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How much horsepower does a 420CC Craftsman engine have?
A 420cc single-cylinder 4-stroke engine is typically rated around 13 to 15 horsepower depending on the exact engine family, governor setting, and how the manufacturer lists power. For your Craftsman lawn tractor model 247203720, the most accurate horsepower listing is in the 247203720 owner's manual.
What changes the horsepower number?
Engine horsepower for “420cc” is not one fixed value; it varies by how the engine is built and rated.
- RPM used for the rating (many small engines are governed around 3,600 RPM)
- Torque curve (some are marketed by torque instead of HP)
- Carburetor and governor settings
- Emissions configuration (can affect output)
- How the brand reports power (gross vs. net style marketing)
Quick reference: 420cc power expectations
| Engine size | Typical application | Typical advertised HP range |
|---|---|---|
| 420cc single-cylinder OHV | Go-karts, generators, pressure washers, some tractors | 13 to 15 HP |
How to confirm the correct rating for model 247203720
Use the tractor’s model-specific documentation and engine labeling so you match the exact engine variant.
- Check the engine ID label (model/type/code) on the engine shroud or valve cover area
- Look up the specs section in the 247203720 owner's manual
- If you are buying parts, match by tractor model number 247203720 and the engine model
- For starting-related symptoms that get mistaken for “low power,” test the battery and starter circuit first
Why it matters
Horsepower affects deck performance in heavy grass, towing capability, and choosing correct service parts (like belts and pulleys). If the tractor feels weak, the cause is often maintenance related (air filter, fuel delivery, belt slip) rather than a true horsepower mismatch.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does a Craftsman 247203720 have?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 247203720 uses a single-cylinder, 4-cycle gasoline riding-mower engine; the exact engine model and displacement are listed on the engine ID label and in the Craftsman 247203720 owner's manual. Use the engine’s model-type-code (or model-spec) to match tune-up and replacement parts correctly.
How to identify the exact engine on your 247203720
Check these locations on the tractor and engine:
- Engine ID label on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter
- Tractor model tag under the seat or on the frame (confirms 247203720)
- Owner’s manual engine section for the supported engine family and service specs
- Parts diagrams for engine-related components (starter, solenoid, wiring)
- Existing engine paperwork from prior service (often lists model-type-code)
What to write down (so you get the right parts)
Record the engine identification exactly as shown.
| What you see on the engine label | Why we need it |
|---|---|
| Model / type / code (or model-spec) | Identifies the exact engine build |
| Displacement (cc) or horsepower | Helps match filters, plugs, and belts |
| Serial number | Confirms production run and revisions |
Why it matters
Craftsman tractors in this series can be built with different engine families across production runs. Using the engine’s full ID prevents ordering the wrong ignition parts, carburetor parts, or charging components.
Related starting-system part that often gets blamed on the engine
If the engine clicks but will not crank, the issue is often electrical (battery, cables, safety interlocks, or solenoid) rather than the engine itself. For this model, a common starting component is the lawn tractor starter solenoid (part number 725-06153) shown as lawn tractor starter solenoid 725-06153.
Last updated: February 2026
Where can I find my Craftsman model number?
On a Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor like model 247203720, the model number is typically printed on a product ID label under the seat or on the tractor frame near the seat area. Use that exact number to match the correct parts and diagrams in the 247203720 owner's manual.
Common places to check on a riding tractor
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 underside area)
- On the frame rail directly below the seat
- Near the rear fender or seat pan area
- Under the hood near the engine compartment (less common, but worth checking)
- On the left or right side of the chassis near the footrest
What the label looks like and what to write down
The ID label usually includes more than one number. Record these items exactly as shown:
- Model number (example: 247203720)
- Serial number (helps confirm production run)
- Product name/type (riding tractor, lawn tractor)
Quick ID guide
| Label item | What it’s used for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Selecting the correct parts list and diagrams | 247203720 |
| Serial number | Matching the right version when parts vary by run | Varies |
| Engine model/type | Finding engine-specific parts like filters and plugs | Varies |
Why it matters
Craftsman tractors often have multiple versions that look similar, and parts like a deck belt, starter solenoid, or interlock switch can vary by model and serial range. Using the exact model number helps ensure the replacement part fits and installs correctly.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth replacing a lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman lawn tractor model 247203720, replacing the engine is worth it when the tractor is in solid overall condition and the total repair cost stays under about 50% of the tractor’s replacement value; if the tractor also needs major drivetrain or deck repairs, replacement usually makes more sense.
Quick decision checklist
- Compare the engine replacement total (engine, labor, fluids, small hardware) to the price of a comparable new riding mower.
- If the transaxle is slipping, noisy, or leaking badly, factor that in before committing.
- If the mower deck is rusted through or has multiple failing spindles/mandrels, engine replacement rarely pays off.
- If the frame, steering, and wiring are in good shape, an engine swap can extend life significantly.
- If you rely on this tractor weekly, downtime and parts availability matter as much as cost.
Costs and condition: what to weigh
Engine replacement cost varies widely, but the decision is usually driven by the tractor’s overall condition and how many other big-ticket items are near end-of-life.
| What else is wrong? | Typical recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Engine only; deck and drive are solid | Replace engine | You keep a known-good chassis and deck |
| Engine plus drive problems | Replace tractor | Repairs stack quickly |
| Engine plus deck drive issues (belt, pulleys, spindles) | Case-by-case | Deck repairs can be affordable if limited |
| Multiple systems worn (steering, wiring, deck, drive) | Replace tractor | Reliability stays poor even after engine swap |
Parts that commonly affect the decision
If your deck or drive system needs work, price those repairs before deciding on an engine.
- Deck drive belt wear or glazing (see lawn tractor deck belt 490-501-y044)
- Starter circuit issues that mimic a “bad engine” (see lawn tractor starter solenoid 725-06153a)
- Safety switch faults that prevent cranking (see lawn tractor interlock switch 725-04363)
- Drive system failures (see lawn tractor transaxle 618P09815)
Why it matters
An engine swap can be a smart investment, but only if it restores a tractor that is otherwise dependable. Pricing the deck, electrical starting system, and transaxle first prevents spending engine money on a tractor that still will not mow or drive reliably.
For model-specific maintenance intervals, adjustment points, and safety checks, use the 247203720 owner’s manual.
Last updated: February 2026
What brand engine does Craftsman use?
Craftsman uses multiple engine brands across its lawn and garden equipment. For Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor model 247203720, confirm the engine brand by reading the engine identification label on the engine itself; that label is what determines the correct engine parts and service specs.
How to identify the engine brand on model 247203720
Use the engine’s ID tag, not the tractor hood decal, to identify the manufacturer and exact engine family.
- Find the engine ID label on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter
- Write down every field shown (model, spec/type, and code/serial)
- Compare the label format to common manufacturer formats (examples below)
- Use the engine model information when ordering tune-up parts (air filter, spark plug, carburetor parts)
- Use the maintenance and safety information in the 247203720 manual
Common engine brands Craftsman has used
Craftsman has sourced engines from several manufacturers over the years; the brand varies by product line and production run.
| Engine brand | Common label format | Where it’s commonly seen |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton | Model / Type / Code | Many riding mowers and walk-behind mowers |
| Kohler | Model / Spec / Serial | Many mid to higher horsepower tractors |
| Honda | Model / Serial | Some walk-behind mowers and specialty equipment |
| Other OEM suppliers | Varies by supplier | Some tractor and mower production runs |
Why it matters when ordering parts
The tractor model number 247203720 matches chassis and deck parts, but engine parts must match the engine manufacturer and engine model. This prevents wrong-fit filters, plugs, and ignition or fuel parts.
Example: tractor-side parts vs engine-side parts
- Tractor-side: wiring harness, safety switches, starter solenoid
- Engine-side: starter motor, carburetor, ignition coil, air filter
If you’re troubleshooting a click-no-crank condition, the riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video walks through the most common checks.
Last updated: February 2026
