If you own a Craftsman lawn mower, push mower, riding mower, or zero-turn, you may wonder how old it is. Knowing your mower’s age helps order the right parts, check compatibility, estimate resale value, or understand when major components might need replacing.
This guide explains where to find these numbers, how to decode them, tools you can use to look up manufacturing dates, and what to do if your serial number format is confusing.
How Old Is My Craftsman Mower
1. Locate Your Craftsman Mower’s Model and Serial Number
Every Craftsman mower has an identification label containing two important numbers:
- Model Number (identifies the equipment type and design)
- Serial Number (contains manufacturing date data)
These numbers are typically printed on a sticker or metal plate.
Where to find the tag on a Craftsman mower:
For Walk-Behind / Push Mowers
- Rear of the mower deck
- Side of the engine shroud
- Under the handle near the base
For Riding Mowers
- Under the seat
- On the mower frame, just below the seat
- On the rear fender
- On the dashboard support area
For Zero-Turn Craftsman Mowers
- Under the seat
- Along the frame near the engine
- On the engine housing
Ensure you clean dirt or grass from the label so the numbers are clear.
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2. Decode the Craftsman Serial Number (Most Common Method)
Craftsman serial numbers often contain a date code. Many Craftsman mowers, especially units built by MTD, use a simple format:
The first two digits represent the month,
the next two digits represent the day,
the next two digits represent the year.
Example:
Serial number: 032015
- 03 = March
- 20 = 20th
- 15 = 2015
Your Craftsman mower was built on March 20, 2015.
Some labels may have extra letters or digits, but the date code usually appears in the first 6 characters.
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3. If That Doesn’t Work: Use the Engine Serial Number
Craftsman uses engines from:
- Briggs & Stratton
- Kohler
- Honda
- Tecumseh (older models)
Engine manufacturers also embed date information into their serial numbers.
Briggs & Stratton Engine Date Code Format
Example:
Code: 09062356
- 09 = 2009
- 06 = June
- 23 = 23rd day
This gives you the engine’s build date, and your mower is usually built the same year or shortly after.
Kohler Engine Serial Format
Kohler uses a longer code where the first two digits are the year and the next two represent the week.
Example: 1813xxxxx
- 18 = 2018
- 13 = 13th week (late March)
If your Craftsman mower’s serial number is unclear, the engine code gives a very close estimate.
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4. Look Up the Date Using Online Databases
Several reliable websites allow you to verify your mower’s age using the model and serial number:
Sears PartsDirect
The Craftsman model lookup tool often shows diagrams and manufacturing information.
Craftsman Official Website
Newer Craftsman products can be registered or checked for date information.
MTD Product Lookup
If your mower starts with prefixes like 247, it was made by MTD. Their database can decode model-history information.
Husqvarna Support
Husqvarna built older Craftsman mowers (917 prefix) and can sometimes be dated using their support resources.
5. Identify Age Based on Mower Prefix
Craftsman mowers include a model prefix that reveals the manufacturer.
Common Prefixes:
- 917 → Husqvarna-built
- 247 → MTD-built
- 944 → Canadian models (Sears Canada)
- 536 → Murray-built (older models)
While not a direct age code, the prefix helps determine where to look for decoding resources.
6. Physical Clues That Suggest Mower Age
Even without serial numbers, you can estimate age based on:
- Design style
- Old models have bulkier metal decks; newer ones feature more plastic housings.
- Engine type
- Briggs Quantum engines appear mostly in mowers from the 1990s to the 2010s.
- Safety features
- Older push mowers lack the modern blade-stop system.
- Color changes
- Classic Craftsman red with yellow accents is common on early models; recent models use modern black-and-red branding.
These clues aren’t precise but help narrow the range.
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7. When Serial Numbers Are Missing
If the identification tag is worn off, you can:
- Check the underside of the seat for a second tag (on riders).
- Look for a stamping on the engine blower housing.
- Search your owner’s manual, many have production year info.
- Look through old purchase receipts or credit card records.
- Compare your model visually with known-year versions online.
Final words
Finding out how old your Craftsman mower is is easier than most people think. With the model and serial number, and especially the date code, you can determine its exact manufacturing year within minutes. Even if the sticker is missing or unreadable, the engine serial or online lookup tools can help you pinpoint the mower’s age with good accuracy.
If you’re buying replacement parts, troubleshooting, or evaluating value, knowing your mower’s age is always a helpful first step.
