What riding mower has the least problems?
If your goal is the fewest problems overall, Kubota riding mowers are widely rated among the most reliable in owner surveys. For your specific Craftsman tractor model 247204380, reliability depends most on maintenance and correct setup; use the 247204380 owner’s manual to follow the service schedule and operating guidelines.
We can’t identify a single “least problems” riding mower model from the Craftsman 247204380 model information alone because reliability rankings come from broad owner-survey data across many brands and mower types. What we can do is help you reduce the most common failure points on this tractor.
- Change engine oil and filter on schedule; old oil accelerates engine wear.
- Keep the air filter clean; restricted airflow causes power loss and hard starting.
- Use fresh fuel and stabilize it for storage; stale fuel leads to carburetor problems.
- Keep the mower deck clean and level; buildup increases belt and spindle load.
- Check tire pressure regularly; uneven pressure causes uneven cutting and steering pull.
- Inspect belts, pulleys, and idlers for glazing, cracking, or wobble.
| Area | Common problem | What helps most |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel system | Hard start, surging | Fresh fuel, clean filter, proper storage |
| Battery/starting | Clicks, no crank | Battery maintenance, clean terminals |
| Deck drive | Vibration, poor cut | Deck cleaning, leveling, belt inspection |
| Steering/tires | Pulling, uneven cut | Correct tire pressure, front-end checks |
If you want to reduce clumping and keep the deck area cleaner during heavy growth, consider using the correct attachments for your setup, such as the lawn tractor mulch kit 19A70041OEM or the lawn tractor 2-bin bagger 19B30031OEM. These don’t guarantee fewer repairs, but they can reduce buildup and improve cut quality when used correctly.
Most “problem” complaints on riding mowers come from preventable wear: dirty cooling fins, neglected oil changes, stale fuel, and overloaded decks. Staying on top of routine service typically does more for long-term reliability than brand alone.
Last updated: January 2026
Where to find model number on riding mower?
On the Craftsman riding mower model 247204380, the model number is typically printed on a sticker or metal tag on the mower frame or deck area. The most common spots are under the seat, on the frame near the rear wheels, or on the cutting deck. For diagrams and label callouts, use the 247204380 manual.
Look for a white/silver label with a model number and serial number. Check these areas first:
- Under the seat (seat pan or seat support area)
- Rear of the frame, between or above the rear wheels
- Left or right side of the frame rail
- On or near the cutting deck (often rear-left area of the deck)
- Near the engine shroud or starter housing area
- Wipe dirt and grass off the label; use a flashlight at an angle
- Write down the full model number exactly as shown (including dashes or extra digits)
- Record the serial number too; it helps confirm the correct parts list
- If the label is damaged, check for a second tag under the seat or on the frame
| What you see on the tag | What it’s used for |
|---|---|
| Model number (example: 247204380) | Matching parts diagrams and replacement parts |
| Serial number | Identifying production run details |
| Brand name (Craftsman/MTD) | Confirming manufacturer family |
Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong belt, blade, deck hardware, or accessories. Even small model-number differences can change the cutting deck setup, idler bracket style, or bagger compatibility.
Last updated: January 2026
How to tell model year of Craftsman riding mower?
For Craftsman model 247204380, the model year is typically determined from the product identification label (often under the seat or on the frame) by decoding the serial number. The exact serial-number format can vary by production run, so we recommend confirming the date-code style shown in the 247204380 owner’s manual.
Look for a sticker or metal tag that lists the model and serial information. Common locations on riding mowers and lawn tractors include:
- Under the seat pan (lift the seat)
- On the rear frame near the hitch plate
- On the left or right frame rail below the footrest
- Under the hood near the engine compartment
- Near the transmission area on the frame
Many Craftsman riding mowers use a serial/date code that can be read as a build date, but the pattern is not universal across all manufacturers that built Craftsman tractors.
A common example format you may see is:
- MMDDYY within the first block of digits (example: 071294 = July 12, 1994)
| Serial snippet | Meaning | Example result |
|---|---|---|
| MM | Month | 07 = July |
| DD | Day | 12 = 12th |
| YY | Year | 94 = 1994 |
Knowing the build year helps us match the correct parts diagrams and compatible components for your Craftsman tractor, especially for items that change mid-series (belts, deck hardware, decals, and attachments).
When you are matching accessories, use the model number first, then confirm any required serial/date range:
- Lawn tractor 2-bin bagger 19B30031OEM (collection system)
- Lawn tractor mulch kit 19A70041OEM (mulching setup)
Last updated: January 2026
What are the common problems with Craftsman lawn mowers?
Common problems we see on Craftsman riding mowers like model 247204380 include hard starting or no-start, rough running, loss of power when the blades are engaged, uneven cutting, and fuel leaks. Some units also develop deck wear (grooves/rust) and brake or hood hardware issues; use the 247204380 owner's manual for model-specific checks and adjustments.
- Won’t start or cranks slowly: weak battery, dirty connections, safety interlock issue, stale fuel
- Runs rough or misfires: dirty air filter, old fuel, spark plug/ignition issue
- Loses power with blades on: deck belt drag, dull blades, clogged deck, engine tune-up needed
- Cuts unevenly: deck out of level, worn deck wheels, bent blade, tire pressure mismatch
- Gas smell or fuel leak: loose cap, cracked fuel line, leaking tank or grommet
- Verify the PTO/blade switch is off and the brake is fully set (interlock conditions).
- Check fuel freshness and the fuel cap vent; replace old fuel.
- Inspect the mower deck for packed grass and blade damage.
- Look for wet spots around the tank, cap, and fuel line routing.
- Confirm tire pressures match side-to-side before leveling the deck.
These are model-related examples from the 247204380 parts list when you’re chasing fuel or deck issues:
| Symptom | Part to inspect | Example from this model’s parts list |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel leak near tank | Fuel tank, cap | Lawn tractor fuel tank 651P08850, lawn tractor fuel tank cap 751P15242A |
| Poor bagging or heavy clumping | Collection or mulching setup | Lawn tractor 2-bin bagger 19B30031OEM, lawn tractor mulch kit 19A70041OEM |
Catching small issues early (like a venting fuel cap, packed deck, or a loose fastener) helps prevent hard starting, poor cut quality, and premature belt and spindle wear during peak mowing season.
Last updated: January 2026





