Is it cheaper to repair or replace a lawn mower?
For a Craftsman walk-behind mower model 247397670, it’s cheaper to repair when the problem is routine maintenance or a single worn part; it’s smarter to replace when the repair is a major drivetrain or engine issue that approaches half the cost of a comparable new mower. Use the 247397670 owner’s manual to match symptoms to the right fix.
Quick decision checklist
- Repair if the mower starts and runs well and you’re dealing with a wear item (blade, belt, wheel, cable).
- Repair if the mower has excessive vibration caused by a loose or unbalanced blade (tighten, balance, or replace).
- Repair if the mower won’t mulch due to wet grass, tall grass, or a dull blade (change mowing approach, sharpen/replace blade).
- Repair if the mower won’t self propel and the issue is debris in the drive area or a worn belt.
- Replace if the engine has low power, heavy smoke, or repeated no-start issues after a full tune-up.
- Replace if the transmission or drive system needs multiple major parts and the total cost keeps climbing.
Common repairs that usually make financial sense
Many “repair vs replace” decisions come down to whether you’re fixing a normal maintenance item.
| Issue | Typical fix | Often worth repairing? |
|---|---|---|
| Excessive vibration | Tighten blade and adapter; replace bent blade | Yes |
| Poor mulching or uneven cut | Sharpen/replace blade; set wheel heights evenly | Yes |
| Self-propel not working | Clear debris; replace worn drive belt | Yes |
| Worn wheel or bagging parts | Replace wheel or grass bag components | Yes |
Helpful model-matched parts examples include the lawn & garden equipment belt 954-04260 (ground drive belt) and the lawn mower 21-in deck xtreme mulching blade 942-0741-X.
Why it matters
Repairing a mower like the Craftsman 247397670 is often the best value when you’re restoring safe operation and cut quality with maintenance the manual calls out (tight fasteners, blade condition, seasonal checks). Replacing makes more sense when reliability drops and major repairs become frequent.
Safety notes before you decide
- Stop the engine, let it cool, disconnect the spark plug wire, and ground it against the engine before service.
- Wear gloves when handling the blade; it’s sharp.
- After hitting an object, inspect for damage and repair before using the mower again.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 247397670?
The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind lawn mower is 247.397670 (often shown in manuals as the series 247.39767*, where the last digit can vary). For parts and service, match the full tag on your mower to the model format shown in the 247397670 operator’s manual.
Where to find the model number on the mower
We use the model tag on the mower (not the engine label) to identify the correct Craftsman parts list.
- Check the model tag on the mower deck, typically near the rear discharge area or on the deck housing
- Look for a number that starts with 247.
- Write down the full model number, including the last digit
- Record the serial number too (helpful for parts lookups)
- Use the model tag number when ordering parts like a blade, drive belt, or wheel
247.39767* vs. 247.397670: what it means
The operator’s manual lists the mower family as 247.39767*, which indicates multiple close variants that share the same manual.
| What you see | What it indicates | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 247.397670 | Your specific mower model | Use this for parts lookup |
| 247.39767* | Model series in the manual | Match your last digit to confirm |
| Engine model | Engine-only identification | Use for engine tune-up parts |
Why it matters
Using the exact 247.397670 model number helps ensure you get the right fit for common wear items such as the 21-in deck blade, ground drive belt, wheels, and handle hardware. It also keeps maintenance steps aligned with the correct Craftsman operating instructions.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 247397670?
The model number is 247397670; it’s a Craftsman 21-inch gas walk-behind lawn mower. In the 247397670 operator’s manual, this mower is listed under the model series 247.39767* (the last digit varies by version), and 247397670 is one of those versions.
Where to confirm the model number on the mower
You can match 247397670 to the ID label on the mower and to the manual’s model series listing.
- Check the product ID tag on the mower deck or rear housing area
- Compare the full number (including the last digit) to your parts list
- Use the model series format 247.39767* as a cross-check
- Keep the model number handy when ordering parts like a blade, belt, or wheel
Model series vs. exact model number (quick guide)
The manual groups several closely related mowers together; your exact model is the full number on the ID tag.
| What you see | What it means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 247.39767* | Model series (family) | 247.39767* |
| 247397670 | Exact model number (your unit) | 247397670 |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number 247397670 helps us match the correct Craftsman and MTD-built components for your mower, such as the 21-inch deck blade, drive belt, wheels, and handle hardware. It also ensures the right maintenance and safety instructions from the manual.
Last updated: February 2026
What years did they make the Craftsman 247397670?
The Craftsman walk-behind mower model 247397670 aligns with the 247.39767* series shown on the operator documentation dated November 17, 2017, so this model family was in production by at least 2017. For the exact build year of your mower, match the full model and serial information on the unit to the details in the 247397670 operator’s manual.
What we can confirm from the documentation
The operator’s manual for the 21-inch mower lists Model Nos. 247.39767* (the last digit varies), and the manual itself is issued November 17, 2017. That date is a reliable indicator of when this model family was being sold and supported.
- The model family is 247.39767* (your model is 247397670).
- The manual issue date is November 17, 2017.
- Craftsman model numbers often vary by a final digit for minor configuration changes.
- The engine emissions section references “model year 2000 and later” and “1997 and later engines”; that language is general emissions coverage and not the mower’s build year.
How to pinpoint the exact year for your specific mower
Use the mower’s identification label (model and serial) and compare it to the identification guidance in the manual.
- Locate the model/serial label on the mower deck or rear housing area.
- Write down the full model number (including any suffix) and the serial number.
- Check the manual’s sections on product identification and service information.
- If your mower has an engine model/type/code label, record that too; engine codes often include a date code.
Quick guide: “manual date” vs “mower build date”
| Item | What it tells you | What it does not tell you |
|---|---|---|
| Operator’s manual date (11/17/2017) | The model family was supported by that time | The exact year your unit was built |
| Mower serial number | The most accurate way to identify production timing | Nothing unless decoded |
| Engine code label | Often includes a date code for the engine | The exact mower assembly date |
Why it matters
Knowing the exact year helps you order the correct walk-behind mower parts (blade, drive belt, wheels, transmission components) and avoid fit issues when Craftsman made small mid-series changes.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is Craftsman's model number?
On a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 247397670, the model number is printed on the mower’s ID label (not on the engine). We use that mower model number to match the correct deck, handle, wheel, and drive parts.
Where to look on the mower
Check these common ID-label locations first (wipe off grass and dirt so you can read it):
- Rear of the deck near the discharge opening or rear door area
- Top of the deck near the engine mounting area
- Back of the deck behind the engine (you may need a flashlight)
- Lower handle mounting area near the deck brackets
- Side of the deck near the height adjuster (varies by build)
What the label looks like (and what to write down)
On this series, the operator’s manual lists the mower family as 247.39767* (the last digit can vary). For parts lookup, record:
- Full model number (example: 247397670)
- Any “serial” or “date” code on the same label
- Any prefix/suffix characters exactly as shown
| Item on label | Why we need it |
|---|---|
| Model number | Identifies the correct mower configuration |
| Serial/date code | Helps confirm the production version |
| Product name/series | Useful when multiple models look similar |
Why the engine number is different
The engine has its own model and type numbers for engine-only parts (carburetor, ignition, recoil starter). The mower model number is what we use for non-engine parts like the deck and drive system.
Why it matters
Using the correct mower model number prevents ordering the wrong blade, belt, wheel, or handle parts for your exact Craftsman walk-behind mower.
For diagrams and the exact model-number format used on this mower family, use the 247397670 owner’s manual.
Last updated: February 2026





