Craftsman 917273620 lawn tractor Parts

On a Craftsman riding mower like model 917273620, the model number is printed on the product identification label (decal). On riding tractors, that label is commonly located under the seat or on the rear frame area; confirm the exact label location and decal callouts in the 917273620 owner's manual.

Common places to check on a riding lawn tractor

Look in these spots first (use a flashlight and wipe off grass or oil film):

• Under the seat pan or on the seat support
• On the frame near the rear wheels (left or right side)
• Under the rear fender or rear guard area
• Near the engine compartment on the chassis rail
• On the dash tower or footrest area (less common)

What the label looks like and what to copy down

The ID label is usually a printed decal or metal tag. For the most accurate parts match, copy everything exactly.

• Model number (example format: 917.273620)
• Product number or serial number (if listed)
• Engine information (often separate from the tractor model)
• Any prefix/suffix characters and punctuation

What you see	What it means	Why we need it
917.273620	Tractor model number	Matches the correct parts diagrams
Serial number	Unit-specific identifier	Helps confirm production range
Engine model/type/code	Engine identification	Needed for engine-specific parts

Why it matters

Craftsman tractors can look similar across years, but parts like the PTO switch, ground drive belt, and mower deck hardware can vary by model. Using the exact model number from the label helps us point you to the correct diagrams and replacement parts the first time.

Last updated: February 2026

On a Craftsman riding mower like model 917273620, the build date is typically encoded in the serial number on the product ID tag. For many Craftsman tractors, the first 6 digits read as MMDDYY (month, day, year), so the last two digits indicate the year.

Where to find the serial number on model 917273620

Check the product ID tag in common tractor locations:

• Under the seat pan (lift the seat)
• On the rear fender area near the seat
• On the frame rail near the engine compartment
• Near the transaxle area on the frame

For diagrams and model identification details, use the 917273620 owner's manual.

How to decode the date (common Craftsman format)

If your serial number begins with 6 digits, decode it like this:

• Digits 1-2: month (01 to 12)
• Digits 3-4: day (01 to 31)
• Digits 5-6: year (last two digits)

Example

• Serial starts with 071294
  • 07 = July
  • 12 = 12th day
  • 94 = 1994

Quick reference table

Serial prefix	Meaning	Year shown
MMDDYY	Month, day, year	Last two digits
Other formats	Varies by production run	Use tag details + manual

If your serial number does not match MMDDYY

Some Craftsman walk-behind mowers and a few tractor production runs use different coding. When the first 6 digits are not a clean date:

• Record the full model number and full serial number exactly as shown
• Compare the tag information to the identification section in the 917273620 owner's manual
• Use the model number to match the correct parts diagrams (engine, chassis, mower deck)

Why it matters

Knowing the exact year helps us match the correct parts and specs for your Craftsman lawn tractor, especially for items that change across production runs (belts, pulleys, steering parts, and electrical switches).

Last updated: February 2026

For a Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273620, a full engine replacement typically runs about $800 to $2,500 installed (engine plus labor). The total depends most on the engine type, whether you reuse pulleys and wiring, and how much shop time is needed; confirm your exact engine spec in the 917273620 owner's manual.

What drives the total cost

• Engine price: Most replacement riding mower engines fall roughly $500 to $1,800.
• Labor time: Commonly 4 to 8 hours for removal, swap, and setup.
• Extra parts: Belts, pulleys, switches, and hardware often add cost if worn.
• Electrical and safety checks: Shops verify interlocks and starting circuits after the swap.
• Pickup and delivery: Transport fees can be a meaningful add-on.

Typical cost breakdown (installed)

Cost item	Typical range	Notes
Replacement engine	$500 to $1,800	Varies by horsepower, shaft size, and brand compatibility
Labor	$300 to $900	Depends on shop rate and hours
Misc. parts and supplies	$25 to $250	Fuel line, clamps, oil, filters, hardware
Estimated total	$800 to $2,500	Most common real-world range

Parts that are commonly replaced during an engine swap

Even when the engine is the main issue, we often see related wear items that affect performance and safety:

• Molded ignition key 532140403 (lost or damaged keys are common)
• Switch.pto 582107601 (PTO engagement problems can be misdiagnosed as engine trouble)
• Lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294 (worn belts can cause poor drive or slipping)
• Battery cables, fuel filter, air filter, and spark plug (not model-specific, but frequently needed)

Before you replace the engine: quick checks that can save money

If the tractor will not crank or start, the manual’s troubleshooting steps often point to electrical or fuel issues first (battery, wiring, ignition switch, solenoid/starter, stale fuel). We recommend checking these before committing to an engine.

• Verify the brake pedal is fully depressed and the attachment clutch is disengaged
• Check battery condition and clean terminals
• Inspect wiring connections and fuses
• Confirm fresh fuel and a clean air filter

A good companion walkthrough is riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video.

Why it matters

An engine replacement is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Pricing the job correctly means matching the correct crankshaft and mounting specs, then confirming the tractor’s safety interlock and PTO systems operate correctly after installation.

Last updated: February 2026

Common problems on the Craftsman 917273620 lawn tractor are no-start or hard-start, loss of power, poor cut or poor grass discharge, excessive vibration, blades not engaging, battery charging issues, and loss of drive. Our 917273620 owner's manual troubleshooting chart points to frequent causes like dirty cooling fins, clogged muffler, worn belts, low tire pressure, and safety switch or wiring faults.

Most common symptoms and what usually causes them

• Engine won’t start / hard starting: stale fuel, dirty air filter, fouled spark plug, weak battery, safety interlock not satisfied
• Loss of power: dirty engine air screen/fins, clogged muffler, carburetor out of adjustment, wiring issues
• Poor cut (uneven): deck not level, worn or bent blade, grass buildup under deck, low or uneven tire pressure
• Poor grass discharge: wet grass, wrong blades, clogged deck vent holes around mandrels, worn blade
• Blades won’t rotate (PTO engaged): obstruction in clutch mechanism, worn mower drive belt, frozen idler pulley, frozen blade mandrel
• Loss of drive: freewheel control disengaged, motion drive belt worn or broken, air trapped in transmission

Quick checks we recommend before replacing parts

1. Set throttle to FAST for mowing and for troubleshooting power complaints.
2. Inspect under the deck for packed grass and clear the mandrel vent areas.
3. Check tire pressure side-to-side; uneven pressure can cause an uneven cut.
4. Look for belt glazing, cracking, or slack; a worn belt can cause blade or drive issues.
5. Verify safety interlocks: seat switch, brake pedal position, and PTO switch operation.

Parts that commonly relate to these problems (when symptoms match)

Symptom	Likely area	Example part on this model
Blades won’t engage or cut stops	PTO control circuit	Switch.pto 582107601
Slipping or no ground movement	Ground drive system	Lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294
Deck belt routing tension issues	Idler system	Lawn tractor blade idler pulley 532177968

Why it matters

Catching simple issues early (grass buildup, low tire pressure, clogged cooling fins, worn belts) prevents bigger failures like overheated engines, damaged mandrels, and repeated belt breakage. The troubleshooting chart in the manual helps you match the symptom to the fastest fix.

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273620 is a 24.0 HP, 48-inch mower tractor with a low-emission engine and electric start. The tractor model number does not by itself identify the engine maker; use the engine ID tag and the 917273620 owner's manual to match the exact engine model for parts and tune-up specs.

How to identify the exact engine on model 917273620

Use the engine’s identification label to determine whether it is Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, or another manufacturer, and to get the correct maintenance parts.

• Find the engine ID label on the blower housing, valve cover, or engine shroud
• Write down the engine model, type, and code (or spec number)
• Use that ID to match the correct spark plug, air filter, and oil filter
• Confirm the starter type (this tractor uses electric start)
• Use the engine ID when ordering engine pulleys, belts, and ignition parts

What the manual confirms (model-specific)

The owner’s manual for 917273620 provides these tractor and engine-related identifiers.

Spec/feature	What it means for you
24.0 HP class	Helps narrow tune-up parts by engine family
48-inch mower	Deck size for blade and belt matching
Low-emission engine note	Follow the manual’s operating and maintenance guidance
Electric start	Battery and starting circuit are part of normal diagnostics

Common parts tied to engine and drive symptoms

If you are troubleshooting no-start, poor drive, or deck engagement, these model-compatible parts are often involved:

• Molded ignition key 532140403 (won’t crank or intermittent starting)
• Switch.pto 582107601 (deck will not engage)
• Lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294 (tractor won’t move or slips under load)

Why it matters

The engine model and code determine the correct oil type, plug gap, filter style, and many replacement parts. Using the engine ID prevents ordering the wrong parts even when the tractor model number is correct.

Last updated: February 2026