Is it cheaper to repair or replace a lawn mower?
For a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 247374600, it’s cheaper to repair when the problem is routine maintenance or a single worn part; it’s usually smarter to replace when the repair is a major engine-related issue or repeated fixes are approaching about half the cost of a comparable new mower. Use the 247374600 owner’s manual to follow the maintenance schedule that prevents expensive breakdowns.
Quick rule of thumb (cost vs. value)
Use this simple decision guide:
- Repair if the mower starts and runs well and you’re dealing with wear items (blade, bagging parts, wheels, cables).
- Repair if the fix is mostly labor-free DIY (cleaning, tightening hardware, oil change).
- Replace if the engine has low compression, severe internal damage, or the mower has chronic vibration after impacts.
- Replace if the repair estimate is around 50% or more of the price of a similar new mower.
- Replace if safety-related damage is present (deck damage, missing shields) and multiple parts are needed.
Repairs that are commonly worth doing on this model
These are typical, cost-effective fixes for a gas walk-behind mower:
- Sharpen or replace the blade (a dull blade causes poor mulching and uneven cuts)
- Replace bagging components such as the lawn mower grass bag 964-04154A
- Replace discharge parts if damaged (side chute, discharge chute)
- Tighten loose fasteners and check for missing hardware
- Clean the underside of the deck and lubricate pivots and wheels (seasonal maintenance)
What the manual points to as “high value” maintenance
| Maintenance item | Typical interval | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Check engine oil level | Each use | Prevents overheating and engine wear |
| Clean air cleaner and mower | Each use / season | Improves starting and power |
| Replace spark plug | Annually | Reduces misfires and hard starting |
| Inspect blade and adapter | Seasonally | Prevents vibration and poor cut |
Why it matters
A mower that’s maintained on schedule costs less to own. The manual also stresses safety steps like stopping the engine and disconnecting the spark plug wire before service, and inspecting for damage after striking an object; catching blade or deck damage early prevents bigger repairs later.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the common problems with Craftsman lawn mowers?
Common problems on the Craftsman 247374600 gas walk-behind mower are no-start or hard-start conditions, poor cutting or vibration from a damaged blade area, and bagging or discharge issues caused by clogged deck airflow or worn rear components. We troubleshoot these by checking fuel, ignition, and blade safety items first using the 247374600 operator’s manual.
Most common symptoms and likely causes
- Won’t start / hard to start: old fuel, dirty carburetor, fouled spark plug, low oil, or a stuck recoil starter
- Rough running / surging: stale gas, restricted air flow, dirty carburetor jets
- Poor cut quality: dull or bent blade, grass buildup under the deck, cutting height set too low
- Excessive vibration: bent blade, loose blade mounting hardware, damaged blade adapter
- Clippings not bagging well: wet grass, clogged deck, torn or overfilled bag
- Debris blowing back toward operator: missing or damaged rear skirt or trail shield area
Quick checks we recommend (in order)
- Fuel and oil: drain old gas and refill with fresh fuel; confirm oil level before starting.
- Spark and air: inspect spark plug condition and gap; clean or replace the air filter.
- Blade area safety: disconnect the spark plug wire before inspecting under the deck.
- Deck cleanliness: remove packed clippings; the manual advises scraping the underside and not using a pressure washer.
- After an impact: if you hit a rock or stump, inspect for blade damage and check mounting bolt tightness before mowing again.
Parts that commonly get replaced
| Problem area | What you’ll notice | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Bagging | Bag won’t hold clippings, tears, or won’t attach securely | Lawn mower grass bag 964-04154A |
| Vibration / blade fit | Blade feels loose or cut is uneven | Mtd lawn mower blade adapter 748-0376E |
| Discharge control | Side discharge won’t stay closed or won’t direct clippings | Mtd lawn mower side chute deflector 731-07486 |
| Debris control | Clippings blow back, rear opening not controlled | Mtd lawn mower rear skirt 731-07203 |
Why it matters
Starting and cutting problems often trace back to basic maintenance (fresh fuel, clean airflow, sharp blade). Safety parts around the deck and discharge area also reduce thrown debris risk and help the mower perform as designed.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is a Craftsman 247374600 lawn mower?
The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind mower is 247374600. In Craftsman operator’s manuals, you may also see it shown as 247.37460* (the asterisk means the last digit can vary by version), but your Sears PartsDirect model is 247374600; use that number when ordering parts.
Where to find the model number on the mower
We recommend confirming the ID tag on the mower before ordering parts or looking up diagrams.
- Check the model/serial tag on the rear of the deck housing (often near the discharge area)
- Look around the engine mounting area on the deck
- Look on the handle support brackets near the lower handle
- Write down both the model number and serial number for best match
247374600 vs. 247.37460* (what the asterisk means)
The operator’s manual groups several closely related 21-inch mower versions together.
| What you see | What it means | What to use for parts |
|---|---|---|
| 247374600 | Specific Sears PartsDirect model number | 247374600 |
| 247.37460* | Manual family number; last digit varies by version | Match your exact tag; typically maps to 247374600 |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number helps us match the correct deck parts, handle hardware, and cutting components (like the blade adapter and mulching blade) so fit and mounting holes line up correctly.
Helpful next steps
- Use the 247374600 owner’s manual to confirm identification and safe operating details
- If you’re replacing cutting parts, follow safe blade-handling practices and use a blade-holding method
- For blade service tips, see how to sharpen a lawn mower blade
Last updated: February 2026
What year is Craftsman model 247374600?
Craftsman walk-behind mower model 247374600 is covered by an Operator’s Manual with a form date of November 10, 2017, which places this model family in the 2017 timeframe. To identify the exact year of your specific mower, use the date/serial code on the mower’s ID label and cross-check it with the 247374600 owner’s manual.
How to find the build year on your mower
The most accurate “year” comes from the mower’s ID label, not the manual cover date.
- Locate the ID label on the deck housing (often near the rear) or near the handle mounting area
- Write down the full model number and the serial or date code
- Record the engine model and type from the engine label (engine date codes can also help)
- Keep a photo of the label for future parts lookups
- Use the model number to match the correct parts diagrams before ordering wear items
What the manual date means (and what it does not)
The manual’s form date is the publication date for the instructions that cover the 247.37460* model family (the last digit can vary). It is a reliable indicator of the documentation timeframe, but the mower could have been built before or after that date depending on production runs.
| Source | What it identifies | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Manual form date (11/10/2017) | Documentation timeframe | Confirms you have the right operating and safety instructions |
| Mower ID label date/serial code | Your unit’s build timing | Best way to pin down the mower’s year |
| Parts configuration (deck, chute, bagger) | Exact revision/fit | Prevents ordering the wrong blade, adapter, or discharge parts |
Why it matters
The build year and revision affect parts fit for common service items such as the blade, blade adapter, discharge chute, and handle hardware. Confirming the ID label details helps ensure the replacement part matches your exact Craftsman mower.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is Craftsman's model number?
On a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 247374600, the model number is printed on the mower’s product identification label (not on the engine). We use that mower model number to match the correct deck, handle, wheel, and bagging parts.
Where to look on the mower
Check these common label locations first (clean off grass and dirt so you can read it):
- On the rear of the deck housing near the discharge opening or rear flap
- On the top of the deck near the engine mounting area
- On the back of the mower deck near the height adjusters
- On the handle bracket area where the lower handle bolts to the deck
For diagrams and model identification notes, use the 247374600 operator’s manual.
Mower model number vs. engine model number
Your mower has two different IDs; using the right one prevents ordering the wrong parts.
| What you’re identifying | Where it’s found | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Mower model number (example: 247374600) | Label on the mower deck/handle area | Deck, wheels, blade adapter, grass bag, chute, cables |
| Engine model/type/code | Stamped/printed on the engine | Spark plug, carburetor, air filter, engine gaskets |
Tips to read the label correctly
- Write down the full model number exactly as shown
- Look for a serial number nearby; it helps confirm production run
- If the label is faded, try a flashlight at an angle or a quick photo zoom
- If you see a model format like 247.37460* in documentation, the last digit can vary by version
Why it matters
Craftsman walk-behind mowers often share similar frames, but small model-number differences can change fit for key items like the blade, blade adapter, discharge chute, and grass catcher.
Last updated: February 2026





