Owner’s manual
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How old is my mower by serial number?
On a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 247372990, the serial number and product label can often be decoded to estimate the build date, but the exact format varies by manufacturer and production run. We recommend matching your serial number to the date-code guidance in the 247372990 operator’s manual.
Where to find the serial number on a walk-behind mower
Most Craftsman 21-inch walk-behind mowers place the model and serial label on the mower deck, typically:
- On top of the deck near the engine
- On the rear of the deck near the discharge opening
- Near the height-adjustment area on the deck side
- Occasionally on the rear shield area
How to decode the serial number (common patterns)
Serial numbers commonly include a date code embedded in the first several characters. Look for a pattern that resembles a date, such as:
- YYMMDD (year, month, day)
- MMDDYY (month, day, year)
- YYWW (year and production week)
- A letter + numbers block where the numbers represent year/week
Quick check table
Use this as a fast way to test what you are seeing:
| What you see in the serial | Often means | Example result |
|---|---|---|
| 6 digits that look like a date | Build date encoded directly | 231015 = Oct 15, 2023 |
| 4 digits that look like YYWW | Year + production week | 2418 = week 18 of 2024 |
| No obvious date pattern | Date is coded indirectly | Use manual and label info |
Why it matters
Knowing the approximate build date helps us choose the right replacement parts (blade, blade adapter, wheels, cables) and avoid ordering a look-alike part that does not match your exact production run.
Tips to get the most accurate age estimate
- Write down the full model number (247372990) and the entire serial number exactly as shown
- Compare the label info to the identification section in the 247372990 operator’s manual
- If your mower has had a deck or engine swap, rely on the mower deck label for mower age
- Keep the serial number handy when ordering maintenance parts like the blade adapter 748-0376E
Last updated: January 2026
What are the most common issues with 247372990?
The most common issues we see on the Craftsman 247372990 walk-behind mower involve cutting performance (uneven cut or vibration), discharge and mulching problems (clogging or poor bagging), and control or wheel concerns (hard to push or controls not engaging smoothly). Use the 247372990 owner's manual for model-specific adjustments and safety steps.
Common symptoms and what usually causes them
- Uneven cut or scalping: deck height set unevenly, bent blade, worn blade adapter
- Excessive vibration: damaged blade, loose blade hardware, cracked blade adapter
- Clumping or poor discharge: wet grass, deck packed with debris, missing or damaged chute/door
- Poor mulching: wrong blade type, mulching plug not installed correctly, grass too tall
- Hard to push or uneven tracking: worn wheels, axle issues, height adjuster problems
- Blade does not stop quickly when you release the bail: blade brake/clutch cable out of adjustment or worn
Quick checks we recommend first (fast and safe)
- Shut the mower off, let the blade stop, and disconnect the spark plug wire.
- Tip the mower with the air filter and carburetor facing up (prevents fuel and oil issues).
- Clean packed grass from the underside of the deck and discharge area.
- Confirm all four height adjusters are set to the same notch.
- Inspect the blade and adapter for cracks, rounding, or wobble.
Parts that commonly solve these problems on model 247372990
| Symptom | Part to inspect/replace | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Vibration, poor cut | 21-in deck mulching blade 942-0741A | Provides the cutting edge and airflow for lift/mulch |
| Vibration, blade wobble | Blade adapter 748-0376E | Couples the blade to the engine shaft |
| Discharge issues | Discharge chute assembly 931-04486A | Directs clippings safely out of the deck |
| Blade does not stop quickly | Blade brake and clutch cable 946-04703A | Controls the blade brake/clutch engagement |
Why it matters
These issues affect cut quality and safety. A vibrating mower can damage the crankshaft and deck housing, and a misadjusted blade control system can create unsafe stopping behavior.
Last updated: March 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 247372990?
The model number is 247.37299*, which is the series shown in the operator’s manual for this Craftsman 21-inch walk-behind mower; the asterisk means the last digit can vary by version. For your mower, the full model number is 247372990.
Where to find the model number on the mower
We recommend matching the number on the mower’s ID tag to your parts list to avoid ordering the wrong blade, cable, or deck part.
- Check the ID tag on the rear of the deck housing near the discharge area
- Look for a sticker or metal tag on the handle mounting area
- Record the full number (including the last digit) before ordering parts
- Use the manual’s model series list to confirm you are in the right family
What the asterisk (*) means in the manual
In the Craftsman operator’s manual, the mower is listed as Model Nos. 247.37299*. That format groups several closely related versions that share the same basic platform.
| What you see | What it means | What to use for parts |
|---|---|---|
| 247.37299* | Model family (last digit varies) | Use your exact tag number |
| 247372990 | Your specific model | Use this for parts lookup |
Why it matters
Small version changes (the last digit) can affect fit for common items like the 21-inch mulching blade, blade adapter, discharge chute, and handle hardware. Using the exact model number helps ensure the correct Craftsman walk-behind mower parts match your deck and controls.
For confirmation, use the 247372990 operator’s manual.
Last updated: January 2026
