Craftsman 917275642 lawn tractor Parts

You can tell the year of your Craftsman riding mower by finding the product ID (often on a frame or fender decal) and reading the date code; on many Craftsman tractors, the last two digits of the code indicate the year. For model 917275642, we also recommend confirming the identification label details in the 917275642 owner's manual.

Where to look for the date code

Check these common spots on a front-engine Craftsman lawn tractor:

• Under the seat pan or on the seat support
• On the rear fender area near the operator position
• On the frame rail (left or right side)
• Near the engine compartment on a decal or tag
• Around the mower deck area (less common for the main ID)

How the code is commonly formatted

Many Craftsman date codes are read as MMDDYY:

Code example	How to read it	What it means
072811	MM DD YY	July 28, 2011
031905	MM DD YY	March 19, 2005

Quick tips so you do not misread it

• If the first two digits are 01 to 12, that usually supports the MMDDYY format.
• If the “month” would be 13 or higher, you are likely looking at a different number (such as a part number or serial).
• Write down the full model number (917275642) and any other numbers on the tag before ordering parts.

Why it matters

Knowing the build year helps us match the correct parts and diagrams for your Craftsman lawn tractor, especially for wear items like blades, belts, and PTO electrical components.

Parts that often vary by production run

• Mower blades (deck style and lift)
• Blade drive belt routing and length
• PTO switch and wiring connectors
• Mandrel (spindle) assemblies

If you are servicing the cutting system on this tractor, matching the deck parts to the model is key; for example, the lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 is a model-matched blade option for many 42-inch decks.

Last updated: February 2026

Replacing the engine on a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917275642 typically costs $800 to $3,000+ total (engine plus labor), depending on engine brand/horsepower, whether the wiring and pulleys transfer over cleanly, and local shop rates.

What drives the price up or down

• Engine type and output: higher horsepower and premium brands cost more.
• Labor time: most shops bill 4 to 8 hours for a riding mower engine swap.
• Extra parts discovered during teardown: belts, pulleys, wiring, fuel lines.
• Condition of the tractor: rusted fasteners and worn mounts add time.
• Whether the old engine failed catastrophically: debris can damage the PTO clutch or deck drive.

Typical cost breakdown (what you are paying for)

Cost item	Typical range	Notes
Replacement engine	$500 to $2,200	Biggest variable; includes long block or complete engine
Labor	$300 to $900	Based on shop rate and hours
Shop supplies, oil, filter, spark plug	$25 to $100	Often added during install
Optional related repairs	$0 to $600+	Belts, battery, PTO clutch, deck components

Before you replace the engine, check these common “no start” causes

We see many tractors that need a battery, safety switch, or tune-up instead of an engine.

• Verify battery condition and cable connections
• Confirm the operator presence and brake safety circuits are working
• Check spark plug and air filter condition
• Inspect for clogged cooling fins and dirty air screen
• Make sure the PTO is disengaged and the deck is not binding

For step-by-step maintenance checks and service intervals, use the 917275642 owner’s manual.

Why it matters

An engine replacement can exceed the value of an older riding mower. Comparing total repair cost to the tractor’s overall condition (deck, transaxle, steering, and electrical) helps you avoid sinking money into multiple follow-up repairs.

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman lawn tractors use engines sourced from several manufacturers, and the exact engine brand depends on the specific tractor model and production run. For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917275642, the owner's manual confirms it is an 18.5 HP tractor with a low-emission engine, but engine maker branding is typically identified on the engine shroud and the engine model tag.

How to identify the engine brand on model 917275642

Use these quick checks on your tractor (no disassembly needed):

• Look at the engine blower housing/shroud for a Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, or Kawasaki label.
• Find the engine ID tag (usually near the valve cover, starter, or above the muffler) and record:
  • Engine model
  • Type
  • Code/spec
• Match that engine model to parts and service info in the 917275642 owner's manual.
• If the label is missing, use the stamped numbers on the tag plate rather than decal graphics.
• Confirm you are reading the tractor model correctly: 917275642 (not the deck or engine number).

Common engine brands used on Craftsman lawn tractors

Across Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors, the most common engine suppliers are:

Engine brand	Where you’ll usually see it	What to look for
Briggs & Stratton	Many Craftsman lawn tractors	“Briggs & Stratton” badge and a model-type-code tag
Kohler	Some mid to higher HP tractors	“Kohler” badge and a spec number
Kawasaki	Less common on Craftsman tractors	“Kawasaki” badge and an engine family/model tag

Why it matters

The engine brand and engine model number determine the correct tune-up parts (spark plug, air filter, oil filter), service specs, and troubleshooting steps. Using the tractor model alone can point you to chassis and deck parts, but the engine tag is what locks in engine-specific maintenance items.

Last updated: February 2026

For the Craftsman 42-inch riding mower shown on this page, the model number is 917.275642 (often written without the dot as 917275642). You can confirm it on the identification label and in the 917275642 owner's manual.

Where to find the model number on the tractor

Check these common locations first:

• Under the seat on the seat pan or fender area
• On the frame near the engine compartment
• Near the rear axle or transaxle area
• Inside the hood area on the chassis

Why you might see different model numbers online

Many Craftsman 42-inch riders exist, so listings may show a different model (for example, a different series or engine package). Use the tractor’s model number to match the correct parts diagrams and specs.

What you’re looking at	What it means	Example
Deck size	Cutting width, not the model	42-inch deck
Model number	Identifies the exact tractor build	917.275642
Part number / part ID	Identifies a replacement part	134149 / 532134149

Why it matters

Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong blade, belt, or mandrel parts. For model 917275642, the manual and parts list show 42-inch deck blade options such as the lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 and the husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149.

Last updated: February 2026