What riding mower has the least problems?
No single riding mower is “problem-free”, but the models with the fewest problems are typically commercial-grade machines with strong dealer support and a proven maintenance schedule. For a Craftsman lawn tractor like model 247273730, reliability improves most when we follow the maintenance and safe-operating guidance in the 247273730 owner's manual and keep wear items (belts, blades, filters) in good condition.
What to look for when “least problems” is the goal
- Simple, proven drivetrain (fewer electronic features usually means fewer failure points)
- Easy parts availability for common wear items (deck belt, blades, oil filter, solenoid)
- Strong local service network (fast diagnostics and correct parts)
- Right-size mower for your yard (overworking a small deck or engine increases breakdowns)
- Routine maintenance history (oil changes, air filter service, blade care)
Reliability checklist for your Craftsman 247273730
The fastest way to reduce “problems” is preventing the common ones:
- Mow at full throttle and avoid mowing at high ground speed when using attachments
- Avoid wet grass; it increases belt load and can lead to poor cut quality
- Keep blades sharp and balanced; vibration often points to a loose or damaged blade
- Replace worn deck-drive components on schedule, especially the lawn tractor blade drive belt, 1/2 x 96-1/2-in 490-501-y044
- Use the correct oil filter and change oil on time; the mtd lawn & garden equipment engine oil filter is a common tune-up item
Common “least-problems” comparisons (what usually matters)
| Factor | Lawn tractor (like 247273730) | Zero-turn mower |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Mixed mowing and light towing | Faster mowing, tight turns |
| Typical trouble spots | Deck belt, blades, idlers, battery/solenoid | Deck spindles, belts, hydro drive maintenance |
| Reliability driver | Maintenance + not overloading deck | Maintenance + keeping hydro system healthy |
Why it matters
Most “problem” complaints trace back to operating conditions and wear parts. For example, mowing overly tall or dry material can create heavy deck load and debris buildup; safe mowing practices and correct deck setup reduce breakdowns and downtime.
Last updated: January 2026
Where to find model number on riding mower?
On a Craftsman lawn tractor like model 247273730, the model number is typically printed on a product ID label located on the frame or under the seat area. Use the label exactly as shown so you get the correct parts and operator information.
Common places to check on a riding mower
Look for a sticker or metal tag in these spots (wipe off grass and dirt first):
- Underside of the seat pan or on the seat mounting bracket
- Rear of the frame, between the rear wheels
- Left or right side of the frame rail
- Near the engine starter housing or blower housing area
- On or near the cutting deck (often along the rear or side edge)
- Under the hood near the dash tower or battery tray
For model-specific label location diagrams and tractor identification details, use the 247273730 operator’s manual.
Quick ID checklist (so you record it correctly)
When you find the label, capture these items:
- Model number (example format: 247.27373X or 247273730)
- Serial number (unique to your tractor)
- Manufacture date (if shown)
- Engine model/type/code (often on the engine itself)
Why the exact model number matters
Craftsman T1000-series tractors can look similar but use different deck sizes, belts, blades, and electrical parts. Matching the exact model number helps ensure the right fit for items like a deck belt, blade, or starter solenoid.
Examples of parts that depend on correct identification
| Part type | What can vary | Example from this model’s parts list |
|---|---|---|
| Deck belt | Length and width | Lawn tractor blade drive belt, 1/2 x 96-1/2-in 954-04060C |
| Deck blade | Length and center hole pattern | Mtd Lawn Tractor 42-in Deck 3-in-1 Blade 942-0616A |
| Starting system | Wiring and mounting style | Lawn Tractor Starter Solenoid 725-06153 |
Why it matters
Using the correct model number for 247273730 prevents ordering the wrong Craftsman lawn tractor parts and reduces downtime during mowing season.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 42 riding mower?
For the Craftsman 42-inch riding mower shown on this page, the model number is 247273730. In the operator’s manual, this tractor family is listed under the T1000 Series and includes related 42-inch deck models such as 247.27373* (the last digit can vary by version).
Where to find the model number on your mower
We recommend confirming the exact model number on the tractor itself before ordering parts.
- Check the product ID tag under the seat or on the rear fender area
- Look near the frame rail by the engine, battery, or footrest
- Match the full model number exactly (including any final digit or suffix)
- Use the model number to select the correct deck belt, blades, and electrical parts
Model number formats you may see
Craftsman riding mower model numbers are often shown with or without a dot, depending on the label or manual.
| Where you see it | Example format | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Sears PartsDirect model page | 247273730 | Full model number used for parts lookup |
| Operator’s manual family listing | 247.27373* | Model family; * indicates the last digit varies |
Why it matters for parts and maintenance
Using the exact model number helps us match the correct 42-in deck components and service parts for your tractor, especially when multiple T1000 Series versions share similar frames but use different belts, blades, or wiring.
If you are servicing the cutting deck, common wear items include the blade drive belt and 42-in deck blades; always match parts to your exact model and deck configuration.
- Reference the belt routing and deck setup in the 247273730 operator’s manual
- For deck drive issues (squealing, slipping, blades not engaging), the lawn tractor blade drive belt, 1/2 x 96-1/2-in is a common replacement item for this model family
Last updated: January 2026
How to read Craftsman serial number?
On Craftsman lawn tractors like model 247273730, the serial number is typically used to identify the manufacturing date and production run. We recommend confirming the exact serial-number format for your tractor in the 247273730 operator’s manual, then matching the serial tag characters to the manual’s date-code explanation.
Where to find the serial number
Most Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors place the serial/model tag in one of these spots:
- Under the seat pan (lift the seat)
- On the frame rail near the engine
- Near the rear hitch plate or rear frame crossmember
- Under the hood area on the chassis
How to interpret the serial number (common Craftsman formats)
Craftsman has used more than one serial-number pattern across different production years and suppliers. A very common format uses a date code embedded in the serial number.
- Look for a 6-digit date block within the serial number
- A common pattern is MMDDYY (month, day, year)
- Example: 072811 reads as July 28, 2011
Quick example table
| Serial date block | Reads as | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 010524 | MMDDYY | January 5, 2024 |
| 072811 | MMDDYY | July 28, 2011 |
| 112015 | MMDDYY | November 20, 2015 |
Steps we use to verify the date code
- Write down the full model number and full serial number exactly as shown
- Identify whether the serial contains a 6-digit date block
- Decode it as MMDDYY if it matches a valid calendar date
- Cross-check the result against the tractor’s manual coverage and features listed in the 247273730 operator’s manual
Why it matters
Reading the serial number correctly helps us match the right Craftsman parts and diagrams for your lawn tractor, especially for items that change by production run (deck components, wiring harnesses, and accessories).
Last updated: January 2026





