Owner’s manual
View engine
How do I tell what year my Craftsman lawn tractor is?
For Craftsman model 917287260, the operator’s manual doesn’t list a specific “build year” or a single date-code format to decode. The most dependable way is to read the manufacturing date information printed on the tractor’s product identification label and use that date as the year reference. See the 917287260 operator's manual for general safety and identification context.
Where to look for the product identification label
On riding lawn tractors like the Craftsman 917287260, the ID label is commonly found in one of these areas:
- Under the seat or on the seat pan/frame
- On the rear fender pan near the seat
- On the frame rail near the left or right footrest
- Under the hood on the chassis near the engine compartment
- Near the rear frame/transaxle area
How to interpret what you find
Because label formats vary by production run, look for clear wording such as “Date,” “MFG Date,” “DOM,” or a stamped/printed code near the serial number.
| What you see on the label | What it usually means | What to record |
|---|---|---|
| “MFG DATE” or “DATE” field | Explicit manufacture date | The year in that date |
| “DOM” field | Date of manufacture | The year in that date |
| A numeric code with no label | Internal date/serial coding | The full code and serial number |
If you only see a serial number and no date, record the serial number and the full model number (917287260); that combination is typically what’s used to narrow down production timing.
Why it matters
The year (or build date) helps us match the correct parts and revisions for wear items and service components, such as blades, belts, and safety switches.
Last updated: January 2026
What brand engine does Craftsman use?
For the Craftsman 917287260 front-engine lawn tractor, the operator’s manual identifies it as having a Briggs & Stratton engine (24.0 HP). Craftsman may use different engine makers on other models, but this specific tractor is Briggs & Stratton.
What we can confirm for model 917287260
The model-specific documentation for this tractor points to Briggs & Stratton.
- Engine brand: Briggs & Stratton
- Tractor model: Craftsman 917287260
- Engine output listed: 24.0 HP
- Fuel type: unleaded regular gasoline
How to verify on the tractor itself
Even when the manual lists the engine brand, the engine ID label is the best source for ordering engine-specific maintenance parts.
- Find the engine ID label on the blower housing or near the starter
- Record the engine model, type, and code numbers
- Use those numbers to match the correct air filter, oil filter (if equipped), and spark plug
Related maintenance specs from the manual
These specs help you service the engine correctly.
| Item | Spec (manual) |
|---|---|
| Gas capacity | 3.0 gallons, unleaded regular |
| Oil type | SAE 30 (above 32°F), SAE 5W30 (below 32°F) |
| Spark plug | Champion QC12YC (gap .030") |
Why it matters
Engine brand and engine ID numbers determine the correct tune-up parts and service procedures; using the wrong filter or plug can cause hard starting, poor performance, or premature wear.
For additional model-specific details, use the 917287260 operator's manual.
Last updated: January 2026
What kind of engine does a Craftsman riding lawn mower have?
For Craftsman riding lawn mower model 917287260, we can confirm it uses a gasoline-powered, internal combustion, low-emission engine. The operator’s manual lists fuel, oil, and tune-up specs, but it does not identify the engine’s manufacturer, horsepower, or displacement.
What we can confirm for model 917287260
From the model-specific 917287260 operator’s manual, we can confirm these engine-related specs:
- Fuel type: unleaded regular gasoline
- Fuel tank capacity: 3.0 gallons
- Oil type: SAE 30 (above 32°F) or SAE 5W30 (below 32°F)
- Oil capacity: 64 oz with filter, 60 oz without filter
- Spark plug: Champion QC12YC (gap 0.030 in.)
- Charging system: 16 amps @ 3600 RPM
How to identify the exact engine make and model
Because engine suppliers can vary by production run, the most reliable way to identify the exact engine on your 917287260 is to read the engine ID label.
Common label locations:
- On the blower housing/shroud
- Near the valve cover
- Near the starter
- On the engine block (often near the muffler side)
Record these fields exactly as shown:
- Engine model
- Type/spec
- Code/serial
Tractor model vs. engine model (which to use)
| ID you’re using | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model number | 917287260 | Deck, chassis, steering, belts, blades |
| Engine model/type code | (from engine label) | Air filter, carburetor, starter, ignition parts |
Why it matters
Using the tractor model number helps match mower-deck and drive components, but engine maintenance parts are matched to the engine’s ID code. That’s the best way to avoid ordering the wrong tune-up parts.
Last updated: January 2026
Where can I find my Craftsman model number?
On the Craftsman riding lawn tractor model 917287260, we typically find the model number on the product identification label under the seat. If it’s not there, check the frame rails near the engine or rear wheels; the exact label spot can vary by build. For diagrams and label references, use the 917287260 operator's manual.
Where to look on model 917287260
- Under the seat pan (lift the seat and look for a sticker or metal tag)
- On the frame rail near the engine compartment
- Near the rear axle area on the frame
- Under the hood on the chassis (less common)
- On the mower deck shell (usually a deck number, not the tractor model)
What the model number label looks like
Most Craftsman tractor labels include a few identifiers. Use the model number for parts lookup.
| Label item | What it’s used for | Example you might see |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Identifies the tractor family for parts | 917287260 |
| Serial number | Identifies your specific unit | Varies |
| Product number | Sometimes listed separately | Varies |
Why it matters
We use the model number to match the correct parts diagrams and compatible replacements for your tractor’s engine, mower deck, belts, blades, and electrical components. A single digit off can point to a different deck or drive system.
Last updated: January 2026
