Owner’s manual
How to read Craftsman serial number?
On Craftsman lawn tractors like model 247273720, the serial number format depends on the manufacturing system used. A common Craftsman-style date code uses six digits where the first two are the month, the next two are the day, and the last two are the year (MMDDYY). Confirm the exact format for your tractor in the owner's manual.
How to decode the most common 6-digit date code (MMDDYY)
If your serial number begins with six digits, read it like this:
- Digits 1-2: month (01 to 12)
- Digits 3-4: day (01 to 31)
- Digits 5-6: year (00 to 99)
- Example: 072811 = July 28, 2011
Where to find the serial number on a lawn tractor
Most Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors place the model and serial label in one of these spots:
- Under the seat (seat pan area)
- On the frame near the rear fender
- On the left or right side of the frame rail
- Near the engine compartment on the chassis
Clean the label with a dry rag first; grass dust and oil film can hide digits.
Quick check: does your serial number match the MMDDYY pattern?
Use this table to sanity-check what you see.
| What you see | What it usually means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Starts with 6 digits (example 072811) | Date-style code (MMDDYY) | Decode the first 6 digits as a build date |
| Mix of letters and numbers | Plant/sequence style code | Use the manual label diagram and record the full string |
| Label is damaged or missing | ID cannot be read reliably | Use the model number 247273720 and match parts by diagram |
Why it matters
Knowing the build date and full serial helps us match the correct parts diagrams for your Craftsman T1000-series tractor, especially when there are mid-production changes to items like belts, blades, and cables.
Last updated: February 2026
How to find Craftsman mower parts?
To find the right parts for your Craftsman lawn tractor model 247273720, start by locating the model label on the tractor, then match that model number to the parts list and diagrams. For model-specific identification and maintenance details, use the owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the tractor
On Craftsman riding mowers and tractors, the model label is commonly on the rear frame between the wheels. Once you have the full model number, you can use it to pull the correct parts diagrams (deck, drive, steering, engine, and electrical).
- Check the rear frame between the back wheels first
- Wipe dirt and grass off the label so all digits are readable
- Write the model number exactly as shown (including any dots or suffixes)
- Use the model number to match the correct deck size and drive system
- Keep the model number handy for future tune-ups and repairs
How we recommend matching the correct replacement part
After you confirm the model number, match parts by location and function (for example: deck drive vs. ground drive), then verify the part description before ordering.
| What you’re replacing | What to match | Example part from this model’s parts list |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor won’t move or slips | Ground drive belt routing and length | Mtd lawn tractor ground drive belt, 2/3 x 90-4/5-in 490-501-y035 |
| Blades won’t engage | Blade engagement cable style and mounting points | Craftsman lawn tractor blade engagement cable 946-05124A |
| Engine maintenance | Correct filter type for the engine family | Mtd lawn & garden equipment engine oil filter 951-12690 |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number (and then matching the correct diagram section) prevents ordering a belt, blade, or cable that fits a different deck or drive configuration. That saves time and helps keep your tractor operating safely and cutting evenly.
Last updated: February 2026
Can you tell the year of a lawn mower by serial number?
Yes. For Craftsman lawn tractor model 247273720, the serial number often includes a date code that can be decoded to identify the production date (and therefore the year). The exact format varies by manufacturer and sometimes by the engine brand, so we use the model’s documentation to match the correct code style.
Where to find the serial number and date code
On most Craftsman riding mowers and tractors, you will find identification information on a product label (often under the seat, on the frame, or near the rear fender area). Check the labeling section in the 247273720 owner's manual for the locations used on your tractor.
- Look for a label that shows model and serial information
- Clean the label gently so all digits are readable
- Write the serial number exactly as shown (include letters and dashes)
- If the tractor has an engine label, record the engine model/type/code too
- Compare what you find to the identification guidance in the manual
How serial number formats typically encode the year
Serial number and date code formats are not universal. These are the most common patterns we see on lawn tractors and small engines:
| What you’re decoding | Common format | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor serial/date code | 6-digit date code (varies) | Often month, day, and year in some order |
| Engine code (on engine label) | Manufacturer-specific code | Engine build date (can be close to tractor build date) |
| Mixed letters and numbers | Plant + sequence + date | May include a year digit or week-of-year |
Best practice for getting the correct year
We recommend decoding in this order so you get the most reliable result:
- Use the tractor’s identification label first (model 247273720).
- If the tractor label does not clearly show a date, decode the engine label next.
- Cross-check the result against the manual’s model family and publication details in the 247273720 owner's manual.
Why it matters
Knowing the correct year helps us match the right parts and diagrams for your Craftsman lawn tractor, especially for items that change across production runs (belts, blades, cables, and electrical parts).
Last updated: February 2026
What are common problems with Craftsman riding mowers?
Common problems on the Craftsman lawn tractor model 247273720 usually fall into three areas: starting and safety-interlock issues, rough-running or overheating engine conditions, and cutting or drive problems (uneven cut, poor mulching, vibration, or belt wear). Our owner's manual troubleshooting chart covers many of these symptoms.
Most common problem areas to check first
- No-start or click-no-crank: weak battery, loose/corroded cables, failed solenoid, or a safety switch not made (brake, PTO, seat).
- Cranks but will not start: stale fuel, restricted fuel flow, dirty air filter, or spark plug issues.
- Engine runs rough or hesitates: fouled plug, dirty air cleaner, incorrect plug gap.
- Engine overheats: low oil level or blocked cooling fins/housing from grass and debris.
- Poor cut quality: deck out of level, dull blade, uneven tire pressure.
- Excessive vibration: loose blade/spindle hardware or a bent/unbalanced blade.
Quick symptom-to-cause guide (what we see most)
| Symptom | Most likely causes | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Uneven cut | Deck not leveled, dull blade, uneven tire pressure | Level deck; sharpen/replace blade; set tire pressures evenly |
| Won’t mulch well | Engine speed too low, wet/tall grass, dull blade | Run at FAST (rabbit); mow dry grass; raise deck then re-cut |
| Excessive vibration | Blade loose/unbalanced, blade bent | Tighten blade/spindle; replace damaged blade |
| Overheating | Low oil, airflow restricted | Correct oil level; clean cooling fins/housing |
Parts that commonly solve these issues
If inspection shows wear or damage, these model-compatible parts are common fixes:
- Lawn tractor starter solenoid 725-06153 for click-no-crank electrical starting problems
- Mtd lawn tractor ground drive belt, 2/3 x 90-4/5-in 954-0467A for drive slipping or loss of ground speed
- Mtd lawn tractor 46-in deck mulching blade 942-04268 for poor mulching, ragged cut, or vibration from blade damage
Why it matters
Many “big” mower problems start as simple maintenance or adjustment issues. Keeping the safety interlock system working, running the engine at the proper throttle setting when mowing, and maintaining sharp blades and a level deck helps protect the machine and improves cut quality.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 247273720 riding mower?
The model number for this Craftsman riding mower is 247.27372* (often shown without punctuation as 247273720 on parts listings). It’s part of the Craftsman T1000 Series lawn tractors; confirm the exact model label format in the owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the tractor
We use the model number on the product ID label to match the correct parts (belts, blades, cables) and the right operator instructions.
- Check the product ID label under the seat or near the rear fender area
- Write the model number exactly as printed (including dots and any asterisk)
- Record the serial number too; it helps with production variations
- Use the model number when ordering maintenance items like an oil filter or deck blade
Model number formats you may see
These formats refer to the same model family; the punctuation varies by label vs. parts page.
| Where you see it | Example format | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Parts page / search | 247273720 | Model number without punctuation |
| Operator’s manual cover | 247.27372* | Same model family; * indicates a series/variation |
| Product ID label | 247.27372XXX | Full model with suffix characters (varies) |
Why it matters
Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong deck parts and drive components. For example, the correct match affects fitment for items like the ground drive belt and 46-in deck components.
Helpful next step
If you’re matching parts for this tractor, start with the diagrams and part lists, then cross-check procedures and specs in the owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026
