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How to read Craftsman serial number?
On a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 247374900, the serial number format depends on the engine and deck manufacturer, so we use the identification chart in the 247374900 owner's manual to match the serial tag style and decode the build date correctly.
Where to find the serial number
Most walk-behind mowers have more than one ID label. Check these common spots:
- Rear of the deck housing near the discharge opening
- Top of the deck near the engine mounting area
- Rear skirt area (behind the engine)
- Handle bracket or height-adjuster area
- Engine label (often separate from the mower deck label)
How to decode it (what the numbers usually mean)
Many Craftsman and MTD-built mower serials use a date-style code, but the order is not universal. A common pattern you may see is MMDDYY (month, day, year). Example: 072811 reads as July 28, 2011.
Use this quick check to avoid misreading the code:
| If the serial starts with | Often indicates | Example | Reads as |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 to 12 | Month first | 041523 | April 15, 2023 |
| 13 to 31 | Day first (less common) | 150423 | April 15, 2023 |
| Letters + numbers | Plant/line code included | A072811 | Date is embedded |
Best practice for model 247374900
- Locate the mower deck serial label and write it down exactly.
- Locate the engine model and serial (these can decode differently than the deck).
- Compare the label format to the ID section in the 247374900 owner's manual.
- If you are ordering parts, match parts to the mower model 247374900 first; use the engine numbers only for engine-specific parts (spark plug, air filter, carburetor items).
Why it matters
The serial number helps confirm the correct production run, which can affect fit for items like the drive system, handle hardware, and deck components. It is especially important when replacing wear parts such as the lawn mower ground drive belt 954-04282.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a lawn mower?
For a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 247374900, it’s cheaper to repair when the fix is routine and the total repair cost stays under about 50% of the price of a comparable new mower. Replacing makes more sense when you’re facing major drivetrain or engine costs, repeated breakdowns, or heavy deck damage.
Quick decision checklist
- Repair if the mower starts reliably and the issue is wear-and-tear (blade, belt, cable, wheel).
- Repair if parts cost is low and labor is minimal (DIY-friendly).
- Replace if the engine has low compression, severe smoking, or won’t run even after a tune-up.
- Replace if the self-propel system needs multiple major parts (belt plus transmission) and the total climbs quickly.
- Replace if the deck housing is rusted through or cracked.
Common repairs that are usually worth it (and parts that fit 247374900)
These are typical “high value” repairs because they restore performance without major teardown:
- Replace a worn drive belt: lawn mower ground drive belt 954-04282
- Fix self-propel engagement issues by replacing a stretched cable: lawn mower drive control cable 946-05048
- Replace a damaged wheel to improve tracking and cut quality: lawn mower wheel 934-04699
Repair vs. replace cost guide
| Situation | Typical recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Blade dull, belt slipping, cable stretched | Repair | Low parts cost; fast improvement in cut and drive |
| Transmission slipping or not driving | Depends on total cost | A transmission can be a bigger-ticket repair |
| Deck housing rusted through | Replace (often) | Structural issue affects safety and cut quality |
Why it matters
A walk-behind mower’s best value comes from keeping the engine healthy and the deck solid. When the deck and engine are sound, replacing wear parts (belt, cable, wheels) usually costs far less than buying a new mower and gets you back to reliable mowing.
Helpful reference
Use the 247374900 owner’s manual to confirm maintenance intervals, adjustment points, and the correct setup for bagging, mulching, and side discharge.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the common problems with Craftsman lawn mowers?
Common problems we see on Craftsman walk-behind mowers like model 247374900 include hard starting or stalling, poor cut quality, excessive vibration, and self-propel drive issues (slipping or not moving). Most of these trace back to routine wear items such as the blade system, belts/cables, and deck discharge components; use the 247374900 owner's manual for model-specific checks and adjustments.
Most common symptoms and likely causes
- Won’t start / starts then dies: old fuel, dirty carburetor, fouled spark plug, clogged air filter
- Mower won’t move (self-propel): worn or stretched drive belt, loose drive cable, transmission wear
- Poor cut quality: dull/bent blade, damaged blade adapter, deck packed with wet grass
- Excessive vibration: bent blade, loose blade hardware, cracked blade adapter
- Clumping or poor discharge: clogged deck, damaged chute/door, missing or broken deflector
Quick checks we recommend first (10 minutes)
- Disconnect the spark plug wire before working near the blade.
- Confirm fresh fuel and correct oil level.
- Inspect the underside of the deck for packed grass and clean it.
- Check the blade for bends, cracks, or severe dullness.
- If self-propelled, inspect the belt and cable for slack and wear.
Parts that commonly fix these issues on 247374900
| Symptom | Part to inspect | What failure looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Side discharge not controlled | Mtd lawn mower side chute deflector 731-07486 | cracked, missing, won’t stay down |
| Self-propel slips or won’t pull | Lawn mower ground drive belt, 3/8 x 31-1/4-in 954-04282 | glazed, stretched, frayed |
| Poor cut or blade won’t stay tight | Lawn mower blade adapter 687-02220 | rounded hub, wobble, cracking |
DIY help that matches these problems
- For blade service and safe removal: how to sharpen a lawn mower blade
- If the mower will not drive: lawn mower wont move troubleshooting video motion drive failure
Why it matters
Catching a worn belt, loose blade adapter, or clogged deck early prevents bigger damage to the deck housing, transmission, and crankshaft, and it restores safe operation and clean cutting.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 247374900?
The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind gas lawn mower is 247374900. You will typically find this number on the mower’s model tag (often near the rear deck area, under the handle, or on the side of the deck); match it exactly when ordering parts or looking up diagrams in the 247374900 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the mower
Check these common locations on Craftsman walk-behind mowers:
- Rear of the deck near the height adjusters
- Under the handle mounting area
- Side of the deck near the discharge opening
- On a sticker or metal plate with both model and serial numbers
Why the exact model number matters
Craftsman model numbers can look similar, but parts can differ by deck design, drive system, and handle hardware. Using 247374900 helps us match the correct diagrams and parts such as the drive belt, chute components, and handle parts.
Examples of parts that depend on the correct model match
| Part type | What it affects | Example part for model 247374900 |
|---|---|---|
| Drive system | Self-propel function and speed | Lawn mower ground drive belt 954-04282 |
| Discharge system | Side discharge and safety coverage | Mtd lawn mower side chute deflector 731-07486 |
| Handle hardware | Handle stability and control feel | Handle knobs, screws, brackets |
Quick ordering checklist
Before you place an order, we recommend:
- Confirm the model tag reads 247374900 (no extra digits)
- Record the serial number (helps with production variations)
- Identify the system you’re repairing (drive, deck, discharge, handle)
- Compare the part description to your mower’s configuration (bagging vs mulching vs side discharge)
Why it matters
The model number is the key to getting the right Craftsman mower parts the first time; it prevents mismatches that can cause fit issues, poor cutting performance, or drive problems.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 247374900?
The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind lawn mower is 247374900. You’ll find it on the mower’s model tag; matching that number ensures you get the correct Craftsman 247374900 parts, diagrams, and maintenance instructions in the 247374900 owner’s manual.
Where to find the model number on the mower
Most Craftsman walk-behind mowers place the model tag in one of these spots:
- On the rear of the deck near the discharge opening
- On the top of the deck near the engine mounting area
- Near the rear wheel height adjuster
- On the handle support or rear skirt area
Why the model number matters for parts
Using the exact model number helps us match the right part design and hardware for your mower’s deck and drive system.
Common examples on this model include:
- Lawn mower ground drive belt, 3/8 x 31-1/4-in 954-04282 for self-propelled drive issues
- Lawn mower blade adapter 687-02220 if the blade slips, wobbles, or won’t tighten correctly
- Mtd lawn mower side chute deflector 731-07486 if the side discharge chute is missing or damaged
Quick check: model number vs. other numbers you may see
| What you see | What it means | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| 247374900 | Mower model number | Parts lookup, diagrams, manual |
| Engine model/type/code | Engine identification | Engine-specific parts (carburetor, air filter, spark plug) |
| Part numbers (example: 954-04282) | Individual replacement part | Ordering the exact part |
Why it matters
A single digit off can point to a different deck housing, belt length, or handle setup. Confirming 247374900 first prevents wrong-part returns and speeds up repairs.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is a Craftsman 247374900?
Craftsman model 247374900 is a gas walk-behind mower model number, but the exact build year depends on the specific serial number and date code on your mower. We use the model and serial tag to match the correct parts list and manual details for your unit; start with the 247374900 owner's manual.
How to find the year on the mower
Look for the model and serial label on the mower deck or rear of the unit (location varies by production run). Once you find it, use these common clues:
- Serial number: often includes a date code or can be cross-referenced to a production range
- Engine date code (on the engine shroud or valve cover area): helps narrow the timeframe
- Deck tag: may list a manufacturing date or a code that includes month and year
- Original purchase paperwork: receipt or warranty registration can confirm the year
What “247” means (and why it matters)
Many Craftsman walk-behind mowers with model numbers starting with 247 were built by MTD for Craftsman. That helps explain why you may see MTD-labeled replacement parts listed for this model.
Why it matters
Knowing the correct year (or at least the correct production run) helps ensure you get parts that fit your exact configuration, especially for items that change across revisions like the drive system, handle hardware, and discharge components.
Parts most affected by production changes
These are the areas where small design updates can change fit:
| System | Examples of parts that can vary | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Drive system | Belt, transmission, drive cable | Belt length, cable routing, pulley style |
| Handle controls | Control lever, knobs, lower/upper handle | Handle shape, mounting hole pattern |
| Discharge/bagging | Chute door, side deflector, grass bag | Deck opening style, hinge points |
If you are troubleshooting a self-propel issue, the lawn mower wont move troubleshooting video motion drive failure guide pairs well with checking the drive belt and cable condition.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the model number on a Craftsman self-propelled lawn mower?
On a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 247374900, the model number is typically printed on a label attached to the mower deck or frame, usually near the rear discharge area or around the handle mounting points. Use the model number to match the correct parts list and diagrams in the 247374900 owner's manual.
Common places to check on a self-propelled walk-behind mower
Look for a sticker or metal tag on the mower itself (not on the engine shroud). Check these spots:
- Rear of the deck, above or near the rear wheels
- Left or right side of the deck, near the height adjuster
- Frame area where the lower handle bolts to the deck
- Under the rear flap or near the rear skirt area
- Near the bagging or discharge opening
What the label usually includes (and what to write down)
The label often lists more than one identifier. Recording all of them helps ensure you get the right Craftsman and MTD-style parts.
| Item on label | What it’s used for | Example format |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Matches the correct parts diagrams | 247374900 |
| Serial number | Identifies production run | Letters and numbers |
| Product name/series | Helps confirm family | “Walk-behind mower” |
Tips if the label is dirty or missing
A worn label is common on mower decks because of grass, moisture, and abrasion.
- Clean the area with mild soap and water; avoid soaking the label
- Use a flashlight at a low angle to read faded printing
- Take a close-up photo and zoom in
- If the deck label is unreadable, check the handle frame tubes for a secondary tag
Why it matters
The model number is the fastest way to avoid ordering the wrong drive belt, wheel, or discharge parts. For example, self-propelled issues often trace to the correct belt size and routing, so matching the exact model is key before choosing a belt like lawn mower ground drive belt 954-04282.
Last updated: February 2026
