What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
The Craftsman riding mower model 917272190 is equipped with a 25.0 HP internal-combustion engine (gas) with electric start, as listed in the owner's manual.
We recommend matching the engine information on the tractor to the specifications section and decals list.
- Check the engine label (usually on the blower housing or valve cover) for:
- Engine brand (commonly Briggs & Stratton or Kohler on many tractors)
- Model and type code
- Horsepower rating
- Compare that label to the Product Specifications section in the owner's manual.
- Look for the “HP engine” decal listing in the parts diagrams; it helps confirm the tractor configuration.
- If you are ordering tune-up parts, use the engine model/type code rather than tractor model alone.
The manual identifies this tractor configuration as a 25.0 HP, electric-start lawn tractor with a 46-inch mower deck and a 6-speed transaxle.
| Spec item | What the manual shows |
|---|---|
| Tractor model | 917272190 |
| Engine output | 25.0 HP |
| Starting system | Electric start |
| Mower deck size | 46 in. |
| Drive type | 6-speed transaxle |
The tractor model (917272190) tells us the chassis and deck setup, but the engine label is what ensures you get the correct spark plug, air filter, fuel filter, and other engine-specific maintenance parts.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917272190?
The model number for this Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor is 917.272190 (often written without the dot as 917272190). You can confirm it on the tractor’s model tag and in the owner's manual.
Check these common locations on Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors:
- Under the seat (seat pan area)
- On the frame near the rear wheels
- Under the hood near the engine compartment
- Near the footrest or running board area
You may see the same model shown in two formats; both refer to the same unit.
| Format you see | What it means |
|---|---|
| 917.272190 | Standard manual and parts-list format |
| 917272190 | Same model number without punctuation |
Using the exact model number ensures you get the right Craftsman 917272190 parts and diagrams for your lawn tractor, especially for assemblies like steering, mower deck, and the transaxle.
If you are matching parts to the correct model, these are examples of parts listed for Craftsman 917272190:
- Molded ignition key 532140403 (starting and key switch operation)
- Solenoid 532146154 (starter circuit engagement)
- Switch 582107601 (PTO engagement)
Last updated: February 2026
What year is my Craftsman mower serial number lookup?
On Craftsman lawn tractors like model 917272190, the model number identifies the tractor family, but the serial number is what you use to determine the build date (year). Use the serial number format shown in your owner's manual and decode it to find the year.
Check these common locations on front-engine riding mowers:
- Under the seat on the fender pan (top of the rear frame area)
- On the left or right frame rail near the engine
- Near the rear hitch plate or transaxle area
- On a sticker or metal tag that lists both model and serial
Many Craftsman-built riding mowers use a date-style serial number where groups of digits represent a date. A common pattern you may see is:
- MM = month
- DD = day
- YY = year
If your serial begins with 072811, that decodes as:
| Digits | Meaning | Example value |
|---|---|---|
| 07 | Month | July |
| 28 | Day | 28 |
| 11 | Year | 2011 |
Knowing the exact year helps us match the correct parts diagrams and revisions for wear items like the mower deck hardware, steering components, and electrical starting parts.
Use these checks to stay on track:
- Compare the serial format to the identification section in the owner's manual
- Look for letters mixed into the serial; some formats use a plant code plus a date code
- Confirm you are reading the serial and not a part number from a decal
- If the tag is damaged, use the parts list for model 917272190 to identify assemblies by fit
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917272190, a full engine replacement typically runs about $800 to $2,500 total (engine plus labor), depending on engine type, shop labor rates, and whether related parts like the starter solenoid or wiring also need attention. Use the owner's manual to confirm engine specs and service procedures before ordering.
- Engine assembly: $500 to $1,800 (most of the cost)
- Labor: $300 to $900 (often 4 to 8 hours)
- Common add-ons: $0 to $300 (battery, belts, pulleys, hardware, fluids)
- Pickup/delivery (if used): $0 to $150
| Cost item | Typical range | What changes the price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | $500 to $1,800 | Horsepower, crankshaft size, availability |
| Labor | $300 to $900 | Shop rate, rusted fasteners, time to swap pulleys |
| Extra parts | $0 to $300 | Worn electrical parts, drive/deck components |
If the old engine failed electrically or the tractor has intermittent no-start symptoms, these parts are often inspected or replaced at the same time:
- Solenoid 532146154 (starter solenoid)
- Battery cables and terminals (clean and tighten)
- PTO and safety interlock switches (verify operation)
- Deck drive components if they were removed for access (idler pulleys, springs)
We recommend ruling out common no-start issues first because they can look like a “bad engine”:
- Confirm the clutch/brake pedal is fully depressed and PTO is disengaged (interlock requirement)
- Check battery condition and cable connections
- Listen for a click at the solenoid when turning the key
- Inspect wiring for loose or damaged connections
An engine swap is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Verifying the starting circuit, safety interlocks, and related wear parts first helps you avoid replacing an engine when the real issue is a solenoid, battery connection, or switch.
Last updated: February 2026
What brand engine does Craftsman use?
Craftsman lawn tractors can use engines from several manufacturers, depending on the specific tractor model and production year. For Craftsman model 917272190, our owner's manual identifies it as a 25.0 HP lawn tractor, but it does not call out the engine maker by brand name in the excerpts provided.
The most reliable way is to read the engine identification label on the engine itself and match it to the manual’s specifications section.
- Look for a sticker or metal tag on the engine shroud, valve cover, or blower housing
- Record the engine model and type/spec numbers (often two lines of numbers)
- Compare those numbers to the engine information listed in the specifications section of the owner's manual
- If the label is dirty or faded, wipe it clean and use a flashlight to read stamped characters
- Use the engine model/type numbers when ordering tune-up parts (air filter, spark plug, oil filter)
Across Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors, these are the most common engine brands you will see:
| Engine brand | How it is usually labeled | What to look for on the engine |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton | “Briggs & Stratton” | Model, Type, Code numbers |
| Kohler | “Kohler” | Spec number and serial number |
| Kawasaki | “Kawasaki” | Model and spec/serial numbers |
Engine brand and engine model numbers determine the correct maintenance and repair parts (filters, belts routing references, and ignition components). Using the tractor model number alone can lead to the wrong engine service parts, even when the mower deck size and horsepower match.
If your issue is starting or electrical (often mistaken for an “engine problem”), these model-matched parts are commonly involved:
- Solenoid 532146154 (starter solenoid)
- Molded ignition key 532140403 (key worn or damaged)
- Switch 582107601 (PTO switch that can affect starting on some setups)
Last updated: February 2026





