How old is my mower by serial number?
On Craftsman model 247889980, the most reliable way to determine the mower’s age is to use the model and serial number tag and then match the serial number format to the manufacturer’s date-code system; the tag location is shown in the 247889980 owner’s manual.
Where to find the serial number on this mower
The manual’s diagrams show a MODEL and SERIAL NUMBERS HERE callout on the mower (typically on the deck or frame area).
- Look for a sticker or metal tag on the deck near the rear wheels
- Check the frame near the handle mounting points
- Wipe off grass and dirt so every digit is readable
- Write the serial number exactly as shown (include letters)
How to decode the serial number into a build date
Serial numbers are not universal; the date can be embedded as a code. Use these common patterns to interpret what you see:
- YYMMDD: year, month, day (example: 230615 = June 15, 2023)
- MMDDYY: month, day, year (example: 061523 = June 15, 2023)
- YYWW: year and week number (example: 2318 = week 18 of 2023)
- Letter-coded month: some systems use a letter for month and digits for year
| What you see in the serial | What it usually means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| 6 digits grouped like a date | A direct date code | Try YYMMDD and MMDDYY interpretations |
| 4 digits early in the serial | Year/week or year/month | Check if the last two digits exceed 12 (often week) |
| Letters mixed with digits | Plant, line, or month code | Compare to the date-code chart in the manual or engine docs |
Quick checks that prevent wrong results
- Do not confuse the model number (247889980) with the serial number
- If the mower has an engine label (Briggs and Stratton, etc.), the engine may have its own date code that differs from the mower’s assembly date
- If the serial starts with numbers higher than 12 in the “month” position, it is often a week number
Why it matters
Knowing the build date helps us match the correct Craftsman wide cut mower parts (blade, belt, clutch cable, pulleys) and avoid ordering a part that fits a different production run.
Last updated: January 2026
How to read Craftsman serial number?
On Craftsman model 247889980 (33-inch wide cut mower), the serial number is typically used to identify the manufacturing date and production run. Many Craftsman serial formats read as MMDDYY (month, day, year), so a serial starting with 072811 often indicates July 28, 2011.
Where to find the model and serial number
The model and serial number label is usually on the mower deck or frame area. Use the location diagram and label callouts in the 247889980 operator's manual.
Common places to check:
- Top of the mower deck near the engine mounting area
- Rear deck area near the discharge chute/deflector
- Frame rail near the transaxle or height-adjust components
- Under the handle mounting area
How to decode the serial number (common Craftsman format)
If your serial number begins with six digits, this is the most common way it is read:
- First 2 digits: month (01 to 12)
- Next 2 digits: day (01 to 31)
- Next 2 digits: year (00 to 99)
- Remaining characters (if present): factory and production sequence
Quick example
| Serial starts with | Interpreted as | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 072811 | July 28, 2011 | Likely build date |
| 031520 | March 15, 2020 | Likely build date |
Why it matters
Reading the serial number helps us match the correct Craftsman parts (blade, belt, pulley, cable kit) and avoid ordering the wrong revision. It is especially useful when a model has multiple production changes.
Tips to avoid mix-ups when ordering parts
- Match the model number exactly: 247889980
- Write down the full serial number, including letters
- Compare your mower’s deck and drive parts to the parts list in the manual
- If you are replacing a wear item, confirm size and mounting style before ordering
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 247889980?
The model number is 247.889980; it identifies the Craftsman Professional 33-inch wide cut mower shown in the documentation for this unit. Use this exact model number when ordering parts like a blade, belt, or clutch cable for the correct fit.
Where to find the model number on the mower
You will typically see the model number on the product ID label in one of these common spots:
- On the rear of the deck near the discharge area
- On the frame near the handle mounting points
- Near the engine mounting area on the deck
- In the documentation that came with the mower
For the official identification details and safety information, check the 247889980 owner's manual.
Why the exact model number matters for parts
Craftsman mowers can look similar across years, but small changes affect fitment (deck size, cable routing, pulley style). Matching the model number helps ensure the right replacement part.
| What you’re doing | Use this identifier | Example from this model |
|---|---|---|
| Looking up diagrams and parts lists | Model number | 247.889980 |
| Matching a specific replacement item | Part number | 942-04154A (blade) |
| Confirming the correct item page | Part ID | 788088A (oil seal) |
Quick part examples tied to this model
These are examples of parts listed for Craftsman model 247889980:
- Oil seal 3/4" id 788088A (part ID 788088A, part number TC-788088A)
- Lawn mower clutch cable kit (part number 946-04609)
- MTD lawn mower 33-inch deck 2-in-1 blade (part number 942-04154A)
Why it matters
Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong deck blade, belt length, or hardware, which saves time and helps your mower run safely and cut evenly.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 247889980?
The model number for this Craftsman wide cut mower is 247.889980 (often written without the dot as 247889980). You’ll see it printed as “Model No. 247.889980” on the cover of the 247889980 owner's manual.
Where to confirm the model number on the mower
We recommend matching the tag on the mower to the manual so you order the correct Craftsman parts (blade, belt, cable, pulleys).
- Check the model tag on the mower deck or rear frame area
- Compare the tag to the manual cover that lists “Model No. 247.889980”
- Use the full model number when searching parts diagrams and lists
- If the tag is dirty, wipe it clean so every digit is readable
Common formatting you may see
The same model can appear in a few formats; these are equivalent.
| How it may appear | What it means |
|---|---|
| 247.889980 | Standard “247.” Craftsman formatting |
| 247889980 | Same model number without punctuation |
| Model No. 247.889980 | How it’s printed in the manual |
Why it matters
Craftsman “247” model numbers are used to match the correct parts list and diagrams. Even a one-digit mismatch can point you to a different deck size, blade, belt routing, or control cable setup.
Last updated: January 2026





