You’re ready to tackle your overgrown lawn, but first, you need to order parts or get your Craftsman lawn mower serviced. The problem? You can’t find the model number. It’s not on the handle, the engine, or the underside. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! This guide will walk you through all the potential hiding spots for your Craftsman lawn mower’s model number, ensuring you can easily find it and get back to mowing in no time.
Short Overview:
Identifying the model number of your Craftsman lawn mower is crucial for ordering parts, getting repairs, or troubleshooting issues. This article outlines the most common locations where the model number can be found, helping you locate it quickly and efficiently.
Location 1: The Engine’s Metal Tag
The first and most common location to look for your Craftsman lawn mower’s model number is on the engine. Most Craftsman mowers utilize Briggs & Stratton or other popular engine manufacturers. The engine itself will likely have a metal tag, sometimes called a “data tag” or “ID tag”, attached to it. Here’s what you need to look for:
How to Find the Engine Tag:
- Look under the hood: The engine is typically located under the hood of the mower.
- Check the sides: Inspect the sides of the engine, paying close attention to the top and bottom areas. The tag is often located on the side facing the operator’s seat or the side facing the rear wheels.
- Inspect the bottom: The tag may also be found on the bottom of the engine, but it’s usually visible.
Information on the Tag:
Once you find the tag, you’ll find a range of important information, including:
- Model Number: This is the most important piece of information you need.
- Serial Number: This helps identify your specific mower and can be useful for tracking warranty information.
- Engine Type: The tag will also indicate the engine type and its power rating.
Location 2: The Mower Deck
If the model number isn’t on the engine, your next stop should be the mower deck itself.
Where to Look on the Deck:
- Check the underside: The mower deck underside, especially near the cutting blades, is a common location for the model number sticker.
- Inspect the top: While less common, the model number may be found on the top of the mower deck near the handles or controls.
What to Look For:
- Stickers: Look for stickers or labels that might be faded or worn down.
- Engraved numbers: Some Craftsman lawn mowers have the model number engraved directly into the metal of the deck.
Location 3: The Operator’s Manual
If you’re still having trouble finding the model number, your operator’s manual might be your last resort.
Where to Find the Manual:
- Check with the seller: If you bought the mower recently, check with the retailer or online store you purchased it from.
- Search online: You can find online manuals by searching for the Craftsman model name and the word “manual.”
- Contact Craftsman: You can also contact Craftsman directly for help finding a replacement manual.
What to Look For:
The model number will typically be listed on the cover of the manual, along with other essential information about your mower.
Location 4: The Craftsman Website
If you’ve exhausted all other options, the Craftsman website is your final stop.
How to Find Information on the Website:
- Visit the Craftsman website: Go to the official Craftsman website.
- Access the support page: Look for a “Support” or “Customer Service” section on the website.
- Search for your mower: You may be able to search by model name, serial number, or even a description of your mower.
What to Expect:
You may find the model number, as well as information about your mower’s warranty, parts, and manuals.
Additional Tips
- Clean the area: Dust and dirt can obscure stickers and markings.
- Use a flashlight: A flashlight can help illuminate dimly lit areas.
- Take pictures: Take photos of any potential model numbers you find. This will help you verify the information later.
Conclusion: Finding That Model Number
Finding the model number on your Craftsman lawn mower can be a little detective work, but with these tips, you’ll be able to locate it quickly and easily. Once you’ve found the model number, you can confidently order parts, get repairs, or troubleshoot issues. Remember, knowing your Craftsman lawn mower’s model number is key to keeping it running smoothly.
FAQs
1. How do I find the model number of my Craftsman lawn mower?
The model number of your Craftsman lawn mower is usually located on a sticker or plate attached to the mower’s frame or deck. Look for a sticker that has the Craftsman logo and a series of numbers and letters. You may find the model number on the underside of the deck, near the engine, or on the side of the mower.
If you can’t find a sticker, you can try looking for the model number on the owner’s manual or warranty card. You may also be able to find the model number by contacting Craftsman customer support or searching for the model number online.
2. What information is included in a Craftsman lawn mower model number?
Craftsman lawn mower model numbers usually contain information about the mower’s features, size, and engine. The first few digits may indicate the year the mower was manufactured, followed by information about the engine type, cutting deck size, and other specific features.
For example, a model number like “917.372420” might indicate a 20-inch cut, 190cc engine, and rear-wheel drive. You can use this information to find compatible parts and accessories for your mower.
3. Where can I find information about my Craftsman lawn mower model?
You can find information about your Craftsman lawn mower model in several places, including the official Craftsman website, online retailer websites, and user manuals.
Search the Craftsman website using the model number to find detailed specifications, operating instructions, troubleshooting tips, and parts diagrams. You may also be able to find user reviews and other helpful information from other Craftsman lawn mower owners.
4. What if I can’t find my Craftsman lawn mower model number?
If you can’t find your Craftsman lawn mower model number, you may be able to find it by looking at the engine model number. The engine model number is often located on a sticker attached to the engine. This number can be used to identify the engine type and other information about your mower.
If you still can’t find the model number, you can contact Craftsman customer support. They may be able to help you identify the model based on a description of your mower.
5. Is there a way to find parts for my Craftsman lawn mower without the model number?
If you can’t find the model number of your Craftsman lawn mower, you can still find parts by identifying the make and model of the engine. Look for a sticker on the engine that includes the manufacturer’s name and the engine model number.
You can then use this information to search for compatible parts on websites like Amazon or eBay.
6. Is there a difference between Craftsman and Sears lawn mowers?
Craftsman and Sears lawn mowers are essentially the same product. Craftsman is a brand name owned by Sears, and the two brands often share the same designs and manufacturing processes.
There may be some minor variations between Craftsman and Sears lawn mowers, but generally speaking, they are interchangeable.
7. What if my Craftsman lawn mower is no longer available?
If your Craftsman lawn mower is no longer available for purchase, you may still be able to find parts and accessories online. Search for the model number on websites like Amazon, eBay, or the Craftsman website.
If you can’t find the specific model number, you can search for compatible parts based on the engine model number. You can also contact local lawn mower repair shops or parts suppliers for assistance in finding parts for older models.