How to look up Craftsman model number?
For your Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor model 917255350, we look up the correct parts by matching the model number from the tractor’s ID label. On most Craftsman riding mowers, that label is on the frame under the seat or on the underside of the seat; once you have it, you can search and order parts on Sears PartsDirect.
Where to find the model number on a Craftsman riding mower
Check these common spots first (wipe dirt and grass off the label so the digits are readable):
- Frame under the seat (lift the seat and look on the metal frame/seat pan area)
- Underside of the seat (flip the seat up and look underneath)
- Rear frame area near the hitch (some tractors place the label toward the back)
- Near the engine compartment opening (occasionally on the frame rail)
How we recommend looking it up (fast and accurate)
Use this quick process to avoid ordering the wrong belt, tire, or electrical part:
- Write down the full model number exactly as shown (for example, 917255350).
- If present, also record the serial number (helpful for production variations).
- Use the model number to pull up the parts list and diagrams.
- Match the part by name and location in the diagram before ordering.
Common mix-ups to avoid
| What you see | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Model number starts with 917 | Craftsman/Husqvarna-built format is common | Use the full number, not just “917” |
| Extra digits or letters nearby | Often a serial or product number | Prioritize the label field marked “MODEL” |
| Missing or damaged label | Harder to confirm exact fit | Compare key parts (deck, steering, electrical) before buying |
Why it matters
Craftsman tractors can look similar across years, but parts like an idler belt, starter switch, or tire size can differ by model. Using the exact model number helps us match the correct diagrams and compatible replacement parts.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is Craftsman Model 917255350?
Craftsman model 917255350 does not have a single built-in “model year”; the year is determined from the tractor’s product date code (often on the same ID label as the model number). Use the date code to identify the exact manufacturing date, then you will know the year.
Where to find the date code on a 917255350 tractor
Look for the ID label in common riding mower locations:
- Under the seat pan or on the seat support
- On the frame rail near the engine
- Near the rear fender or battery area
- Under the hood near the dash tower
How to read the date code (typical Craftsman format)
Many Craftsman riding mowers use a 6-digit date code that reads as MMDDYY.
- First 2 digits: month (01 to 12)
- Next 2 digits: day (01 to 31)
- Last 2 digits: year (00 to 99)
Quick examples
| Date code | Interprets as | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 072811 | July 28, 2011 | 2011 |
| 031905 | March 19, 2005 | 2005 |
| 111223 | November 12, 2023 | 2023 |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct year helps us match the right parts and diagrams for your Craftsman 917255350 front-engine lawn tractor, especially for wear items like belts, tires, and electrical parts.
Parts you can match once you confirm the year
After you confirm the date code, you can cross-check common replacement parts for this model, such as:
- Starter switch 532365402 if the key switch is intermittent
- Starter solenoid 532146154 if the starter clicks but will not crank
- Idler belt 583659801 if the deck drive slips or squeals
- Tire 532122073 if the front tire is cracked or won’t hold air
If you need to locate parts by model number or shop beyond the most common items, search by 917255350 on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What are common problems with Craftsman riding mowers?
Common problems on the Craftsman 917255350 front-engine riding mower are no-start conditions, weak or intermittent cranking, poor cutting or deck engagement, and drive or braking issues. Most fixes come down to checking the starting circuit, fuel delivery, belts, and basic wear items, then replacing the failed part.
Most common symptoms and what they usually point to
- Engine will not crank: dead battery, bad key switch, loose/corroded cables, failed solenoid, safety switch not closing
- Cranks but will not start: stale fuel, clogged fuel line or carburetor jets, fouled spark plug, restricted air flow
- Starts then stalls or lacks power: dirty air filter, fuel restriction, ignition issue, overheating from debris buildup
- Blades will not engage or cut is uneven: worn/slipping belt, idler or pulley issue, deck packed with wet grass
- Won’t move or slips under load: worn drive belt, idler problems, linkage out of adjustment
- Poor stopping or parking brake won’t hold: stretched/broken brake spring, worn linkage points
Quick checks we recommend first (fast, high value)
- Verify the battery is fully charged and the terminals are clean and tight.
- Confirm the brake pedal is fully depressed and the PTO/blade control is OFF (safety interlocks).
- Inspect wiring at the key switch and solenoid for loose spade connectors or damaged insulation.
- Check belts for glazing, cracking, or slack; also check idlers spin freely.
- Look for packed grass and debris around the deck, pulleys, and engine cooling fins.
Parts on this model that commonly solve these problems
If your symptom matches, these are frequently replaced items for the 917255350:
| Symptom | Part to consider | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| No crank with good battery | Starter switch 532365402 | Sends power to the start circuit when you turn the key |
| Clicks but won’t crank | Solenoid 532146154 | Switches high current to the starter |
| Blades won’t stay engaged | Idler belt 583659801 | Maintains belt tension for proper engagement |
| Weak braking/parking brake | Brake spring 583685701 | Returns and tensions the brake linkage |
For other wear items (tires, seat, steering bushings, hardware), use the parts list for model 917255350 or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Why it matters
On a front-engine lawn tractor, small electrical or belt issues quickly turn into no-starts, poor cut quality, or unsafe stopping. Catching a loose connection, worn belt, or weak spring early prevents bigger damage to pulleys, wiring, and linkages.
Last updated: February 2026
How to find Craftsman parts?
For your Craftsman 917255350 front-engine lawn tractor, the most reliable way to find the right replacement parts is to look up your model number and match parts by the exact diagram listing and part ID. You can order parts from the list for this model or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Step-by-step: find the correct part for model 917255350
- Confirm the model number on the tractor’s model tag is 917255350 (match every digit).
- Use the parts list/diagram for this model to identify the failed component by location and description.
- Match the replacement by part ID (best match) and part name.
- If multiple similar items appear (for example, tires or washers), compare size notes and where it installs.
- Add the part to your cart and keep the old part until the repair is complete.
Common parts customers replace on this model
These are examples of parts available for Craftsman 917255350 that often come up during repairs:
- Starter switch 532365402 (no-crank or intermittent starting)
- Solenoid 532146154 (clicking, no crank, or starter engagement issues)
- Idler belt 583659801 (drive or deck belt routing and tension problems)
- Hood latch 532109808 (hood not staying closed)
- Tire 532122073 (worn or damaged tire)
Quick comparison: which identifier matters most?
| What you see | What it’s used for | What to match |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (917255350) | Finds the correct parts breakdown | Exact model digits |
| Part ID (example: 532365402) | Identifies the exact replacement item | Exact part ID |
| Part name (example: starter switch) | Confirms you picked the right component | Location and function |
Why it matters
Riding mower and lawn tractor parts can look similar across Craftsman models, but mounting points, wiring connectors, and sizes vary. Matching by model number first, then by part ID, prevents wrong-part returns and gets your tractor back to mowing faster.
Last updated: February 2026
What brand engine does Craftsman use?
Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors use engines from several manufacturers, most commonly Briggs & Stratton, with some models using Kohler or Kawasaki depending on the tractor’s series and build year. For your Craftsman model 917255350, confirm the exact engine brand by checking the engine shroud label and the engine model tag.
How to identify the engine brand on model 917255350
Look for these common ID locations and markings:
- Top of the engine shroud: often shows the brand name (Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki)
- Valve cover area: may have a brand badge or stamped model family
- Blower housing or recoil area (if equipped): brand decal is common here
- Engine model/type/code tag: usually a sticker or stamped plate on the engine itself
- Frame tag vs. engine tag: the tractor model tag (917255350) is not the same as the engine model tag
Why the engine brand matters (parts and troubleshooting)
The engine brand determines the correct tune-up and fuel system parts (spark plug, air filter, carburetor parts), plus the right specs for oil type and capacity. It also helps when diagnosing no-start issues, charging problems, or weak cranking.
Quick reference: what you will typically see
| What you find on the engine | What it usually means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| “Briggs & Stratton” label plus model/type/code | Briggs engine family | Use the engine model/type/code to match engine parts |
| “Kohler” label plus spec number | Kohler engine family | Use the Kohler spec number to match engine parts |
| “Kawasaki” label plus model/serial | Kawasaki engine family | Use the Kawasaki model/serial to match engine parts |
Helpful related parts on this model page
Even when the engine brand varies, some tractor parts are still model-specific. If you are chasing a no-crank or intermittent start issue, these parts are common checks:
- Starter switch 532365402 (key switch and start circuit input)
- Solenoid 532146154 (starter solenoid that routes battery power to the starter)
- Idler belt 583659801 (drive or deck-related belt routing and engagement issues)
Ordering the right parts
We recommend matching parts by tractor model 917255350 for chassis items and by the engine model tag for engine-specific items. You can order replacement parts from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
