Owner’s manual
Are all Craftsman mower blades the same?
No. Craftsman mower blades are not all the same; the correct blade for Craftsman model 917288560 must match your mower deck’s blade length, lift style, and mounting (center hole) pattern. Using the wrong blade causes poor cutting, vibration, and unsafe operation; confirm the exact blade style in the 917288560 owner’s manual.
What must match for a blade to fit
When we help customers choose a replacement blade, we match these basics:
- Deck size and blade count (many riding decks use 2 blades, but configurations vary)
- Blade length (overall length of each blade)
- Center hole pattern (star, round, bow-tie, and other patterns are not interchangeable)
- Lift and blade type (standard, high-lift, mulching, 3-in-1)
- Correct hardware and tightness (use the proper blade bolt and tighten securely)
Model-specific fit detail for 917288560
This tractor’s manual specifies that the blade installs with the stamped “GRASS SIDE” facing the ground and that the center hole in the blade must align with the star on the mandrel assembly. That alignment is a key reason blades are not universal across Craftsman decks.
Quick compatibility checklist (before you buy)
Use this checklist to avoid ordering the wrong mower blade.
| Check | What to verify | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Center hole | Same pattern as the original blade | Prevents slipping, wobble, and loosening |
| Length | Same as the original blade | Maintains proper cut path and overlap |
| Lift/style | Same purpose as your setup | Affects bagging, mulching, and discharge |
| Condition | Replace if worn, bent, or damaged | Reduces vibration and deck wear |
Why it matters
A correctly matched blade protects the mandrel (spindle) area, reduces vibration, and delivers an even cut. If you have repeated loosening, wobble, or uneven cutting, inspect the spindle components; the lawn tractor mandrel housing 587819701 is a common deck part involved in blade support.
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917288560, a typical engine replacement (parts plus labor) usually runs about $600 to $2,500. The biggest cost drivers are the engine itself, whether any wiring or fuel parts need updating, and the labor time to swap and test everything.
What makes the price go up or down
- Engine type and horsepower: higher output and OEM-style replacements cost more
- Labor time: most riding mower engine swaps take about 4 to 8 hours including setup and testing
- Extra parts found during the job: worn belts, wiring, or fuel components can add cost
- Shop rates in your area: labor rates vary widely
- Condition of the tractor: rusted fasteners and damaged mounts increase time
Typical cost breakdown
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement engine | $400 to $1,800 | Most of the total cost is here |
| Labor | $200 to $700 | Often 4 to 8 hours |
| Misc. parts and supplies | $25 to $150 | Fuel line, clamps, oil, filter, hardware |
| Total installed cost | $600 to $2,500 | Common real-world range |
Before you replace the engine, rule out common “no start” causes
Your 917288560 manual troubleshooting chart points to several issues that can mimic a bad engine, such as a weak battery, corroded terminals, loose wiring, or a failed solenoid/starter. Use the starting system checks in the 917288560 owner’s manual first.
- Charge and load-test the battery
- Clean and tighten battery terminals
- Inspect wiring for looseness or damage
- Test the solenoid and starter circuit
If the tractor only clicks and will not crank, a solenoid is a common fix; for this model, the lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 is a frequent replacement part.
Why it matters
An engine swap can cost more than the tractor is worth if the mower deck, transaxle, or steering also needs major work. A quick diagnostic using the manual’s troubleshooting steps helps you avoid replacing an engine when the real problem is electrical or fuel-related.
Last updated: February 2026
How wide is a 42 in riding lawn mower?
A “42-inch” riding lawn mower refers to the cutting deck width, not the overall machine width. For a Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor like model 917288560 with a 42-in deck, the overall width is typically about 48 to 54 inches depending on tire size and discharge chute setup; confirm your exact measurement in the 917288560 owner's manual.
What “42 in” means (deck width vs. tractor width)
A 42-in deck is measured across the blade cutting path under the mower deck. The tractor’s overall width is wider because of the rear tires and, on many setups, the side discharge chute.
- 42 in: cutting deck width (what it cuts)
- Wider than 42 in: overall width (what must fit through gates)
- Discharge chute position can add several inches on the right side
- Tire size and wheel offset also affect total width
Typical widths you can expect
Use these as planning numbers for gates, sheds, and trailers.
| Measurement you need | Typical range for a 42-in deck tractor | What changes it most |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting width | 42 in | Deck design and blade path |
| Overall width (chute up or removed) | ~48 to 52 in | Rear tire width |
| Overall width (chute down) | ~50 to 54 in | Discharge chute extension |
How to measure your mower’s width accurately
Measure on a flat surface with the tractor parked and the engine off.
- Measure outside-to-outside of the rear tires (this is often the baseline overall width).
- If you side-discharge, measure to the furthest point of the chute in the position you mow.
- Measure with the deck set at a normal cutting height (your deck height range is about 1 to 4 inches per the manual).
- If you need to fit through a gate, add at least 1 inch of clearance per side.
Why it matters
Overall width determines whether your Craftsman 917288560 fits through gates and shed doors, and whether it loads safely on a trailer. Using deck width alone can lead to a tight fit or contact with the chute or tires.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
Craftsman riding mower model 917288560 uses a low-emission gasoline engine; the tractor’s horsepower is rated by the engine manufacturer. To get the exact engine make and model for your specific unit (needed for tune-up parts and service specs), we match the engine ID tag to the specifications listed in the 917288560 owner's manual.
How to find the exact engine make and model on 917288560
Use the engine’s ID tag, not the tractor model number, when you need engine parts like a carburetor, air filter, or starter components.
- Look for the engine ID label on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter
- Write down the engine model, type, and code (or spec number) exactly
- Compare that ID to the manual’s product specifications section
- Use the engine ID when ordering ignition and fuel-system parts
- If the tractor only clicks or will not crank, check the battery cables and starter circuit first
Fuel guidance (important for starting and running)
The manual for model 917288560 allows gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (E10). Staying at E10 or less helps prevent hard starting and rough running.
| Gasoline blend | Use it? | Best practice |
|---|---|---|
| E0 (no ethanol) | Yes | Best for storage and consistent starts |
| E10 (up to 10% ethanol) | Yes | Normal operation |
| Above E10 | No | Avoid to reduce fuel-system problems |
If you are troubleshooting a no-start or no-crank
For common starting symptoms (clicking, slow crank, spins but will not start), we follow the same diagnostic flow shown in riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video. A common starting-system replacement part on this tractor is the lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802.
Why it matters
The engine make and model determines the correct spark plug, oil type, air filter, and carburetor kit; using only the tractor model number can lead to mismatched engine service parts.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is a Craftsman 6.75 lawn mower?
A Craftsman “6.75” walk-behind mower does not have one universal model number; “6.75” is an engine power rating used across many different mowers. For your Craftsman model 917.288560 (a front-engine lawn tractor), the correct model number is 917.288560, as shown in the 917288560 owner's manual.
How to find the model number on a Craftsman 6.75 mower
We recommend using the mower’s product label, not the engine cover, because the engine rating alone is not specific enough.
- Look for a sticker or metal tag on the rear deck, near the height adjusters, or behind the engine
- Check the handle support area or the rear discharge door area
- Write down the full model number exactly as shown (often starts with 917.)
- Also record the product number and serial number if listed
- Use the model number to match the correct diagrams, blades, belts, and tune-up parts
“6.75” rating vs. model number (what’s the difference?)
| Item on the mower | What it tells you | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| 6.75 (engine rating) | General engine output class | Not reliable for parts lookup |
| Model number (example: 917.xxxxxx) | The exact mower build | Correct parts diagrams and manuals |
| Serial number | Production run identifier | Service history and some part revisions |
If you are actually asking about this page’s model (917.288560)
This Sears PartsDirect page is for a Craftsman 917.288560 riding tractor with a 42-inch deck. If you are troubleshooting cutting performance on this tractor, common wear items include the deck belt and blades, such as the 3-in-1 blade, 42-in 532422719.
Why it matters
Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong blade, belt, or deck parts; many Craftsman mowers share similar engine ratings but use different decks, controls, and hardware.
Last updated: February 2026
What year did Craftsman make the 917288560?
Craftsman model 917.288560 is part of the LT 1000 series and is commonly dated to March 1991. Your tractor’s exact build date is best confirmed by matching the model and product identification details shown in the 917288560 owner's manual.
How to confirm the exact production date
Even within a model series, production can span more than one run. We recommend checking these items on your tractor:
- Model number tag: verify it reads 917.288560
- Product identification label: look for a date code or serial number
- Engine label: engine model and code can help narrow the build window
- Deck tag (if present): sometimes includes a manufacturing code
- Manual cover and specifications pages: confirm the configuration matches your tractor
Where to look on the tractor
Most Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors place the ID label in one of these spots:
- Under the seat pan
- On the rear fender well near the seat
- On the frame rail near the engine
- Near the steering column support
Quick reference: “model year” vs. what you can verify
| What you’re checking | What it tells you | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (917.288560) | Product family and configuration | Parts lookup and diagrams |
| Serial or date code | Actual manufacturing timing | Confirming the build date |
| Manual model listing | Intended coverage for that model | Verifying features and specs |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct production window helps you choose the right mower deck parts, belts, and steering components. For example, deck hardware and spindle components such as the lawn tractor mandrel housing 587819701 can vary by deck design even when the tractor model looks similar.
Last updated: February 2026
