Craftsman 247397601 lawn mower Parts

For the Craftsman 247397601 walk-behind gas mower, the most common problems are drive and cutting performance issues: the mower will not self-propel, cuts unevenly, or leaves clumps. These symptoms usually trace to the drive belt/cable, blade and adapter, wheels, or bagging and deck airflow parts.

Most common symptoms and likely causes

• Won’t self-propel or slips under load: worn or stretched drive belt, misadjusted or damaged drive cable, transmission wear
• Uneven cut or scalping: dull/bent blade, loose blade adapter, wheel height mismatch, worn wheels
• Poor bagging or clumping: clogged deck, damaged rear skirt, bag or frame not sealing, wet or overgrown grass
• Vibration: bent blade, debris wrapped at blade adapter, loose fasteners
• Hard to push or tracking issues: worn wheels, axle hardware wear

Parts that commonly fix these issues

If your symptoms match, these model-compatible parts are frequent solutions:

Symptom	Common fix	Example part for 247397601
No drive / weak drive	Replace belt	Lawn & garden equipment belt 954-04260
Uneven cut / vibration	Replace blade	Lawn mower 21-in deck xtreme mulching blade 942-0741-X
Blade won’t tighten / wobble	Replace adapter	Lawn mower blade adapter 687-02528
Poor bagging / blowout	Replace rear skirt or bag	Mtd lawn mower rear skirt 731-07203
Mower pulls / height issues	Replace wheels	Mtd lawn mower wheel, 8 x 2-in 634-05040 or lawn mower wheel, 11 x 2-in 634-05185

Quick checks we recommend before ordering parts

• Tip the mower safely (spark plug wire disconnected) and clear packed grass from the deck.
• Inspect the belt for glazing, cracking, or slack.
• Check the blade for nicks, bends, and balance; confirm the blade bolt is tight.
• Compare wheel height settings side-to-side.
• Verify the drive cable moves the drive control arm smoothly.

Why it matters

Drive and cut issues get worse quickly; a slipping belt or damaged blade can reduce performance, strain the transmission, and leave an uneven finish. Using the correct model-specific parts helps restore safe operation and proper cut quality.

For diagrams, adjustment points, and maintenance intervals, follow the owner's manual.

Last updated: March 2026

A Craftsman walk-behind gas mower like model 247397601 typically lasts 8 to 12 years with normal residential use and routine maintenance. Lifespan depends most on engine care, blade and belt condition, and keeping the deck and drive system clean and adjusted.

Typical lifespan by usage

Usage pattern	Typical lifespan	What usually ends it first
Light (small yard, weekly)	10 to 12 years	Fuel system neglect, corrosion
Average (moderate yard, weekly)	8 to 10 years	Drive wear, deck rust
Heavy (large yard, long seasons)	6 to 8 years	Transmission/drive components

What to do to reach the high end of the range

• Change engine oil on schedule and keep the air filter clean
• Use fresh fuel and stabilize fuel before storage
• Keep the underside of the deck clean and dry after mowing
• Replace worn cutting parts promptly (blade, adapter hardware)
• Inspect self-propel components for wear (belt, cable, wheels)
• Store the mower covered and out of standing moisture

Parts that commonly affect “how long it lasts”

These wear items are normal replacements that can extend service life when changed before they cause secondary damage:

• Lawn mower 21-in deck xtreme mulching blade 942-0741-X (poor cut quality and vibration when worn)
• Lawn & garden equipment belt 954-04260 (self-propel slipping or no drive)
• Lawn mower transmission assembly 918-04881A (loss of drive even with a good belt)

Why it matters

A mower often gets replaced due to performance issues (poor cut, vibration, weak drive) that are usually caused by maintenance and wear parts, not the deck housing itself. Keeping the blade, belt, and drive system in good shape is the most cost-effective way to extend the life of model 247397601.

For maintenance intervals, lubrication points, and storage steps specific to this mower, follow the 247397601 owner's manual.

Last updated: March 2026

The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind gas lawn mower is 247.397601 (often written without the dot as 247397601). You can confirm it on the model tag and in the 247397601 operator’s manual.

Where to find the model number on the mower

Most Craftsman walk-behind mowers list the model number on a label or stamped plate. Check these common spots:

• Rear of the deck near the discharge opening or rear door
• Top of the deck near the engine mounting area
• On the handle support brackets
• Near the height adjustment area by a wheel
• In the documentation that came with the mower

Why you might see two formats (with and without a dot)

Craftsman commonly prints the model number with a dot in manuals, while parts lookups often drop the dot.

Where you’re looking	How it may appear	What it means
Operator’s manual	247.397601	Same model
Parts lookup / ordering	247397601	Same model
Model tag on mower	247.397601 or 247397601	Same model

Why the exact model number matters

Using the exact model number helps us match the correct walk-behind mower parts and diagrams for your deck size, drive system, and handle controls. It also prevents ordering the wrong items like a drive belt, wheel, or blade.

Quick tip when ordering parts

When you search parts for this mower, use 247397601 (no dot) to get the fastest match. Then verify the part fits your mower configuration before ordering.

Last updated: January 2026