Craftsman 917255693 lawn tractor Parts

Your Craftsman riding mower’s model year is determined from the date code on the product label, not from the model number alone. For Craftsman model 917255693, the label typically shows a 6-digit date code in MMDDYY format (month, day, year), so the last two digits tell you the year.

Where to find the date code on a Craftsman 917255693

Look for a sticker or metal tag that includes the model and serial information. Common locations on front-engine lawn tractors include:

• Under the seat on the seat pan or fender area
• On the frame rail near the rear wheels
• Under the hood near the engine compartment
• Near the footrest area on the chassis
• On or near the mower deck hanger area

How to read the code (MMDDYY)

Once you find the 6-digit code, read it like this:

• First 2 digits: month (01 to 12)
• Next 2 digits: day (01 to 31)
• Last 2 digits: year (00 to 99)

Quick examples

Date code	Interprets as	Model year
072811	July 28, 2011	2011
031905	March 19, 2005	2005
101420	October 14, 2020	2020

Why it matters

Knowing the exact build date helps us match the correct parts and configurations for your tractor, especially for wear items like belts, blades, and deck hardware that can vary by production run.

Parts that commonly depend on the exact build configuration

• Ground drive or blade drive belt length and routing
• Blade style and deck setup
• Mandrel and pulley design
• Safety switch style

If you’re ordering maintenance parts, you can start with common deck and drive items listed for this model, such as the lawn tractor ground drive or blade drive belt, 1/2 x 92-2/5-in 592855201, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

On a Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor like model 917255693, the model number is typically printed on an ID label (or stamped into a plate) on the tractor frame under the seat, near the rear fender area, or along the frame rail by the engine. Use the exact model number to match parts correctly.

Where to look first (fast checks)

• Lift the seat and look on the underside of the seat pan and the frame directly beneath it
• Check the rear fender area near the seat base
• Look along the left or right frame rail (inside the engine compartment area)
• Check near the footrest area on the frame (left side is common)
• If the label is dirty, wipe it with a damp rag and mild cleaner so the digits are readable

What the label usually shows

Most Craftsman tractor ID labels include:

• Model number (for this tractor: 917255693)
• Product number or serial number
• Engine information (varies by build)

Why it matters

The model number is the quickest way to ensure the part you order matches your exact deck, drive system, and hardware. For example, belt routing and deck components can vary even between similar-looking tractors.

Common part lookups once you have the model number

What you are fixing	What you will usually search for	Example part on this model page
Mower will not drive or blades will not spin	Ground drive or blade drive belt	Lawn tractor ground drive or blade drive belt, 1/2 x 92-2/5-in 592855201
Poor cut quality	Blade	Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149
Deck vibration or noisy spindle area	Mandrel assembly	Husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794

If you need to search beyond the parts shown here, we recommend using your full model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

For Craftsman model 917255693, the exact engine make and model varies by build and isn’t reliably identified by the parts list alone. Most Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors in this series use a single-cylinder gasoline engine in the 17 to 20 HP class; confirm the exact engine by reading the engine ID tag on the blower housing or valve cover, then match parts by that engine model.

How to identify the engine on model 917255693

Look for an engine identification label or stamping and record it before ordering tune-up or fuel parts.

• Check the blower housing (recoil shroud) for a sticker with model, type, and code
• Check the valve cover area for a stamped model number
• Check near the spark plug or muffler heat shield for an ID decal
• Record the full string (model and type); take a photo for accuracy
• Use that engine ID when selecting filters, plugs, carburetor parts, and gaskets

Quick guide: what the ID tag usually tells you

What you see on the engine	What it’s used for	Why it helps
Engine model number	Identifies the engine family	Ensures correct carburetor and ignition parts
Type/spec number	Identifies the exact configuration	Prevents ordering the wrong air filter or muffler
Code/date	Production date	Helps match running changes

Why it matters

The tractor model number (917255693) identifies the chassis and deck system, but engine service parts are matched to the engine’s model and type. Using the engine ID prevents wrong-fit parts and saves time during maintenance.

Parts on this model page that relate to engine performance

If you’re troubleshooting power loss, stalling, or excessive noise, these model-matched parts can also affect performance:

• A restricted or damaged exhaust can change how the engine runs; see muffler 532159420
• Fuel delivery issues can start at the tank and lines; see tank 532151346

For broader parts lookup by model number or to shop additional diagrams and assemblies, use Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

For the Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor on this page, the model number is 917255693. If you are asking about a different Craftsman 42-inch riding mower, the correct model number is found on the tractor’s model tag, not just by deck size.

Where to find the model number on a Craftsman riding mower

We use the model tag (sometimes called the product identification label) to match the exact parts list for your mower.

• Look under the seat pan or on the seat support
• Check the frame near the rear wheels
• Look on the left or right side of the tractor frame, near the engine
• Check near the footrest area on the frame rail
• Wipe dirt and grass off the label so all digits are readable

Why “42-inch” is not enough by itself

A 42-inch deck is a common size across many Craftsman tractors, and different model numbers can use different belts, blades, mandrel assemblies, and pulleys.

What you know	What it tells us	What it does not tell us
“42-inch deck”	Approximate cutting width	Exact belt routing, blade style, or spindle/mandrel design
Brand: Craftsman	Manufacturer family	Exact parts breakdown
Model number (example: 917255693)	Exact parts match	Nothing else needed for correct lookup

Parts that often depend on the exact model number

Once you confirm the model tag, we can match the right replacement parts for your mower, such as:

• Lawn tractor ground drive or blade drive belt, 1/2 x 92-2/5-in 592855201 (belt length and width must match)
• Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 (blade hole pattern and length must match)
• Husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794 (deck spindle style varies by model)
• Switch 532158913 (safety and ignition circuits vary)

Why it matters

Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong belt, blade, or mandrel parts, which can cause poor cutting, thrown belts, vibration, or premature wear. For broader model searches beyond this page, we also support lookup by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

For a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917255693, a typical engine replacement (parts plus labor) usually runs about $600 to $2,500 total, depending on engine type, whether the wiring and pulleys swap over cleanly, and local labor rates.

What drives the total cost

• Engine price: Most replacement riding mower engines land in the $300 to $1,800 range.
• Labor time: Plan on 4 to 8 hours for a straightforward swap on a front-engine rider.
• Extra parts: Belts, pulleys, fuel lines, and mounting hardware often add cost.
• Shop rates: Labor commonly varies by region and season.
• Condition of the tractor: Rusted fasteners, worn wiring, or damaged mounts increase time.

Common “add-on” parts to budget for

Even when you replace only the engine, we often see these items addressed at the same time:

• Drive or deck belt if it is glazed, cracked, or stretched
• Blade and mandrel components if the deck has vibration or poor cut quality
• Fuel system parts if old fuel caused starting issues
• Muffler if it is loud, cracked, or leaking

Here are a few examples of parts available for this model that sometimes get replaced during a larger repair:

Part (example)	What it affects	When it is worth replacing
Lawn tractor ground drive or blade drive belt, 1/2 x 92-2/5-in 592855201	Drive or blade engagement	Slipping, squealing, burning rubber smell
Husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794	Blade spindle/rotation	Deck vibration, noisy spindle, uneven cut
Muffler 532159420	Exhaust noise and backpressure	Excessive noise, visible cracks, exhaust leak

Why it matters

An engine swap is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Comparing the engine cost + labor against the tractor’s overall condition (deck, transmission, steering, tires) helps you avoid sinking money into multiple major repairs.

How we recommend you proceed

• Price the correct engine for 917255693 by matching the engine’s model/spec numbers
• Review the parts list for wear items you may want to replace at the same time
• If the engine turns but will not start, troubleshoot first; you may avoid an engine replacement (see riding lawn mower engine spins but wont start video)
• If you only hear a click, check battery and starter circuit first (see riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video)
• Order replacement parts from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect

Last updated: February 2026