Owner’s manual
Should I use 87 or 91 gas for lawn mower?
For the Craftsman 247379000 gas walk-behind mower, we recommend using 87-octane (regular) unleaded gasoline; higher octane (like 91) does not add power or protection in a mower engine and usually just costs more. Follow the fuel guidance in the 247379000 owner's manual.
What to use (and what to avoid)
- Use fresh, clean 87-octane unleaded from a busy station.
- Use no more than 10% ethanol (E10) when possible; higher ethanol blends can cause hard starting and fuel-system issues.
- Avoid “old” gas (typically older than 30 days without stabilizer).
- Avoid mixing octanes to “tune” performance; mower engines are designed for regular fuel.
- If the mower will sit, add stabilizer and run it briefly to pull treated fuel into the carburetor.
Quick comparison: 87 vs 91 in a walk-behind mower
| Fuel choice | Best use case | What you’ll notice |
|---|---|---|
| 87 octane (regular) | Normal mowing, everyday use | Reliable starting and normal power |
| 91 octane (premium) | Not needed for typical mower engines | Usually no performance change |
Why it matters
Using the right fuel helps prevent common problems like hard starting, surging, and carburetor varnish. Most “fuel issues” we see on walk-behind mowers come from stale gas or high-ethanol fuel, not from using 87 octane.
If you’re having fuel-related symptoms
If your 247379000 runs rough, won’t start, or surges, these checks solve most cases:
- Drain old fuel and refill with fresh 87-octane.
- Inspect the air filter and spark plug condition.
- Check for water in the fuel (cloudy fuel or phase separation).
- Clean the deck to reduce load on the engine (heavy buildup can mimic power loss); see how to keep grass clippings from sticking to a mower deck.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the most common issues with 247379000?
The most common issues we see on the Craftsman 247379000 walk-behind mower involve drive problems (self-propel not pulling), poor cutting or discharge, and handle or control wear. Many of these symptoms trace back to normal wear items like belts, wheels, and chute components; use the 247379000 owner's manual for model-specific adjustments and safety steps.
Common problems and what they usually point to
- Self-propelled drive slips or won’t move: worn or stretched drive belt, worn transmission, or a loose/misrouted drive cable.
- Mower leaves uncut strips or cuts unevenly: dull/bent blade, blade adapter wear, or deck buildup.
- Clumping or poor side discharge: damaged or sticking chute door/deflector, wet grass, or deck packed with debris.
- Bagging performance is poor: worn grass bag, bent bag frame, or airflow restriction under the deck.
- Handle feels loose or won’t stay tight: worn knobs/fasteners or handle hardware loosening from vibration.
Quick checks we recommend first
- Shut the engine off and let all moving parts stop; disconnect the spark plug wire.
- Inspect the drive system for obvious belt wear; the common wear item is the lawn mower ground drive belt, 3/8 x 31-1/4-in 954-04282.
- Check wheels for wobble or excessive play; replace if the tread is worn or the hub is damaged.
- Confirm the discharge path opens and closes freely; a common related part is the lawn mower discharge chute door 631-04553A.
- Clean packed grass from the underside of the deck and around the discharge opening.
Symptom-to-part examples (for this model)
| Symptom | Commonly involved area | Example part on this model |
|---|---|---|
| Self-propel won’t pull | Drive belt/cable/transmission | Ground drive belt 954-04282; transmission assembly 918-06000 |
| Side discharge is messy | Chute/deflector/door | Side chute deflector 731-07486; discharge chute door 631-04553A |
| Bag won’t fill well | Bag/frame/airflow | Grass bag 964-05024; grass bag frame assembly 747-06137A-4044 |
Why it matters
Catching wear early prevents bigger failures. For example, a slipping belt can overheat and glaze, and a sticking chute door can cause clogs that strain the blade and reduce cut quality.
Last updated: March 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 247379000?
The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind lawn mower is 247379000. You will use 247379000 to match the correct parts diagrams, look up compatible replacement parts (like a drive belt or discharge door), and reference the right operating and maintenance information in the 247379000 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the mower
On most Craftsman walk-behind mowers, the model and serial tag is on the mower deck (often near the rear wheel area) or on the rear discharge area.
- Look for a sticker or metal tag on the deck housing
- Wipe off grass and dirt so the full number is readable
- Record the full model number and serial number
- Use the full model number (including all digits) when ordering parts
Why the model number matters for parts fit
Many walk-behind mowers share similar handles, wheels, and deck components, but small differences change fit. Using the exact model number helps ensure you get the right part the first time.
Common parts that depend on the exact model match include:
- Ground drive belt (self-propelled models)
- Blade adapter and blade mounting hardware
- Discharge chute door and side chute deflector
- Wheels, axles, and height adjusters
- Handle hardware and control housing
Quick reference
| Item | What to use | Example for this mower |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Identifies the mower version | 247379000 |
| Part number | Identifies the replacement part | 954-04282 |
| Manual | Operating and maintenance info | 247379000 owner's manual |
Why it matters
Using 247379000 prevents ordering the wrong Craftsman or MTD-style parts, saves time on returns, and helps you follow the correct maintenance steps (blade care, belt inspection, and seasonal storage).
Last updated: January 2026
