Craftsman 24788173 snow thrower Parts

Your snowblower model number is on the product ID label attached to the machine frame. On Craftsman snow throwers like model 24788173, it’s commonly found near the engine area, on the rear frame between the wheels, or on the auger housing; use that number to match parts and the correct 24788173 owner's manual.

Where to look on a snowblower

Check these common label locations first (wipe off snow, salt, and grime so you can read it):

• Frame near the engine (side of the engine mount area)
• Rear of the base between the wheels
• Auger housing (side panel near the front)
• Handle support area (lower handle/frame junction)
• Under a protective cover (some labels are partially shielded)

Model number vs. engine number (why you may need both)

The snowblower model number identifies the machine for parts like belts, cables, skid shoes, and shear pins. The engine model/type/code (often on the engine shroud or recoil housing) is used for engine-specific items like spark plugs, carburetor parts, and ignition components.

What you’re identifying	What it’s used for	Where it’s usually found
Snowblower model number (example: 24788173)	Parts diagrams and chassis parts	Frame, rear base, auger housing
Engine model/type/code	Engine tune-up and fuel system parts	Engine shroud, valve cover area, recoil housing

Tips to read the label correctly

• Use a flashlight and look at an angle; stamped numbers can be hard to see.
• Copy the number exactly (including dots or dashes if present).
• Take a photo before ordering parts so you can zoom in.
• If the label is damaged, check nearby flat metal surfaces for a stamped ID.

Why it matters

Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong parts for your Craftsman snow thrower, especially for fit-critical items like the snowblower auger drive belt 256963 and control cables.

Last updated: February 2026

To tell how old your Craftsman snow thrower model 24788173 is, we use the model and serial number from the ID label on the frame; the serial number format is what reveals the build date. Your 24788173 owner's manual shows the correct model identification for matching parts and documentation.

Where to find the model and serial number

Look for a manufacturer label on the snowblower frame (commonly near the engine area, under the handle area, or along the rear frame).

• Clean off snow, salt, and grime so every character is readable
• Write down the full model number and serial number exactly as shown
• Take a clear photo for reference before the label fades further
• If the label is damaged, check for a secondary tag or stamped number on the frame

How the “age” is typically encoded

Craftsman snowblowers have used more than one serial-number style over the years. Once you have the serial number, decode it using the format that matches what you see.

What you see in the serial number	What it usually means	What to do next
A letter plus numbers (or multiple letters)	Factory/line plus date code	Identify which characters represent month and year
A long all-numeric string	Date code embedded in specific positions	Check for a month-year pattern in the middle of the string
A clear date-like sequence	Direct manufacture date	Record it and keep it with your maintenance notes

If the snowblower label is missing or unreadable

When the frame label is gone, we use supporting clues to narrow the timeframe.

• Compare the parts list to what is installed (belts, cables, skid shoes)
• Check wear items that are commonly replaced, such as the snowblower auger drive belt 256963
• Look for engine model/type/code markings on the engine itself (often stamped or printed on a tag)

Why it matters

Knowing the build year helps you match the correct Craftsman parts diagrams and avoid ordering the wrong auger belt, shear pin, clutch cable, or scraper blade for your exact configuration. You can order replacement parts from the parts list for model 24788173, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Yes, it’s worth fixing a Craftsman snow thrower like model 24788173 when the problem is a normal wear item (belt, shear pin, cable, skid shoes) and the machine is still within its typical service life. This model’s operator guidance lists an average useful life of 7 years or 60 hours; within that window, repairs usually make financial sense. See the owner's manual.

Quick way to decide (repair vs. replace)

Use these checks to make a clear call before you buy parts:

• Age and hours: Under 7 years or 60 hours favors repair; beyond that, inspect more closely.
• Type of failure: Wear parts (belts, shear pins, scraper blade, cables) favor repair.
• Repeat breakdowns: Frequent failures in different systems favor replacement.
• Safety and vibration: Persistent vibration after tightening hardware means stop and inspect before continued use.
• Storage history: Old fuel and poor off-season storage often cause “no start” issues that are usually repairable.

Repairs that are usually “worth it” on 24788173

These are common, cost-effective fixes that restore performance:

• Replace a worn auger belt: snowblower auger drive belt 256963
• Replace broken shear pins after hitting an object: Craftsman snowblower shear pin 738-04124A
• Adjust or replace an auger clutch cable: snowblower auger clutch cable 946-04230A
• Replace worn ground-contact parts (scraping and height control): snowblower scraper blade 790-00120-4044 and mtd snowblower skid shoe 731-06439

When replacement is the better value

Replacement is the better choice when the repair is major and the machine is already near or past its typical life.

Situation	What it usually means	Best next step
Major drivetrain wear (drive system slipping plus other issues)	Multiple components may be worn	Inspect drive system; compare total parts cost to replacement
Gearbox or housing damage	High-cost structural repair	Price the repair carefully before proceeding
Chronic starting problems tied to fuel neglect	Fuel system service may be needed	Follow storage and fresh-fuel steps first, then reassess

Why it matters

A snowblower is a safety tool as much as a convenience. Keeping the auger/impeller, controls, and wear plates in good condition helps prevent jams, poor throwing performance, and unsafe vibration. The manual also emphasizes stopping the engine and disconnecting the spark plug wire before inspection or repair.

If you decide to repair, you can order model 24788173 replacement parts from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

A gas snowblower typically lasts 10 to 20 years with normal homeowner use and routine maintenance. For the Craftsman 24788173, the operator guidance lists an average useful life of 7 years or 60 operating hours as a safety and wear benchmark (see the 24788173 owner's manual).

What “lifespan” means (years vs. hours)

Both time and use matter; a lightly used machine can last many winters, while heavy use can wear drive and auger components faster.

Measure	What it reflects	Typical range
Calendar years	Storage, corrosion, rubber aging	10 to 20 years
Operating hours	Engine and drive wear	60 to 200+ hours
Model benchmark	Safety-focused wear guidance	7 years or 60 hours

Maintenance that extends life the most

These steps prevent the most common fuel, engine, and drive problems:

• Change engine oil on schedule and before off-season storage
• For storage over 30 days, run the fuel system dry to reduce gumming
• Inspect belts and cables for cracking, glazing, stretching, or slipping
• Keep skid shoes and the scraper blade adjusted so the housing does not grind
• Replace broken shear pins with the correct type and keep spares on hand

Wear parts that often decide “repair vs. replace”

Normal-wear parts are usually worth replacing because they restore performance quickly.

• Snowblower auger drive belt 256963 (part number 954-04050) if the auger slips or will not stay engaged
• Skid shoes and scraper blade when the leading edge is rounded or uneven
• Clutch/drive cables when controls do not fully engage or disengage

Why it matters

Past the wear benchmark, problems like belt slip, poor traction, and auger engagement issues become more likely during heavy snow. Staying ahead of maintenance and wear parts keeps your Craftsman 24788173 reliable and safer to operate.

You can order replacement parts from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026