What are the common problems with Craftsman lawn mowers?
Common problems on the Craftsman 247374710 walk-behind gas mower are no-start or hard-start conditions, poor cutting or vibration from a damaged blade, and safety-related issues caused by missing or worn discharge and bagging components. Our best first checks are fuel and oil setup, blade condition, and making sure all shields and covers are installed per the 247374710 operator’s manual.
Most common symptoms and what usually causes them
- Won’t start / hard to start: old fuel, incorrect starting steps, dirty air filter, fouled spark plug, or fuel delivery issues
- Rough running / surging: stale gas, partially clogged carburetor passages, restricted airflow
- Poor cut quality: dull or bent blade, grass buildup under the deck, mowing too fast in heavy grass
- Excessive vibration: bent/cracked blade or loose blade and engine mounting bolts (inspect and tighten as needed)
- Clippings not bagging well: torn or clogged bag, missing or damaged rear skirt or discharge components
Safety and inspection steps we use first
Before any inspection or repair:
- Shut the engine off and let moving parts stop
- Disconnect the spark plug wire and secure it away from the plug
- Check that the discharge cover and rear trail shield are in place and functional
- Inspect the blade for bends, cracks, or heavy wear; handle the blade with gloves
- After hitting an object, inspect for damage before restarting
Quick “symptom to check” guide
| Symptom | Fast checks | Likely next step |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t start | Fresh gas, oil added, spark plug wire connected | Clean/replace spark plug; check fuel delivery |
| Vibrates | Blade damage; loose mounting bolts | Replace blade; tighten hardware |
| Leaves clumps | Deck packed with wet grass; blade dull | Clean deck; sharpen/replace blade |
| Won’t bag | Bag full/torn; chute area blocked | Empty/clean; replace bag if torn |
Parts that commonly wear or get damaged
These are frequent “fix it now” items on walk-behind mowers:
- Grass catcher: lawn mower grass bag 964-04154A
- Side discharge: mtd lawn mower side chute deflector 731-07486
- Rear discharge area protection: mtd lawn mower rear skirt 731-07203
- Cutting system wear item: Craftsman troybilt lawn mower 21-in deck mulching blade 942-0741A
Why it matters
Most mower problems trace back to fuel quality, blade condition, or missing safety shields. Keeping bolts tight, replacing worn discharge and bagging parts, and servicing fuel before storage improves cut quality, reduces vibration, and helps prevent unsafe operation.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 247374710?
The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind mower is 247374710. On Craftsman 21-inch mower manuals, this model family is often shown as 247.37471* (the last digit varies), which aligns with model 247374710.
Where to find the model number on the mower
We recommend confirming the number on the mower’s ID label so you match the correct parts list.
- Check the rear of the deck near the discharge opening
- Look around the engine mounting area on top of the deck
- Inspect the handle bracket area (left or right side)
- Write down the full model number and any serial number
How the manual lists this model
The operator’s manual groups several 21-inch mower models together and lists them with a wildcard for the last digit.
| What you see | What it means | Example match |
|---|---|---|
| 247.37471* | Model family; last digit changes by version | 247374710 |
| 247374710 | Full model number used for parts lookup | 247374710 |
Use the 247374710 operator’s manual to cross-check the model family listing and operating details.
Why it matters
Using the exact model number helps us match the correct blade, discharge chute, handle hardware, and deck components. Even one digit difference can change fitment for parts like the grass bag, side chute deflector, or wheel assemblies.
Last updated: February 2026
What size engine is in the Craftsman 247374710?
The Craftsman walk-behind mower model 247374710 uses a 163cc gas engine. You can confirm the exact engine identification (model, type, and code) by checking the engine label and matching it to the specifications section in the 247374710 owner's manual.
How to verify the engine size on your mower
Use the engine data label so you are working from the exact engine installed on your unit.
- Locate the engine data label on the blower housing (recoil starter area), valve cover, or near the muffler
- Confirm the displacement listed as 163cc
- Write down the engine model, type, and code for tune-up parts matching
- Compare those numbers to the engine information in the 247374710 owner's manual
- If the label is dirty, wipe it clean (avoid spraying water or cleaner into the air intake)
What “163cc” means in practical terms
Engine displacement helps you match maintenance parts and set expectations for cutting performance.
| Spec | What you use it for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 163cc displacement | Identifying the engine family | Confirms correct tune-up parts |
| Engine model/type/code | Ordering exact engine parts | Air filter, spark plug, carburetor parts |
| 21-inch deck size | Cutting width | Blade and blade adapter fit |
Related parts that commonly come up
If you are servicing the cutting system while you are identifying the engine, these are common wear items for this mower style.
- Blade mounting hardware and adapter (inspect for rounding or wobble)
- Mulching blade condition and balance
- Discharge components for side discharge or bagging
- Bagging setup if you collect clippings (example: lawn mower grass bag 964-04154A)
Why it matters
Using the correct 163cc engine identification prevents ordering the wrong tune-up parts and helps diagnose issues like hard starting, surging, or poor bagging performance.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is a Craftsman 247374710 riding mower?
Craftsman model 247374710 is a gas walk-behind lawn mower, not a riding mower; the operator’s manual for this mower family is dated November 10, 2017, which places this model series in that timeframe. For the most accurate date clues, match your mower’s model and serial label to the information in the 247374710 owner’s manual.
How to identify the year on your mower
We use the model and serial number label to narrow down the manufacturing date. On most Craftsman walk-behind mowers, the label is commonly found on the rear of the deck, near the height adjuster area, or around the handle mounting points.
- Write down the full model number (247374710) and the serial number exactly as shown
- Compare the model format to the manual’s covered model family (247.37471* style)
- Check for a date code or manufacturing date printed on the label
- Keep the engine model and type handy (the engine has its own ID tag)
- Use the manual’s parts diagrams and safety/operation sections to confirm you have the right platform
What we can say from the documentation
The operator’s manual covering the 21-inch mower family that includes 247.37471* shows a form date of November 10, 2017. That date is a strong indicator of the model series timeframe, even though the exact build date is determined by your unit’s serial number.
| Item | What it tells you | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Manual form date | Approximate model-series timeframe | Front page of the manual |
| Mower serial number | Most accurate manufacturing date clue | Model/serial label on the mower deck |
| Engine model/type code | Engine build date and correct engine manual | Engine ID tag (varies by engine brand) |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct year (or at least the correct model series) helps us match the right parts and specs for maintenance and repairs, such as the correct blade style, discharge components, and bagging hardware.
If you are actually trying to identify a riding mower year, the model number format will be different than 247374710; use the riding mower’s model/serial label under the seat or on the frame.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is Craftsman's model number?
On a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 247374710, the model number is printed on a product ID label attached to the mower deck or rear housing area. Use that mower model number (not the engine model) when ordering non-engine parts and accessories.
Common places to check on model 247374710
Look for a white or silver sticker or metal tag in these spots:
- On top of the mower deck near the engine mounting area
- On the rear of the deck near the trail shield (rear flap)
- Near the rear discharge opening where the grass bag mounts
- On the left or right side of the deck, above the wheel height adjuster
- On the handle bracket area where the lower handle bolts to the deck
If the label is dirty or faded, wipe it with a damp rag and a little mild detergent; avoid scraping so you do not remove the printing.
Mower model number vs. engine model number
You may see more than one label. Here is how to use them:
| Label you find | What it identifies | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Mower model label (example: 247374710) | The mower chassis and deck | Wheels, blade, grass bag, chute, handle parts |
| Engine label (varies by engine brand) | The engine itself | Spark plug, carburetor, air filter, engine manual items |
For this Craftsman mower, the operator manual also lists a family of related 21-inch mower models where the last digit can vary; your exact mower label is the one to match when selecting parts. See the 247374710 operator’s manual.
Why it matters
Using the correct mower model number prevents ordering the wrong deck, discharge, or handle components, especially on 21-inch walk-behind mowers where similar models can use different brackets, wheels, or bagging hardware.
Last updated: February 2026





