How do I tell what year my CRAFTSMAN riding mower is?
For a Craftsman CMXGNAM1130054 rear-engine riding mower, the most reliable way to identify the year is to use the model and serial number tag on the mower; the serial number format often includes a date code that indicates the build date.
Where to find the model and serial number
Look for a sticker or metal tag in one of these common locations:
- Under the seat pan or on the seat bracket
- On the frame near the rear axle
- Near the engine (blower housing or engine shroud area)
- Under the hood (if equipped)
- On the mower deck hanger area (less common)
If the tag is dirty or faded, wipe it clean and take a clear photo before you start decoding.
How to decode the “date code” (what to look for)
Craftsman riding mowers can use different serial number formats depending on who built the unit (often MTD for many Craftsman riders). A common pattern you may see is a 6-digit date code embedded in the serial number:
- MMDDYY (month, day, year)
- Example: 072811 = July 28, 2011
Quick reference table
| Code pattern | What it means | Example | Example result |
|---|---|---|---|
| MMDDYY | Month, day, year | 072811 | July 28, 2011 |
| YYMMDD | Year, month, day | 110728 | July 28, 2011 |
If your serial number does not match either pattern, use the model number (CMXGNAM1130054) plus the full serial number when looking up parts and diagrams.
Why it matters
Knowing the build year helps us match the correct parts and revisions for your mower, especially for wear items like belts, blades, and electrical switches.
Parts that commonly vary by production run
When you are confirming the year, these are the parts we most often see change across runs:
- Ground drive belt length and routing
- Deck blade style and deck size
- Interlock (safety) switch style
- Starter solenoid and ignition switch connectors
- Mandrel and pulley assembly design
If you are troubleshooting a drive issue while you are identifying the year, checking the lawn tractor ground drive belt 754P05874 is a good starting point because belt wear and stretching is common.
Last updated: February 2026
What model CRAFTSMAN do I have?
Your Craftsman model number is printed on the mower’s model/serial tag; on most rear-engine riding mowers it’s on the frame under the seat or on the underside of the seat. Once you confirm the model number (for example, CMXGNAM1130054), we can match the correct parts and diagrams.
Where to look on a Craftsman rear-engine riding mower
Check these common tag locations first:
- On the frame directly under the seat (lift the seat and look down at the frame rails)
- On the underside of the seat pan (flip the seat up and look underneath)
- Near the rear fender area close to the seat hinge
- On the frame near the engine or battery tray area
- On a vertical frame member behind the seat
What to write down (and why)
Record the information exactly as shown on the tag.
| Item on tag | Example | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | CMXGNAM1130054 | Ensures the correct Craftsman parts list and diagrams |
| Serial number | (varies) | Helps confirm production run and compatible revisions |
| Engine model/type/code (if listed) | (varies) | Needed for engine-specific parts like filters and tune-up items |
Quick parts-matching tips for CMXGNAM1130054
After you confirm you have model CMXGNAM1130054, these are common part categories we see customers shop for:
- Maintenance items (oil filter, belts, blades)
- Starting and safety interlock parts (ignition switch, interlock switch, solenoid)
- Deck drive components (mandrel and pulley assembly)
- Traction/drive items (ground drive belt)
If you are doing routine maintenance, the engine filter 696854 is a common engine service item for this model’s parts list.
Why it matters
Craftsman riding mower parts can look similar across models, but belt lengths, blade styles, and electrical interlock components often change by model and production run. Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong blade drive belt, ignition switch, or deck parts.
Last updated: February 2026
Where can I get Craftsman replacement parts?
For your Craftsman rear-engine riding mower model CMXGNAM1130054, we recommend buying replacement parts from a trusted parts seller that lets you shop by model number so you get the right fit the first time; start with the most common maintenance and wear items, then match by model and part ID.
Best places to buy Craftsman parts
- Sears PartsDirect (model-based lookup and diagrams)
- Craftsman-authorized retailers (in-store or online)
- Major home improvement retailers that carry Craftsman parts
- Reputable small-engine and mower parts dealers (helpful for engine-related items)
How to make sure you get the correct part
Using the model number is the key, but we also recommend matching the part name and part ID when available.
- Confirm the mower model number: CMXGNAM1130054
- Match the part by description and measurements (belt length, blade size, etc.)
- Compare the part number on your old part (if readable)
- For engine maintenance items, match the engine brand and spec (many mowers use engines sourced from other manufacturers)
- When in doubt, replace related wear items together (for example, belt plus any worn pulleys)
Examples of model-matched parts for CMXGNAM1130054
| What you need | Example part to match | When you typically replace it |
|---|---|---|
| Oil filter | Engine filter 696854 | Annual service or every season |
| Ground drive belt | Lawn tractor ground drive belt 754P05874 | Slipping, glazing, cracking |
| Parking/brake cable | Cable-park b 746P05631 | Won’t hold, stretched, frayed |
Why it matters
Rear-engine riding mowers often have multiple “look-alike” parts across deck sizes and engine families. Shopping by CMXGNAM1130054 and matching by part ID helps prevent returns, downtime, and premature wear from incorrect belts, blades, or electrical parts.
Last updated: February 2026





