How to read Craftsman serial number?
On many Craftsman riding mower and tractor components, the serial number is formatted as a 6-digit date code: MMDDYY (month, day, year). For a Craftsman 13155652 gearcase assembly, this lets us quickly estimate the manufacturing date so we can match the correct engine and drivetrain parts.
How to decode the serial number (MMDDYY)
Look for a 6-digit sequence in the serial number and 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)
- Example: 072811 = July 28, 2011
Where to find the serial number on a riding mower or drivetrain
Depending on the Craftsman tractor and the drivetrain/gearcase style, the serial number may be on a label or stamped into metal. Common places include:
- Under the seat on the frame
- On the rear frame near the transaxle/gearcase
- Near the engine shroud or engine mounting area
- On the mower deck shell (deck model tag)
- On the gearcase assembly housing itself
Quick reference table
| Serial code pattern | What it means | Example result |
|---|---|---|
| MMDDYY | Month, day, year | 072811 = July 28, 2011 |
| MMDDYY plus extra digits/letters | Date code plus plant/sequence info | Use the first 6 digits as the date |
Why it matters
The build date helps us narrow down correct Craftsman riding mower parts when there are mid-year changes in the engine & drivetrain (gearcase assembly, pulleys, belts, linkages, and electrical safety switches). It also helps when comparing parts diagrams across similar models.
If your serial number does not match MMDDYY
Use these checks to stay on track:
- Look for any 6-digit run within a longer serial number
- Ignore letters and focus on the first clear MMDDYY-style block
- Confirm the equipment tag also lists the model number 13155652
- Use our guide: how to find your appliance model number (and what it means for parts)
Last updated: February 2026
What brand engine does Craftsman use?
Craftsman riding mowers and tractors can use engines from several manufacturers; the most common are Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, and Kawasaki. For the Craftsman gearcase assembly model 13155652, confirm the exact engine brand by matching the engine ID tag to your mower’s full model information.
Common engine brands used on Craftsman mowers
Across Craftsman lawn and garden equipment, these engine brands show up most often:
- Briggs & Stratton (very common on many Craftsman mower models)
- Kohler (common on some mid to higher horsepower tractors)
- Kawasaki (often found on select higher-end models)
- MTD-built engines (on some newer Craftsman equipment, depending on the mower)
How to identify the engine brand on your mower
Use the engine’s identification label, not the hood decal.
- Locate the engine ID tag (usually on the blower housing, valve cover area, or near the starter)
- Write down the engine model, type/spec, and code/serial
- Compare that information to your mower’s full model number and parts breakdown
- If the mower has been repowered, rely on the current engine tag, not the original mower listing
Quick ID guide (what you typically see)
| Engine brand | What the ID tag often looks like | Where it’s commonly found |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton | Model / Type / Code | Blower housing, valve cover area |
| Kohler | Model / Spec / Serial | Valve cover area, shroud |
| Kawasaki | Model / Spec / Serial | Shroud near recoil/starter |
Why it matters
The engine brand determines the correct tune-up parts and service specs (oil filter, air filter, spark plug, fuel filter, belts, and wiring connections). Even within the same Craftsman tractor family, engine options can change what parts fit.
Helpful next step
If you need help matching the correct parts to the engine you have installed, start with how to find your appliance model number (and what it means for parts) and use the engine tag details alongside your Craftsman model information.
Last updated: February 2026
What kind of engine does a Craftsman lawn mower have?
Craftsman lawn mowers use several different engine types depending on the exact mower series and build; for the Craftsman 13155652 gearcase assembly (riding mower drivetrain), the engine is a separate system, so you must match the engine by the mower’s full model number and engine ID tag. Use how to find your appliance model number (and what it means for parts) to confirm the correct model before ordering engine parts.
Common Craftsman mower engine types
Most Craftsman mowers are equipped with one of these gasoline engine styles:
- Briggs & Stratton OHV engines (very common on walk-behind mowers)
- Kohler single-cylinder or V-twin engines (common on riding mowers)
- Honda engines on some older or specific walk-behind models
- MTD-built engines on certain Craftsman-branded units (varies by year)
- OHV 4-stroke designs are the most common overall
How to identify the exact engine on your mower
Because 13155652 identifies a drivetrain/gearcase assembly, the fastest way to confirm the engine is to read the engine’s own identification label.
- Locate the engine ID tag (often on the blower housing, valve cover area, or near the starter)
- Write down the engine brand and model/type/code (Briggs & Stratton format) or spec number (Kohler format)
- Match the mower’s full model number from the product label to ensure compatibility
- Confirm whether your mower is walk-behind or riding; engine families differ
- Use the engine ID to select the correct carburetor, air filter, spark plug, and starter parts
Quick comparison: walk-behind vs riding mower engines
| Mower type | Most common engine configuration | Typical displacement range |
|---|---|---|
| Walk-behind (push/self-propelled) | Single-cylinder, vertical shaft, OHV | 140cc to 190cc |
| Riding mower/tractor | Single-cylinder or V-twin, vertical shaft | 400cc to 750cc |
Why it matters
Engine parts are not interchangeable across brands and spec numbers. Even within Briggs & Stratton or Kohler, the type/spec code determines the correct governor parts, fuel system components, and ignition parts, so identifying the engine first prevents wrong-part returns and no-start issues.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is a Craftsman 13155652?
Craftsman model 13155652 (a gearcase assembly used in riding mowers and tractors) does not map to one single “model year.” Craftsman production dates are identified by the mower or tractor model number and serial number, not by the gearcase assembly number; use how to find your appliance model number (and what it means for parts) to confirm you are reading the correct ID tag.
How to identify the year (what to check)
Look for the product identification label on the tractor, then use those numbers to determine the build timeframe.
- Check under the seat or on the seat pan/frame rail for the ID tag
- Record the tractor model number (often starts with 917. on many Craftsman tractors)
- Record the serial number exactly as printed
- If the tractor has a separate engine model/type/code label (Briggs & Stratton or Kohler), record that too
- Match parts by the tractor model number, then confirm the gearcase assembly is listed under engine and drivetrain
Why the number 13155652 is not a “year”
On this page, 13155652 is tied to an engine and drivetrain parts breakdown for a gearcase assembly. Assemblies like a transaxle or gearcase are commonly used across multiple tractor versions and multiple production runs.
Quick guide: which number tells you what
| Number you find | What it identifies | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| 13155652 | Gearcase assembly identifier | Finding drivetrain parts that fit the correct tractor |
| Tractor model number | The actual Craftsman unit | Determining the correct parts list and era |
| Serial number | The specific build run | Narrowing down production timeframe |
| Engine code/model | The engine build info | Dating the engine and confirming tune-up parts |
Why it matters
Getting the year right prevents ordering the wrong transmission/gearcase parts, belts, pulleys, and linkages. Craftsman tractors can look similar across years, but drivetrain variations (manual vs hydrostatic, different axle lengths, different shifter linkages) change what fits.
Last updated: February 2026
What size engine is in the Craftsman 13155652?
The Craftsman 13155652 is an engine and drivetrain (gearcase assembly) model identifier, not a complete riding mower model. Engine size (HP or cc) is determined by the specific Craftsman rider this drivetrain is installed in, so you will get the correct engine spec by identifying the mower or tractor model number and reading the engine ID tag.
How to get the exact engine size on your machine
Use these quick checks on the actual riding mower or tractor:
- Find the mower or tractor model number tag (commonly under the seat, on the frame rail, or near the rear fender).
- Read the engine label on the blower housing or valve cover; it lists the engine model and displacement (cc), and often HP.
- Note whether the drive is manual shift or hydrostatic; that helps match the correct drivetrain family.
- Record the deck size (for example, 42-inch or 46-inch) because engine options often vary by deck and trim.
- If the engine has been replaced, use the engine label as the source of truth for size.
Typical engine sizes seen on similar Craftsman riders
Many front-engine Craftsman riding mowers that use comparable drivetrain layouts commonly fall in these ranges:
| Spec | Typical range | Where to confirm on your mower |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower (HP) | 17 to 22 HP | Hood decal, engine label, product tag |
| Displacement (cc) | 500 to 725 cc | Engine model tag/label |
| Cylinders | Single-cylinder or V-twin | Engine label |
Why it matters
Engine size affects belt selection, pulley ratios, PTO load, and how the drivetrain performs under mowing load. Matching the correct mower or tractor model to the 13155652 drivetrain prevents ordering the wrong engine-related parts.
Helpful related resource
For general DIY safety and tool planning before working around belts, wiring, or rotating parts, use: are diy appliance repairs safe.
Last updated: February 2026




