Craftsman 917270512 42" 14.5-hp 6-speed electric start lawn tractor Parts

For a Craftsman riding tractor like model 917270512, a complete engine replacement (parts plus labor) typically runs about $260 to $1,800, with around 5 to 7 labor hours common for a riding mower engine swap.

• Engine type and horsepower (OEM-style replacement vs. aftermarket)
• Labor rate at the shop (often the biggest variable)
• Extra parts found during teardown (belts, pulleys, wiring, fuel line)
• Condition of the tractor (rusted fasteners, damaged mounts)
• Pickup and delivery fees (if you do not transport it)

Many “dead engine” symptoms on riding mowers are caused by safety interlocks or basic electrical issues. The 917270512 owner's manual outlines key interlock behaviors (seat switch, clutch/brake, attachment clutch) that can prevent starting.

• Battery weak or terminals corroded
• Blown fuse or bad wiring connection
• Faulty solenoid or starter
• Operator presence or interlock switch issue (seat switch, clutch/brake switch)
• Fuel delivery restriction (seasonal fuel filter replacement is common)

An engine swap is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Verifying basics like the battery, wiring, and safety interlock system first can prevent spending hundreds on an engine when the real fix is a switch, cable, or starter circuit.

Last updated: February 2026

To look up the model number on your Craftsman riding mower, we recommend finding the model and serial tag on the tractor frame under the seat (or on the underside of the seat) and then using that exact number when searching parts and manuals for your unit, such as model 917270512. For confirmation of label locations and formatting, use the 917270512 owner's manual.

On Craftsman riding mowers like model 917270512, the identification label is typically in one of these spots:

• On the frame under the seat
• On the underside of the seat pan
• Near the rear fender area under the seat (common on many riders)
• On a frame rail close to the seat mounting bracket

Once you have the model number, use it exactly as printed (including dots or dashes if shown on the tag).

• Write down the full model number and serial number
• Search using the full model number first (example: 917270512)
• Match your product type: 42-inch deck, 14.5 HP, 6-speed transaxle
• Use the parts diagrams to confirm fit before ordering

Craftsman tractors often have multiple versions that look similar. Using the exact model number ensures you get the correct belts, blades, and deck parts for your 42-inch mower deck and 6-speed drive system.

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman is a brand name, and the actual manufacturer of a Craftsman lawn tractor can vary by model and production era. For the Craftsman riding tractor model 917270512, the equipment was sold under the Sears Craftsman brand; the best way to confirm the original manufacturer and service details is to reference the model’s documentation in the 917270512 owner's manual.

We recommend using the model number and the product label information together, because Craftsman tractors have been built by different OEM manufacturers over the years.

• Use the full model number 917270512 (not just “Craftsman 42-inch”) when researching parts and service
• Check the ID tag under the seat, on the frame, or near the engine for additional numbers (product ID, serial)
• Match the tractor’s deck size and drive type (42-inch deck, 6-speed transaxle) to the manual specs
• Use the parts list in the manual to cross-check common assemblies (mower deck, mandrel, belts)
• If you are ordering parts, match by part ID to avoid look-alike components

Many Craftsman tractors share components across OEM families. If your goal is parts compatibility, these common wear items are usually more useful than the brand name alone.

The “who made it” question usually comes up when you need the right replacement parts (belts, blades, mandrel parts) or service procedures. Using the 917270512 model-specific manual and matching part IDs prevents ordering the wrong component for your 42-inch deck and 6-speed setup.

Last updated: February 2026

The Craftsman riding mower model 917270512 is a 14.5 HP electric-start front-engine lawn tractor. The owner’s manual for this model focuses on operating specs (oil type, spark plug, valve clearance, speeds) rather than listing a specific engine brand name; use the 917270512 owner's manual to match your exact engine by the ID label on the engine shroud.

We recommend confirming the engine make and model from the engine’s identification tag, then using that information for tune-up parts (spark plug, air filter, fuel filter) and service specs.

• Turn the engine off, remove the key, and let the engine cool.
• Lift the hood and look for an ID label on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter.
• Record the engine model, type, and code (common on Briggs and similar engines).
• Compare what you wrote down to the engine section in the 917270512 owner's manual.
• Use the engine ID to order the correct maintenance parts.

These specifications are provided for this tractor and are the right baseline for maintenance and troubleshooting.

The engine brand and model determine the correct carburetor parts, ignition parts, and tune-up items. The tractor specs above (oil type, plug type, valve clearance) keep starting and power consistent, especially under load with a 42-inch mower deck.

Last updated: February 2026

For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917270512, use SAE 30 4-cycle engine oil when temperatures are above 32°F, and SAE 5W-30 4-cycle engine oil when temperatures are below 32°F; the engine oil capacity is 3.0 pints (check the dipstick on level ground). See the 917270512 owner's manual for the oil viscosity chart and maintenance intervals.

Use the viscosity that matches your typical mowing temperature:

• Above 32°F: SAE 30 (API-SF/SG/SH)
• Below 32°F: SAE 5W-30 (API-SF/SG/SH)
• Use 4-cycle engine oil (do not mix oil with gasoline)
• Check oil with the tractor on level ground
• Fill only to the FULL mark; do not overfill

Following the manual method helps prevent low-oil damage and overfilling.

• Park on a level surface and let the engine cool
• Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick, wipe clean
• Reinsert and tighten, wait a few seconds, then recheck
• Add oil slowly until it reaches the FULL mark
• Recheck after adding; oil level changes quickly near “FULL”

Correct oil viscosity and proper oil level protect the 14.5 HP engine from excess wear, reduce hard starting in cold weather, and help the engine run cooler during mowing.

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman model 917270512 was manufactured across multiple production runs (not a single year). The exact build year is tied to your tractor’s serial number/date code on the ID plate; our best match comes from confirming that code against the identification details in the 917270512 owner's manual.

On this Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor, the most reliable way to pin down the year is to read the model and serial information from the tractor’s identification plate.

• Look under the seat for the model/serial label (common location on riding mowers)
• Write down the serial number exactly (include any letters)
• Note any date code printed near the serial
• Compare the label info to the model identification section in the manual
• If the label is dirty or faded, clean it gently and take a clear photo before the characters wear further

The documentation we have for this unit clearly identifies the tractor as MODEL NUMBER 917.270512 in the parts breakdown pages (chassis, steering, seat, lift). That confirms you are looking at the correct model family, but the manual pages themselves do not assign a single calendar year to the model number.

Craftsman tractors that share a model family can still use different belts, blades, pulleys, or steering parts across production runs. Confirming the build information helps us match the correct drive belt, mandrel parts, and deck components the first time.

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman engines are made by several different manufacturers depending on the specific mower or tractor model and engine family. For the Craftsman riding tractor model 917270512, the exact engine manufacturer is identified on the engine label and in the 917270512 owner's manual.

Check these locations first; they are the fastest way to confirm the manufacturer and get the right tune-up parts:

• Engine blower housing or valve cover: look for a brand badge or stamped model
• Engine ID label: usually lists an engine model and type code
• Under the hood near the engine shroud: sometimes a foil tag is used
• Owner documentation: engine specs and service references are often listed
• Parts diagrams: engine-related parts groupings can hint at the engine family

Across Craftsman lawn equipment, these engine brands are the most common:

• Briggs & Stratton
• Kohler
• Kawasaki

The engine manufacturer determines the correct spark plug, air filter, oil filter (if equipped), carburetor parts, and ignition components. Even within the same horsepower range, parts can differ by engine family.

If you are troubleshooting mowing performance (uneven cut, poor mulching), deck wear parts can also be involved, such as the husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149.

Last updated: February 2026