Owner’s manual
How to read a Craftsman serial number?
On a Craftsman lawn tractor like model 247288890, the serial number format depends on the manufacturing label used on your unit; the most reliable way to interpret it is to match the serial number and product ID information shown on the tractor’s ID tag to the identification details in the 247288890 owner's manual.
Where to find the serial number (and what to write down)
Look for the ID tag or sticker on the tractor frame (commonly under the seat area, near the rear frame, or around the engine compartment). Record these items exactly as shown:
- Model number: 247288890
- Serial number (full string, including letters)
- Product ID or factory code (if listed)
- Engine model and type (often on a separate engine label)
- Any date code printed near the serial number
How to interpret common Craftsman date-code patterns
Some Craftsman and MTD-built riding mowers use a date code embedded in the serial number, but the position of the month, day, and year is not universal across all labels.
Here are the most common patterns you may see:
| What you see in the serial | What it usually means | Example outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 6 digits that look like MMDDYY | Month, day, year | 072811 = July 28, 2011 |
| 6 digits that look like YYMMDD | Year, month, day | 110728 = July 28, 2011 |
| Longer serial with a 6-digit block inside | A date code is often embedded | Find the 6-digit block and compare patterns |
Quick checks to avoid misreading the date
Use these checks before you commit to a build date:
- If the “month” value is greater than 12, it is not an MMDDYY block.
- If the “day” value is 00 or greater than 31, you are not reading the right block.
- If your serial includes letters, do not ignore them; they can indicate plant or production line.
- Compare the tractor’s features (46-inch deck, hydrostatic drive) to the configuration described in the manual.
Why it matters
Reading the serial number correctly helps us match the right parts diagrams and service information for your Craftsman tractor, especially for items that change by production run (deck components, steering parts, and electrical items).
Last updated: February 2026
How to find Craftsman parts?
For your Craftsman lawn tractor model 247288890, the most reliable way to find the correct replacement parts is to match your model number to the parts diagrams and parts list, then confirm the part number and description before ordering. Your 247288890 owner's manual also helps you identify assemblies and maintenance items.
How we recommend finding the right part
- Confirm the full model number on the tractor’s model tag: 247288890.
- Use the parts diagrams to locate the exact assembly (mower deck, steering, drive, engine, etc.).
- Match the diagram callout to the parts list description and part number.
- Compare the old part to the listing (shape, mounting holes, length, spline count, connector type).
- Order by the exact part number when possible (example: 942-04290 blade).
Common parts customers replace on this model
These are examples of parts shown for Craftsman 247288890 that often come up during routine service and repairs:
| What you are fixing | What to look up | Example part on this model |
|---|---|---|
| Poor cut quality or damaged blade | Deck blade | Lawn tractor 46-in deck 2-in-1 blade 942-04290 |
| Blades will not engage | Blade engagement cable | Mtd lawn tractor blade engagement cable 946-04173E |
| Squealing or slipping deck drive | Idler pulley / mandrel | Lawn mower idler pulley 753-08068 or mtd lawn tractor mandrel and pulley assembly 918-04865A |
| Steering play or looseness | Steering shaft / caps | Lawn tractor steering shaft 738-0919A or mtd lawn tractor steering wheel cap 948-0389 |
Why it matters
Riding mower and lawn tractor parts can look similar across Craftsman and MTD-built tractors, but small differences (deck size, pulley bore, cable length, steering spline) affect fit and safety. Using the correct diagram callout and part number prevents returns and repeat repairs.
Quick safety and fit checks before you buy
- Disconnect the spark plug wire before inspecting moving parts.
- Measure deck size (this model is a 46-inch deck) and confirm blade style.
- Check fastener sizes and thread type (flange nuts, shoulder bolts, cotter pins are common).
- If replacing steering or deck-drive parts, inspect related wear items at the same time.
Last updated: February 2026
How to find the year of a Craftsman lawn tractor?
For a Craftsman lawn tractor like model 247288890, the most reliable way to identify the build year is to use the product identification label (model and serial information) and confirm the date details using the 247288890 owner's manual. Many Craftsman tractors also encode a date in the serial number, where groups of digits can represent month, day, and year.
Where to look for the date information
Check these common locations on a front-engine riding mower/tractor:
- Under the seat pan or on the seat bracket area
- On the frame rail near the engine compartment
- Near the rear fender or hitch plate area
- On or near the dash tower (steering column support)
How the serial number date code is commonly read
On many Craftsman-built riding tractors, a 6-digit date segment in the serial number is commonly interpreted as:
- First 2 digits: month
- Next 2 digits: day
- Last 2 digits: year
Example
| Code segment | Meaning | Example value |
|---|---|---|
| MM | Month | 07 = July |
| DD | Day | 28 |
| YY | Year | 11 = 2011 |
So a segment like 072811 is commonly read as July 28, 2011.
Why it matters
Knowing the correct year helps us match the right parts and diagrams for your tractor, especially for deck components (like blades and mandrel assemblies), steering parts, and engine-related items that can change across production runs.
Tips to avoid ordering the wrong parts
Before ordering, we recommend:
- Match the full model number exactly: 247288890
- Copy the full serial number from the ID label (not just a few digits)
- Use the parts diagrams in the 247288890 owner's manual to confirm what you have
- If you are servicing the 46-inch deck, verify deck parts by diagram (blade, idler pulley, mandrel)
Last updated: February 2026
How to look up Craftsman model number?
For your Craftsman riding mower, we look up the correct parts by matching the exact model number on the product ID label. On model 247288890, the model number is shown in the documentation as “Craftsman Model 247.288890”; use that full number when searching parts and diagrams in the 247288890 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the tractor
Most Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors place the model and serial label in one of these spots:
- On the frame under the seat (lift the seat to view the label)
- On the underside of the seat pan
- Near the rear fender or frame rail close to the seat mounting area
- Occasionally near the footrest area on the frame
How to use the model number to find the right parts
Once you have the model number, use it exactly as printed (including all digits).
- Enter the model number to pull up the correct parts list and diagrams
- Match the diagram callout to the part description before ordering
- Confirm deck size and configuration (for example, 46-inch deck components) before selecting blades or mandrels
- If a part has multiple revisions, match by part number from the diagram
Quick check: model number vs. part number
| What you’re looking at | Example | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | 247288890 | Identifies the exact tractor version |
| Part number | 942-04290 | Identifies a specific replacement part |
| Part ID | 651P08849 | Internal identifier used on some part listings |
Why it matters
Craftsman tractors often share similar names and deck sizes, but small design changes affect belts, blades, steering parts, and fuel system components. Using the exact model number prevents ordering a part that fits a different build.
If you are replacing a common wear item, confirm it against the diagram for your model before ordering, such as the lawn tractor fuel tank 651P08849 or the lawn tractor 46-in deck 2-in-1 blade 942-04290.
Last updated: February 2026
What brand engine does Craftsman use?
Craftsman uses engines from multiple manufacturers depending on the mower or tractor model. For Craftsman lawn tractor model 247288890, the operator documentation includes a Kohler engine section that identifies Kohler engine model SV620-3215; verify by matching the engine ID tag to the engine section in the 247288890 owner's manual.
How to verify the engine brand on your specific tractor
Use the engine identification label first; it is the most reliable way to match tune-up specs and engine parts.
- Find the engine ID tag on the engine shroud, valve cover area, or near the starter
- Record the engine model and any spec or type numbers
- Compare those numbers to the engine section in the 247288890 owner's manual
- Use 247288890 when ordering chassis and deck parts (steering, deck, controls)
- Use the engine model when ordering engine-only items (filters, ignition, carburetion, exhaust)
Common engine brands used on Craftsman riding mowers
Across Craftsman riding mowers and tractors, these engine brands are commonly used:
- Briggs & Stratton
- Kohler
- Kawasaki
- Other OEM suppliers depending on model year and configuration
Quick reference: which number to use when ordering parts
| What you are working on | Use this identifier | Example for model 247288890 |
|---|---|---|
| Deck, steering, frame, controls | Tractor model number | 247288890 |
| Engine service and engine parts | Engine model and spec/type | Kohler SV620-3215 (verify on ID tag) |
| Maintenance intervals and procedures | Operator manual | 247288890 owner's manual |
Why it matters
Craftsman model numbers identify the tractor, not a single engine supplier across all Craftsman products. Confirming the engine ID prevents ordering the wrong filters, ignition parts, or exhaust components and ensures you follow the correct oil and maintenance specs.
Last updated: February 2026
