Craftsman 917273756 tractor Parts

For a Craftsman riding tractor like model 917273756, a full engine replacement (parts plus labor) typically costs about $800 to $2,500 total. The biggest cost drivers are the engine brand/horsepower, whether the replacement is a direct bolt-on match, and the labor time to swap and test everything.

Typical cost breakdown (what you usually pay for)

• Engine assembly: $500 to $1,800
• Labor: $300 to $700 (commonly 4 to 8 hours)
• Shop supplies and incidentals: $25 to $100
• Optional add-ons: battery, fuel line, air filter, spark plug, belts (as needed)

Item	Typical range	Notes
Engine (new)	$500 to $1,800	Direct-fit engines cost less to install
Labor	$300 to $700	More if rusted hardware or wiring repairs are needed
Total installed	$800 to $2,500	Most common real-world range

What changes the price the most

1. Engine match and mounting pattern: A true direct replacement is faster and cheaper.
2. Wiring and safety interlocks: Your tractor uses operator presence and interlock systems; if those need repair during the swap, labor increases (details are in the 917273756 owner’s manual).
3. Drive and deck condition: If belts are worn, the shop often recommends replacing them while access is easy.
4. Fuel system condition: Old fuel can require carburetor cleaning or fuel line/filter replacement after the new engine is installed.

When it makes sense to replace the engine (vs. repair)

Engine replacement is the right call when you have:

• A thrown rod, seized crankshaft, or cracked block
• Severe compression loss that a tune-up will not fix
• Repeated oil consumption or metal in the oil
• Major internal damage plus high labor to rebuild

Why it matters

A new engine is a major investment; if the deck, transaxle, steering, and chassis are in good shape, replacing the engine can restore years of reliable mowing. If multiple major systems are worn, the total repair cost can exceed the tractor’s value.

Last updated: February 2026

To look up the correct Craftsman model number for parts and manuals, we use the model and serial tag on the tractor itself. On Craftsman model 917273756, the ID label is typically on the frame under the seat or on the underside of the seat; confirm it against the 917273756 owner's manual.

Where to find the model and serial number

Check these common locations on front-engine Craftsman riding mowers:

• Frame rail under the seat (lift the seat and look down at the chassis)
• Underside of the seat pan (flip the seat up and look underneath)
• Rear frame area near the hitch plate (less common)
• Fender pan area near the seat mounting points (less common)

How to read the tag so you get the right parts

Write the information exactly as shown on the label.

• Model number: usually starts with 917. on older Craftsman tractors
• Serial number: a longer number or letter-number string
• Product number (if shown): sometimes used for service lookups

Quick check table

What you see on the tag	What we use it for
Model number (example: 917.273756)	Matching the correct parts diagrams and part numbers
Serial number	Confirming production run details when parts vary
Engine model/type code	Finding engine-specific tune-up and fuel parts

Why it matters

Craftsman tractors often share similar deck sizes and chassis styles, but belts, blades, mandrel parts, and steering components can differ by model series. Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong blade or drive belt.

If you are replacing cutting parts on this tractor, match the deck and blade style to the parts list; common examples include the lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 and the husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149.

Last updated: February 2026

The Craftsman riding mower model 917.273756 uses an 18.0 HP mower-emissions (gas) engine as shown in the 917.273756 owner's manual. For the exact engine manufacturer and model code, match the numbers on the engine label to the manual’s engine identification section.

How to identify the exact engine on your tractor

Use the engine’s ID label to confirm the brand (often Briggs & Stratton or similar) and the specific engine family.

• Park on a flat surface, set the parking brake, and let the engine cool
• Lift the hood and look for a sticker or stamped plate on the blower housing or valve cover
• Write down the model, type, and code (or “spec”) numbers from the label
• Compare those numbers to the engine information section in the 917.273756 owner's manual
• Use the engine ID when ordering tune-up parts (air filter, spark plug, fuel filter)

What we know for model 917.273756 (and what varies)

The owner’s manual confirms the tractor is an 18.0 HP, 42-inch mower platform; the engine brand and exact displacement can vary by production run, so the engine label is the deciding reference.

Item	What to use	Where to find it
Horsepower rating	18.0 HP	Manual cover and decals section
Engine make/model	Engine ID label numbers	Under hood on engine
Parts matching	Model/Type/Code (or Spec)	Engine label

Why it matters

Using the correct engine identification prevents ordering the wrong maintenance parts and helps you follow the right starting, choke, and cold-weather procedures for your specific engine setup.

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman model 917.273756 does not have a single “model year” printed in the parts list; the exact build date is identified from the tractor’s product ID label (typically under the seat or on the frame). Use the date code on that label to pin down the year.

Where to find the year information

Check these common locations on a Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor:

• Under the seat on the fender pan or seat bracket area
• On the frame rail near the engine
• Near the rear axle or transaxle area
• In the hood or dash area (less common)

For label location diagrams and model identification notes, use the 917273756 owner's manual.

What to look for on the label

Most ID labels include several fields. Any of these can help you determine the year:

• Manufacture date (month and year)
• Date code (often numeric)
• Serial number (can be decoded by the manufacturer)
• Product number (sometimes separate from the model number)

Quick decode guide (typical)

Label item	What it tells you	How to use it
Manufacture date	Exact month/year	Use it directly as the mower’s build date
Date code	Encoded build date	Match the code format shown in the manual or on the label
Serial number	Production sequence	Use for manufacturer lookup or parts verification

Why it matters

Knowing the build year helps us match the correct parts and specifications for your Craftsman 917273756 tractor, especially for deck components (like blades and mandrel parts) and chassis or steering updates that can vary by production run.

Last updated: February 2026

Today, Craftsman is a brand owned by Stanley Black & Decker; the actual company that builds a Craftsman lawn tractor can vary by product line and production run. For your Craftsman riding mower model 917273756, use the 917273756 owner's manual to confirm the exact specifications and service information for your tractor.

What “who makes it” usually means

Craftsman is the name on the hood, but manufacturing is often done by a separate equipment maker under contract. That’s why two Craftsman tractors from different years can have different engines, decks, and parts support.

Common identifiers we use to narrow it down:

• The full model number (for you: 917273756)
• The engine brand and model (listed on the engine label)
• The mower deck size and blade style (often 42-inch decks on this series)
• The parts diagrams and part numbers used for service

How to identify the maker for your specific tractor

Use these checks on your 917273756:

• Look for the engine label (often Briggs & Stratton or Kohler) and record the engine model/type/code.
• Check the product identification label on the tractor frame (model and serial).
• Match the deck and blade system to the parts you’re buying (mulching vs high-lift).

Quick parts clue (deck/blade system)

If you’re shopping blades for a 42-inch deck, these two common blade styles for this model family are:

Blade style	Best for	Example part on this model page
Mulching blade	Finer clippings, bagging/mulch plug setups	Lawn tractor mulching blade 532134149
High-lift blade	Stronger discharge, better bagging in many conditions	42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971

Why it matters

Knowing the actual build platform helps you get the right maintenance parts (belts, blades, mandrel components) and follow the correct service procedures. It also reduces returns caused by “looks the same” parts that mount differently.

Last updated: February 2026