Owner’s manual
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Who makes Craftsman engines?
For the Craftsman 917258524 front-engine lawn tractor, the engine is made by Briggs & Stratton. The owner's manual lists the engine as a B&S model 28N707 (Type 0173-01), which identifies Briggs & Stratton as the engine manufacturer for this specific tractor.
What this means for parts and service
When you are identifying engine-related parts, use the Briggs & Stratton engine model information along with your tractor model number (917258524). That helps you match the correct components.
- Look up parts by tractor model first (917258524) to ensure fit.
- Use the engine model (B&S 28N707, Type 0173-01) for engine breakdown items.
- Keep your tune-up items on schedule (spark plug, air filter, fuel filter, oil).
- Replace worn deck-drive items promptly to protect spindles and pulleys.
- Order common wear parts from the parts list for this model, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Quick ID table (model-specific)
| Item | What to look for | Where it’s used |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model | 917258524 | All chassis, deck, steering, and tractor-specific parts |
| Engine maker | Briggs & Stratton | Engine assembly and engine-specific components |
| Engine model | 28N707 | Engine identification for correct engine parts |
| Engine type | 0173-01 | Narrows the exact engine configuration |
Related parts customers often replace
If you are troubleshooting cutting performance or vibration, blade and mandrel parts are common wear items on riding mowers.
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 (blade condition affects cut quality)
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794 (worn bearings can cause noise and uneven cutting)
- Lawn tractor drive belt 532144200 (a stretched belt can slip and reduce blade speed)
Why it matters
Craftsman tractors can use engines from different makers across different models and years. Confirming the engine maker and engine model for 917258524 ensures you get the right Briggs & Stratton engine parts and the correct maintenance specs.
Last updated: February 2026
What year did Craftsman make the 917258524?
Craftsman model 917258524 does not map to a single “model year”; Craftsman riding mower model numbers were produced across multiple years, and the exact build date is identified from the tractor’s product ID/serial label. For the most accurate year, we use the manufacturing date code on the label and confirm it against the model’s documentation in the 917258524 owner's manual.
How to find the exact year on your tractor
Look for the product ID/serial label in the most common locations:
- Under the seat pan (lift the seat and look on the frame)
- On the rear fender pan near the seat
- On the frame rail near the engine or battery area
- Near the left or right footrest area
Once you find it, write down:
- Model number (should read 917.258524 or 917258524)
- Serial number
- Any date code printed on the label
What the numbers usually mean (quick guide)
Craftsman 917-prefix tractors were built for Sears by a major OEM, and the serial/date code is what pins down the year.
| What you have | What it tells us | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Model number only (917258524) | Identifies the parts breakdown and configuration | Use the serial/date code to determine the year |
| Serial number/date code | Identifies the manufacturing date | Match the code format shown in the manual |
| Engine model/type code | Identifies the engine’s build date (engine only) | Use it as a cross-check, not the tractor’s official year |
Why it matters
The correct year matters because Craftsman tractors can look similar across years but use different electrical parts, steering parts, and deck drive components. Matching by serial/date code helps ensure you get the right replacement parts the first time.
Parts that commonly vary by production run
If you are ordering parts, we match by model and serial to avoid fit issues. Common examples include:
- Starter solenoid and wiring components (electrical)
- Steering linkage and sector gear components
- Deck and mandrel hardware
- Belts and pulleys
If you already know you are working on the deck drive system, the lawn tractor drive belt 532144200 is one of the commonly replaced wear items for this model family.
You can order replacement parts for Craftsman 917258524 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is a Craftsman 6.75 lawn mower?
A “Craftsman 6.75” label by itself is not a single model number; it describes an engine power class used on many different walk-behind mowers. The actual model number is on the mower’s model plate (often on the rear deck, under the handle, or near the wheels) and it will look like a full number such as 917.xxxxxxx.
Where to find the model number (fast checks)
- Look on the rear of the cutting deck near the discharge chute
- Check under the handle mounting area (back of the deck)
- Look near a rear wheel bracket or height adjuster
- Check any sticker/plate with a long number starting with 917
- Write down the full model number exactly as shown (including dots)
“Model number” vs “engine model” (they are different)
Your mower has two identifiers; the mower model is what you use for parts diagrams.
| What you’re looking at | Example format | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Mower model number | 917.XXXXXXX | Finding the correct Craftsman parts list and diagrams |
| Engine model/type | Brand-specific code | Engine-specific parts (carburetor, ignition, etc.) |
Why “6.75” is not enough
“6.75” was commonly used as a marketing shorthand for a group of engines, so multiple Craftsman mowers can share that label but use different decks, belts, wheels, and controls. Using the full model number prevents ordering the wrong blade, belt, or hardware.
If you’re trying to match parts
- For a riding tractor like Craftsman 917258524, we list deck parts such as the husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 and the lawn tractor drive belt 532144200.
- For a walk-behind “6.75” mower, use the mower’s full model number to pull the correct parts list.
- If you want to search by model number across products, use Sears PartsDirect.
For model-number location details and identification tips specific to Craftsman 917258524, use the owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
The Craftsman riding mower model 917258524 uses a Briggs & Stratton engine; the exact engine model and type are listed on the engine ID label on the blower housing and in the Repair parts: engine section of the 917258524 owner's manual. Use that engine ID when buying tune-up or engine parts.
How to identify the exact engine on model 917258524
Use the tractor model number to find chassis parts, and the engine model and type to find engine-specific parts.
- Lift the seat and confirm the tractor model is 917258524.
- Locate the engine ID label on the blower housing.
- Write down the engine model, type, and code.
- Match those numbers to the engine listing in the 917258524 owner's manual.
- Use the engine ID when selecting ignition, fuel, and starting components.
Parts you might replace while troubleshooting starting or cutting issues
These are common tractor parts that often get replaced during diagnosis and routine service.
- Starting circuit issues (clicking, no crank): check battery connections and the starter solenoid
- Deck engagement issues: inspect the blade drive belt for wear or glazing
- Vibration or uneven cut: inspect mandrel components and blades
Example parts available for this model
| Symptom | Part to check | Example part on this model |
|---|---|---|
| Clicks but won’t crank | Starter solenoid | Solenoid 532146154 |
| Deck won’t engage | Blade drive belt | Lawn tractor drive belt 532144200 |
| Rough cut or noise at spindle | Mandrel assembly | Husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794 |
Why it matters
Craftsman tractors can use different Briggs & Stratton engines across similar-looking models. Using the engine model and type from the blower housing ensures you get the correct carburetor, ignition, air filter, and tune-up parts for your exact engine.
You can order replacement parts from the parts list for model 917258524, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
Replacing the engine on a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917258524 typically costs $800 to $2,500 total (engine plus labor). Most shops bill 4 to 8 labor hours for a riding mower engine swap, and the engine itself is usually the largest cost.
Typical cost breakdown
These ranges cover common single-cylinder and V-twin riding mower engines and standard shop rates.
- Engine (new or remanufactured): $500 to $1,800
- Labor: $300 to $900
- Fluids and tune-up items: $30 to $150
- Optional “while you’re in there” parts: $20 to $300
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | $500 to $1,800 | Varies by horsepower, shaft size, charging system, and availability |
| Labor | $300 to $900 | Often 4 to 8 hours depending on rust, wiring, and access |
| Extras | $50 to $450 | Belts, pulleys, solenoid, hardware, battery cables, etc. |
Model-specific details to confirm first (917258524)
Before pricing an engine, match the engine identification on your tractor to the replacement requirements listed in the owner's manual. The correct match depends on details such as crankshaft diameter/length, PTO shaft type, mounting pattern, and electrical connectors.
- Engine model and type numbers (from the engine label)
- Crankshaft specs (diameter, length, keyway, threads)
- Charging output and wiring plug style
- Muffler and throttle/choke linkage setup
- Fuel shutoff solenoid and carburetor configuration
Parts commonly replaced during an engine swap
If these parts are worn, replacing them during the swap prevents repeat labor.
- Deck belt: lawn tractor drive belt 532144200
- Starting circuit issues (clicks, no crank): solenoid 532146154
- Deck spindle play or noise: husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794
Why it matters
An engine swap is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Confirming the exact engine ID and shaft specs up front prevents fit issues and helps you avoid buying an engine that will not accept your existing pulleys, PTO clutch, or wiring.
If you do decide to replace the engine, you can order model 917258524 parts from the parts list for this tractor, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
