What brand engine does Craftsman use?
Craftsman uses engines from multiple manufacturers across its mower lineup; the engine brand depends on the specific mower model and engine family. For your Craftsman model 107277860 rear-engine riding mower, confirm the exact engine make and model using the identification information and specifications in the owner's manual.
Use these quick checks on the mower itself (they are faster than guessing by series name):
- Look for an engine label on the blower housing (top of the engine) or valve cover
- Check the emissions label; it often lists the engine manufacturer and displacement
- Record the engine model, type, and code numbers (common on Briggs & Stratton engines)
- Match those numbers to the engine parts breakdown when ordering service parts
- If the label is missing, use the mower model number 107277860 to cross-reference the correct engine family in the documentation
Craftsman has historically sourced engines from several major small-engine makers. Which one you have is model-specific.
| Engine brand | Where you’ll usually see it | What to look for on the engine tag |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton | Many Craftsman riding mowers | Model/Type/Code format |
| Kohler | Some mid to higher output models | “Command/Courage/7000 series” style labeling |
| Kawasaki | Some performance-oriented models | FX/FR/FS series style labeling |
The engine brand determines the correct tune-up parts and service specs (spark plug type, air filter, oil capacity, governor settings). It also prevents ordering the wrong gasket, belt, or hardware for repairs tied to engine mounting and exhaust routing.
If you’re chasing an exhaust leak (popping sound, soot near the muffler, loss of power), replacing the gasket is a common first step. For this model’s parts list, we stock the exhaust gasket 690970.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 107277860 riding mower?
The model number for this Craftsman rear-engine riding mower is 107277860. In the operator documentation, it’s listed as a ZTS 7500 series model (42-inch mower deck variant); you can confirm the exact labeling and deck size details in the owner's manual.
We recommend matching the printed model number on the mower’s ID label to 107277860.
- Check under the seat area near the seat support and frame
- Look on the rear frame rails near the engine compartment
- Check around the footrest or fender pan area
- Wipe dirt and grass off the label so all digits are readable
- Record the full model number exactly as shown (including any punctuation)
The ZTS 7500 name is a series/line identifier, while 107277860 is the specific model number used to match parts and documentation.
| What you see | What it means | What to use for parts |
|---|---|---|
| 107277860 | Exact mower model number | Use this to look up parts |
| ZTS 7500 | Product series name | Helpful for general reference |
| 42" mower | Deck size variant | Helps match deck-related parts |
Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong belt, brake, or hardware. For example, drive and control components can vary by deck size and production run, even within the same mower series.
If you’re confirming fitment while troubleshooting, these are common part categories shown for model 107277860:
- Ground drive belt and pulleys
- Parking brake and linkage
- Transmission and hydro components
- Decals and safety labels
- Fasteners (nuts, screws, bolts)
Last updated: February 2026
How to look up Craftsman model number?
For your Craftsman riding mower, we look up the model number by finding the model tag on the mower and matching the full number exactly (for this page, the model is 107277860). On many Craftsman riders, the tag is under the seat or on the frame near the engine or rear fender area; confirm the exact location in the owner's manual.
Check these common spots first (wipe dirt and grass off the tag so every digit is readable):
- Under the seat pan or on the seat support area
- On the frame rail near the rear wheels
- Near the engine compartment or muffler heat shield area
- Under the footrest area or on the chassis near the pedals
- On a fender or rear body panel (inside edge)
Use the full model number exactly as shown on the tag. For Craftsman equipment, we also recommend recording any additional identifiers printed nearby.
| What to capture | Example | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | 107277860 | Ensures the parts list matches your exact mower |
| Product name/series (if shown) | ZTS 7500 | Helps confirm you are in the right family |
| Deck size (if shown) | 42", 44", 50" | Deck-related parts like belts and blades vary by size |
Craftsman riding mowers often share similar frames across multiple models, but key parts can differ by deck size, transmission setup, and control linkage. Using the exact model number helps you land on the correct diagrams and prevents ordering the wrong belt, brake, or hardware.
Use the mower’s physical configuration to narrow it down:
- Measure the cutting deck width (blade tip to blade tip across the deck)
- Note whether it is rear-engine and the control style
- Compare the parts you need to common wear items listed for this model (for example, a ground drive belt like the lawn tractor ground drive belt 1734048SM)
Last updated: February 2026
What are common problems with Craftsman riding mowers?
Common problems on Craftsman riding mowers like model 107277860 usually fall into a few buckets: no-start or weak-start conditions, engine stalling under load, blades not engaging, and drive or traction issues. Many of these trace back to routine maintenance items, worn belts, or safety interlock and brake-related problems (see the 107277860 owner's manual).
- Won’t crank or cranks slowly: weak battery, dirty/loose battery cables, failed starter solenoid, safety switch not made (seat, brake, PTO).
- Cranks but won’t start: stale fuel, clogged fuel filter, fouled spark plug, carburetor varnish.
- Starts then dies or stalls while mowing: restricted fuel flow, dirty cooling/air intake areas, plugged bagger chute or heavy/wet grass load.
- Blades won’t engage or cut is uneven: PTO not engaged, worn or slipping belt, debris buildup under the deck.
- Poor drive, slipping, or no movement: worn ground drive belt, linkage out of adjustment, transmission or hydro drive issues.
- Confirm safety interlocks: parking brake set, PTO disengaged, operator seated.
- Inspect belts and pulleys for glazing, cracking, or slack.
- Check fuel quality and look for fuel restriction symptoms (surging, dying on hills).
- Clear deck and chute buildup; the manual notes wet grass and debris can plug the collector chute and cause stalling.
- Use safe shutdown steps before clearing jams: disengage PTO, stop engine, remove key, set parking brake, wait for all moving parts to stop.
| Problem area | What fails most often | Example part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| Drive/traction | Belt wear and slip | Lawn tractor ground drive belt 1734048SM |
| Parking/safety | Brake not holding or not fully engaging interlock | Parking brake 1728075SM |
| Engine exhaust leak/noise | Gasket leak at exhaust joint | Exhaust gasket 690970 |
Catching belt wear, brake issues, and clogging early prevents bigger failures (overheated belts, damaged pulleys, poor control on slopes). The manual also emphasizes safe mowing practices, including avoiding steep slopes and shutting down correctly before clearing a plugged chute.
Last updated: February 2026
How to find Craftsman mower parts?
To find the right replacement parts for your Craftsman model 107277860 rear-engine riding mower, match the model number on the mower’s ID label to the parts diagrams and list. On this model family, the label is typically on the rear frame area between the rear wheels; confirm the exact location in the owner's manual.
- Park the mower on a level surface, set the parking brake, and let the engine cool.
- Check the rear frame area between the rear wheels for the ID label.
- Write down the full model number exactly as shown (for this page, it is 107277860).
- Use the model-based parts list and diagrams to identify the exact part you need.
- Match by part name and part number before ordering.
These are examples of parts available for model 107277860 that people often need during repairs or maintenance:
| Part type | Example part on this model | What it helps with |
|---|---|---|
| Drive system belt | Lawn tractor ground drive belt 1734048SM | Restores forward/reverse drive when the belt is worn or slipping |
| Brake components | Parking brake 1728075SM | Helps the mower hold position safely when parked |
| Engine sealing | Exhaust gasket 690970 | Helps prevent exhaust leaks at the engine connection |
Using the exact model number and the matching diagram prevents ordering the wrong belt, brake part, or hardware. Riding mower parts can look similar across Craftsman models, but mounting points and lengths often differ.
Last updated: February 2026





