How to find Craftsman parts?
To find the right Craftsman parts for model 917289103, match your exact model number first, then use the parts diagrams and the operator information to identify the correct assembly and part ID before ordering. The fastest path is confirming the model tag, then cross-checking the diagram callouts.
Step-by-step: how we find the correct part
- Confirm the model number on the tractor’s ID tag is 917289103 (not a close match like 917.28910).
- Open the 917289103 owner's manual to identify your tractor’s key configuration (42-inch deck, electric start, automatic transmission).
- Use the parts diagram for the system you’re repairing (mower deck, drive, steering, electrical).
- Match the diagram callout to the part listing by part name and part ID.
- If you are replacing a wear item, compare blade style or belt routing to what you have installed.
- Order by the exact part ID to avoid look-alike parts.
Common parts customers look up first (examples)
These are frequently needed items on a 42-inch deck tractor; always confirm fit by diagram callout:
| Repair need | What to look up | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Blades will not rotate | Deck drive belt, idlers, mandrel area | Husqvarna lawn tractor belt, 1/2 x 101-1/6-in 592855001 |
| Uneven cut or vibration | Blades, mandrel/shaft, deck leveling | Lawn tractor mandrel shaft assembly 587819701 |
| Poor bagging or lift | High-lift blade option | Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 |
Quick troubleshooting clues that point to the right diagram
The manual’s troubleshooting chart ties symptoms to likely parts and areas:
- Poor cut or uneven cutting: worn/bent blade, deck not level, debris buildup under deck, bent mandrel.
- Mower blades will not rotate: obstruction in clutch mechanism, worn/damaged mower drive belt, frozen idler pulley.
- Poor grass discharge: deck vent clogged around mandrels (grass and debris buildup).
Why it matters
Craftsman tractor parts often look similar across LT-series tractors, but small differences in deck, belt length, and mandrel style change the correct replacement. Using the exact 917289103 diagrams and part IDs prevents wrong-part returns and repeat repairs.
Last updated: February 2026
How to look up Craftsman model number?
For a Craftsman riding mower like model 917289103, we look up the model number by finding the model and serial tag on the tractor, then using that exact number to match the correct parts list and operator information in the 917289103 owner's manual. On most Craftsman riders, the tag is on the frame under the seat or on the underside of the seat.
Where to find the model and serial number tag
Check these common locations first:
- On the frame under the seat (lift the seat and look on the chassis rails)
- On the underside of the seat pan
- Near the rear fender area close to the seat mounting points
- On a frame crossmember behind the engine (less common)
How to use the number once you find it
Use the model number exactly as printed (including dots or dashes if shown) to ensure you get the right Craftsman LT2000 parts and diagrams.
- Write down the model number and serial number
- Confirm the product type matches (front-engine riding lawn tractor)
- Use the model number to select the correct parts diagrams for belts, blades, and deck components
- Use the manual for maintenance intervals and adjustment procedures
Quick checklist: model number vs. serial number
| Item | What it’s used for | Example format |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Identifies the exact tractor version for parts lookup | 917.28910 or 917289103 |
| Serial number | Identifies the production run for service history | Varies by unit |
Why it matters
Craftsman tractors can look similar across years, but parts like a drive belt, blade, or mandrel assembly can differ by model. Using the correct model number helps us match the right diagrams and avoid ordering the wrong replacement part.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 42 riding mower?
For the Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor on this page, the model number is 917.28910 (often written without the dot as 91728910). For parts and service on your specific tractor, match the model number from your ID label to the model shown in the 917289103 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on your tractor
We use the model number on the tractor’s ID label to match the correct parts diagrams and specifications.
- Look under the seat area and around the rear fender pan
- Check the frame near the engine compartment
- Look near the footrest area on the chassis rail
- Write down the full model number exactly as shown (including any dots)
917289103 vs 917.28910: why they look different
Craftsman model numbers are commonly printed with punctuation in manuals, but parts listings often show the same number without punctuation.
| Where you see it | Example format | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Operator’s manual cover | 917.28910 | Manual’s printed model format |
| Parts lookup and tags | 91728910 | Same model number without the dot |
| Sears PartsDirect model page | 917289103 | Model family plus a suffix used for parts cataloging |
Why it matters for ordering parts
Using the exact model number prevents mismatches in deck size, belt routing, and blade style on a 42-inch mower deck.
Common part types that vary by model include:
- Deck blades (mulching vs high-lift)
- Mandrel and spindle components
- Ground drive and blade drive belts
- Electrical starting components (battery cables, solenoid)
If you are replacing deck components on this tractor, confirm the deck configuration in the manual and then match the part to your diagrams; a common deck-related component is the lawn tractor mandrel shaft assembly 587819701.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is Craftsman Model 917289103?
Craftsman model 917289103 is a model number, not a build-date code, so it does not directly tell you the year. To identify the year, we use the tractor’s product identification label (model and serial) and match it to the date information shown in the 917289103 owner's manual.
Where to find the year information
On Craftsman riding mowers and tractors, the year is typically tied to the serial number/date code on the product ID label, not the 917.289103 model itself.
Check these common label locations:
- Under the seat pan or seat bracket area
- On the rear fender or frame near the seat
- On the left or right side of the frame rail
- Under the hood near the engine compartment
- Near the transaxle area on the frame
How to decode it (what to look for)
Once you find the label, write down:
- Model number (should match 917289103)
- Serial number (this is what we use to determine the build date)
- Any separate “date” or “DOM” style code if present
Quick guide
| What you have | What it tells you | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Model number: 917289103 | Identifies the tractor family/configuration | Use it to pull the correct parts and manual |
| Serial number/date code | Identifies production timing | Decode the date from the serial/date format |
Why it matters
The correct year helps us match the right deck parts, belts, and electrical components when there were mid-series changes. For example, if you are replacing a deck drive component like a lawn tractor drive belt 532125907 or a starter circuit part, the serial-based build date prevents ordering the wrong revision.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes Craftsman engines?
For the Craftsman 917289103 tractor (LT2000 series), the engine is supplied by an outside engine manufacturer; Craftsman is the equipment brand, not the engine builder. Craftsman riding mowers commonly use engines from Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, or Kawasaki, depending on the specific tractor configuration.
How to identify the engine manufacturer on your 917289103
We recommend confirming the engine maker using the engine ID label, since the same tractor platform can be paired with different engines.
- Lift the hood and look for the engine data tag on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter
- Record the engine brand (often printed prominently)
- Record the engine model and type/spec numbers (these are what parts lookups use)
- Match the tractor model number 917289103 to the correct manual section for engine info
- Use the engine numbers (not just the tractor model) when ordering ignition or fuel-system parts
For model-specific operating and identification details, use the 917289103 owner's manual.
What we know from the manual for this tractor
The operator manual for this platform describes a 20.0 HP, 42-inch mower tractor and notes that horsepower is “as rated by the engine manufacturer,” which indicates the engine is made and rated by a separate engine company.
Common engine makers you will see on Craftsman riders
| Engine maker | Where you’ll see it | What to write down |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton | Engine shroud and ID tag | Model, type, code |
| Kohler | Valve cover or ID plate | Model, spec, serial |
| Kawasaki | ID plate near starter/air box | Model, spec, serial |
Why it matters
Engine parts (carburetor, starter, ignition coil, air filter, spark plug) are selected by engine model/spec, while tractor parts (deck, belts, steering, chassis) are selected by 917289103. Using the correct ID prevents wrong-part returns and starting or performance issues.
Last updated: February 2026





