The new (old) mower

I now have a new lawnmower. For the first time in over 30 years! It's not actually "new"... but it's new to me.

I believe it is a 2013 year Craftsman 21" push mower, model number 247.37037. It has a 190cc Briggs & Stratton Platinum 7.25 torque engine, model number 128M02-0952-F1. It's also apparently equipped with the 'Precision Plus cutting system.'

I don't know about all that, but it seems to be pretty nice. I bought it from my boss for $75. The deck front cover needed to be replaced (it holds the front axle). They already had the part, but for some reason hadn't replaced it and just bought a new mower instead. It was an easy fix, and I'm pretty happy.

Here are the Features as listed here:

• Briggs and Stratton Platinum 190cc 7.25 Torque Engine
• 7 foot-pounds of torque tear through dense growth & wet grass
• Ready Start™ means no prime, no choke, just pull starter rope
• Smooth Start™ Plus gets you up and running fast
• 21 Inch 3-In-1 Deck
• Bag, side discharge, or mulch your cuttings
• Precision Plus™ cutting system gives your lawn a manicured look
• Deck design extends beyond wheels for precise trimming & edging
• Traction Heavy High Rear Wheels
• Sure-grip traction trimming down thick grass & taming wild weeds
• Dual point height adjusts 1.25 to 3.75 in. for any grass type
• EZ Deck Wash System
• Connects to garden hose for fast cleanup & better performance
• 3-Position Ergo Handle
• More ergonomic & adjustable to user for more comfort
• Exclusive front deck handle for easy adjustment & deck protection
• EZ Empty 1.9 Bushel Rear Bag With Dust Blocker
• Helps protect those sensitive to clippings, pollen and dust
• Allows the bag to completely fill with clippings

 

I'm not a big fan of mixing plastic and metal parts, but I suppose there's no getting around that anymore for mowers in my price range.

I do like the 3-in-1 discharge option. The bagger has never been used, and I am currently using it to mulch. I've never had a mulcher (or bagger). I'm just glad it doesn't throw grass all over me anymore, as the old mower hadn't had the plastic discharge shute for some time and I always got filthy dirty whenever I mowed the lawn.

So far it hasn't started near as well as the old mower. I doubt any would. However, to be fair, both times I've started it I had just had it on its side, so it's possible that had some effect.

I picked it up Saturday, replaced the part on the front end, and finished mowing from when I had started earlier in the week with the old mower. I mowed on the highest setting just to try to match the already-cut grass. Sunday I turned around and dropped the deck down to the #5 setting and mowed the entire yard again. It looked much nicer at this height.

It seems weird that there's no throttle, and I'm not a big fan of having to hold the handle to keep it running, but otherwise, it seems to be simple enough. If I can get 3-4 years out of it I will be satisfied. 

I've been anticipating needing a new mower for the last several years. I can't believe the old one lasted as long as it did. And this new one probably worked out better than I thought. They don't make them like they used to, so I'm glad I found this one in good condition for this price.