Craftsman Mower Replacement Parts: Top Picks for a Smooth Cut

Saturday morning, you pull the cord on your Craftsman mower, and instead of a roar, you get a sputter. Or worse, you finish a strip of grass and notice it looks ragged, not cleanly cut. Maybe a wheel wobbles, or the side discharge chute cracked last fall. Every Craftsman owner hits this wall eventually. The machine is solid, but the parts wear out, and suddenly you’re staring at a pile of metal and plastic, wondering what actually fits your model.

The hunt for replacement parts feels chaotic. OEM parts from the dealer cost a fortune and take a week to arrive. Amazon listings show blurry photos and compatibility lists that read like alphabet soup. You need parts that fit right the first time, last more than one season, and don’t require a mechanical engineering degree to install. The good news is that the aftermarket has stepped up. You can find quality replacements for blades, wheels, caps, and chutes without emptying your wallet.

I tested and compared five of the most-needed Craftsman replacement parts. These cover the essentials: a mulching blade, front wheels, a fuel tank cap, a side discharge chute, and a full mower if you’re starting fresh. Each pick earned its spot through fit, build quality, and real-world performance. Below, you’ll find a comparison table, detailed reviews, and a buying guide to help you match the right part to your specific mower model.

Here is a quick look at how these parts compare on the key specs that matter for your repair.

Features	Maxpower Mulching Blade	GICOOL Front Wheels	FarShiller Fuel Cap	DECKMAN Discharge Chute	CRAFTSMAN V20 Mower
Primary Use	Mulching grass clippings	Replacing worn front wheels	Sealing fuel tank	Directing side discharge	Complete cordless mower
Key Spec	21-inch cut, bow tie hole	8×1.75 inch, 1/2 inch bore	Fits 594061 models	11-inch hypotenuse	20-inch deck, brushless
Compatibility	MTD, Cub Cadet, Craftsman	Many Craftsman 917 models	Briggs & Stratton engines	MTD, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man	V20 battery platform
Build Quality	USA made, steel	Replacement rubber tires	Plastic with O-ring	Replacement plastic	Lightweight aluminum
Best For	Sharp, fine clippings	Stable rolling on flat yards	Preventing fuel leaks	Replacing cracked chutes	Small to medium lawns

CRAFTSMAN V20 20 in Lawn

If you’re not fixing a broken part but replacing a whole aging mower, the CRAFTSMAN V20 20-inch push mower deserves a serious look. This is the electric route, which means no more fuel stabilizer, no more pulling a cord until your arm aches, and no more oil changes. It suits homeowners with a quarter-acre or less who want a dependable machine that starts every single time with a simple squeeze of the bar.

The brushless motor is the star here. It delivers enough power for regular weekly cuts on established grass, and the runtime claim of up to 50 minutes holds up in practice if you don’t bog down in thick, wet growth. I found it handles a typical suburban lawn on a single charge with power to spare. The low-profile deck is genuinely useful. At the lowest height setting, the deck sits just 10 inches off the ground, which means you can slide it under shrubs and overhanging branches that would stop a bulkier mower cold.

There are trade-offs. Two 5Ah batteries and two chargers are included, which is generous, but they add weight. It’s still lighter than a gas mower, yet carrying it up a steep hill is a workout. The grass bag works, but it fills faster than you’d expect because the mulching action is so fine. Also, this is a push mower, not self-propelled. On flat ground, that’s fine. If your yard has a serious slope, your arms will feel it. The dual-lever height adjust from 1.5 to 3.5 inches covers most grass types, though the levers feel a bit plasticky compared to the rest of the build.

• 20-inch steel deck with a 10-inch low-profile clearance at setting 1
• Two 5Ah batteries and two chargers included for extended runtime
• Brushless motor provides up to 50 minutes of run time on a charge
• Dual-lever height adjustment from 1.5 to 3.5 inches
• Vertical storage design takes up 78% less space

Best for: Homeowners ready to ditch gas and oil for a lightweight, low-maintenance mower on flat, small-to-medium lawns.

594061 Fuel Tank Cap for

It’s a small part, but a faulty fuel cap causes big headaches. The 594061 Fuel Tank Cap from FarShiller replaces the original cap on many Briggs & Stratton engines found in Craftsman, Toro, and other walk-behind mowers. If you smell gas fumes around your mower or notice fuel weeping from the tank, the cap’s gasket has likely dried out or cracked. This replacement is a direct fix.

The cap includes a tether, which is a thoughtful touch. You can attach it to the engine or handle, so it doesn’t fall into the grass and get lost or dirty. The included O-ring helps create a snug seal, which is critical. A loose cap doesn’t just smell bad; it can cause fuel to evaporate, and in extreme cases, it allows dirt and debris into the carburetor, leading to bigger problems down the line.

One thing to watch: this is a generic replacement, so the plastic quality isn’t identical to an OEM part. It feels a bit lighter in hand. The tether is also on the shorter side, so you’ll need to find a convenient anchor point. But for the price, it beats paying dealer rates for a branded cap. Just verify your engine’s part number matches 594061 before ordering. If the threads on your tank are stripped, this cap won’t fix that underlying issue, though the snug fit from the O-ring can sometimes buy you another season.

• Replaces OEM part number 594061 for Briggs & Stratton engines
• Includes a tether to prevent losing the cap during refueling
• Comes with one extra O-ring for a tighter seal
• Simple twist-on installation, no tools required
• Recommended to replace cracked, worn, or stripped caps

Best for: Quick, cheap fix for a leaking or loose fuel cap on most gas-powered Craftsman push mowers.

GICOOL 583719501 194231X4

Worn front wheels make a mower handle like a shopping cart with a bad caster. The GICOOL 583719501 front wheels are a direct replacement for a huge range of Craftsman push mowers, particularly the 917 series. If your mower is hard to turn, vibrates excessively, or the wheels have cracked plastic hubs, this set is your answer.

These are 8-inch diameter wheels with a 1.75-inch width and a 1/2-inch bore, which is the standard size for countless Craftsman decks. The compatibility list is extensive, covering models from 917376xxx to 917999xxx. I appreciate that GICOOL didn’t just throw a bunch of numbers on the listing; the fit on my test mower was spot-on. The wheels roll smoothly, and the rubber provides decent traction on dry grass and hard-packed dirt.

The limitation here is the material. These are solid rubber tires on plastic hubs, not pneumatic. That means they won’t absorb bumps like air-filled tires, so you’ll feel more vibration on uneven ground. They also don’t offer great grip on wet, sloping terrain. But for flat, typical lawns, they are a durable, cost-effective fix. Installation is straightforward: remove the old wheel, slide this one onto the axle, and secure it with the existing clip or bolt. It’s a 15-minute job that can transform how your mower pushes.

• 8-inch diameter, 1.75-inch width, and 1/2-inch bore size
• Compatible with a wide range of Craftsman 917 model mowers
• Replaces OEM part numbers 583719501, 532402657, and 194231X460
• Solid rubber construction requires no air pressure maintenance
• Easy bolt-on installation using your mower’s original hardware

Best for: Owners of Craftsman 917 series mowers needing a quick, reliable fix for cracked or wobbly front wheels.

Lawn Mower 731-07486 Side

A cracked side discharge chute is more than an eyesore. It sends grass clippings flying in every direction, creating a mess and potentially throwing debris toward you or bystanders. The DECKMAN 731-07486 side discharge chute is a direct replacement for a wide array of MTD-built mowers, including many Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, and Yard-Man models. If your chute is broken or missing, this part restores proper clipping direction and safety.

This chute is designed to fit most 21-inch hand-pushed mowers. The dimensions are specific: the hypotenuse (the long side) is 11 inches long and the height is 3.4 inches. You should measure your old chute or check your model number against the extensive list before buying. The fit on compatible models is snug and secure. It clicks into place and stays put during operation, which is the main job. The plastic is thick enough to handle the constant barrage of grass and small rocks without cracking.

The most significant caveat is that it doesn’t come with the mounting screw. You must recycle the screw from your old chute. That’s fine if you have the old part, but if the screw was lost along with the chute, you’ll need to make a trip to the hardware store. Also, the compatibility list is long but not universal. It specifically excludes several 2026-2026 models, so double-check your mower’s serial number. The DECKMAN brand focuses on this specific category, and it shows in the quality of the mold and the precision of the fit.

• Replaces OEM part number 731-07486
• Fits most 21-inch push mowers from Craftsman, MTD, Troy-Bilt, and Yard-Man
• Measures 11 inches along the hypotenuse and 3.4 inches in height
• Requires reusing the original mounting screw (not included)
• Directs clippings away from the operator and flower beds

Best for: Replacing a broken or lost side discharge chute on common MTD-built Craftsman mowers.

Maxpower 331528B USA MADE

A sharp blade is the difference between a healthy lawn and a torn one. The Maxpower 331528B is a 21-inch mulching blade made in the USA, designed to fit a massive range of MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, and Craftsman mowers. If your grass looks brown and frayed at the tips after mowing, your blade is dull. This replacement will give you that clean, scissor-like cut.

What sets this blade apart is the bow tie center hole pattern. This is the specific mounting style used on many MTD platforms, and getting it right is crucial. The center hole diameter is 5/16-inch, and the center-to-center distance is 2.5 inches. If your mower uses a different pattern, this won’t fit. But if it matches, installation is simple. The blade is made from durable steel that holds an edge well. In my testing, it mulched dry leaves and thick grass into fine particles that disappeared into the lawn, rather than leaving clumps on top.

You need to check your current blade’s OEM number before buying. The Maxpower replaces a long list of numbers, including 742-0741 and 942-0741. The blade is sharp out of the box, so handle it with gloves. It’s also worth noting that this is a mulching blade, not a standard lift blade. It’s designed to cut and re-cut clippings. If you prefer to bag your grass, this blade will still work, but it’s not optimized for that task. For the price, it’s one of the most effective upgrades you can make to your mower’s performance.

• 21-inch cutting diameter for most standard push mowers
• Bow tie center hole pattern (5/16-inch holes, 2.5-inch center spacing)
• Replaces OEM numbers 742-0741, 942-0741, and Craftsman CMXGZAM100067
• Made in the USA from high-carbon steel
• Designed for mulching to return nutrients to your lawn

Best for: Sharp, clean mulching cuts on MTD-built Craftsman and Troy-Bilt mowers with a bow tie mounting pattern.

How We Chose These Products

I started this selection process by identifying the most common failure points on Craftsman mowers. Blades dull, wheels crack, caps leak, and chutes break. These are the parts that get replaced every few seasons, so I focused on those categories. I then cross-referenced OEM part numbers with aftermarket replacements to ensure compatibility claims were accurate.

For each product, I considered three factors: fit accuracy, build quality, and value. A part that requires modification to install didn’t make the cut. Materials mattered, too. Plastic had to be thick enough to withstand UV rays and impact, and steel had to be tempered to hold an edge. Finally, I weighed the price against the expected lifespan. A cheap part that fails in one season is no bargain.

Buying Guide: What Really Matters

Before you click buy, find your mower’s model number. It’s usually printed on a sticker under the rear discharge flap or on the back of the deck. This number is your key to compatibility. Cross-reference it with the parts’ lists, and when in doubt, measure your old part. A ruler is more reliable than a guess.

Consider the material. For blades, look for heat-treated steel. For wheels, decide between solid rubber and pneumatic. Solid tires never go flat but ride rough. Pneumatic tires offer a smoother push but require maintenance. For plastic parts like chutes, inspect the thickness and flexibility. A brittle chute will crack within a season. For more guidance on keeping your equipment in top shape, check out our lawn mower parts guide for a deeper dive into maintenance.

Think about the job you’re doing. If you mulch leaves in the fall, a dedicated mulching blade is worth it. If you bag clippings, a standard high-lift blade is better. If your yard is hilly, you might need to consider a different machine altogether, so reading our advice on mowers for hills can save you from a bad purchase.

Our Top Recommendation

For most people needing a repair, the Maxpower 331528B mulching blade is the single most impactful part you can buy. A sharp blade improves cut quality, reduces mowing time, and promotes a healthier lawn. It’s a high-quality, USA-made product that fits a huge number of Craftsman models. The performance upgrade is immediate and noticeable on the first pass.

If your issue is a cracked wheel or a leaking fuel cap, the GICOOL wheels and FarShiller cap are excellent, budget-friendly fixes. For those starting fresh, the CRAFTSMAN V20 is a solid choice for a cordless mower, especially if you’re already invested in the V20 battery platform. And if your chute is broken, the DECKMAN replacement is the right call. For more options on getting the best value, see our list of affordable Craftsman mowers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which replacement blade fits my Craftsman mower?

You must match the blade’s center hole pattern and overall length. Remove your existing blade and look for a part number stamped on it. Then, compare that number to the replacement’s compatibility list. If the blade is unmarked, measure the center hole diameter and the distance between the two holes. The Maxpower blade uses a bow tie pattern with 5/16-inch holes spaced 2.5 inches apart.

Why does my mower vibrate excessively after I installed new wheels?

Vibration is often caused by a bent axle or debris caught in the wheel hub. Check that the wheel is seated fully on the axle and that the bearing is clean. Also, ensure the bore size matches your axle diameter. A wheel with a 1/2-inch bore won’t fit an axle that is 5/8-inch. If the vibration persists, the issue might be a bent blade, not the wheels.

Can I use a mulching blade with a side discharge chute?

Technically, yes, but it’s not ideal. A mulching blade is designed to circulate clippings inside the deck for fine cutting. When used with a side discharge chute, the clippings may be thrown out before they are mulched properly. You’ll get a longer, less processed discharge. For best results, use the mulching blade with a dedicated mulching plug that blocks the discharge opening.

Is it worth buying OEM parts over cheaper aftermarket ones?

It depends on the part. For blades, a quality aftermarket brand like Maxpower often matches OEM performance at a lower cost. For plastic parts like chutes and caps, aftermarket is usually fine if the fit is correct. However, for complex components like transmissions or carburetors, OEM is safer. For simple wear items, you can save money without sacrificing quality.