Owner’s manual
What kind of engine does a Craftsman riding lawn mower have?
For Craftsman model 917289740, the operator’s manual identifies it as a garden tractor with a 28.0 HP (rated by the engine manufacturer), low-emission gas engine. For the exact engine make, model, and service specs, we use the 917289740 owner's manual.
What we can confirm for model 917289740
From the manual for this specific tractor, we can rely on these engine-related details:
- 28.0 HP rating (as rated by the engine manufacturer)
- Electric start
- Low-emission engine design (operates differently than older engines)
- Designed to run best at full throttle (FAST) during mowing for performance
Where to find the exact engine brand and model
Craftsman tractors can be equipped with different engine suppliers depending on production run. The most accurate place to confirm the engine manufacturer and model number is:
- The engine ID label on the engine shroud/valve cover area
- The specifications section in the 917289740 owner's manual
- The parts diagrams for your tractor (engine and fuel system sections)
Quick ID checklist
- Write down the engine model, type, and code (or spec number)
- Match that information when ordering tune-up parts (air filter, spark plug, fuel filter)
- Use the tractor model number 917289740 when looking up chassis parts
Why it matters
The tractor model number (917289740) is perfect for finding deck, steering, and drive parts, but engine maintenance parts are often tied to the engine’s exact model/spec. Using the engine label prevents ordering the wrong carburetor, starter, or ignition parts.
| What you’re identifying | Where to look | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model (917289740) | Frame tag under seat/hood area | Deck, belts, steering, electrical harness |
| Engine model/spec | Engine label on shroud | Filters, plugs, carburetor, internal engine parts |
Last updated: February 2026
What kind of oil do you use in a Craftsman lawn tractor?
For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917289740, we use high-quality detergent 4-cycle engine oil rated API SG-SL, with viscosity based on temperature: SAE 30 above 32°F and SAE 5W30 below 32°F (per the 917289740 owner's manual).
Oil type and capacity for model 917289740
Use the viscosity that matches your typical mowing temperature range.
- Above 32°F: SAE 30
- Below 32°F: SAE 5W30
- Oil rating: API service classification SG-SL
- Oil capacity (with filter): 64 oz
- Oil capacity (without filter): 60 oz
Quick reference table
| Operating temperature | Recommended oil | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Above 32°F | SAE 30 | Best for warm-weather mowing |
| Below 32°F | SAE 5W30 | Helps cold starting; check level more often |
How to check the oil level correctly
Checking oil the right way prevents overfilling and helps protect the engine.
- Park the tractor on level ground.
- Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick, wipe it clean.
- Reinsert and screw the cap tight, wait a few seconds.
- Remove and read the level; add oil to the FULL mark.
- Do not overfill; re-tighten the cap/dipstick securely.
Oil change interval (what we recommend)
For this Craftsman tractor, change engine oil every 50 hours of operation or at least once per year. Also check the oil level before starting and after every 8 hours of operation.
Why it matters
Using the correct SAE viscosity and keeping the oil at the proper level reduces wear, improves lubrication, and helps prevent overheating, especially during long mowing sessions.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is a Craftsman 917289740 lawn mower?
The model number for this Craftsman riding tractor is 917289740. On the equipment and in the 917289740 owner's manual, it’s shown as Model No. 917.28974, which is the same model number formatted with a dot.
Where to find the model number on the tractor
We use the model number to match the correct diagrams, parts (like belts, pulleys, and switches), and service procedures.
- Check the model/serial tag under the seat, on the frame, or near the rear fender area
- Write down the full model number and the serial number
- Match the number exactly; small differences can change deck size, belt routing, and electrical parts
- Use the manual’s cover page as a quick confirmation of the model
917.28974 vs. 917289740: what’s the difference?
These two formats refer to the same Craftsman tractor model.
| Manual format | Parts/ordering format | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 917.28974 | 917289740 | Same model; the dot is just formatting |
Why it matters
Using the correct model number helps you get the right parts the first time, especially for common repairs like deck drive issues, starting problems, and steering wear.
If you’re troubleshooting a no-start condition, the lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 is one of the model-matched electrical parts that often gets checked along with the battery, key switch, and safety interlocks.
Last updated: February 2026
What year was Craftsman 917289740 made?
The Craftsman riding tractor model 917.289740 is typically identified by its product number and date code on the serial number label, not by a single “model year.” For the exact build date range for your unit, match the serial/date information on the tractor to the identification section in the 917289740 owner's manual.
Where to find the build date information
On most Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors, the product identification label is commonly located:
- Under the seat (lift the seat to view the label)
- On the rear fender pan near the seat base
- On the frame rail near the engine compartment
- Near the transaxle area on the frame
How to use the label to determine the year
Use these steps to pin down the year your Craftsman 917289740 was made:
- Write down the model number (917289740) and the serial number/date code from the label
- Compare that information to the identification guidance in the 917289740 owner's manual
- If the label includes a printed date (month/day/year), use that as the build date
- If the label uses a coded format, use the manual’s decoding guidance to translate it
Quick reference: what you might see
| Label item | What it tells you | What to do with it |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Product family (917289740) | Confirms you have the correct manual/parts |
| Serial number | Unique unit identifier | Helps narrow production batch |
| Date code | Build date or build period | Use it to determine the year |
Why it matters
Knowing the build year helps us match the correct parts and specs for your tractor, especially for deck, steering, and drive components that can change across production runs.
Parts that often vary by production run
- Mower deck and mandrel components
- Ground drive belt routing and idlers
- Electrical items such as the PTO switch
- Steering linkage and front axle hardware
If you are troubleshooting a deck or drive issue while you’re identifying the year, the lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294 is one of the common wear items we see replaced on this model family.
Last updated: February 2026
Where can I find my lawn mower engine model number?
On the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917289740, the engine model number is typically printed on an engine ID label (or stamped into the metal) mounted directly on the engine itself. The quickest way to find it is to locate the engine shroud or valve cover area and look for a model-type-code style tag.
Where to look on the engine
Check these common locations first (wipe off dirt and oil so you can read the tag):
- Top of the engine on the blower housing (engine shroud)
- Near the valve cover on either the left or right side of the engine
- Near the starter or flywheel area
- Along the engine block close to the muffler heat shield
- Under the hood on a label near the engine mounting area
If you see multiple numbers, record everything on the tag. Many engines use a model / type / code format, and all three help ensure the correct parts match.
What to write down (and why)
Use this quick guide when you find the label or stamping:
| What you find | What it’s used for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Engine model number | Identifies the engine family | Ensures tune-up and internal engine parts match |
| Type/spec number | Identifies the exact configuration | Prevents ordering the wrong carburetor, starter, or muffler |
| Code/date number | Production date | Helps confirm the correct revision of parts |
Why it matters
Your tractor model number (917289740) identifies the mower chassis and deck, but the engine model number identifies the engine itself. That distinction is important when you’re troubleshooting no-start issues, ordering ignition parts, or matching fuel system components.
Helpful reference
For diagrams and model identification details tied to your tractor, use the 917289740 owner’s manual.
Last updated: February 2026
