What brand engine does Craftsman use?
For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 247288812, the engine is a Briggs & Stratton engine; the operator’s manual lists engine model 31C707-3346-G6 for this tractor. For other Craftsman riding mowers, the engine brand can vary by model and year.
We recommend using the engine model number and the engine ID label on the blower housing (shroud) to match parts and service info.
- Check the engine shroud for a Briggs & Stratton ID label (model, type, code).
- Match the tractor model number 247288812 to the engine listing in the 247288812 owner’s manual.
- Use the engine model (example: 31C707-3346-G6) when ordering engine-specific parts.
- If the tractor has been repowered, rely on the engine label, not the tractor model.
- Keep the engine code handy; it identifies the exact build date and configuration.
Craftsman has used multiple engine suppliers across different riding mower and tractor lines.
| Engine brand | Where you’ll see it | What to use for parts lookup |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton | Many Craftsman lawn tractors | Engine model/type/code label |
| Kohler | Some mid to higher output tractors | Engine spec number and model |
| Kawasaki | Some premium models | Engine model and spec |
The engine brand and model determine the correct tune-up parts (air filter, spark plug, fuel filter), carburetor kits, and service procedures. Using the tractor model alone can lead to mismatched engine parts if the engine family differs.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth replacing a lawn mower engine?
Replacing the engine on your Craftsman lawn tractor model 247288812 is worth it when the tractor’s deck, steering, and transmission are solid and the total engine-swap cost stays well below the cost of a comparable new rider. If the tractor has major deck or drive wear, replacement is the better value.
- Worth it if the mower deck is straight (no cracks/rot), spindles are tight, and the tractor drives smoothly.
- Worth it if you can do most labor yourself and only need normal wear items (belts, cables, pulleys).
- Not worth it if the deck housing is badly rusted, the transaxle slips, or multiple big-ticket parts are failing.
- Not worth it if the engine failure was caused by severe overheating or oil starvation and the rest of the machine shows heavy neglect.
- Not worth it if the engine-swap total approaches about half the price of a new rider with similar capability.
| Option | Up-front cost | Reliability | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace engine | Higher parts cost, moderate labor | High if installed correctly | Good deck and drivetrain, DIY-friendly owners |
| Buy new tractor | Highest cost | High with full new-machine warranty | Worn deck/drivetrain, you want turnkey reliability |
| Repair existing engine | Lowest if minor issue | Varies | No-start, tune-up, fuel, or ignition problems |
Many “dead engine” symptoms on riding mowers are ignition, fuel, or safety-interlock related. Your 247288812 owner’s manual lists common causes like PTO engaged, parking brake not set, stale fuel, blocked fuel line, blown fuse, and spark plug issues.
Start with these high-impact checks:
- Use fresh gasoline (under 30 days old) and confirm the fuel cap vent is open.
- Verify the PTO/blade engage is OFF and the parking brake is engaged.
- Inspect the spark plug and set the gap to 0.030 in; replace seasonally (Champion RC12YC is commonly specified in the manual).
- Clean debris from the engine cooling fins and around the muffler; overheating shortens engine life.
- If the engine clicks or cranks but will not start, follow riding lawn mower engine spins but wont start video.
An engine swap can extend the life of a good Craftsman rider for years, but it only pays off when the rest of the tractor (deck, belts, pulleys, transaxle, wiring) is in good condition. Otherwise, you risk chasing one expensive repair after another.
Last updated: February 2026
How to look up Craftsman model number?
On a Craftsman riding mower like model 247288812, we look up the model number by finding the model and serial tag on the tractor frame under the seat area (often on the frame rail beneath the seat). Confirm the exact characters, then use that full model number when ordering parts.
Check these common locations on Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors:
- On the frame under the seat (lift the seat and look down at the frame rails)
- On the underside of the seat pan
- Near the rear fender area close to the seat mounting points
- Occasionally on the hood or dash support area (less common)
For diagrams and model-specific identification notes, use the 247288812 owner's manual.
Model tags can be dirty or partially worn. Use this quick process:
- Wipe the tag clean and use a flashlight
- Copy the model number exactly (numbers, dots, and dashes if present)
- Record the serial number too; it helps match production variations
- Take a clear photo before the label fades further
Your tractor model number identifies the mower itself. The engine can have its own model number (the manual for 247288812 shows an engine model format like 31C707-3346-G6), which is useful for engine-specific parts, but it is not the tractor model number.
| What you’re identifying | Example format | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model number | 247288812 | Mower parts diagrams and most parts orders |
| Engine model number | 31C707-3346-G6 | Engine-only parts (carburetor, gaskets, ignition) |
Using the exact Craftsman model number ensures we match the correct deck, belts, steering parts, and hardware for your tractor. Even small model differences can change belt routing, pulley sizes, and linkage parts.
Last updated: February 2026
How to identify a lawn mower engine?
To identify the engine on your Craftsman riding tractor model 247288812, read the engine’s own ID label or stamped numbers (not the tractor model tag). Those engine numbers let us match the correct parts list for tune-up items, fuel system parts, and ignition components.
Look directly on the engine, not on the hood or frame. Clean the area first so the numbers are readable.
- Stamped into the sheet metal shroud directly above the muffler
- On the front of the engine between the engine logo/emissions marking and the air cleaner
- On the blower housing near the recoil or cooling shroud
- On the emissions label attached to the shroud (often includes an engine family code)
Record every line exactly as shown; one missing digit can point to the wrong carburetor or ignition parts.
- Engine model number
- Type or spec code (sometimes shown as “TYPE”, “SPEC”, or a suffix)
- Serial number
- Engine family or emissions code (if present)
| Marking on engine | What it helps with | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Primary parts lookup | Gets you to the correct engine diagram |
| Type/spec code | Exact configuration match | Prevents wrong air filter, carb, or ignition parts |
| Serial number | Production run details | Helps confirm revisions |
The tractor model number 247288812 identifies the chassis, deck, and drive system; the engine ID identifies the engine itself. Using the engine ID prevents ordering the wrong maintenance parts.
- Let the engine and muffler cool completely before reaching near the shroud
- Remove the key and disconnect the spark plug wire before cleaning around labels
- Use a flashlight; stamped numbers can be faint under paint or grime
For operating, maintenance, and troubleshooting guidance while you locate the ID, use the 247288812 owner’s manual.
Last updated: February 2026





