How to find Craftsman model number?
For a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 247397900, the model number is typically printed on an ID label or decal on the mower deck housing or rear frame area. Once you confirm the model number, we can match the correct parts and diagrams for your exact mower.
Where to look on model 247397900
Check these common label locations first:
- On top of the mower deck near the engine mounting area
- On the rear of the deck, near the discharge chute opening
- On the back of the mower frame between the rear wheels
- Near the height-adjustment brackets on the deck side
- On a label panel near the handle mounting points
If the label is dirty or faded, wipe it with a damp rag and mild soap, then re-check under good lighting.
What the label usually shows
Most Craftsman mower ID labels include a few fields. Use the model number to look up parts.
| Label field | What it’s used for | Example (format) |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Primary identifier for parts lookup | 247397900 |
| Serial number | Production tracking, sometimes needed | Varies |
| Date code | Manufacturing reference | Varies |
For model-specific diagrams and identification notes, use the 247397900 manual.
Why it matters
Craftsman walk-behind mowers often share similar deck sizes and engines across multiple models, but small differences (blade adapter style, wheel hardware, bearings, decals) can change the correct replacement part. Using the exact model number helps avoid ordering the wrong component.
If your ID label is missing or unreadable, you can sometimes confirm you are working with the correct unit by comparing remaining decals and markings, such as the Craftsman label 777I25461.
Last updated: January 2026
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a lawn mower?
For a Craftsman model 247397900 walk-behind mower, it’s usually cheaper to repair when the fix is routine maintenance or a single worn part and the total cost stays under about half the price of a comparable new mower. Replacement makes more sense when major drivetrain or engine problems keep recurring.
A practical cost rule we use
A simple way to decide is to compare the total repair cost (parts + labor + your time) to the cost of a similar new mower.
- Repair when the total is under ~50% of a comparable new mower
- Replace when the total is over ~50%, especially if multiple issues stack up
- Repair when the mower is otherwise solid and needs only one clear fix
- Replace when performance is declining and repairs are becoming frequent
- Repair when the problem is maintenance-related (blade, belt, tune-up items)
For model-specific maintenance intervals and safety steps, follow the 247397900 owner’s manual.
Repair vs. replace: quick comparison
| Situation | Usually best choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| One obvious wear item (fastener, bearing, belt, blade) | Repair | Low parts cost, quick turnaround |
| Deck and controls are solid, starts reliably | Repair | You keep a known-good machine |
| Repeated no-start, smoking, low compression, or major drive issues | Replace | High labor and uncertain long-term reliability |
| Multiple systems failing at once | Replace | Costs add up quickly |
Examples of “repair-friendly” fixes on this model
If the mower is otherwise in good shape, these are the types of repairs that often stay cost-effective:
- Replacing a worn fastener such as lawn & garden equipment hex nut 41657
- Servicing a rotating component that uses a bearing such as mtd lawn & garden equipment ball bearing 741P0919B
- Basic tune-up work (oil change, spark plug, air filter, blade sharpening)
Why it matters
A mower that’s repaired at the right time typically delivers the lowest cost per season. Replacing too early wastes value; repairing too late can mean repeated downtime and compounding repair bills.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the most common lawn mower repairs?
The most common repairs on a Craftsman 247397900 gas walk-behind mower are fuel-related no-start issues, poor cutting from a worn or damaged blade system, and drive or wheel problems that affect self-propelled movement. We start with basic maintenance checks, then inspect wear parts and fasteners.
Most common problems (and what to check first)
- Won’t start or starts then dies: old fuel, clogged fuel path, dirty air filter, fouled spark plug
- Runs rough or surges: restricted airflow, stale fuel, carburetor varnish, loose fasteners
- Cuts uneven or leaves strips: dull/bent blade, deck buildup, worn bearings, incorrect cutting height
- Vibration or rattling: loose blade hardware, damaged blade, loose engine mounting hardware
- Poor drive or hard to push: worn wheel/drive components, seized or worn bearings
Quick DIY checks we recommend (safe, high-impact)
- Use fresh gasoline; if fuel is older than about 30 days, drain and refill.
- Inspect and clean the air filter area; replace the filter if it’s oil-soaked or packed with debris.
- Check the spark plug condition and gap; replace if fouled.
- Clean grass buildup under the deck (with the spark plug wire disconnected).
- Tighten visible hardware on the handle, deck, and wheels.
Parts that commonly come up on this model
Some repairs are simply tightening or replacing worn hardware and rotating components. These model-compatible examples are common in mower service:
| Symptom | Likely area | Example model-compatible part |
|---|---|---|
| Rattle, loose handle/deck hardware | Fasteners | Lawn & garden equipment hex nut 41657 |
| Rough wheel movement, squeal, wobble | Wheel/deck bearings | Mtd lawn & garden equipment ball bearing 741P0919B |
Why it matters
Catching fuel and airflow issues early prevents hard starting and stalling; addressing blade, bearing, and fastener wear helps protect the crankshaft, improves cut quality, and reduces vibration.
For model-specific maintenance intervals, adjustment points, and safety steps, use the 247397900 manual.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the common problems with Craftsman lawn mowers?
On the Craftsman 247397900 28-inch gas walk-behind mower, the most common problems we see are hard starting or stalling, rough running or surging, uneven cutting, and excessive vibration. Use the maintenance and adjustment steps in the 247397900 owner’s manual to match symptoms to your mower’s controls and service points.
Common symptoms and what usually causes them
- Won’t start or starts then dies: stale fuel, dirty air filter, fouled spark plug, carburetor varnish
- Runs rough or surges: partially restricted carburetor, water in fuel, plugged fuel cap vent
- Uneven cut: dull or bent blade, deck packed with grass, mismatched wheel height settings
- Excessive vibration: loose blade hardware, damaged blade, debris wrapped at the blade mount
- Poor bagging or mulching: clogged deck, worn blade edge, mowing too fast for conditions
Quick checks we recommend before replacing parts
- Disconnect the spark plug wire before working near the blade.
- Drain old fuel and refill with fresh fuel; verify oil level per the manual.
- Clean the underside of the deck and discharge area.
- Inspect the blade for cracks, bends, or heavy nicks; tighten hardware securely.
- If vibration continues after blade inspection, stop using the mower until the rotating parts are confirmed safe.
Model-listed hardware parts that can be involved
Some issues come down to looseness or wear in deck and wheel hardware. These are examples of parts listed for model 247397900:
| Symptom | What to inspect | Example model-listed part |
|---|---|---|
| Rattles or looseness | Handle/deck fasteners | Lawn & garden equipment hex nut 712-3083 |
| Wheel wobble or noise | Wheel bearing area | Mtd lawn & garden equipment ball bearing 941-0919B |
Why it matters
Addressing fuel quality, blade condition, and loose hardware early improves cut quality and reduces vibration that can damage the crankshaft, deck, and wheel components over time.
Last updated: January 2026
What company makes Craftsman lawn mowers?
For Craftsman model 247397900 (a 28-inch walk-behind mower), the manufacturer is typically MTD. A strong clue is the “247” model prefix, which is commonly associated with MTD-built Craftsman outdoor power equipment; you can also confirm labeling details in the 247397900 owner’s manual.
How to confirm the maker on your exact mower
Even within the Craftsman brand, different manufacturers have built different model families over the years. For 247397900, these checks usually verify MTD production:
- Look for an ID tag or label near the rear deck, handle mount, or engine area
- Check for wording like “MTD” or an MTD-style product/serial label format
- Match the model number exactly: 247397900 (not a partial)
- Compare decals and labels to what the manual shows
- If you are replacing decals, match by part ID to avoid ordering the wrong label
What the “247” model prefix means
For Craftsman outdoor power equipment, the model prefix is often a practical way to identify the original manufacturer.
| Craftsman model prefix | What it usually indicates | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 247 | MTD-built equipment | Parts diagrams and hardware families often align with MTD designs |
| Other prefixes | Varies by era and product line | Parts and service procedures can differ |
Parts note (when labels or decals are missing)
If you are trying to confirm the maker because labels are damaged or missing, replacing the correct decal can help restore identification. For this model, an example is the mtd label 777S35737, which is a manufacturer label used on some assemblies.
Why it matters
Knowing who built your Craftsman mower helps us match the correct parts (nuts, bearings, decals) and service procedures. It also reduces the risk of ordering a part that looks similar but does not fit your exact deck or handle assembly.
Last updated: January 2026
What year is my Craftsman mower serial number lookup?
For the Craftsman 247397900 walk-behind mower, the exact build year usually comes from the date code embedded in the serial number on the product ID label. The specific serial-number format can vary by production run, so we use the model’s labeling guidance in the 247397900 owner’s manual to confirm where to find it and how to interpret it.
Where to find the serial number on a walk-behind mower
Most Craftsman walk-behind mowers place the model and serial information on a sticker or stamped tag. Common locations include:
- Rear of the deck (near the discharge chute area)
- Top of the deck, behind the engine
- On the handle support or rear frame area
- Near the height-adjuster bracket
How Craftsman serial date codes are commonly formatted
On many Craftsman and MTD-built products, the serial number may include a date code segment that represents a manufacturing date. A common pattern you may see is:
- MM = month
- DD = day
- YY = year
Example (how to read it)
| Date code segment | Meaning | Example result |
|---|---|---|
| 07 28 11 | Month Day Year | July 28, 2011 |
If your serial number does not match this pattern, that does not mean it is wrong; it just means your 247397900 may use a different coding scheme.
Why it matters
Knowing the build year helps us match the correct parts list and diagrams for your Craftsman 247397900, especially for items that can change mid-production (labels, bearings, and hardware).
Parts tip when the label is damaged
If the ID label is missing or unreadable, replacing a missing decal can help keep the mower identifiable.
- Check the Craftsman label 777I25461 if your Craftsman branding label is worn
- If you need other identification decals, compare the label style and placement before ordering
- Keep a photo of the model and serial tag for future parts lookups
Last updated: January 2026





