Do Craftsman mowers use Briggs and Stratton engines?
Yes, many Craftsman mowers and tractors use Briggs and Stratton engines, but it depends on the specific model and production year. For a Craftsman riding tractor like model 917255912, the engine brand is confirmed by checking the engine ID tag and matching it to the correct parts list.
Use these quick checks to identify the engine manufacturer and family:
- Look for an engine label on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter
- Record the engine model, type, and code (common on Briggs and Stratton)
- Check whether the tractor has a twin-cylinder layout (common on many GT 18 twin setups)
- Compare the engine tag info to the parts you need (filters, ignition, fuel system)
- If the label is missing, use the tractor model number 917255912 to narrow down compatible assemblies
Craftsman has used multiple engine suppliers across different mower lines. Here is what we typically see:
| Engine brand | Where it’s commonly found | What the ID tag often looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs and Stratton | Many walk-behind mowers and some riders | Model-Type-Code format |
| Kohler | Many riding mowers and garden tractors | Model and spec number |
| Tecumseh (older units) | Older walk-behind and riders | Model and serial style tag |
The tractor model number gets you to the right chassis and deck parts, but engine parts (carburetor, ignition, starter, fuel components) must match the engine’s exact ID. For example, if you are chasing a fuel leak or contamination issue, replacing the correct tank and fittings is key, such as the fuel tank 532151346 when it matches your configuration.
If your question is really about tractor hardware, these parts are typically tied to the chassis rather than the engine brand:
- Lawn tractor ignition switch 532365402 (starting circuit and key switch)
- Ground drive and deck belts (matched to deck and transmission setup)
- Wheel and axle hardware (bearings, clips, hub caps)
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding tractor like model 917255912, a complete engine replacement typically costs $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine type, labor rates, and whether you replace related wear items at the same time.
- Engine type and horsepower (V-twin engines and higher HP cost more)
- New vs. rebuilt vs. used engine (new is highest cost, used is lowest)
- Labor time (riding mower engine swaps commonly take around 6 hours)
- Extra parts replaced “while you’re in there” (belts, pulleys, wiring, fuel parts)
- Shop fees and pickup/delivery (varies by area)
| Replacement approach | What you’re paying for | Typical total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Used engine | Lowest upfront cost, unknown wear | $260 to $900 |
| Rebuilt engine | Mid-range cost, refreshed internals | $600 to $1,400 |
| New engine | Highest reliability, highest cost | $900 to $1,800 |
Replacing an engine can expose worn drive and PTO components. On model 917255912, common “check and replace if worn” items include:
- Deck belt condition and routing; consider the lawn mower blade drive belt 582778701
- Ground drive belt glazing or cracking; consider the ground drive belt 583639501
- PTO engagement issues; inspect the lawn tractor pto switch 532407863
- Starting and key issues; inspect the lawn tractor ignition switch 532365402
- Fuel leaks or contamination; inspect the fuel tank 532151346
A replacement engine is a major investment. Pricing the job correctly means accounting for labor time and the related belt, PTO, fuel, and electrical items that can cause problems right after the new engine goes in.
Last updated: February 2026
What Craftsman lawnmower do I have?
If you’re on this Craftsman model page, your lawn tractor is Craftsman model 917255912 (a GT 18 twin-garden tractor). To confirm on the machine, match the model number on the product identification label to 917255912.
On most Craftsman riding mowers and garden tractors, the product identification label is located in one of these common spots:
- Under the seat (often on the underside of the seat or on the fender pan beneath it)
- On the frame near the seat mounting area
- Near the rear hitch plate or rear frame crossmember
- Under the hood area on the chassis rail (less common)
If the label is dirty or faded, wipe it with a damp rag and mild cleaner so the digits are readable.
For parts lookup and repairs, we recommend recording these items exactly as shown on the label:
- Model number (for this tractor: 917255912)
- Product number (sometimes listed separately)
- Serial number (helps confirm production run)
- Engine model and type (engine parts are often matched by engine ID, not tractor ID)
Use this as a simple way to avoid mix-ups when ordering parts.
| Item type | Example from this model page | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | 917255912 | Identifies the tractor for diagrams and chassis parts |
| Part ID | 532365402 | Identifies a specific replacement part listing |
| Part number | STD365402 | Manufacturer number used across brands/models |
Craftsman tractors can look similar across years, but belts, pulleys, electrical switches, and steering or axle hardware can vary by model. Matching 917255912 helps ensure the correct fit for items like the lawn tractor ignition switch 532365402 or a drive belt.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the parts of a lawn mower engine?
A lawn mower or lawn tractor engine is built from fuel, air, ignition, and rotating internal components that work together to create power. On Craftsman model 917255912, the exact layout varies by engine family, but the core engine parts and their jobs stay the same.
- Fuel system: fuel tank, fuel line, fuel filter, carburetor (or fuel pump on some engines)
- Air intake: air filter, intake tube, choke plate
- Ignition: ignition coil/module, spark plug, flywheel magnets, kill wire
- Engine internals: piston, rings, connecting rod, crankshaft, camshaft, valves
- Lubrication: oil sump/crankcase, oil fill/dipstick, oil drain, breather
- Starting/charging (if equipped): starter motor or recoil starter, solenoid, alternator/stator, battery
- Cooling: cooling fins, blower housing, flywheel fan
| Part or system | What it does | Common symptom when it fails |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel tank/carburetor | Stores and meters fuel | Hard starting, surging, stalling |
| Air filter | Keeps dirt out of engine | Black smoke, loss of power |
| Ignition coil/spark plug | Creates spark | No-start, misfire |
| Crankshaft/piston/valves | Makes compression and power | Low power, knocking, smoke |
These parts are commonly involved when a tractor will not start or will not keep running:
- Fuel tank 532151346 (fuel storage and supply to the engine)
- Lawn tractor ignition switch 532365402 (sends power to ignition and starter circuits)
- Lawn tractor pto switch 532407863 (safety/interlock that can prevent starting on some setups)
Knowing which system you are troubleshooting (fuel, air, ignition, or mechanical) helps you avoid replacing the wrong parts. For example, a no-start is often ignition or safety-interlock related, while surging is often fuel or air related.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is my Craftsman mower serial number lookup?
On a Craftsman riding mower like model 917255912, the year is typically encoded in the serial number or date code on the product ID label. Many Craftsman-built units use a 6-digit date format where the last two digits represent the year (for example, …11 = 2011).
Look for a product ID label in one of these common spots:
- Under the seat on the seat pan or fender pan
- On the frame rail near the engine
- Near the rear hitch plate
- Under the hood near the dash tower
If the label is dirty or faded, wipe it with a damp rag and mild cleaner so the digits are readable.
A very common format is MMDDYY:
- First 2 digits = month
- Next 2 digits = day
- Last 2 digits = year
| Code format | Example code | Interprets as |
|---|---|---|
| MMDDYY | 072811 | July 28, 2011 |
Some Craftsman tractors use a longer serial number where the date is embedded. In that case, we use these checks:
- Look for a separate “Date” or “MFG Date” line on the label
- Check for a 6-digit block within the serial that matches a valid month/day
- Compare the tractor’s configuration (engine, deck, wiring) to the parts list for 917255912
Knowing the build year helps us match the correct Craftsman parts and revisions (belts, pulleys, switches, and fuel system components) so you avoid ordering a look-alike part that will not fit.
If you are already servicing the tractor while you confirm the year, a common wear item to inspect is the ground drive belt 583639501 for cracking, glazing, or stretching.
Last updated: February 2026





