Owner’s manual
Are gas lawn mowers being phased out?
Gas walk-behind mowers like the Craftsman 24738814 are not being phased out everywhere at once; the shift is happening gradually as some states and cities restrict new sales of certain gas-powered outdoor equipment, while many homeowners move to battery models for lower noise and simpler maintenance.
What this means for owning a Craftsman 24738814
You can keep using and maintaining your mower normally. The biggest practical change is long-term: availability and selection of new gas models may shrink in some areas, but parts support and routine service remain the key to keeping your mower reliable.
- Keep up with basic maintenance (oil, blade condition, cleaning) to extend service life.
- Store fuel safely; gasoline fumes are flammable and should not be stored indoors.
- Let the engine cool before refueling (the manual calls out at least two minutes).
- Never run the engine indoors; exhaust contains carbon monoxide.
- Use extra caution on slopes; the manual warns against mowing slopes greater than 15°.
For model-specific operating and safety guidance, follow the 24738814 owner's manual.
Regulations and market changes (quick comparison)
Restrictions vary by location and usually focus on new equipment sales, not on using an existing mower.
| Topic | What typically changes | What usually does not change |
|---|---|---|
| New mower purchases | Fewer gas options in some regions | Electric and battery options expand |
| Owning an existing gas mower | Continued use and maintenance | No immediate requirement to replace |
| Service and upkeep | More emphasis on tune-ups and storage | Standard DIY maintenance still applies |
Why it matters
If gas models become less common where you live, good maintenance becomes even more valuable. Proper fuel handling and off-season storage help prevent carburetor gumming and hard-start problems, which keeps your Craftsman mower dependable year after year.
Last updated: January 2026
How much does a 72 inch mower weigh?
A 72-inch mower typically weighs about 1,326 to 1,445 lb (601 to 655 kg), depending on whether it’s a commercial zero-turn, engine size, and deck construction. Your Craftsman walk-behind mower model 24738814 uses a smaller deck, so its weight is far below that range; confirm your mower’s specs in the 24738814 owner's manual.
What changes the weight on a 72-inch mower
Most 72-inch decks are found on heavy-duty zero-turn or commercial mowers. Weight varies mainly with:
- Engine horsepower and engine type
- Frame and deck thickness (fabricated vs. stamped)
- Transmission/hydraulic drive components
- Fuel capacity and whether the tank is full
- Accessories (bagger, mulch kit, striping kit, weights)
Quick comparison: 72-inch mower vs. Craftsman 24738814
| Mower type | Typical deck size | Typical weight range |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial zero-turn | 72 in | 1,326 to 1,445 lb |
| Walk-behind mower (like Craftsman 24738814) | Usually 20 to 22 in | Much lighter (commonly under 150 lb) |
Why it matters
Knowing mower weight helps you choose the right trailer ramps, tie-down points, and storage surface. It also affects turf compaction and how safely you can load, unload, or transport the mower.
Last updated: January 2026
Should I use 87 or 93 for lawn mower?
For the Craftsman lawn mower model 24738814, use regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 86 octane; in most areas that means 87 octane is the right choice. 93 octane is not needed for normal operation and will not improve cutting performance.
What to use (and what to avoid)
- Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline (minimum 86 octane).
- 87 octane meets the requirement and is the best everyday option.
- 93 octane is optional but unnecessary; it typically adds cost without benefit.
- Do not use stale fuel; gasoline can start to deteriorate in about 30 days.
- Do not use contaminated fuel or an oil/gasoline mixture.
Quick fuel guidance table
| Fuel choice | OK for model 24738814? | When it makes sense |
|---|---|---|
| 87 octane regular | Yes | Normal mowing, best value |
| 93 octane premium | Yes, but unnecessary | Only if 87 is unavailable |
| Old fuel (30+ days) | No | Drain/replace with fresh fuel |
| Contaminated fuel (water/dirt) | No | Clean tank/carb as needed |
Safe refueling and starting reminders
Follow the safety steps in the 24738814 owner's manual:
- Let the engine cool at least 2 minutes before refueling.
- Don’t overfill; leave room for fuel expansion.
- Wipe up spills before starting.
- Move at least 10 feet away from the fuel source before starting.
- Never run the engine indoors; exhaust contains carbon monoxide.
Why it matters
Using the correct octane and fresh fuel helps prevent hard starting, rough running, and carburetor gumming. It also reduces the chance of fuel-related downtime during mowing season.
Last updated: January 2026
