How to look up Craftsman model number?
On a Craftsman riding mower like model 917272442, we typically find the model number and serial number on an ID label on the tractor frame under the seat area, or on the underside of the seat itself. Once you have that number, you can match parts and diagrams accurately in the 917272442 owner's manual.
Look in these common spots first:
- On the frame directly under the seat (lift the seat and look down at the chassis)
- On the underside of the seat pan
- Near the rear fender area close to the seat mounting points
- On a label plate that includes both model and serial information
After you confirm the model number, use it exactly as printed (including dots or dashes if shown) to avoid ordering the wrong blade, belt, or electrical part.
- Search parts by the full model number (example: 917272442)
- Use the parts diagrams to identify the exact part name and reference number
- Cross-check deck size and engine type listed in the manual before buying maintenance items
- For ignition issues, match the key style and switch type to the diagram before ordering
| What you see on the label | What to do with it |
|---|---|
| Model number (example: 917272442) | Use it to pull the correct parts list and diagrams |
| Serial number | Use it to confirm production run when parts vary |
| Deck size or HP (example: 42 in, 20.0 HP) | Use it to verify blades, belts, and tune-up parts |
Craftsman lawn tractors often share similar frames across multiple model numbers, but parts like the ground drive belt, mandrel assembly, and wiring harness can differ. Using the exact model number helps ensure the replacement part fits and installs correctly.
Last updated: February 2026
What brand engine does Craftsman use?
Craftsman uses engines from multiple manufacturers across its lawn tractors; the engine brand depends on the specific tractor and the engine model installed. For Craftsman model 917272442, the most reliable way to confirm the engine brand on your unit is to read the engine ID label and match it to the engine parts listing in the 917272442 owner's manual.
Find the engine identification label (commonly on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter). Record these details exactly as shown:
- Engine brand name (often printed on the shroud)
- Engine model number
- Type/spec number
- Code or date number
- Any emissions label family number
Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors are commonly equipped with engines from these makers:
| Engine brand | Typical placement in the lineup | What it changes for parts |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton | Many residential tractors | Air filter, spark plug, carburetor, starter |
| Kohler | Many mid-range and premium tractors | Fuel system parts, ignition, charging system |
| Kawasaki | Some premium models | Air filtration, fuel system, ignition components |
The tractor model number 917272442 identifies the chassis, mower deck, and drive system parts. The engine brand and engine model/type numbers determine the correct tune-up and fuel system parts (spark plug, air filter, fuel filter, carburetor, starter).
If you are refreshing wear items on the tractor itself, these are commonly replaced based on symptoms:
- Lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294 if ground speed slips or the tractor hesitates
- Molded ignition key 532140403 if the key is cracked, worn, or missing
- Lawn tractor blade idler spring 532169022 if belt tension is weak and blades disengage or squeal
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 42 riding mower?
For the Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor with a 42-inch mower deck covered by this page, the model number is 917.272442 (often written without the dot as 917272442). You can confirm it on the product identification label and in the 917272442 owner's manual.
We recommend checking these common locations first:
- Under the seat on the fender pan or seat bracket area
- On the frame near the engine compartment
- Near the rear of the tractor frame by the hitch plate
- Inside the hood area on the chassis rail
- In the documentation that came with the tractor
A “42” description usually refers to the mower deck cutting width, not the tractor’s model number. On model 917.272442, the manual identifies it as a 42-inch mower lawn tractor.
| Item | What it tells you | Example for this tractor |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Exact tractor version for parts lookup | 917.272442 (917272442) |
| Deck size | Cutting width of the mower deck | 42-inch |
| Engine model | Engine-specific parts reference | Listed separately in the manual |
When ordering deck-related parts, match the tractor model number first, then verify the deck section in the diagrams. For example, the deck parts list for this model includes a mulching blade.
- Use the tractor model number 917272442 for all parts searches
- Verify deck parts by description and diagram callouts
- Replace blades in matched sets when applicable
- Use the correct fasteners and torque practices for blade hardware
Helpful example part for this model:
Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong Craftsman riding mower parts, especially for mower deck, mandrel, belt, and chassis components that can vary between similar 42-inch tractors.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is Craftsman Model 917272442?
Craftsman lawn tractor model 917272442 is identified by its model number, not a build year. To find the year, we use the product identification (serial) number on the tractor and decode the date code using the instructions in the 917272442 owner's manual.
On most Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors, the serial or product ID label is typically located in one of these spots:
- Under the seat pan or on the seat support
- On the rear fender pan near the seat
- On the frame rail near the engine
- Near the transaxle area on the frame
Many Craftsman riding mowers use a date code within the serial/product number that can be read as:
- First 2 digits: month
- Next 2 digits: day
- Next 2 digits: year
If the date portion is 072811, that decodes to July 28, 2011.
Use this checklist so you decode the correct label:
- The label shows 917.272442 (sometimes printed with a dot)
- The label also includes a longer serial/product number (usually 10+ characters)
- The label is on the tractor frame or body, not on the engine (engine numbers are separate)
The model number 917272442 tells us the tractor family and parts breakdown (like electrical and steering assemblies shown in the manual), but the serial/product number is what ties your unit to a specific production date. That date helps ensure you match the correct parts and specifications.
| What you have | What it tells you | What to use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (917272442) | Tractor design and parts list | Ordering parts, diagrams |
| Serial/product number | Build date code | Determining the year |
| Engine model/type code | Engine build info | Engine-specific parts |
Last updated: February 2026





