How old is my mower by serial number?
For a Craftsman walk-behind mower model 247374301, the most reliable way to determine age is to read the manufacture date code on the mower’s product label or on the engine identification label. We use the format shown in the 247374301 owner's manual to locate the labels, then decode the date from the engine or mower serial information.
Where to find the serial number and date code
Check these common locations on walk-behind mowers:
- Mower deck housing (top or rear of the deck)
- Rear discharge area near the rear skirt
- Handle mounting area or frame near the height adjusters
- Engine shroud or valve cover area (engine model/type/code label)
- Under the grass bag opening area (if equipped)
How to decode it (what the numbers usually mean)
Serial formats vary by manufacturer, but these patterns are common:
- 6-digit date codes like
MMDDYYorYYMMDD - Year + week formats (often
YYYYWWorYYWW) - Engine code date (common on Briggs & Stratton engines) that directly indicates the build date
Quick decoding guide
| What you see on the label | What it usually means | Example interpretation |
|---|---|---|
MMDDYY |
Month, day, year | 031522 = March 15, 2022 |
YYMMDD |
Year, month, day | 220315 = March 15, 2022 |
YYYYWW |
Year and production week | 202312 = week 12 of 2023 |
Best practice for Craftsman mowers
Because Craftsman mowers often use engines from major engine makers, the engine code is usually the fastest path to an exact build date.
- Locate the engine label and write down the full model/type/code (or similar)
- Decode the code into a manufacture date
- Use that date as the mower’s approximate build timeframe (mowers are typically assembled close to engine build date)
Why it matters
Knowing the build year helps us match the correct parts and specs for maintenance and repairs, especially for wear items like a mulching blade, blade adapter, and control cable.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a lawn mower?
For a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 247374301, it’s usually cheaper to repair when the fix is routine (blade, cable, bagging parts, fasteners) and the total stays under about $100 to $200. Replace the mower when a major engine or drive issue costs around half (or more) of the price of a comparable new mower.
Quick decision checklist
- Repair if the mower starts reliably and the issue is wear-and-tear (blade, wheels, handle hardware).
- Repair if you can fix it in under 1 to 2 hours with basic tools.
- Replace if the engine has low compression, heavy smoke, or repeated no-start problems after tune-up.
- Replace if the deck is cracked or severely rusted through.
- Replace if you keep stacking “small” repairs every season and downtime is costing you.
Typical cost comparison (rule-of-thumb)
| Situation | Typical repair cost | Best choice |
|---|---|---|
| Blade service, cable adjustment, bagging fix | $20 to $150 | Repair |
| Wheels, handle parts, chute/door parts | $30 to $200 | Repair |
| Carburetor/fuel system overhaul | $80 to $250 | Depends on mower condition |
| Major engine repair or replacement | $300+ | Replace |
| Deck housing replacement | $150+ (plus labor) | Depends on overall condition |
Model 247374301 parts that often make repair worthwhile
If the mower is otherwise in good shape, these common replacements can restore performance without buying a new mower:
- Craftsman 247374301 owner’s manual (use it to confirm safe service steps and specs)
- Lawn mower zone control cable 946-04661A (common when the blade control won’t hold)
- 21-in deck mulching blade 942-0741A (for poor cut quality or vibration from a damaged blade)
- Lawn mower wheel 734-04562 (for wobble, uneven height, or worn tread)
- Lawn mower deck housing, 21-in 787-01869B-4043 (only if the deck is structurally sound to rebuild)
Why it matters
Repairing a walk-behind mower is usually the lowest-cost path when the engine and deck are solid; replacing makes more sense when the core components (engine, drive system, deck structure) are failing because those repairs quickly exceed the mower’s remaining value.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the common problems with Craftsman lawn mowers?
On the Craftsman 247374301 gas walk-behind mower, the most common problems are no-start or hard-start, poor cutting quality, and bagging or discharge issues. Most fixes start with fresh fuel, a clean air path, and a sharp, properly mounted blade; then move to cables and deck components.
Most common symptoms and likely causes
- Won’t start / starts then dies: stale fuel, dirty carburetor, fouled spark plug, clogged air filter
- Rough running / surging: partially clogged carburetor, water in fuel, restricted airflow
- Poor cut (uneven, ragged, scalping): dull or bent blade, blade adapter wear, deck packed with wet grass
- Excessive vibration: damaged blade, loose blade hardware, worn blade adapter
- Clippings not bagging or discharging well: clogged deck, damaged bag, missing/warped chute or mulching plug
Quick checks we recommend (in order)
- Fuel: drain old gas; refill with fresh fuel (stale gas is the #1 cause after storage).
- Spark and air: inspect spark plug condition; clean/replace air filter.
- Blade and underside of deck: clean packed grass; inspect blade for damage and sharpness.
- Controls/cables: make sure the zone control cable moves freely and returns fully.
- After an impact: if you hit a rock or stump, inspect the blade, blade adapter, and crankshaft area before running again.
Helpful parts that commonly solve cutting and discharge complaints
| Problem you notice | Part to inspect/replace | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Ragged cut or vibration | Blade adapter 748-0376E | Blade mounting and alignment |
| Weak bagging or torn bag | Grass bag 964-04154 | Collection and airflow |
| Side discharge not working right | Side chute deflector 731-07486 | Discharge direction and safety |
| Mulching performance dropped | Mulching plug assembly 987-02516A | Seals rear/side openings for mulching |
Why it matters
A mower that runs with a dull blade, packed deck, or worn blade adapter cuts poorly and can overload the engine. Keeping the blade system tight and the deck clear improves cut quality, reduces vibration, and helps the mower start and run more consistently.
For model-specific maintenance intervals, blade orientation, and safety steps, follow the 247374301 owner’s manual. For blade service tips, use how to sharpen a lawn mower blade.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 247374301?
The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind gas lawn mower is 247374301. You will typically find 247374301 on the mower’s model tag (often near the rear of the deck, on the handle bracket, or on the engine shroud); our 247374301 owner's manual also shows where to look.
Where to find the model number on the mower
Check these common locations on Craftsman walk-behind mowers:
- Rear of the mower deck (near the discharge opening or rear door)
- Handle mounting bracket area
- Under the rear flap or near the bagging opening
- Engine shroud area (engine model is separate from the mower model)
Model number vs. engine number (quick comparison)
It’s common to see multiple tags. Use the mower model number for parts like wheels, handles, and bagging components.
| What you’re looking at | What it identifies | Used for ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Mower model tag | Craftsman 247374301 | Deck parts, wheels, handle parts, bagging parts |
| Engine label | Engine make/model/type code | Engine-specific parts (spark plug, carburetor parts) |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number 247374301 helps us match the correct walk-behind mower parts (for example, the correct deck housing size, blade adapter style, and bagging hardware) and prevents ordering parts that look similar but do not fit.
Tip for faster parts matching
When you write down the model number, also note:
- Any letters after the numbers (if shown)
- The full number exactly as printed
- Whether you’re replacing a deck part, handle part, or bagging part
Last updated: February 2026
Where is Craftsman's model number?
On a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 247374301, the model number is printed on the mower’s ID label (not on the engine). We use that mower model number to match the correct deck, handle, wheels, bagging parts, and other non-engine replacement parts.
Common places to check on a walk-behind mower
Look for a sticker or metal tag in these areas:
- On the rear of the deck near the discharge opening or rear door
- On the top of the deck near the engine mounting area
- On the back of the mower deck behind the engine
- On the handle support brackets where the lower handle bolts on
- Near the rear wheel height adjuster area
What the label usually looks like
Most labels include a few identifiers. Use the mower model number (not the engine numbers) when ordering parts.
| Label item | What it’s used for | Example you might see |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Identifies the mower for parts lookup | 247374301 |
| Serial number | Identifies your specific unit | Varies |
| Product name/brand | Confirms manufacturer line | Craftsman |
Tips to find it fast
- Wipe the deck with a damp rag; grass dust often hides the printing.
- Use a flashlight and look at a low angle; faded ink shows up better.
- If the label is missing, check the 247374301 owner’s manual for typical label locations and diagrams.
Why it matters
Craftsman walk-behind mowers often share similar-looking decks, but parts can differ by model. Using the correct model number helps ensure items like the grass bag, side chute deflector, mulching blade, and zone control cable fit and install correctly.
Last updated: February 2026





