Is it cheaper to repair or replace a lawn mower?
For a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 247370311, it’s usually cheaper to repair when the issue is routine maintenance or a small part replacement (often under $100 to $200). Replace the mower when a major repair (engine or drive system) costs about half or more of what a comparable new mower costs.
Quick decision checklist
- Repair if the mower starts reliably and only needs wear items (blade, cable, wheel, bagging parts).
- Repair if the deck is solid (not cracked or badly rusted) and the mower cuts evenly.
- Replace if the engine has low compression, heavy smoke, or repeated no-start problems after tune-ups.
- Replace if self-propel or drive components fail and the repair estimate is high.
- Replace if you’re stacking multiple repairs every season and downtime is becoming the real cost.
Typical cost comparison (what most owners see)
| Situation | Typical cost range | Usually best choice |
|---|---|---|
| Blade service, basic tune-up | $50 to $200 | Repair |
| Control cable or wheel replacement | $20 to $120 plus labor | Repair |
| Bagging or discharge parts replacement | $30 to $120 | Repair |
| Major engine repair or replacement | $250 to $600+ | Replace (most cases) |
Model-specific parts that often make repair worthwhile
If the mower is otherwise in good shape, these common 247370311 parts can restore performance without replacing the whole unit:
- Craftsman 247370311 owner’s manual
- Mtd lawn mower zone control cable 946-04661A
- Craftsman troybilt lawn mower 21-in deck mulching blade 942-0741A
- Lawn mower wheel, 8 x 2-in 634-04659
Why it matters
A walk-behind mower’s value is mostly in the engine, deck, and drive system. When those core components are healthy, replacing a blade, wheel, or zone control cable is a cost-effective way to extend service life and keep cut quality consistent.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the common problems with Craftsman lawn mowers?
Common problems on the Craftsman 247370311 gas walk-behind mower are no-start or hard-start conditions, rough running, poor cutting quality, and bagging or discharge issues. We start by checking fuel quality, spark, airflow, and blade condition, then move to controls and deck components using the Craftsman 247370311 owner’s manual.
Most common symptoms and likely causes
- Won’t start / hard to start: stale fuel, dirty carburetor, fouled spark plug, clogged air filter
- Starts then dies / surges: restricted fuel flow, carburetor varnish, dirty air filter
- Cuts unevenly / leaves strips: dull or bent blade, blade adapter wear, deck packed with wet grass
- Poor bagging or clumping: wet grass, clogged deck, damaged bag or frame, incorrect mowing height
- Vibration or loud noise: blade damage from impact, loose fasteners, blade adapter issues
Quick checks we recommend first (10 minutes)
- Use fresh gasoline; drain old fuel if it smells sour or is more than 30 days old.
- Confirm the blade area is clear (disconnect the spark plug wire first).
- Inspect the blade for damage; a bent blade can cause vibration and poor cut.
- Check the zone control cable for proper tension and smooth movement.
- Clean grass buildup under the deck, especially after mowing damp grass.
Parts that commonly solve cutting and discharge complaints
If the mower runs but performance is poor, these model-matched parts are frequent fixes:
| Problem you notice | Common fix | Example model-matched part |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves strips, tears grass | Replace blade and inspect adapter | 21-in deck mulching blade 942-0741A |
| Weak bagging, bag won’t stay open | Replace bag or frame | Lawn mower grass bag 964-04154; grass bag frame 647-04271-0637 |
| Side discharge not directing clippings | Replace deflector | MTD lawn mower side chute deflector 731-07486 |
Why it matters
Most “mower problems” trace back to airflow, fuel quality, or blade condition. Fixing those first protects the engine, improves cut quality, and prevents repeat clogs and vibration.
Related DIY help: how to sharpen a lawn mower blade, how to keep grass clippings from sticking to a mower deck.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 247370311?
The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind lawn mower is 247370311. Use 247370311 when you look up parts, diagrams, and maintenance information; it is the identifier that matches the correct deck, handle, and bagging components for your mower in our system.
Where to find the model number on the mower
Check these common locations on Craftsman walk-behind mowers:
- The model tag on the rear of the deck (near the discharge opening or rear door)
- The deck housing near the engine mounting area
- The handle support area (lower handle brackets)
- Your paperwork that came with the mower (manual packet)
For model-specific labeling and identification details, use the 247370311 owner's manual.
Why the exact model number matters
Small differences in a Craftsman mower series can change fit and compatibility. Using 247370311 helps ensure you get the right items for your mower, such as:
- Bagging parts (grass bag and frame)
- Discharge parts (side chute deflector)
- Control parts (zone control cable)
- Deck parts (rear skirt, deck front cover)
Examples of parts tied to the 247370311 platform
| Part type | Example part name | Example part number |
|---|---|---|
| Bagging | Lawn mower grass bag | 964-04154 |
| Discharge | MTD lawn mower side chute deflector | 731-07486 |
| Control | MTD lawn mower zone control cable | 946-04661A |
| Blade drive interface | Lawn mower blade adapter | 748-04096 |
Quick tip to avoid ordering the wrong part
Match all three before ordering: model number, part number, and the description (for example, wheel size or blade length). If you are replacing a cutting part, also confirm whether your mower is set up for bagging, mulching, or side discharge.
Why it matters: The correct model number prevents returns and downtime by ensuring parts fit your Craftsman mower deck and controls the first time.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is Craftsman Model 247370311?
Craftsman model 247370311 is a model number, not a date code, so it does not directly tell you the year. To find the year your mower was built, we use the engine date code or the mower’s product/serial label (often on the rear deck or handle bracket) and match it using the 247370311 owner's manual.
Where to find the build year on a 247370311 mower
Look for a sticker or stamped tag and record every character exactly.
- Mower product/serial label: commonly on the rear of the deck, near the rear discharge opening, or on a handle mounting bracket
- Engine label: on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the muffler/air filter
- Dealer tag (if present): sometimes under the rear skirt or near the height adjuster
- Receipt or registration: useful for confirming purchase year versus build year
How to decode what you find (quick guide)
Different suppliers use different formats, so we match the format to the label you have.
| What you found | What it usually tells you | Example format (varies) |
|---|---|---|
| Serial number on mower deck | Build batch and sometimes year | Mix of letters and numbers |
| Engine date code | Engine build date (often close to mower build date) | YYMMDD, MMDDYY, or coded |
| Engine model and type | Helps identify the correct decoding method | Model-type-code |
Why it matters
The build year affects parts compatibility (blade, control cable, wheels, bagging parts) and helps us match the correct diagrams for your Craftsman walk-behind mower.
Parts that commonly depend on the exact version
If you are ordering parts while you confirm the year, these are the items most often tied to the exact configuration:
- Blade and blade adapter
- Zone control cable
- Wheels and axle assemblies
- Grass bag and frame
- Side chute deflector and rear skirt
For example, this model uses a 21-in mulching blade option such as the 21-in deck mulching blade 942-0741A when it matches your deck setup.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is Craftsman's model number?
On a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 247370311, the model number is printed on the mower’s equipment 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):
- Rear of the deck near the discharge opening or rear flap area
- Top of the deck, usually near the engine mounting area
- Back of the deck near the height-adjustment brackets
- Lower handle mounting area (where the handle bolts to the deck)
- Under the rear skirt area (tilt the mower safely to view)
What the label looks like
Most labels include a few identifiers. Here is what to record.
| Item on label | What it’s used for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Main identifier for mower parts | 247370311 |
| Serial number | Helps confirm production run | Varies |
| Product name/brand | Confirms you have a Craftsman unit | Craftsman |
Why the engine number is different
The engine has its own model and type numbers (used for carburetor, recoil starter, ignition, and other engine-specific parts). The mower model number (247370311) is what we use for non-engine items like the bagger, wheels, and deck hardware.
Tips to avoid ordering the wrong part
- Write the model number exactly as shown on the label
- Take a clear photo of the label before ordering
- Match the part to the mower function (bagging, mulching, side discharge)
- Use the manual diagrams to confirm placement and fasteners
For diagrams and label-location guidance specific to this mower, use the 247370311 owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026





