What brand engine does Craftsman use?
Craftsman uses engines from multiple manufacturers across its riding mower and lawn tractor lineup, so the engine brand depends on the specific model. For Craftsman model 247203791, confirm the exact engine make and model by checking the engine ID label and the specifications section in the 247203791 owner's manual.
Common engine brands used on Craftsman riding mowers and tractors include:
- Briggs & Stratton
- Kohler
- Kawasaki
- MTD-branded engines on some units (varies by production year and series)
- Other OEM suppliers depending on the tractor series
Use these quick checks to identify what your tractor has right now (even if the engine was replaced previously):
- Look for an engine ID sticker on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter
- Record the engine model, type, and code (or serial number)
- Match that information to the engine parts list and tune-up specs in the manual
- Compare the engine label to the tractor’s parts diagrams when ordering maintenance parts
| What to look for | Where it’s usually found | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Engine model/type/code | Engine shroud or valve cover area | Identifies the engine manufacturer and exact series |
| Serial number | Sticker or stamped tag | Helps match correct carburetor, ignition, and gasket parts |
| Horsepower/cc rating | Engine label | Confirms you are shopping the right tune-up parts |
Engine brand affects the correct oil type, spark plug, air filter, fuel filter, and even starting-system parts. If you are troubleshooting a no-start or clicking issue, the engine ID also helps narrow down whether you are dealing with a battery, starter, solenoid, or safety interlock problem.
If the engine clicks but will not crank, follow the steps in riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video.
Last updated: February 2026
How to tell year of Craftsman lawn tractor?
For a Craftsman lawn tractor, the year is typically encoded in the date code on the product label; on many Craftsman-built riding mowers, the last two digits of a 6-digit date code indicate the year (for example, 11 = 2011). For model 247203791, confirm the exact label format in the 247203791 owner's manual.
Look for a sticker or metal tag in one of these common spots:
- Under the seat pan or on the seat deck
- On the frame rail near the engine
- Near the rear fender or battery area
- Under the hood near the dash tower
- On the mower deck shell (less common for the main product label)
A very common format is MMDDYY (6 digits):
- MM = month
- DD = day
- YY = year
| Code | Month | Day | Year | Build date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 072811 | 07 | 28 | 11 | July 28, 2011 |
If your label uses a longer serial number, the build date is often embedded within it; match the pattern shown in the 247203791 owner's manual.
- Read the code exactly as printed; don’t swap day and month.
- If the tractor has a separate engine model/serial tag, that date can differ from the tractor’s build date.
- Use the tractor’s model number (247203791) when ordering parts; the build year alone is not enough to guarantee fit.
The build year helps when you are comparing design changes, wiring, and deck configurations, but the model number is what ensures you get the correct blade, solenoid, ignition switch, and other replacement parts.
Last updated: February 2026
How to find Craftsman model number?
On a Craftsman riding lawn tractor, the model number is typically printed on a sticker or metal tag under the seat or on the tractor frame. For your Craftsman 247203791, start by lifting the seat and checking the underside area, then inspect the frame rails near the engine or rear wheels; confirm the exact format in the 247203791 owner's manual.
- Under the seat pan or on the seat support bracket
- On the frame rail below the seat (left or right side)
- Near the engine compartment on the frame
- Around the rear axle area on the frame
- Near the footrest or running board area
Most Craftsman tags include multiple identifiers. Write down everything exactly as shown.
| What you may see | Why it matters | Example format |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Matches parts diagrams and manuals | 247203791 |
| Serial number | Helps identify production run | Letters and numbers |
| Product name/description | Confirms tractor family | “Front-engine lawn tractor” |
- Wipe dirt and grass off with a damp rag; let it dry
- Use a flashlight and take a close-up photo to zoom in
- Look for a second tag if the first is scratched or faded
- Avoid scraping with metal tools; it can remove the printed numbers
Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong blade, ignition switch, or electrical parts. Even small model-number differences can change deck size, wiring, and hardware fit.
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding tractor like model 247203791, a typical engine replacement (parts plus labor) runs about $260 to $1,800, with around 6 labor hours common for a riding mower engine swap. Exact cost depends on the engine type, shop labor rate, and any extra parts needed.
- Engine cost (new vs. rebuilt, horsepower, shaft size, charging system)
- Labor rate (local shop rates vary widely)
- Extra parts often replaced during the job (belts, pulleys, wiring, fuel line)
- Deck and frame access (time to remove hood, battery, deck, and guards)
- Diagnosis time if the “engine” problem is actually electrical or fuel-related
Many “dead engine” symptoms on a front-engine lawn tractor are caused by starting or safety circuits, not a failed engine.
- Battery charge and cable connections (clean and tight)
- Starter solenoid operation (clicking, no crank)
- Safety interlock switches (seat, brake, PTO)
- Fuel quality and carburetion (stale fuel, clogged jet)
- Compression and spark (basic engine health)
If you hear clicking but no crank, our video guide riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video can help narrow it down.
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement engine | $200 to $1,400 | Biggest variable; match shaft and mounting specs |
| Labor | $300 to $900 | Often ~6 hours for riding mowers |
| Misc. parts and supplies | $20 to $200 | Oil, filter, fuel line, clamps, hardware |
Replacing the engine is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. A quick check of the ignition switch, interlock switch, and starter solenoid can prevent spending engine-level money on an electrical or safety-switch problem.
For model-specific procedures and safety steps, follow the 247203791 owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026
What kind of engine does a Craftsman riding lawn mower have?
The Craftsman riding mower model 247203791 uses a gasoline V-twin engine (2-cylinder) with electric start. For the exact engine make, model code, and service specs (oil type, capacity, tune-up intervals), use the 247203791 owner's manual and the engine ID label under the hood.
Even when the engine type is known (V-twin gas), the engine ID label is what you use to match the correct air filter, spark plug, and other engine service parts.
- Open the hood and look for an engine ID label on the blower housing or valve cover
- Record the engine model, type, and code exactly as printed
- Compare those numbers to the specifications section in the manual
- Use the engine code/date to ensure you get the correct tune-up parts for your production run
A V-twin typically runs smoother and has more torque than a single-cylinder engine; it also commonly uses two spark plugs and a larger air filter.
| Item | V-twin (typical) | What to check on your mower |
|---|---|---|
| Cylinders | 2 | Two spark plug boots/wires |
| Starting system | Electric start | Battery, cables, starter solenoid |
| Tune-up parts | More than single-cylinder | Match parts to engine ID label |
The engine identification determines the correct maintenance parts and starting components. If the engine clicks but will not crank, the starting circuit is the place to troubleshoot first.
- Follow the service schedule and oil recommendations in the 247203791 owner's manual
- If the engine clicks but does not turn over, use riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video
- If the engine spins but will not start, use riding lawn mower engine spins but wont start video
Last updated: February 2026





