this unit is equipped with a telescoping steering column.

Installing The Deck Chute

NEVER operate this tractor without either the mulch plug or deck chute installed.

Connecting the Battery Cables

WARNING CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds.

Checking The Oil Level

NOTE: Be sure to check the oil while on a level surface with the engine stopped.

Fuel Requirements

CAUTION: Operating the engine with E15 or E85 fuel, an oil/gasoline mixture, dirty gasoline, or gasoline over 30 days old.

Adding Fuel

WARNING: An adult should fuel this engine. NEVER allow children to refuel its engine.

Tire Pressure

WARNING: Equal tire pressure should be maintained at all times.

OPERATION

Throttle / Choke Control

The throttle control lever is located on the left fender of the tractor as seen from the operator's position.

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is located on the left fender of the tractor as seen from the operator's position.

Clutch-Brake Pedal

The clutch-brake pedal is located on the left side of the lawn tractor, along the running board.

Shift Lever

The shift lever is located on the control panel just below the seat, in the center of the tractor.

Speed Control Lever

The speed control lever, located on the right side of the tractor's steering console, allows you to regulate the ground speed.

Parking Brake

To set the parking brake, fully depress the clutch-brake pedal.

Deck Lift Lever

Found on your tractor's right fender, the deck lift lever is used to change the height of the cutting deck.

PTO (Blade Engage) Lever

Found on the tractor's right fender, the PTO (blade engage) lever is used to engage power to the cutting deck.

Safety Interlock Switches

The safety interlock system is designed for safe operation of the tractor.

Driving The Tractor

Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden stops.

Mowing

The following information will be helpful when using the cutting deck with your tractor.

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Follow the maintenance schedule given below. This chart describes service guidelines only.

Before Each Use

Check engine oil level, air filter, muffler area and controls.

Engine Maintenance

Periodic inspection and adjustment of the engine is essential if high level performance is to be maintained.

Replacing The Oil Filter

This engine is equipped with a spin-on oil filter that should be replaced each time an oil change is performed.

Adding Oil

IMPORTANT: Be sure to check engine on a level surface with the engine stopped.

Air Filter Service

Paper filters cannot be cleaned and should be replaced every 100 operating hours.

Spark Plug Service

WARNING: DO NOT check for spark with spark plug removed. DO NOT crank engine with spark plug removed.

Fuel Filter Service

WARNING: Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive.

Cutting Deck Removal

To remove the cutting deck, proceed as follows: Place the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the disengaged (OFF) position.

Changing The Deck Belt

It is easiest to change the deck belt by first removing the cutting deck as instructed earlier in this section.

Tires

WARNING: Never exceed the maximum inflation pressure shown on the sidewall of tire.

Cutting Blade

WARNING: Shut the engine off and remove ignition key before removing the cutting blade.

Adjustments

WARNING: Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running.

Lubrication

WARNING: Before lubricating, repairing, or inspecting, always disengage PTO.

Cleaning the Engine And Deck

Any fuel or oil spilled on the machine should be wiped off promptly. Do NOT allow debris to accumulate.

OFF-SEASON STORAGE

PREPARING THE ENGINE

IMPORTANT: Fuel left in the fuel tank during warm weather deteriorates and will cause serious starting problems.

DRAINING THE FUEL

Locate the fuel filter, which is located on the left side of the engine.

REMOVING FROM STORAGE

Check the oil level as described in the Assembly section of this manual.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Engine fails to start

Check if PTO/Blade Engage lever is engaged, parking brake is engaged, spark plug wire is connected.

Engine runs erratically

Check if the unit is running with CHOKE activated, spark plug wire is loose, fuel line is blocked.

Engine overheats

Check if engine oil level is low or air flow is restricted.

Excessive vibration

Check if cutting blade is loose or unbalanced, or damaged or bent.

WARRANTY STATEMENT

General

Craftsman products are warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for a specific time period.

Exclusions

This warranty does not cover failures due to normal wear, abuse, misuse, neglect.

Customer Responsibilities

Customers' obligations shall include but shall not be limited to: operating the product in accordance with the owner's manual.

FEDERAL and/or CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT

YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS

MTD Consumer Group Inc, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and for those products certified for sale in the state of California.

MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY COVERAGE

This emission control system is warranted for two years. If any emission-related part on your outdoor equipment is defective.

OWNER'S WARRANTY RESPONSIBILITIES

As the outdoor equipment owner, you are responsible for performance of the required maintenance listed in your owner's manual.

GENERAL EMISSIONS WARRANTY COVERAGE

MTD Consumer Group Inc warrants to the ultimate purchaser and each subsequent purchaser that the outdoor equipment is: (1) designed, built, and equipped so as to conform with all applicable regulations.