Craftsman Lawn Mower Identification

Anyone looking for the Craftsman identification logo, new or old models or parts really needs to look no further than Craftsman.com. This is the official Craftsman website and includes company history, product details, customer assistance and even a Craftsman Club to provide advance information about new products and special offers. Information about Craftsman lawn mowers abounds on the Internet, though, so users and collectors alike have no shortage of sources to tap, especially for tips on how to identify a Craftsman lawn mower.

Starting Point

According to Craftsman.com, the first Craftsman lawn mowers came on the market in 1934, about seven years after Sears acquired the Craftsman trademark in 1927. The trademark belonged originally to the Marion-Craftsman Tool Company, but because the head of Sears’ hardware department, Arthur Barrows, liked the name, he offered the company $500 for the rights to put the Craftsman name on Sears products. Barrows’ aim was to set the Sears brand apart from other manufacturers with an easily identifiable name.

Trademark

According to Consumer Reports, Craftsman is a brand name that lawn mower consumers are familiar with and that consistently scores above average in the consumer advocacy magazine’s ratings. It is a market leader in sales of lawn mowers and tractors. The “Craftsman” trademark imprinted on the body of the lawn mower, traditionally features white capital letters in a red rectangular box and remains the most recognizable symbol of this mower.

Model Number

Every Craftsman lawn mower has its own individual model number. The number usually starts with three digits. Look for it on the model sticker, tag or plate. Some Craftsman model number digits are sized or styled differently. The model number is the key to the lawn mower’s profile and components.

Owner's Manual

Having found the model number, buyers of second-hand Craftsman lawn mowers that may not come with the original owner’s manuals can search for copies of these manuals. Copies of most model manuals are available at the Craftsman website or on other websites like Lawnandgarden.manualsonline.com or managemylife.com. The owner’s manual provides all the product specifications required to identify a genuine Craftsman lawn mower. The manual also includes the warranty, maintenance schedule, repair parts and parts ordering information.

Engine

A sure way to identify a genuine Craftsman lawn mower is by its engine. By way of identifiable components, many Craftsman lawn mowers have Briggs & Stratton, Kohler and Honda engines. For example, using the model, specification and serial numbers of the Kohler engine, it is possible to verify full details of that engine and its parts. Each specification number designates certain engine features such as a crankshaft of a particular length and diameter or an oil pan of a specific design. The specification number differentiates the engine from other engines with the same model number. If the engine model number is missing or obscured on the lawn mower, it is possible to enter the specification number in the Kohler Parts Lookup System and determine the model number that way. This lookup process identifies the correct replacement parts assigned to that particular engine. The serial number pinpoints the engine’s year of construction, the factory code and any updates or changes to parts within that serial number.

Antique

For collectors, an example of an antique Craftsman lawn mower of the 1950s is the Sears Craftsman 36-inch deck, 5-horsepower riding lawn mower. According to lawnmowerguides.com, it was a status symbol of its day. Identifiable features of this lawn mower include excellent tires and a spring-load seat for maximum comfort. This mower also features a pull start and an engine manufactured by Briggs & Stratton. The mower emits no smoke when in use. A hatch lid top is another feature that offers ease of use.