Should I use 87 or 91 gas for lawn mower?
For the Craftsman 247370341 gas walk-behind mower, we recommend using regular 87-octane unleaded gasoline; higher octane (like 91) does not add power or protection in a small mower engine and is usually unnecessary. For fuel and storage details specific to your mower, follow the 247370341 owner's manual.
What to use (and what to avoid)
- Use fresh, clean 87-octane unleaded gas.
- Avoid old gas (more than about 30 days) unless it is treated with fuel stabilizer.
- Avoid gasoline with high ethanol content; most small engines run best on E10 or less.
- Do not mix oil into the gas unless your mower is a 2-cycle engine (most walk-behind mowers are 4-cycle).
- If the engine pings or runs poorly, address maintenance items (spark plug, air filter, carburetor) rather than switching to 91.
Quick comparison: 87 vs 91 in a walk-behind mower
| Fuel choice | What you typically get | Best use case |
|---|---|---|
| 87 octane | Normal starting and power for small engines | Everyday mowing |
| 91 octane | No meaningful performance gain in most mowers | Only if the engine manufacturer specifically calls for it |
Why it matters
Using the right fuel helps prevent hard starting, surging, and carburetor varnish. In most mower engines, fuel freshness and ethanol level affect reliability far more than octane rating.
Tips to keep your mower running strong
- Buy gas in small quantities so it stays fresh.
- Add stabilizer if the mower will sit for more than 30 days.
- Run the engine dry (or follow the manual’s storage steps) before off-season storage.
- Keep the underside of the deck clean to reduce load on the engine; the how to keep grass clippings from sticking to a mower deck guide helps.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the most common issues with 247370341?
The most common problems we see on the Craftsman 247370341 walk-behind mower are poor cutting and bagging performance, safety control issues (bail/zone control), and wear in the wheels and height adjusters. Most fixes start with inspecting the blade, controls, and deck for damage or buildup using the 247370341 owner's manual.
Common symptoms and what they usually mean
- Cuts unevenly or leaves strips: blade is dull/bent, blade adapter is worn, deck height is uneven side-to-side.
- Poor bagging or clumping: grass is wet, deck is packed with buildup, bag or frame is damaged, rear skirt is missing or warped.
- Side discharge not working right: side chute deflector is cracked or not closing properly.
- Engine won’t keep running when you release the handle: zone control cable is out of adjustment, stretched, or binding.
- Hard to push or mower “wobbles”: wheel wear, loose hardware, or axle issues.
Parts that commonly wear on this model
If you’re troubleshooting one of the symptoms above, these model-matched parts are frequent culprits:
- 21-in deck mulching blade 942-0741A (dull, bent, or damaged)
- Blade adapter 748-04096 (blade slips, vibration, poor cut)
- Zone control cable 946-04661A (control feels loose, engine won’t stay running)
- Lawn mower wheel 634-05062 (wobble, poor traction)
- Lawn mower grass bag 964-04154 (tears, weak airflow, poor collection)
Quick checks we recommend before ordering parts
- Disconnect the spark plug wire and tip the mower safely (air filter and carburetor side up).
- Scrape packed grass from the underside of the deck; check for cracks or bent metal.
- Confirm all four wheels are set to the same cutting height.
- Inspect the blade for nicks, bends, and excessive rounding.
- Squeeze the bail control bar and verify the cable moves smoothly and returns freely.
Symptom-to-part guide
| Symptom | Most likely area | Example model-matched part |
|---|---|---|
| Uneven cut, vibration | Blade and mounting | 942-0741A, 748-04096 |
| Won’t keep running with handle held | Control cable | 946-04661A |
| Poor bagging | Bag, airflow, rear opening | 964-04154 |
| Wobble or hard push | Wheels/axles/hardware | 634-05062 |
Why it matters
On a 21-inch walk-behind mower, a sharp blade and tight, aligned controls protect the deck, improve cut quality, and reduce vibration that can loosen fasteners and accelerate wheel and axle wear.
Last updated: March 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 247370341?
The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind lawn mower is 247370341. You’ll use 247370341 to match the correct parts (like a mulching blade or zone control cable) and to pull the right diagrams and maintenance instructions from the 247370341 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the mower
On most Craftsman walk-behind mowers, the model tag is on the deck or rear housing area. Check these common spots:
- Rear of the mower deck near the discharge opening
- Top of the deck near the engine mounting area
- Behind the rear flap (rear skirt) area
- Near the handle mounting brackets
- On a sticker or metal plate that also lists serial information
Why the exact model number matters
Craftsman model families can look similar, but parts can differ by deck design, handle hardware, and safety controls. Using 247370341 helps ensure you get the correct fit for items such as:
- Cutting system parts (blade, blade adapter)
- Controls and safety cables
- Bagging and discharge components
- Wheels, axles, and handle assemblies
Quick reference: model number vs. part numbers
| What you’re identifying | Example for this mower | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | 247370341 | Finds diagrams, manuals, and the correct parts list |
| Part number | 942-0741A | Identifies a specific replacement part |
| Part name | 21-in deck mulching blade | Describes what the part does |
Helpful next step
If you’re matching a cutting part, compare your current blade to the listed replacement and use the Craftsman troybilt lawn mower 21-in deck mulching blade 942-0741A as the reference point for fitment.
Why it matters
A single digit off in the model number can route you to a different deck configuration, which can lead to ordering the wrong blade, bag, or control cable.
Last updated: January 2026





