Craftsman 917274640 lawn tractor Parts

Yes, Craftsman does use Kohler engines on some riding mower and lawn tractor models, but it depends on the specific tractor. For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917274640, the engine make is identified in the 917274640 owner's manual, and that is the best way to confirm what your tractor was built with.

How to tell what engine your Craftsman tractor has

Use these quick checks on your 917274640:

• Check the engine shroud or valve cover for a brand badge (Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki).
• Look for the engine model and type numbers on the engine label (often near the starter, blower housing, or valve cover).
• Match the engine information to the specifications section in the 917274640 owner's manual.
• Use the tractor model number (917274640) when ordering tune-up and maintenance parts.
• If the tractor cranks slowly or only clicks, test the battery and starting circuit before assuming an engine issue.

Common Craftsman engine brands (what you will typically see)

Craftsman riding equipment has commonly been sold with engines from multiple manufacturers. Here is what that means in practical terms.

Engine brand	What it affects most	Typical owner impact
Briggs & Stratton	Tune-up parts, carburetion, ignition	Most common parts requests (filters, plugs)
Kohler	Charging system, carburetion, ignition	Different plug/filter specs than Briggs
Kawasaki	Fuel system, ignition	Often different air filter and plug styles

Why it matters

Engine brand determines the correct maintenance parts (air filter, spark plug, oil filter) and the right troubleshooting steps for no-start or hard-start problems. Using the engine label plus the tractor model keeps you from ordering the wrong parts.

Related starting help (if you are diagnosing a problem)

If your tractor is not starting normally, these guides walk through the most common causes:

• Riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video
• Riding lawn mower engine spins but wont start video

Last updated: February 2026

Yes, replacing the engine on your Craftsman lawn tractor model 917274640 is worth it when the tractor’s deck, chassis, steering, and transmission are still solid and you want several more seasons of reliable mowing. It is usually not worth it when the tractor has major deck rust, repeated drivetrain issues, or multiple worn safety and control systems.

Quick decision checklist

• The mower deck is structurally sound (no cracks, severe rust-through, or bent spindles).
• The tractor still cuts well when blades and belts are in good shape.
• Steering, brakes, and safety interlocks operate correctly.
• You can do the work safely (fuel handling, lifting, wiring, torqueing fasteners).
• The total repair cost stays well below the cost of replacing the tractor.

Cost and effort: what to compare

Use this simple comparison to decide where your money goes.

Option	Best when	Typical downside
Replace engine	Deck and drivetrain are strong; you want to keep the tractor	Higher labor time; may uncover other worn parts
Repair existing engine	Problem is limited (starter, fuel, ignition, cooling)	May not solve low compression or internal wear
Replace tractor	Multiple systems are worn (deck, transaxle, steering)	Higher upfront cost

Parts that often get replaced during engine-related repairs

Even when the engine is the main issue, we often see these related items matter for starting, running, and cutting performance:

• Ignition switch 532193350 if the key switch is intermittent
• Solenoid with brass plunger 532146154 if you get a click but no crank
• Molded ignition key 532140403 if the key is worn or damaged
• Blade drive belt 532174883 if the deck drive slips after the engine runs

Why it matters

An engine swap only pays off when the rest of the tractor is safe and serviceable. Your manual emphasizes keeping hardware tight, maintaining safety devices, and avoiding adjustments with the engine running; those basics protect you and prevent repeat failures after a major repair. Use the maintenance and safety sections in the owner's manual to evaluate the tractor before you invest in an engine.

Last updated: February 2026

The model number is 917274640. On this Craftsman riding lawn tractor, the owner’s manual identifies it as Model No. 917.274640 (often written without the dot as 917274640). For confirmation, match the number on your tractor’s model label to the owner's manual.

Where to find the model number on the tractor

We typically see the model label in one of these spots on Craftsman riding mowers:

• Under the seat on the fender pan
• On the frame rail near the engine
• Near the rear hitch plate or drawbar area
• Under the hood area on the chassis
• On a sticker or metal tag with model and serial information

How the number may be written

Craftsman model numbers are sometimes printed with punctuation in manuals but searched without it.

In the manual	Common search format	Meaning
917.274640	917274640	Same model number

Why it matters

We use the exact model number to match the correct parts diagrams and part numbers for your mower deck, chassis, electrical system, and drive components. Even a single digit difference can point to a different deck size or wiring setup.

Quick tip when ordering parts

Before ordering, confirm these details match your tractor:

• Model number: 917274640
• Deck size (commonly 42-inch on this model family)
• Blade type you need (mulching vs. high-lift)

If you are replacing blades for the 42-inch deck, common options listed for this model include the lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 and the husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149.

Last updated: February 2026

Replacing the engine on a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917274640 typically costs about $800 to $2,500 total (engine plus labor), depending on engine type, whether you reuse pulleys and wiring, and local labor rates. Engine replacement is a major repair, so we recommend confirming specs and procedures in the owner's manual.

What drives the total cost

Here are the biggest factors that change the price:

• Engine type and horsepower (single-cylinder vs. V-twin, vertical shaft)
• New vs. remanufactured vs. used engine (used is cheaper, but higher risk)
• Parts you replace at the same time (belts, pulleys, electrical parts)
• Labor time (shop rates vary; engine swaps often take several hours)
• Extra repairs discovered during removal (rusted fasteners, worn wiring, damaged mounts)

Typical cost ranges (parts and labor)

These ranges fit most front-engine riding mowers and lawn tractors.

Cost item	Typical range	Notes
Replacement engine	$500 to $1,800	Biggest variable; match shaft size and crank specs
Labor	$300 to $900	Often several hours plus setup and testing
“While you’re in there” parts	$0 to $300	Belts, pulleys, switches, hardware
Estimated total	$800 to $2,500	Higher if multiple systems need repair

Parts that commonly get replaced during an engine swap

If the tractor had starting or blade-drive issues before the engine failed, these parts are often worth checking while everything is accessible:

• Solenoid with brass plunger 532146154 (starter solenoid)
• Lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350 (key switch)
• Ignition harness 583209001 (wiring harness)
• Craftsman lawn tractor blade drive belt, 5/8 x 97-2/5-in 532174883 (deck belt)

Why it matters

An engine replacement only pays off when the rest of the tractor is in solid shape. If the deck, mandrels, steering, or transmission also need major work, the total repair cost can climb quickly, even if the engine price looks reasonable.

Last updated: February 2026

Your Craftsman lawn tractor model 917274640 uses a low-emission gasoline engine; the exact engine manufacturer and engine model are identified by the engine’s model-type-code printed on the engine ID label. Use the 917274640 owner's manual to locate the ID label and match the correct engine parts.

How to identify the exact engine on model 917274640

The engine ID label is the only reliable way to confirm the exact engine make and model for your tractor.

• Open the hood and look for an ID label on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter
• Record the model, type, and code exactly as shown (including dashes)
• Use those numbers when selecting tune-up parts and service items
• If the label is dirty, wipe it clean with a rag; do not scrape it
• Keep the numbers with your maintenance records for future parts matching

What the manual confirms about this tractor

The owner’s manual for model 917274640 confirms the tractor configuration and that it uses a low-emission engine design.

Item	Model 917274640 (from manual)
Product type	Lawn tractor
Mower deck size	42-inch
Starting system	Electric start
Transmission	Automatic
Engine note	Low-emission engine

Related parts that affect starting (common checks)

If you are asking because the tractor will not crank or start, these parts are commonly involved.

• Lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350 (key switch power to starter circuit)
• Molded ignition key 532140403 (worn key can cause intermittent contact)
• Solenoid with brass plunger 532146154 (starter solenoid clicking or no-crank)

Why it matters

Craftsman tractors can be built with different engines across production runs; the engine model-type-code ensures you get the correct spark plug, air filter, fuel system parts, and ignition components for your exact engine.

Last updated: February 2026