Craftsman 917273404 lawn tractor Parts

For the Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor with a 42-inch mower deck shown here, the model number is 917.273404 (often written without the dot as 917273404). You can confirm it on the identification label and in the 917273404 owner's manual.

Where to find the model number on the tractor

We use the model number to match the correct parts diagrams and replacement parts (blades, mandrel parts, electrical parts, and hardware).

Check these common spots:

• Under the seat on the frame or fender pan
• On the rear fender area near the seat
• On the frame rail near the engine compartment
• Inside the hood area on the chassis

Why the “42” description can be confusing

“42” usually refers to the mower deck cutting width, not the model number. Many Craftsman 42-inch tractors exist across different years and engine packages, so the model number is the only reliable way to match parts.

Quick ID guide

What you see	What it means	What to use for parts
42-inch deck	Cutting width	Model number (917273404)
Craftsman name	Brand	Model number + parts diagrams
Engine HP (example: 18.0 HP)	Engine rating	Model number first

Parts that commonly depend on the exact model

Once you confirm 917273404, we can match the correct 42-inch deck components and hardware. Examples from this model’s parts list include:

• Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 (listed in the manual as a 42-inch mulching blade option)
• Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971
• Vented mandrel shaft assembly 532137646
• Husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794

Why it matters

Using the wrong model number can lead to ordering blades or mandrel parts that do not fit your deck spindle pattern, belt routing, or mounting hardware. Confirming 917273404 first prevents returns and gets your mower cutting correctly.

Last updated: February 2026

On a Craftsman lawn tractor like model 917273404, the build date is typically encoded on the product ID/serial label; many Craftsman labels use a 6-digit date code where the first two digits are the month, the next two are the day, and the last two are the year (MMDDYY). Confirm the exact label format and location in the 917273404 owner's manual.

How to find the serial number and date code

We see the most consistent results when you read the numbers directly from the tractor’s ID label (not the engine label).

• Look under the seat pan, on the frame rail, or near the rear fender area
• Clean the label gently so every digit is readable
• Write down the model number (917273404) and the full serial/date code
• If there are multiple number groups, record them all before decoding
• Use the tractor label for the mower’s build date; the engine label can have a different code

How to decode the “MMDDYY” style code

If your label uses the common 6-digit date format, decode it like this:

Example code	Month	Day	Year	Build date
072811	07	28	11	July 28, 2011
031905	03	19	05	March 19, 2005

Quick checks so you do not decode the wrong number

Some labels include additional digits for plant, sequence, or revision. Use these checks:

• A true date code reads like a real calendar date (month 01-12, day 01-31)
• If the “month” is higher than 12, you are looking at a different code
• If the label shows a longer serial, look for a 6-digit group that fits MMDDYY

Why it matters

Knowing the correct year helps us match the right Craftsman parts and diagrams for your 42-inch mower deck and chassis, especially for wear items like blades, mandrel components, and hardware.

Ordering parts once you confirm the year

After you decode the date, you can order common maintenance parts for model 917273404 from the parts list, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect. For example, the manual lists compatible 42-inch deck blades such as the husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 and the lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971.

Last updated: February 2026

Replacing the engine on a Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor like model 917273404 typically costs $1,200 to $3,000 installed. Most of that is the engine itself (often $800 to $2,000+) plus 3 to 5 hours of labor and shop supplies.

Typical cost breakdown

These ranges fit most riding lawn tractor engine swaps when the replacement engine matches the crankshaft size, mounting pattern, and electrical charging setup.

• Engine assembly: $800 to $2,000+
• Labor: $300 to $800 (commonly 3 to 5 hours)
• Supplies and small parts: $25 to $150 (oil, filter, fuel line, clamps, hardware)
• Optional “while you’re in there” parts: $50 to $400 (belts, pulleys, blades)

Cost item	Typical range	What changes the price most
Replacement engine	$800 to $2,000+	New vs. rebuilt, horsepower, shaft specs
Labor	$300 to $800	Shop rate, rusted fasteners, wiring condition
Extras	$25 to $400	Belts, blades, idlers, tune-up parts

What to check before buying an engine

We recommend confirming the engine is actually failed (seized, no compression, thrown rod) and not a starting or safety-interlock issue. The troubleshooting chart in the owner's manual walks through common no-crank and no-start causes.

• Battery charge and cable connections
• Fuse and ignition switch function
• Starter solenoid operation
• PTO clutch disengaged and brake pedal fully depressed
• Fuel quality and air filter condition

Parts that commonly get replaced during an engine job

An engine swap often exposes worn deck components that can cause vibration or poor cutting after the repair.

• Solenoid with brass plunger 532146154 (starting circuit)
• Husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794 (blade spindle support)
• Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 (cut quality and balance)

Why it matters

Engine replacement is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Verifying the starting system and interlocks first prevents paying for an engine when the real fix is electrical, fuel-related, or maintenance.

To price parts for your tractor, use the parts list for model 917273404, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273404 uses a low-emission 18.0 HP engine and is paired with a 42-inch mower deck, electric start, and an automatic transmission. For the exact engine manufacturer and engine model, we match the numbers on the engine ID tag to the specifications in the 917273404 owner's manual.

How to identify the exact engine on model 917273404

Use the engine’s ID tag so you get the right tune-up and fuel-system parts.

• Locate the engine ID label on the blower housing, valve cover area, or engine shroud
• Record the full ID information (typically model, type, and code)
• Compare those numbers to the engine/specifications section in the manual
• Clean the label gently if it is oily or grass-stained so the numbers are readable
• Keep the tractor model 917273404 handy for chassis and deck diagrams; use the engine ID for engine parts

Parts on this model that affect starting and cranking

If you are troubleshooting a no-crank or click-only condition, these parts commonly come into play.

• Solenoid with brass plunger 532146154 (starter solenoid that switches battery power to the starter)
• Molded ignition key 532140403 (key that enables the ignition switch)
• Battery cables and ground connection (clean, tight, no corrosion)
• Brake and PTO safety interlocks (must be in the correct start position)

Quick symptom guide

Symptom	Most likely area	First checks
Single click, no crank	Starter circuit	Battery connections, then solenoid
Cranks but will not start	Fuel or ignition	Fresh fuel, spark plug wire, air filter
Starts then stalls	Fuel delivery or safety circuit	Choke setting, fuel flow, seat switch

Why it matters

The tractor model number identifies the deck, chassis, and wiring layout; the engine ID tag identifies the exact engine family so you can select the correct maintenance parts and settings.

For a step-by-step no-crank walkthrough, use riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video. To search more parts by model number, use Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026