Where to find model number on riding mower?
On the Craftsman lawn tractor model 247273740, the model number is typically printed on a product ID label on the frame or under the seat area. We use that exact model number to match the correct operator’s manual, deck parts, and engine-related maintenance items.
- Under the seat: tilt the seat forward and look on the seat pan or frame rails
- Rear frame area: near the hitch plate or between the rear wheels
- Left or right frame rail: along the chassis, just above the footrest area
- Engine area: near the starter housing or blower housing (varies by engine)
- Cutting deck: on the deck shell, often near the rear or left side
Most riding mower ID labels include multiple numbers. Record these exactly:
- Model number (for this tractor: 247273740)
- Serial number (unique to your unit)
- Manufacture date code (if shown)
| You see this on the label | Use it for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Finding parts diagrams and correct replacements | 247273740 |
| Serial number | Confirming production run details | Varies |
| Engine model/type/code | Ordering engine-specific parts (filter, plug, carb parts) | Varies |
Craftsman tractors in the T1000 series can look similar but use different decks, blades, mandrel assemblies, and safety interlock wiring. Using the exact model number helps us match parts like the correct blade and accessories without guesswork.
- Compare your label to the identification section in the 247273740 operator’s manual
- If you are matching deck parts, confirm deck size before ordering; many setups use a 46-inch deck blade such as lawn tractor 46-in deck 2-in-1 blade 942-04290a
Last updated: February 2026
What riding mower has the least problems?
If you want the fewest problems over time, we recommend focusing on a well-supported, heavier-duty riding mower line with strong parts availability and routine maintenance. For many owners, higher-end John Deere and Kubota models tend to deliver excellent long-term reliability; a properly maintained Craftsman 247273740 can also be very dependable for normal residential mowing when used as described in the 247273740 owner's manual.
Most “problem-free” experiences come from matching the mower to the yard and keeping up with wear items.
- Buy enough engine and deck capacity for your grass type and lot size
- Avoid mowing wet grass and overly tall grass (it increases strain and clogging)
- Keep engine speed up while mowing (full throttle is commonly recommended)
- Keep tires evenly inflated to prevent uneven cutting
- Replace wear parts before they damage spindles, belts, or the deck
| What to check | What you want | Why it reduces problems |
|---|---|---|
| Dealer and parts support | Local service options and common parts in stock | Faster repairs, less downtime |
| Engine reputation | Proven engine family, clean air filtration | Fewer no-start and performance issues |
| Deck design and upkeep | Easy blade access, solid spindles | Less vibration, better cut quality |
| Proper operation on slopes | Conservative slope use, steady speed | Fewer control and driveline issues |
Your manual emphasizes safe, “normal residential” mowing and avoiding conditions that overload the machine (very tall, dry grass or piles of leaves). These habits also reduce breakdowns.
- Mow before grass exceeds about 10 inches
- Do not mow at high ground speed, especially with a mulch kit or grass collector
- If the cut turns uneven, level the deck and verify tire pressure
- If you feel vibration, stop and inspect blades and spindles
A dull or damaged blade is one of the most common causes of poor cut and vibration. For this model’s deck, a common replacement is the lawn tractor 46-in deck 2-in-1 blade 942-04290a.
Choosing a mower with strong support and then operating it within its design limits prevents the most common “problems” people experience: hard starting, rough running, vibration, and uneven cutting.
Last updated: February 2026
How to read Craftsman model number?
On Craftsman lawn tractors, we read the model number from the product ID label (typically under the seat or on the frame). For model 247273740, the 247 prefix identifies the MTD-built Craftsman platform, and the remaining digits identify the specific tractor series and configuration.
Check these common locations on Craftsman riding mowers:
- Under the seat pan (lift the seat and look for a sticker or metal tag)
- On the rear frame plate near the hitch area
- On the left or right side of the frame rail, near the engine
- Near the footrest area on the chassis
For diagrams and model coverage details, use the 247273740 operator’s manual.
Most Craftsman tractor model numbers are easiest to interpret by brand family:
| What you see on the label | What it usually means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 247.xxxxxxx | MTD-built Craftsman tractor platform | 247273740 |
| 917.xxxxxx | AYP/Husqvarna-built Craftsman tractor platform | 917.XXXXX |
- Use the full model number exactly as printed; one digit changes parts fit.
- The serial number is separate; it helps identify production run details.
- If your label shows 247.27374* in documentation, the asterisk typically means the last digit can vary by version.
The model number is what we use to match the correct parts and service procedures for your Craftsman lawn tractor, including deck components, belts, blades, and accessories.
If you are also trying to confirm deck-related parts for this tractor family, the riding lawn mower blades video is a helpful reference for blade identification and safe handling.
Last updated: February 2026
What year was the Craftsman 247273740 made?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 247273740 is part of the Craftsman T1000 series covered by an operator’s manual dated October 19, 2016, so this model family was in production around that time. To pinpoint your tractor’s exact build year, match the product label information to the date-coding guidance in the 247273740 operator’s manual.
We use the tractor’s product label (model and serial information) to identify the manufacturing date for a specific unit.
- Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and remove the key
- Look for the product label under the seat area or on the frame near the seat pan
- Write down the model number (247273740) and the serial number exactly as shown
- Compare the serial number format to the identification details in the manual
- If the label is damaged, clean it gently and use a flashlight to read stamped characters
The operator’s manual that covers model numbers including 247.27374* is dated October 19, 2016. That date is the manual publication date, not always the exact day your tractor was built, but it is a reliable indicator of the production era.
| Item | What it tells you | What it does not tell you |
|---|---|---|
| Manual date (10/19/2016) | Approximate model family timeframe | Your tractor’s exact build year |
| Serial number on product label | Your unit’s specific manufacturing code | Nothing if the label is missing |
Knowing the build year helps us match the correct Craftsman and MTD parts (deck components, belts, switches, and hardware) and avoid ordering look-alike parts that changed mid-series.
If you are also stocking common maintenance items for this tractor, the mtd lawn & garden equipment engine oil filter 951-12690 is one example of a routine service part that often gets replaced during tune-ups.
Last updated: February 2026
What are common problems with Craftsman riding mowers?
Common problems on the Craftsman lawn tractor model 247273740 usually fall into a few buckets: no-start or hard-start (battery, fuel, choke, safety interlocks), poor cutting (dull or damaged blades, deck out of level, tire pressure), and rough running (dirty air filter, spark plug issues, overheating from debris). See the 247273740 owner's manual for model-specific checks and safety steps.
- Engine won’t crank or only clicks: weak battery, loose/corroded cables, starter/solenoid issue, or a safety interlock not made (seat, brake, PTO).
- Engine cranks but won’t start: stale fuel, clogged fuel filter, dirty air cleaner, choke not set correctly.
- Engine runs rough or hesitates: fouled spark plug, dirty air filter, restricted airflow around cooling fins.
- Engine overheats: low oil level or grass and debris packed around the engine cooling area.
- Uneven cut or poor mulching: deck not leveled, dull blade, uneven tire pressure, mowing too fast or in wet/tall grass.
- Set throttle to FAST (rabbit) when mowing; use choke only for starting.
- Confirm PTO is off and brake is fully engaged before starting.
- Check engine oil level; top off with the correct oil weight.
- Inspect and clean debris from engine cooling fins and the deck.
- Check tire pressure on all four tires; uneven pressure causes uneven cutting.
- Inspect blades for bends, cracks, or heavy wear; replace if damaged.
A lot of “bad cut” complaints are setup and wear items.
| Problem | Most likely cause | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Uneven cut | Deck not leveled, tire pressure uneven | Level deck side-to-side; set tire pressure |
| Won’t mulch well | Engine speed low, wet/tall grass, dull blade | Mow dry grass, reduce swath, sharpen/replace blade |
| Excessive vibration | Blade loose/unbalanced or bent | Tighten blade and spindle; replace blade |
If you need a replacement blade for the 46-inch deck, use the OEM-style lawn tractor 46-in deck 2-in-1 blade 942-04290a.
Many of these problems affect safety and equipment life. For example, the manual stresses keeping hardware tight, never tampering with safety interlocks, and replacing damaged blades with OEM-spec blades to maintain safe operation.
Last updated: February 2026
How many hours should a Craftsman riding mower last?
For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 247273740, the manual lists an Average Useful Life of 270 operating hours (about 7 years). With consistent maintenance and safe operation, many riding mowers can run longer, but 270 hours is the benchmark to plan service and replacement around.
The 270-hour figure is a planning guideline for overall wear on mechanical and safety systems. At or beyond that point, we recommend having the tractor inspected annually by a qualified service dealer and staying current on maintenance tasks listed in the 247273740 owner's manual.
| Measure | What to expect | What affects it most |
|---|---|---|
| Manual benchmark | 270 hours | Overall wear and safety system condition |
| Common real-world range | 500 to 700 hours | Maintenance quality, mowing conditions, storage |
| Upper end with excellent care | Up to ~1,000 hours | Light loads, clean fuel, frequent service |
Following the service intervals in the manual is the biggest factor in getting more hours from your Craftsman tractor.
- Change engine oil early (first 5 hours) and then on schedule
- Replace the oil filter at the recommended interval (often every 50 hours)
- Keep hood and dash air vents clean to prevent overheating
- Clean battery terminals and keep connections tight
- Lubricate pivot points, linkages, axles, and rims on schedule
- Inspect belts and pulleys for wear every 50 hours
These are routine items that help protect the engine and cutting system when replaced on time:
- Mtd lawn & garden equipment engine oil filter 951-12690 (oil filtration)
- Blades and deck components (sharp blades reduce strain and improve cut quality)
Hours are a better indicator than calendar age because they reflect actual engine run time, heat cycles, vibration, and deck load. Tracking hours and servicing on schedule helps prevent expensive failures like engine wear, belt damage, and deck spindle (mandrel) problems.
Last updated: February 2026
Is a Craftsman riding mower any good?
Yes. Craftsman riding mowers like model 247273740 are a good choice for typical residential mowing because they are built for normal lawn cutting, support common attachments, and have clear operating and safety guidance in the 247273740 operator’s manual.
For most homeowners, “good” comes down to cut quality, ease of use, and serviceability. The T1000-series style controls shown in the manual (PTO lever, deck lift, throttle/choke, brake) are straightforward and familiar if you have used a lawn tractor before.
Strengths most owners care about
- Solid value for routine weekly mowing
- Designed for normal residential grass (up to about 10 inches tall)
- Supports bagging and mulching setups for yard cleanup
- Standard safety interlock approach (seat/brake/PTO logic) for safer operation
- Widely available maintenance items (filters, blades, hardware)
A lawn tractor is not the same as a heavy-duty garden tractor. If you routinely tow heavy loads, mow steep slopes, or cut overgrown fields, you may want a heavier platform.
Common “not a fit” situations
- Regular mowing on slopes where you feel uneasy or cannot safely back up
- Cutting very tall, dry grass or leaf piles (higher fire risk around the deck and exhaust)
- Expecting commercial-grade durability for daily use
| Need | What it does | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Bagging | Collects clippings/leaves | Lawn tractor 2-bin bagger 19B30031OEM |
| Mulching | Recuts clippings into finer pieces | (Mulch kit is commonly used on 46-inch decks) |
| Cutting | Replaces worn or damaged blades | (Use the OEM blade type listed for your deck) |
A “good” mower is one you can operate safely and maintain easily. Following the manual’s guidance on safe starting, blade condition, and slope operation helps you get better performance and avoid preventable downtime.
Last updated: February 2026





