Craftsman 917270743 42" lawn tractor Parts

The Craftsman riding mower model 917270743 uses a 17.0 HP engine and features electric start. This is the engine rating called out for this 42-inch automatic lawn tractor in the 917270743 owner's manual.

Even within the same Craftsman model family, the most reliable confirmation is the engine ID label on the engine itself.

• Look for the engine model and type sticker on the blower housing or valve cover area.
• Record the engine model, type, and code (Briggs & Stratton engines commonly use this format).
• Match that information when ordering tune-up parts like spark plugs, air filters, and oil filters.
• Use the tractor model number 917270743 when ordering chassis and deck parts (belts, blades, mandrels).

Horsepower is a general power rating; real-world mowing performance also depends on deck condition and blade sharpness.

Knowing the correct engine identification helps you buy the right maintenance parts and troubleshoot issues faster. For example, hard starting can be caused by a weak battery, dirty air filter, or incorrect spark plug, and the correct engine model narrows those choices immediately.

Last updated: January 2026

Replacing the engine on your Craftsman 917270743 42" lawn tractor is worth it when the tractor’s deck, transmission, and safety systems are in good shape and the engine cost stays well below the cost of a comparable new rider; if the total repair approaches about half the price of a new mower, replacement usually makes more sense.

• The mower deck is solid (not rusted through) and the spindles/mandrels are not seized
• The tractor still drives normally (no slipping, loss of drive, or major transmission issues)
• Safety interlock system works correctly (seat switch, clutch/brake start logic)
• You can do the work or have a shop that will install and set up the engine
• The engine swap cost (engine + labor + incidentals) is clearly less than a new mower

Your manual emphasizes keeping safety devices working and never making adjustments with the engine running; those same items help you judge whether the tractor is a good “chassis” to invest in. Use the 917270743 owner’s manual to confirm the correct safety interlock behavior and maintenance checks.

• Operator presence and interlock system: engine should only start with clutch/brake fully depressed and attachment clutch disengaged; leaving the seat under certain conditions should shut the engine off
• Deck and blade system: check for vibration, bent blades, and worn mandrels; the manual calls out replacing bent/damaged blades and tightening blade hardware to spec
• Drive system: if you have loss of drive, a worn belt can be a simpler fix than an engine swap; for this model, the lawn tractor ground drive belt 532140294 is a common wear item

An engine swap only pays off when the rest of the Craftsman 917270743 is safe and mechanically sound. If the deck, mandrels, or drive system are already failing, you can end up chasing multiple repairs after the engine is replaced.

Last updated: January 2026

On a Craftsman 917270743 42" lawn tractor, we identify the engine by locating the engine model and type numbers stamped on the engine itself (not on the tractor frame). The stamping is typically on the blower housing or sheet metal near the muffler and air cleaner.

Check these common locations first (wipe dirt and grass off so the stamping is readable):

• On the sheet metal directly above the muffler (muffler can be on the right or left side)
• On the front of the engine near the air cleaner housing
• On the blower housing (the metal shroud around the flywheel) near the recoil area (if equipped)
• On a small engine ID label or tag attached to the shroud

For parts lookup and service, we recommend recording all of the following exactly as shown:

• Engine manufacturer (example: Briggs and Stratton, Kohler)
• Engine model number
• Type/spec number
• Code/serial number

If you are reaching near the muffler, belts, or rotating parts, follow the safe shutdown steps used for service:

• Turn the ignition key OFF and remove the key
• Set the parking brake and place the motion control in neutral
• Disengage the attachment clutch (blades OFF)
• Let the engine cool; mufflers get hot
• Disconnect the spark plug wire before putting hands near moving parts

These steps match the service precautions in the 917270743 owner's manual.

The tractor model number (917270743) gets you the correct Craftsman riding mower and deck parts; the engine model and type numbers get you the correct ignition, fuel, and air-intake parts for that specific engine.

Last updated: January 2026

On the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917270743, the model and serial number label is typically on the frame under the seat or on the underside of the seat itself. Once you have that number, you can match the correct parts list and diagrams in the 917270743 owner's manual.

Check these common label locations first:

• On the frame directly under the seat (lift the seat to look down at the chassis)
• On the underside of the seat pan
• Near the rear fender area close to the seat mounting points
• On a decal plate near the transmission bypass lever area (varies by build)

After you find the model number, use it exactly as printed (including dots or dashes if shown on the label).

• Confirm the model reads 917270743
• Use the parts diagrams to identify the exact component name
• Match by part number and description before ordering
• For wear items (blades, belts, tires), compare deck size and configuration

Using the exact Craftsman model number prevents ordering the wrong blade, belt, mandrel, tire, or steering part. Even tractors that look similar can use different deck hardware and drive systems.

Last updated: January 2026