Craftsman 917274391 lawn tractor Parts

Craftsman lawn tractor model 917274391 was produced in the early 2000s; the exact build year for your specific tractor is identified on the serial number/date code label (typically under the seat or on the frame). Use the owner's manual to confirm the label location and decoding notes for your unit.

How to find the build year on your tractor

Check these common label locations on Craftsman riding mowers:

• Under the seat on the seat pan or fender pan
• On the frame rail near the engine
• Near the rear hitch plate or drawbar area
• Under the hood near the dash tower
• On the left side of the chassis near the footrest

What to write down from the label

For the most accurate year identification, record:

• Model number: 917274391
• Serial number (full string)
• Any date code (month and year, or a coded format)
• Engine model and type (helpful when cross-checking tune-up parts)

Quick guide: model number vs. serial number

Item	What it tells you	Why it matters
Model number (917274391)	The tractor design family	Ensures you pick the right diagrams and parts
Serial number/date code	The specific unit’s build timing	Pinpoints the actual year it was made

Why it matters

The build year affects small but important running changes, especially for deck hardware, steering parts, and electrical components. When ordering parts, matching by model number plus the correct serial/date code helps avoid fit issues.

Parts that commonly vary by production run

If you are troubleshooting or ordering, these are frequent “year-sensitive” items:

• Blades and deck components (for example, lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971)
• Electrical start parts (for example, solenoid with brass plunger 532146154)
• Steering linkage and chassis hardware

Last updated: February 2026

For the Craftsman 42-inch riding mower shown on this parts page, the model number is 917274391. In the documentation, it’s listed as Model No. 917.274391 for an 18.0 HP lawn tractor with a 42-inch mower deck; use 917274391 when ordering parts.

Where to find the model number on the tractor

We recommend confirming the ID on the tractor itself so you match the correct parts list.

• Check the model/serial tag under the seat or near the seat bracket area
• Look on the frame near the rear fender or footrest area
• Wipe dirt and grass off the tag so all digits are readable
• Record both the model number and serial number for parts lookups

Model number formats you may see

The same model can appear with or without punctuation.

How it may appear	What it means
917274391	Standard model number to use for parts searches
917.274391	Same model number shown in the owner’s manual

Why it matters

Craftsman lawn tractors often share similar 42-inch decks, blades, and mandrel parts across multiple models. Using the exact model number helps ensure the right fit for items like the 42-inch blades, mandrel shaft, ignition switch, and transaxle components.

Helpful next step

Use the exploded diagrams and parts lists in the 917274391 owner's manual to confirm deck type and part placement before ordering.

You can order replacement parts from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman engines are made by several manufacturers depending on the specific mower or tractor and production run. For Craftsman lawn and garden equipment, the most common engine suppliers are Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, and Kawasaki; your Craftsman 917274391 tractor uses an 18.0 HP low-emission engine, and the exact engine maker is identified on the engine label and in the owner's manual.

How to identify the engine manufacturer on model 917274391

Use these quick checks to match the engine to the correct parts and service specs:

• Look for the engine brand badge or decal on the blower housing (top or side of the engine).
• Find the engine model and type code stamped on the valve cover, recoil housing, or an ID tag.
• Compare the engine model/type to the engine section in the owner's manual.
• Use the tractor model number 917274391 when browsing parts diagrams so you get the correct fit.
• If you are replacing ignition parts, match the connector style and mounting pattern before ordering.

Common Craftsman engine suppliers (what you will typically see)

Different Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors have used different engine brands over time. Here is what we most often see on Craftsman lawn tractors:

Engine brand	Typical use on Craftsman equipment	What to check before ordering parts
Briggs & Stratton	Many residential lawn tractors	Engine model and type code
Kohler	Some mid-range tractors	Spec number and serial range
Kawasaki	Some premium tractors	Model code and carburetor family

Why it matters

The engine manufacturer determines the correct tune-up parts and settings (spark plug type, air filter style, fuel system parts, and wiring). Identifying the engine first helps you avoid ordering the wrong ignition switch, solenoid, or maintenance parts.

Parts that are often involved in starting and ignition issues

If your tractor has a no-crank or intermittent start problem, these model-compatible parts are commonly involved:

• Solenoid with brass plunger 532146154 (starter solenoid)
• Lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350
• Molded ignition key 532140403

For step-by-step troubleshooting, we also recommend our DIY video: riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video.

You can order replacement parts for your Craftsman 917274391 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917274391 uses a Briggs engine; the model-specific parts breakdown in the manual lists it as Briggs model 31H777-0297-E1. We use that exact engine model to match the correct tune-up specs and service parts; see the owner's manual.

Engine identification for model 917274391

Here is what the model-specific documentation shows for this tractor:

Spec item	917274391 details
Tractor type	Front-engine lawn tractor
Engine manufacturer	Briggs
Engine model listed	31H777-0297-E1
Starting system	Electric start

Where to find the engine model on the mower

Match the manual listing to the engine ID label on your tractor. Common places to check include:

• Blower housing (recoil shroud) area
• Valve cover area
• Near the starter motor or muffler
• A stamped tag or printed label showing model and type codes

Why it matters

The exact engine model determines the correct maintenance specifications and replacement parts (oil type and capacity, air filter style, spark plug, and governor settings). Using the wrong spec can cause hard starting, rough running, and reduced cutting performance.

Related parts that often come up during service

If you are also servicing the mower deck or chasing vibration and cut-quality issues, these parts are commonly replaced:

• Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 (bagging and lift)
• Husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794 (spindle assembly for noise or wobble)
• Solenoid with brass plunger 532146154 (starter circuit clicking or no-crank)

You can order replacement parts from the parts list for model 917274391, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Replacing the engine on your Craftsman lawn tractor model 917274391 typically runs $800 to $2,500 total (engine plus labor), with the engine itself usually the biggest cost. Exact pricing depends on the correct engine match, shop labor rate, and any worn starting or deck parts found during the swap.

What determines the price most

• Engine type and specs (shaft diameter/length, mounting pattern, horsepower range)
• New vs. rebuilt engine availability and pricing
• Labor rate and whether the shop transfers pulleys, wiring, and throttle/choke linkages
• Extra parts needed (belts, fuel line, battery cables, hardware, oil)
• Condition of the tractor (deck, mandrels, wiring, charging system)

Typical cost ranges (engine swap)

Cost item	Typical range	What it covers
Engine (part)	$500 to $2,000	Correct replacement engine matched by specs
Labor	$300 to $900	Removal, installation, setup, test run
Fluids and small parts	$25 to $200	Oil, clamps, fuel line, fasteners

Before you replace the engine, rule out common “engine” problems

A no-start or no-crank complaint is often a starting circuit issue, not a failed engine. Check these first:

• Battery condition and cable connections
• Starter solenoid operation (a click with no crank is common)
• Ignition switch and key condition
• Safety interlock switches (seat, brake, PTO)

Helpful DIY guidance: riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video

Parts that commonly fix starting issues on this model

If your tractor clicks, cranks intermittently, or loses electrical power, these model-matched parts are common fixes:

• Solenoid with brass plunger 532146154
• Lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350
• Molded ignition key 532140403

Why it matters

An engine replacement only pays off when the replacement engine matches the tractor’s shaft and mounting specs and the starting and safety circuits are working correctly; otherwise you can spend engine-swap money and still have a no-start problem.

You can order replacement parts from the parts list for model 917274391, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect. For safety steps (parking brake set, engine off, key removed), follow the owner's manual.

Last updated: February 2026