Owner’s manual
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What brand engine does Craftsman use?
Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors use engines from several manufacturers, depending on the specific model and production year. For the Craftsman 917276081, our 917276081 owner's manual identifies it as a 26.0 HP mower with an emissions-compliant engine, but it does not name the engine brand.
Common engine brands used on Craftsman riders
Across Craftsman lawn tractors, the most common engine suppliers include:
- Briggs & Stratton
- Kohler
- Kawasaki
- Other OEM suppliers used in certain model years
How to identify the engine brand on model 917276081
Use these quick checks on your tractor to confirm the exact engine manufacturer:
- Look at the engine shroud (top cover) for a brand badge or decal
- Find the engine model and type code on the valve cover or blower housing label
- Check the emissions label near the muffler or on the engine block
- Match the engine model number to parts listings when ordering tune-up items
Where you will usually find the engine ID label
| Location on tractor | What you’ll see | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Blower housing / recoil area | Engine model and type | Identifies manufacturer and exact engine family |
| Valve cover | Model or spec tag | Helps match gaskets, filters, and ignition parts |
| Emissions label | Compliance info plus engine family | Confirms engine series and sometimes maker |
Why it matters
Engine brand and engine model number determine the correct maintenance parts (air filter, oil filter, spark plug), service specs, and adjustment procedures. Using the engine ID prevents ordering the wrong parts even when the tractor model number is correct.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
The Craftsman riding mower model 917276081 uses a 26.0 HP engine (as listed on the cover of the owner’s manual). For the exact engine manufacturer and model (such as Briggs & Stratton or Kohler), we use the engine identification label and the specifications section in the 917276081 owner's manual.
How to identify the exact engine on model 917276081
Use these quick checks so you get the right tune-up and fuel system parts:
- Look for the engine model/type/code label on the engine shroud, valve cover, or blower housing
- Write down the full engine model and code before ordering parts
- Match the engine label to the engine specs section in the 917276081 owner's manual
- If the label is dirty, wipe it clean; numbers are often faint
- Use the engine model to select the correct spark plug, air filter, and oil filter
What we can confirm vs. what you’ll verify
| Item | What applies to 917276081 | Where to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower rating | 26.0 HP | Manual cover and specs section |
| Engine brand/model | Varies by build | Engine ID label on the engine |
| Tune-up parts | Engine-specific | Engine model/type/code |
Why it matters
Craftsman garden tractors can share the same tractor model number but use different engine variants across production runs. Using the engine ID prevents ordering the wrong ignition parts, filters, or carburetor-related components, and it speeds up troubleshooting for no-start or rough-running issues.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is a Craftsman 6.75 lawn mower?
A “Craftsman 6.75” label usually refers to the engine horsepower class, not a single mower model number. For the Craftsman riding mower model we support on this page, the model number is 917276081; you can confirm it on the ID label and in the 917276081 owner's manual.
How to find the correct model number on a Craftsman 6.75 mower
Look for the mower’s model number on the product ID label (not the engine label). Common places include:
- Under the seat (riding mowers and tractors)
- On the rear frame near the hitch plate
- On the deck housing near the discharge chute (walk-behind mowers)
- On the handle support or rear shield (walk-behind mowers)
Mower model number vs. engine model number (why they are different)
A Craftsman mower can have a 6.75 HP-class engine across many different mower models. Use the mower model number for parts like blades, belts, wheels, and deck hardware; use the engine model/type code for carburetor and ignition parts.
| What you’re identifying | Where to look | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Mower model number (example format: 917.xxxxxx) | Mower frame or deck ID label | Most Craftsman mower parts lookups |
| Engine model/type code (example: Briggs & Stratton model/type) | Engine shroud label | Engine-specific parts and tune-up items |
Why it matters
Using “6.75” alone can lead to the wrong blade, belt, or deck parts because many Craftsman walk-behind mowers share similar engine ratings but use different cutting decks and hardware.
If you are actually working on model 917276081
This page is for a Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor (26 HP, 48-inch deck). If you’re troubleshooting a no-start or no-crank issue on this tractor, a common wear item to check is the ignition key; see molded ignition key 532140403.
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding mower like model 917276081, a complete engine replacement typically runs about $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine brand, horsepower, and whether related drive or PTO parts also need service. Most shops bill around 6 labor hours for a riding mower engine swap.
What drives the total cost
- Engine price: new, remanufactured, or used engine options vary widely
- Labor time: engine removal, transfer of pulleys/brackets, and reinstallation
- Extra parts often replaced at the same time: belts, pulleys, wiring, fuel parts
- Deck/PTO condition: worn clutch or idlers can add cost if the mower won’t engage reliably
- Shop rates: local hourly labor rates make a big difference
Common add-on parts to check while the engine is out
If the engine failed suddenly or the mower has high hours, we recommend inspecting these items because they can affect performance and reliability after the swap:
| Area | What to inspect | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| PTO engagement | Switch operation and wiring connections | Switch.pto 582107601 |
| Deck drive | Belt wear, glazing, cracking | Husqvarna lawn tractor primary blade drive belt, 5/8 x 90-3/32-in 532174368 |
| Idlers/pulleys | Noise, wobble, seized bearings | Lawn tractor blade idler pulley 532177968 |
| Exhaust | Rust-through, blockage, loose mounting | Husqvarna lawn tractor muffler 532149723 |
Before you replace the engine, rule out “loss of power” basics
Many “needs an engine” symptoms are actually maintenance issues. The 917276081 troubleshooting chart calls out common causes like mowing too fast, debris buildup under the deck, dirty air filter, low or dirty oil, stale fuel, and a clogged muffler.
- Raise cutting height and slow ground speed
- Clean underside of mower deck and remove packed grass
- Check oil level and change oil if dirty
- Replace dirty fuel and the fuel filter if restricted
- Inspect muffler and cooling fins for blockage
Why it matters
An engine replacement is one of the highest-cost repairs on a garden tractor. Confirming the problem first and refreshing wear items (belt, idlers, PTO switch) helps the new engine deliver full power and prevents repeat failures.
For operating and service intervals specific to this tractor, use the 917276081 owner’s manual.
Last updated: February 2026
