Owner’s manual
How many years should a lawn mower last?
A gas walk-behind lawn mower like the Craftsman 24738923 typically lasts 8 to 15 years with normal homeowner use and consistent maintenance. The biggest lifespan drivers are clean fuel practices, regular oil changes, and keeping the mower deck clean and rust-free as outlined in the 24738923 owner's manual.
Typical lifespan ranges (what we see most often)
These ranges assume average mowing conditions and routine upkeep.
- 8 to 15 years: most gas walk-behind mowers
- 10+ years: common when the deck is kept clean and the engine is serviced on schedule
- Shorter lifespan: frequent wet-grass mowing, poor fuel storage, or running with a dull/bent blade
| Usage pattern | Typical years | What usually ends the mower’s life first |
|---|---|---|
| Light (small yard, seasonal) | 12 to 15 | Fuel system issues, corrosion from storage |
| Average homeowner | 8 to 12 | Deck rust, worn wheels/axles, neglected oil changes |
| Heavy (large yard, long sessions) | 5 to 8 | Engine wear, vibration damage, repeated impacts |
Maintenance habits that extend mower life
The manual emphasizes safe maintenance basics like stopping the engine, letting moving parts stop, and disconnecting the spark plug wire before service.
- Keep the underside of the deck scraped clean (avoid spraying with a hose or pressure washer)
- Store with fuel handled correctly for 30+ day storage (run it out of fuel or use a stabilizer)
- Change oil while the engine is still warm during storage prep
- Inspect after striking a foreign object; repair damage before mowing again
- Keep the blade sharp and balanced to reduce vibration and bearing wear
Why it matters
Most “mower lifespan” problems are really maintenance and storage problems. Preventing grass buildup under the deck and avoiding water washing helps reduce rust and bearing damage, and proper fuel storage helps prevent carburetor and starting issues.
Helpful DIY guidance
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 24738923?
The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind mower is 247.38923 (often written without the dot as 24738923). You can confirm it on the identification label and in the 24738923 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the mower
We recommend checking these common spots first (wipe off grass and dirt so the label is readable):
- Rear of the deck near the discharge opening
- Top of the deck near the engine mounting area
- On the handle bracket area
- In the manual parts list and diagrams
Model number vs. engine model number (important)
This mower has its own model number, and the engine has a separate model number.
| Item | What it identifies | Example from documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Mower model number | The Craftsman mower for parts like the blade, deck, bag, and handle | 247.38923 |
| Engine model number | The engine for parts like the carburetor, recoil starter, and ignition | 126T02-0863-B1 |
Why it matters
Using the correct mower model number (247.38923) helps us match the right walk-behind mower parts, such as the grass bag, side chute deflector, deck components, and control cable. Using the engine model number is best when you are sourcing engine-specific parts.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 24738923?
The model number is 247.38923 (often written without the dot as 24738923) for this Craftsman walk-behind gas lawn mower. You’ll see it printed in the parts list and diagrams for the mower, and it’s the number to use when ordering parts and looking up specifications in the 24738923 owner's manual.
Where to confirm the model number on the mower
We recommend matching the model number on the mower’s ID label to the manual and parts diagram.
- Check the mower’s model/serial label on the deck housing (top or rear area is common)
- Match the label to the model shown in the manual parts list (Craftsman Mower, Model No. 247.38923)
- Use the exact model number when searching for parts like the blade, control cable, or grass bag
- If the label is dirty or faded, clean it gently and take a photo for reference
Why the model number matters for parts fit
Many Craftsman walk-behind mowers look similar, but parts can vary by deck design, handle hardware, and bagging or mulching setup.
| What you’re doing | Use this identifier | Example from this model |
|---|---|---|
| Ordering mower parts | Mower model number | 24738923 (247.38923) |
| Ordering engine parts | Engine model number | 126T02-0863-B1 |
| Replacing a common mower part | Part number | Grass bag 964-04154 |
Related identifiers you may see
The mower model number is the key identifier for the chassis and deck; the engine has its own separate model number.
- Mower model number: 247.38923 (also shown as 24738923)
- Engine model number: 126T02-0863-B1
- Common part numbers in the manual: 964-04154 (grass bag), 942-0741A (mulching blade), 748-04096 (blade adapter)
Why it matters
Using the correct model number helps ensure you get the right Craftsman and MTD-compatible parts for the deck, handle, and discharge system, and it prevents ordering a blade or bagging part that won’t mount correctly.
Last updated: January 2026
Where to find model number on Craftsman lawn mower?
On your Craftsman walk-behind mower model 24738923, the model number is on the mower’s ID label (decal or plate). It’s most often on the mower deck or frame near the rear wheel area; check the label and compare it to the model shown in the 24738923 operator’s manual.
Common places to look on a walk-behind mower
- Top of the mower deck, usually toward the rear
- Frame rail near the rear wheels
- Rear skirt area behind the deck
- Near the handle mounting points
- Near the engine area (on the mower, not the engine)
What to write down for parts lookup
Record these details exactly as printed:
- Mower model number (example: 24738923)
- Mower serial number (helps match the correct version)
- Engine model and type code (printed on the engine itself; used for engine-specific parts like spark plug, air filter, and carburetor items)
Mower model vs. engine model (quick guide)
| Number you find | Where it’s found | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Mower model number | Mower deck/frame label | Deck, blade, wheels, cables, bagging parts |
| Mower serial number | Same mower label | Confirms production run/version |
| Engine model/type | Engine shroud or valve cover area | Engine tune-up and fuel/ignition parts |
Why it matters
Craftsman mowers can look similar across different model numbers, but parts like the mulching blade, grass bag, side chute deflector, and control cable vary by deck and hardware. Using the exact mower model and serial number prevents ordering the wrong part.
Last updated: January 2026
