Owner’s manual
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a lawn mower?
For the Craftsman 247887330 33-inch wide cut mower, it’s cheaper to repair when the fix is routine maintenance or a single worn part and the total repair cost stays under about half the price of a comparable new mower. Replace the mower when you’re facing major drivetrain or engine problems, repeated breakdowns, or unsafe wear.
Quick rule of thumb
We use this simple decision rule for most walk-behind mowers:
- Repair if the estimate is under 50% of the cost of a comparable new mower.
- Replace if repairs are over 50%, or if the mower has recurring failures that keep coming back.
- Replace immediately if the mower can’t be made safe (for example, damaged blade/spindle areas or missing safety shielding).
Common repairs that are usually worth it
These are typically low-to-moderate cost and restore performance fast:
- Replace a dull, bent, or cracked blade (use the OEM blade listed in the 247887330 owner’s manual)
- Replace a worn drive belt
- Replace a stretched or sticking clutch cable
- Tune-up items (spark plug service, fresh oil, cleaning)
- Tighten or replace loose fasteners (nuts, bolts, screws)
Example parts for this model
| Repair need | Example part for Craftsman 247887330 | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Poor cut quality, vibration | 33-inch deck 2-in-1 blade 942-04154A | Cut quality and safety |
| Self-propel issues, slipping | Drive belt (match by diagram/part number) | Drive engagement |
| Blade won’t stay tight | Flange nut (match by diagram/part number) | Blade retention |
When replacement makes more sense
Replacement is the better value when the mower needs high-dollar assemblies or has multiple major issues at once, such as:
- Transmission assembly replacement
- Deck housing damage plus spindle problems
- Ongoing vibration after blade replacement (often points to spindle or deck issues)
- Repeated starting or running problems even after proper tune-up
Why it matters
A mower that’s out of adjustment or has worn cutting components can become unsafe. The manual stresses keeping fasteners tight, inspecting blades for damage, and disconnecting the spark plug before maintenance. Staying on top of blade and deck condition protects cut quality and helps prevent thrown objects.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the common problems with Craftsman lawn mowers?
Common problems on the Craftsman 247887330 gas walk-behind mower are hard starting (fuel or ignition), poor cutting (blade or deck issues), loss of self-propel drive (belt, cable, or pulley issues), and excessive vibration after hitting debris. Our 247887330 owner's manual also calls out safety and maintenance steps that prevent many of these issues.
Most common symptoms and what usually causes them
- Won’t start or starts then dies: stale fuel, dirty carburetor, clogged air filter, fouled spark plug
- Runs rough or surges: restricted fuel flow, dirty air filter, spark plug gap out of spec
- Poor cut quality or uneven cut: dull/bent blade, packed wet grass under deck, cutting too low
- Excessive vibration: blade damage or impact damage (stop and inspect before continuing)
- Self-propel not pulling: worn/loose drive belt, stretched clutch cable, idler pulley wear
Quick checks we recommend (in order)
- Safety first: stop engine and disconnect the spark plug wire before inspecting under the deck.
- Fuel: drain old gas and refill with fresh fuel; old fuel is the top cause of hard starting.
- Air filter and spark plug: clean/replace as needed; the manual recommends checking the spark plug and setting the gap to 0.030 in at least seasonally.
- Blade and deck: clean built-up grass; replace a damaged blade.
- Drive system: inspect belt routing/tension and cable operation.
Parts that commonly fix these problems
| Symptom | Common fix | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Poor cut, vibration | Replace damaged/dull blade | 33-inch deck 2-in-1 blade 942-04154A |
| Self-propel slips | Replace worn drive belt | Belt, 1/2 x 72-1/2-in 954-04139 |
| Self-propel won’t engage | Replace stretched/broken cable | Clutch cable kit 946-04609 |
| Belt squeal, poor drive | Replace worn pulley | Lawn mower idler pulley (match by diagram) |
Why it matters
Running with a damaged blade or after striking a foreign object can cause severe vibration and further damage. The manual specifically advises stopping the engine, disconnecting the spark plug, inspecting for damage, and repairing before restarting.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 247887330?
The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind mower is 247.887330 (often written without the dot as 247887330). You can confirm it on the model and serial tag and in the 247887330 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the mower
Check these common locations on Craftsman walk-behind mowers:
- The model and serial number label on the mower deck (often near the rear or side of the deck)
- Near the handle mounting area on the deck
- In the printed documentation that came with the mower
- On the first pages of the manual under the model heading
Model number formats you may see
Both formats refer to the same mower.
| You might see it as | What it means |
|---|---|
| 247.887330 | Standard manual/label format |
| 247887330 | Same model number without punctuation |
Why the model number matters for parts
Using the exact model number helps us match the correct parts list for your 33-inch wide cut mower, including items like the blade, drive components, and hardware.
- Ensures the correct parts diagram and parts list apply
- Prevents ordering the wrong blade size or deck parts
- Helps match drive system parts like belts, pulleys, and cables
Example of a model-matched part
If you are shopping for common deck hardware for this model, a model-matched example is the lawn & garden equipment hex flange nut 788089A.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is Craftsman Model 247887330?
The Craftsman model 247887330 operator’s manual for the 33-inch wide cut mower is dated December 16, 2009, which places this model’s documentation in the 2009 timeframe. For the exact build year of your specific mower, use the serial number date code format shown in the 247887330 operator's manual.
How to find the year from the serial number
On Craftsman walk-behind mowers like model 247887330, the serial number label typically includes a date code. Use this quick process:
- Locate the model and serial number label on the mower (often on the deck or frame)
- Write down the full serial number exactly as shown
- Look for a 6-digit date code embedded in the serial number
- Decode it as MMDDYY (month, day, year)
- Convert YY to a 4-digit year (example: 09 = 2009, 11 = 2011)
Date code examples (MMDDYY)
| Date code | Interprets as | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 121609 | December 16, 2009 | 2009 |
| 072811 | July 28, 2011 | 2011 |
| 031512 | March 15, 2012 | 2012 |
Why it matters
The build year helps us match the correct parts and revisions for your mower, especially for wear items like the blade, belt, and control cables. Even within the same model number, manufacturers sometimes update components over time.
If you are replacing common wear parts, match by model first, then confirm by serial/date code. For example, this model uses a 33-inch deck blade such as part number 942-04154A.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is Craftsman's model number?
On the Craftsman walk-behind mower model 247887330, the model and serial number label is located on the mower deck (the main body) near the rear area; the operator’s manual shows it as “MODEL and SERIAL NUMBERS HERE.” Use that mower label for non-engine parts lookups; the engine has its own ID tag. See the 247887330 operator's manual.
Where to look on the mower
Check these common label locations on a 33-inch wide cut mower:
- Top of the deck near the rear wheels
- Rear of the deck behind the engine area
- Side of the deck near the discharge chute/deflector area
- Under the handle mounting area (where the handle brackets attach)
Mower model number vs. engine model number
You may see two different identification sets. Here is how to use them:
| What you’re fixing | Number to use | Where it’s found |
|---|---|---|
| Deck, blade, belt, transmission, handle parts | Mower model number (247887330) | Label on the mower deck |
| Carburetor, ignition, starter, internal engine parts | Engine model/type/code | Tag or stamping on the Briggs and Stratton engine |
Tips to read the label correctly
- Write down model number and serial number exactly as shown
- Clean the label gently (dirt and grass can hide digits)
- Take a clear photo before ordering parts
- If the label is worn, compare the deck and drive components to the diagrams in the manual
Why it matters
Using the mower’s model number ensures you get the correct fit for chassis-specific parts like the 33-inch deck blade, belt routing, and transmission components; engine numbers only match engine-specific parts.
Last updated: February 2026
