Owner’s manual
View engine
Should I use 87 or 91 gas for lawn mower?
For the Craftsman 24738528 gas walk-behind mower, use regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane (87 AKI). Using 91 octane is not required for normal operation; the mower is designed to run correctly on 87 when the fuel is clean and fresh (see the 24738528 owner's manual).
Use fuel that matches the mower and engine requirements:
- 87 octane (minimum) regular unleaded gasoline
- Fresh, clean fuel (stale gas is a top cause of hard starting)
- Up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable
- Up to 15% MTBE is acceptable
- Do not use E85 or other unapproved fuels
- Do not mix oil into the gasoline (this is a 4-cycle mower)
Higher octane does not add power in an engine that is built for 87. Here is the practical difference:
| Fuel choice | Works in 24738528? | Best use case |
|---|---|---|
| 87 octane (regular) | Yes (recommended) | Everyday mowing, best value |
| 91 octane (premium) | Yes | Only if it is the freshest fuel available |
We recommend these habits to protect the carburetor, fuel system, and engine performance:
- Refuel outdoors with the engine off and cooled down
- Fill only to the bottom of the fuel tank neck (leave room for expansion)
- Tighten the gas cap until it clicks
- Wipe up spills before starting
- Move the mower at least 10 feet away from the fuel container before starting
Using the correct fuel (87 minimum, fresh and clean) helps prevent varnish buildup in the carburetor jets, reduces hard-start complaints, and keeps the engine running smoothly through the mowing season.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the most common issues with 24738528?
The most common issues we see on the Craftsman 24738528 walk-behind mower are cutting problems (poor cut quality or vibration), control and handle hardware loosening, and deck or discharge issues that affect mulching and bagging. Many of these problems are solved with basic inspection, cleaning, and replacing worn wear-items.
- Vibration or uneven cut: blade is bent, dull, installed incorrectly, or the blade adapter is worn.
- Poor mulching or clumping: deck is packed with wet grass; mulching door is damaged or not sealing.
- Handle feels loose or won’t stay set: handle knobs, bolts, or fasteners are worn or missing.
- Cut height won’t hold or is uneven side-to-side: height adjuster lever/knob, bearings, or related hardware is worn.
- Grass discharge issues: rear skirt or door components are cracked, warped, or obstructed.
- Shut the mower off, let the blade stop completely, and disconnect the spark plug wire.
- Tip the mower safely (air filter and carburetor side up) and clean the underside of the deck.
- Inspect the blade for bends, cracks, and heavy nicks.
- Check handle hardware for looseness and missing fasteners.
- Verify all four wheels are set to the same height setting.
| Symptom | Common fix | Example part for 24738528 |
|---|---|---|
| Vibration, ragged cut | Replace blade (and inspect adapter) | Lawn mower 22-in deck mulching blade 942-0742A |
| Mulching/bagging problems | Replace damaged door | Lawn mower mulching door 631-04045 |
| Handle won’t tighten | Replace knob or handle section | Yard machines lawn mower handle knob 720-04072A |
A mower that vibrates, cuts unevenly, or discharges poorly puts extra stress on the blade mount, deck components, and controls. Fixing wear items early improves cut quality and helps prevent bigger repairs.
For model-specific maintenance steps, adjustment points, and diagrams, use the 24738528 owner’s manual.
Last updated: March 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 24738528?
The model number is 247.38528; it’s printed on the mower’s model label and shown in the parts list for this Craftsman walk-behind mower. For the most reliable match when ordering parts, we use the exact model format shown in the 24738528 owner's manual.
Most Craftsman walk-behind mowers list the model number on a label attached to the deck or rear housing.
- Check the rear of the deck near the discharge opening or rear skirt
- Look around the engine mounting area on top of the deck
- Wipe off grass and dirt so the full number is readable
- Record the full model number exactly as printed (including punctuation)
Your mower has a separate engine model number that is different from the mower model number.
| What you’re looking at | Example from this mower’s documentation | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Mower model number | 247.38528 | Ordering deck, handle, wheel, and control parts |
| Engine model number | 126T02-0795-B1 | Ordering engine-specific parts (carburetor, recoil starter, ignition) |
Using the correct mower model number helps us match the right diagrams and parts for your exact deck and control setup.
- Prevents ordering the wrong blade, cable, or handle parts
- Ensures the correct height adjuster and wheel hardware fit
- Speeds up parts lookup for common repairs and tune-ups
If you’re replacing cutting components, confirm the blade and adapter listed for this model in the manual; common examples include the 22-inch mulching blade and blade adapter shown in the 24738528 owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026
