Craftsman 917253150 42" rotary lawn mower Parts

Common problems on a Craftsman riding mower like model 917253150 usually fall into a few buckets: it will not start (fuel, spark, battery, safety switches), it runs rough (dirty fuel system or air restriction), or it cuts poorly (deck belt, blade, spindle/bearing wear, or deck leveling). Most fixes start with basic checks, then move to the deck and spindle hardware.

Quick checks we recommend first

• Use fresh fuel and confirm the fuel valve is open (if equipped).
• Check the battery connections for tight, clean terminals (riding mowers).
• Inspect the air filter for heavy dirt or oil saturation.
• Verify the spark plug wire is firmly seated and the plug is not fouled.
• Confirm operator-presence and PTO/blade safety interlocks are engaged correctly.

Symptoms and the most common causes

Symptom	Most common cause	What to check next
No crank/no click	Battery, cables, safety switch	Battery voltage, terminals, seat/brake switch
Cranks but will not start	Old fuel, clogged carburetor, no spark	Drain old gas, check spark plug, fuel flow
Starts then dies/surges	Restricted fuel/air	Air filter, fuel cap vent, carburetor jets
Cuts uneven or vibrates	Blade damage, spindle wear, deck out of level	Blade condition, spindle play, deck leveling

Deck-related problems (very common on 42-inch rotary decks)

If your mower runs fine but the cut quality is poor, focus on the deck spindles and hardware. Worn bearings and bushings can cause vibration, noise, uneven cutting, and premature belt wear.

• Check for side-to-side play in the blade spindle; replace worn parts such as the bearing 532110485.
• If you find looseness at pivot points or linkages, inspect wear items like the bushing 583775301.
• Look for missing or stretched tension components; a weak deck tension spring can let the belt slip.

Why it matters

Catching fuel and ignition issues early prevents hard starting and stalling; catching deck bearing or bushing wear early prevents spindle damage and helps your Craftsman 42-inch deck cut evenly with less vibration.

Last updated: February 2026

On the Craftsman 917253150 42-inch rotary lawn mower, the mower deck is the cutting system under the tractor: a steel deck shell that houses the blades and the drive components that spin them. Most decks break down into the shell, spindles, pulleys, belt drive, and blades.

Main mower deck components (and what they do)

• Deck shell (housing): Supports everything and channels airflow to lift and discharge clippings.
• Spindle assemblies: Shaft and bearings that let each blade spin smoothly.
• Pulleys and belt drive: Transfer power from the engine PTO to the spindles.
• Blades: Do the cutting; blade shape also helps create lift.
• Idler arm and tension spring: Keeps belt tension correct as the deck engages.
• Deck lift links and hangers: Raise and lower the deck for cutting height.

Common wear parts you will see on this deck

These parts often show up when you have vibration, squealing, uneven cut, or a belt that won’t stay on:

Part type	What it affects	Common symptom
Bearing	Spindle smoothness	Growling noise, wobble, vibration
Bushing	Pivot points and linkages	Slop in lift/engagement, uneven height
Spring	Belt tension and engagement	Belt slip, poor blade speed
Washer/bolt/pin	Fastening and retention	Loose deck hardware, misalignment

Example deck wear items for this model include the bearing 532110485 and spring 532002876.

Why it matters

Knowing the deck anatomy helps you diagnose problems faster. For example, an uneven cut is often a deck leveling or blade issue, while a loud rumble under the deck usually points to a spindle bearing or bushing problem.

Quick inspection checklist

• With the engine off and key removed, check blades for bends, cracks, and tight mounting.
• Spin each blade by hand; feel for roughness or side-to-side play at the spindle.
• Inspect the belt for glazing, cracks, or missing chunks.
• Check pulleys and idlers for wobble and free rotation.
• Verify deck hangers and lift links are not bent and hardware is tight.

Last updated: February 2026

For the Craftsman 917253150 42-inch rotary lawn mower (riding mower/tractor), the typical tire sizes are front 15 x 6.00-6 and rear 18 x 9.50-8 (often a turf-style rear tire). Use these sizes when ordering replacement wheels, tires, or tubes.

Tire size breakdown (what the numbers mean)

Tire sizing is usually written as overall diameter x width - rim diameter.

• 15 x 6.00-6 (front): about 15-inch overall diameter, 6-inch width, fits a 6-inch rim
• 18 x 9.50-8 (rear): about 18-inch overall diameter, 9.5-inch width, fits an 8-inch rim
• Rear tires are commonly labeled “turf” or “turf saver” for traction without tearing grass

Quick reference table

Position	Common size	Rim diameter	Typical tread type
Front	15 x 6.00-6	6 in.	Ribbed or light turf
Rear	18 x 9.50-8	8 in.	Turf / turf saver

Before you buy: 5 checks that prevent wrong-fit tires

• Match the rim diameter first (6-inch front rim, 8-inch rear rim)
• Confirm the tire width clears the deck, frame, and anti-scalp wheels
• Check the axle bore and hub style if you are replacing complete wheel assemblies
• Verify whether you need a tubeless tire or a tube (depends on rim condition and tire type)
• Compare the old tire’s sidewall markings; replace in pairs on the same axle for even traction

Why it matters

Correct tire size keeps your deck level, protects the spindle and steering components, and helps maintain consistent cut height and traction on slopes.

If you are also servicing the deck while you have the tractor lifted, common wear items include spindle hardware and bearings such as the bearing 532110485.

Last updated: February 2026

You can get Craftsman replacement parts by shopping with your exact model number, 917253150, and matching the part to your mower’s deck and hardware. For this 42-inch rotary lawn mower deck, we stock common wear items like bearings, bushings, springs, and fasteners.

Best way to buy the right part (and avoid returns)

Use these steps to confirm fit before you order:

• Match the model number 917253150 first (deck parts can vary by revision).
• Identify the system you’re repairing: deck spindle area, idler/bracket hardware, or lift linkage.
• Compare the part name and ID to what you need (for example, a bearing vs. a cone bearing).
• Replace related wear parts together when you have the deck apart (common with bearings and bushings).
• Keep your old part for visual comparison (hole size, flange, length, and wear pattern).

Common Craftsman deck parts we carry for model 917253150

Here are examples of parts customers often need for deck and linkage repairs:

What you’re fixing	Part type you may need	Example part for this model
Noisy or rough spindle area	Bearing	Bearing 532110485
Worn pivot points or sloppy linkage	Bushing	Bushing (IDs 583768701 or 583775301)
Weak tension or return action	Spring	Spring (ID 532002876)
Missing/loose hardware	Washer/bolt/pin	Washer (ID 819131414), bolt (ID 872010520), hitch pin (ID 596919601)

Where else Craftsman parts are sold

You’ll also see Craftsman parts through other retailers and marketplaces. When you shop elsewhere, we recommend you still cross-check by model number 917253150 and by the exact part identifier to ensure the deck component matches.

Why it matters

Craftsman riding mower decks often share similar-looking hardware, but small differences in bore size, shoulder length, or bearing style can cause poor fit, vibration, or premature wear. Matching by model number and part ID keeps the repair reliable.

Last updated: February 2026