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What model number is the Craftsman 42 riding mower?
For the Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor shown here, the model number is 247.288870 (often written without the dot as 247288870). You can confirm it on the tractor’s ID label and in the owner's manual.
We recommend checking the tractor’s product ID label first, then matching it to the manual and parts list.
- Look for the ID label under the seat, on the frame rail, or near the engine compartment
- Write down the full model number exactly as printed (including any dots)
- Also record the serial number; it helps confirm the correct parts breakdown
- Match the model number to the deck size listed on the label (this model is shown with a 42-inch deck)
Many Craftsman tractors use a 42-inch deck, so “42-inch” alone is not a unique identifier. Use the model number to ensure correct belts, pulleys, and deck parts.
| What you have | What it tells you | What to use for parts |
|---|---|---|
| “42-inch deck” | Deck cutting width only | Model number + deck configuration |
| 247.288870 (or 247288870) | Exact tractor model | Correct diagrams and part matches |
| Serial number | Production identifier | Helps confirm variations |
Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong drive belt, deck belt, mandrel, or cable. For example, deck and ground drive systems can vary by model even when the deck size is the same.
Once you confirm 247.288870, you can confidently select maintenance and repair parts such as:
- Deck belt (blade drive belt)
- Ground drive belt
- Blade engagement cable
- Fuel filter
- Mandrel and pulley assembly
If you are ordering parts, start with the parts list for model 247288870, and use Sears PartsDirect to search by model number when you need additional diagrams or parts.
Last updated: February 2026
What size deck is a Craftsman 247288870?
The Craftsman model 247288870 uses a 46-inch mower deck (deck cut width). For the most accurate confirmation for your exact configuration, we recommend checking the deck section and parts diagrams in the 247288870 owner's manual.
Use these quick checks to verify you have the 46-inch deck installed:
- Measure the cutting path from the left blade tip to the right blade tip (with blades straight across); most 46-inch decks measure about 46 inches tip-to-tip.
- Check the deck housing stamping or decal (often found on top of the deck shell).
- Compare your deck housing shape and hanger points to the diagrams in the 247288870 owner's manual.
- Look up the deck housing listing for this model; the parts list includes a 46-inch deck housing.
- If you recently replaced the deck or deck shell, confirm the replacement matches the model’s deck assembly.
If your cut is uneven, the blades do not engage, or the deck squeals, these parts are common suspects on a 46-inch riding mower deck:
- Deck belt (blade drive belt)
- Blade engagement cable
- Idler pulley
- Mandrel (spindle) assembly
- Deck housing (shell)
| What you are checking | What you should see on 247288870 | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Deck cut width | 46 in. | Mowing swath and blade set used |
| Deck belt condition | No cracks, glazing, or stretching | Blade speed, cut quality |
| Mandrel/spindle play | Minimal wobble, smooth rotation | Vibration, noise, uneven cut |
Deck size drives the correct belt routing, blade set, mandrel spacing, and deck leveling procedure. Using the wrong deck size parts can cause poor cut quality, premature belt wear, and blade engagement problems.
We list model-matched replacement parts for Craftsman 247288870 on this page, and you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect if you are stocking up on maintenance items.
Last updated: February 2026
What year did Craftsman make the 247288870?
Craftsman model 247.288870 is part of the LT 1000 riding lawn tractor series and is commonly dated to the early 1990s (around 1991). For the most accurate production and identification details tied to your exact tractor, we use the model and serial information shown in the 247288870 owner's manual.
Because model families can span multiple seasons, the most reliable way to pin down the year is to match your tractor’s model and serial tag to the identification guidance in the manual.
- Locate the model/serial label (often under the seat, on the frame rail, or near the rear fender area).
- Confirm the model is printed as 247.288870 (sometimes shown without the dot as 247288870).
- Write down the serial number exactly as shown.
- Compare the label format and numbering to the identification section in the manual.
- If you are ordering parts, always match by model number first, then verify by diagram and part description.
On many Craftsman tractors built by MTD, the 247.xxxxxx model number identifies the platform and configuration (deck size, drive system, controls), while the serial number is what narrows production timing.
| Identifier | What it tells us | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (247.288870) | Tractor family and parts compatibility baseline | Model/serial label, 247288870 owner's manual |
| Serial number | Production run details (best for dating) | Model/serial label |
| Key parts installed | Confirms deck/drive variations | Parts diagrams and installed components |
If you are dating the tractor because you need maintenance parts, start with common wear items and match them to your diagrams:
- Deck drive belt (blade belt) condition and routing
- Ground drive belt wear and slipping symptoms
- Blade engagement cable stretch or binding
- Fuel system restrictions (filter and hoses)
For example, the fuel filter used on this model is available as fuel filter 298090S. You can also search the full parts list for your tractor on Sears PartsDirect.
Using the correct year range helps, but matching by model and serial prevents ordering the wrong belt, cable, pulley, or transaxle parts when there were mid-series changes.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is Craftsman's model number?
On a Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor like model 247288870, the model number is typically printed on a product identification label on the tractor frame (often under the seat area or near the rear fender or footrest). Use the label to match parts and diagrams in the 247288870 owner's manual.
Look for a sticker or metal tag with the model and serial information in these spots:
- Under the seat (lift the seat and check the frame pan)
- On the rear fender or the seat support area
- Along the left or right side of the frame near the footrest
- Near the engine compartment on the frame rail
- Under the hood area on the chassis (not on the plastic hood)
Once you confirm 247288870, use it to select the correct Craftsman parts and diagrams for your tractor.
- Match the model number exactly (all digits matter)
- Use the diagrams to identify the correct part number before ordering
- Cross-check the part description with your tractor’s section (mower deck, steering, fuel system)
| System | Example part you might replace | What the model number prevents |
|---|---|---|
| Mower deck | Deck belt | Wrong belt length or width |
| Fuel system | Fuel filter | Wrong hose size or flow direction |
| Deck drive | Blade engagement cable | Incorrect cable length or end fittings |
Craftsman tractors can look similar across multiple model numbers, but deck size, belt routing, and linkage parts vary. Using the exact model number helps ensure the replacement part fits and the repair goes smoothly.
If you are ordering parts beyond what is listed for this tractor, we recommend searching by model number on Sears PartsDirect so you stay matched to the correct diagrams.
Last updated: February 2026
