Craftsman 917272055 lawn tractor Parts

For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917272055 with a 42-inch mower deck, the mower blade drive belt is part number 144999 (a V-belt). Belt dimensions vary by deck design, so matching the belt by model and part number is the correct way to ensure proper fit and tension.

Which belt are you asking about?

A 42-inch Craftsman riding mower can use more than one belt. The most common mix-up is between the mower deck (blade drive) belt and the motion drive belt.

• Mower blade drive belt: spins the deck pulleys and blades
• Motion drive belt: drives the transaxle so the tractor moves
• Other belts (if equipped): some setups use additional belts for attachments

Correct belt for this model (917272055)

For the 42-inch mower deck shown in the parts list for model 917272055, the blade drive belt is:

Belt type	Fits	Correct identifier	Where it runs
Mower blade drive belt	42-inch mower deck	V-belt 144999	Mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys

For routing and replacement steps, use the belt procedure in the owner's manual.

Quick checks before you order

Use these checks to avoid buying the wrong belt:

• Confirm you have model 917272055 (model tag under the seat or on the frame)
• Identify whether you need the deck belt or the motion drive belt
• Compare the old belt’s part number (often printed on the belt) if readable
• Inspect pulleys and guides for damage that can shred a new belt
• If the deck belt keeps coming off, check idler spring tension and belt guides

If you’re also servicing deck hardware while replacing the belt, common related deck parts on this model include the husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794 and the lawn tractor blade idler spring 532169022.

Why it matters

A belt that is the wrong length or profile can slip, burn, or jump out of the pulley grooves. Using the correct V-belt 144999 for the 42-inch deck helps maintain blade speed, cut quality, and belt life.

Last updated: February 2026

Common problems on the Craftsman 917272055 lawn tractor include no-start or no-crank, loss of power, excessive vibration, uneven cutting, and blades that will not rotate. Most issues trace back to fuel quality, air flow, ignition, battery/starting circuits, or mower deck buildup and worn blade/mandrel parts.

Most common symptoms and what usually causes them

• Engine cranks but won’t start: stale/dirty fuel, water in fuel, dirty fuel filter, spark plug or loose spark plug wire
• Engine won’t crank or only clicks: weak battery, dirty battery terminals, blown fuse, loose/damaged wiring, bad solenoid/starter
• Loss of power: dirty air filter, low/dirty oil, clogged muffler, carburetor out of adjustment, grass/debris packed under the deck
• Excessive vibration: worn/bent/loose blade, bent blade mandrel, loose hardware
• Poor cut or uneven cut: deck not level, dull/bent blade, buildup under deck, low/uneven tire pressure, clogged deck vent holes around mandrels
• Blades won’t rotate: obstruction in clutch mechanism, worn mower drive belt, frozen idler pulley, frozen blade mandrel

Quick checks we recommend first (fast and safe)

1. Park on level ground, set parking brake, remove the key, and disconnect the spark plug wire.
2. Check fuel: drain and refill with fresh gasoline if it smells sour or looks dark.
3. Inspect the air filter and oil level; service as needed.
4. Look under the mower deck for packed grass and clear vent holes around the mandrels.
5. Inspect blades for bends, cracks, and looseness; tighten hardware and replace damaged parts.

Parts that commonly fix these problems

Symptom	Common fix	Example part for this model
Excessive vibration or poor cut	Replace a worn/bent blade	Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149
Blades won’t rotate or cut is uneven	Replace a worn/frozen mandrel	Husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794
Clicks but won’t crank	Replace starter solenoid (after battery checks)	Solenoid with brass plunger 532146154

Why it matters

Catching simple issues early (dirty fuel, clogged deck, loose blade hardware, weak battery connections) prevents hard starting, poor mowing performance, and avoidable wear on the mandrels, belts, and engine.

For model-specific maintenance intervals, adjustment steps (deck leveling, carburetor adjustment guidance), and the full troubleshooting chart, use the owner's manual.

Last updated: February 2026

For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917272055, a transmission (transaxle) replacement typically costs $300 to $900 for the part, depending on whether you buy a complete transaxle or repair specific internal components. Use the transaxle ID listed in the owner's manual to match the correct assembly and parts.

Typical cost ranges (parts only)

These are the price bands we see most often for riding mower and lawn tractor drivetrains:

• Complete transaxle assembly: $300 to $900
• External drive parts (belt, idlers, linkage): $15 to $150
• Internal transaxle parts (seals, bearings, gears): $5 to $200
• Hardware and small fittings: $3 to $25

What you replace	Best when	Typical parts cost
Complete transaxle	Internal damage, heavy wear, multiple symptoms	$300 to $900
Individual transaxle parts	Leak or single failed component	$5 to $200
Drive belt/idlers/linkage	Tractor will not move but transaxle is likely OK	$15 to $150

Model-specific parts on this model page

If you are pricing a full transmission replacement for 917272055, we list a complete transaxle as transaxle 794691. For housing-related repairs, we also list cover 772157A and case 770148A.

How to confirm you are buying the right transmission

Transmission pricing varies because the correct part depends on the exact transaxle build.

• Find the transaxle model and spec tag on the unit (usually on the case)
• Match that ID to the parts breakdown in the owner's manual
• Compare mounting style, input pulley setup, and axle length before ordering
• If the tractor moves poorly, check the drive belt routing and idlers first

Why it matters

A “bad transmission” symptom is often caused by the ground drive belt, idler pulleys, or shift linkage. Confirming the transaxle ID first prevents ordering an expensive assembly when a lower-cost fix restores drive.

Last updated: February 2026