What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
For Craftsman model 917255910, the owner’s documentation specifies a Craftsman 18 H.P. twin-cylinder engine. This is the engine configuration used on this front-engine lawn tractor, and it is designed for strong power and long service life (see the 917255910 owner's manual).
What this means for maintenance and parts
Knowing the engine type helps you match tune-up and starting-system parts correctly and follow the right service intervals.
- Use the engine identification details in the manual when buying ignition or starting parts.
- Keep the battery connections clean and tight; poor connections can mimic engine problems.
- Follow the lubrication and oil guidance in the manual for best performance.
- Use the safety interlock system as designed; the engine starts only under specific conditions.
Quick checks if you are confirming the engine on your tractor
We recommend verifying the tractor’s model plate and engine labeling before ordering engine-related parts.
- Confirm the tractor model plate is on the drawbar.
- Record the model and serial number for future reference.
- Check that the clutch-brake pedal must be depressed to start.
- Confirm the attachment clutch switch is in the OFF position to start.
Related parts you might replace (starting and controls)
If the tractor will not crank or start, these model-compatible parts are common suspects.
| Symptom | Common area to check | Example part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| No crank, single click | Starter circuit | Solenoid 532146154 |
| No crank, no dash response | Key switch and wiring | Lawn tractor ignition switch 532365402 |
| Blades will not engage | PTO control circuit | Lawn tractor pto switch 532407863 |
Why it matters
This model’s 18 HP twin-cylinder setup affects how you troubleshoot starting, charging, and interlock issues, and it helps ensure you select compatible electrical parts and service procedures.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 42 riding mower?
For the Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor on this page, the model number is 917255910 (a GT 18 twin garden tractor). “42-inch” describes the mower deck cutting width, not the tractor’s model number; confirm your exact model and serial on the model plate and in the owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the mower
On Craftsman tractors like 917255910, the model and serial numbers are listed on the model plate attached to the drawbar.
- Park on a flat surface and set the parking brake
- Turn the key off and remove it
- Look at the drawbar area at the rear of the tractor
- Write down both the model number and the serial number
- Use that exact model number when selecting parts and diagrams
“42-inch” vs. model number: what’s the difference?
A 42-inch mower is usually referring to the deck size (cutting width). The model number identifies the tractor and determines the correct belts, pulleys, switches, and hardware.
| Term you see | What it means | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 42-inch | Deck cutting width | Helps match blades and deck-related parts |
| 917255910 | Tractor model number | Ensures every part lookup matches your exact build |
| Serial number | Production identifier | Helps confirm the correct variation when parts changed |
Why it matters for parts and repairs
Using the wrong model number is the fastest way to end up with a belt, switch, or wheel part that does not fit. For example, this model’s parts list includes items like the lawn mower blade drive belt 582778701 and the lawn tractor ignition switch 532365402, which are selected by model, not by deck size.
Ordering the right parts
We recommend ordering replacement parts using the parts list for Craftsman 917255910 first; you can also search by your full model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is Craftsman Model 917255910?
Craftsman model 917255910 is a GT 18 Twin garden tractor model designation, not a date code; the model number itself does not contain the manufacturing year. To identify the year, we use the tractor’s product identification label (often showing a serial number or date information) and confirm it against the details in the 917255910 owner's manual.
How to find the year on your tractor
Look for the product identification label on the tractor (commonly under the seat, on the frame near the rear fender, or in the engine compartment area). Then use these checks:
- Write down the serial number exactly as shown (letters and numbers).
- Note any date or DOM (date of manufacture) printed on the label.
- Record the engine model and type (often on the engine shroud); the manual for this tractor references an 18 HP engine listing.
- Compare what you find to the identification and parts information in the manual.
- If the label is damaged, clean it gently and use a flashlight to read stamped characters.
What the model number tells you (and what it does not)
The model number 917255910 identifies the product family and configuration (Craftsman GT 18 Twin garden tractor). It helps us match the correct parts diagrams and repair parts lists, but it is not a reliable way to decode a specific build year.
Quick reference
| Item | What it’s used for | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (917255910) | Selecting correct parts and diagrams | Product label, paperwork |
| Serial number | Determining production run and approximate year | Product label |
| Engine model/type | Confirming engine-specific parts and specs | Engine shroud/ID tag |
Why it matters
The build year affects parts compatibility for common wear items like belts, switches, and fuel system components. Using the serial number plus the model number helps ensure you get the right replacement part the first time.
Ordering the right parts once you identify it
After you locate the serial number and confirm the configuration, you can order parts for Craftsman 917255910 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes Craftsman Tiller engines?
Craftsman tiller engines are typically supplied by major small-engine manufacturers; for Craftsman outdoor power equipment, the most common engine suppliers are Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, and Kawasaki. The exact engine maker for a specific Craftsman tiller depends on the model and engine numbers on the unit.
How to identify the engine manufacturer on your Craftsman unit
Use the engine’s ID tag, not the Craftsman brand label. On many units, the engine model and type numbers are stamped on a metal tag or printed on a label on the blower housing or valve cover.
- Find the Craftsman model number and serial number on the tractor or tiller frame (often on a model plate)
- Locate the engine model and type/spec numbers on the engine itself
- Match the engine model/type to the engine maker’s format (Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki)
- Use the parts diagrams and listings for your exact model to confirm compatible parts
For model-number location and basic identification details, use the 917255910 owner's manual.
What we can confirm for Craftsman model 917255910
For Craftsman model 917255910 (a GT 18 twin garden tractor), the manual lists an 18 H.P. engine identified as engine model number 422437, type number 0721-01, which is a Briggs & Stratton engine format.
Quick reference
| Item | Where to look | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Craftsman model number | Frame model plate | Which parts diagrams apply |
| Engine model/type/spec | Engine ID tag/label | Who made the engine and which engine parts fit |
| Parts list/manual | Documentation | Confirms the engine identification used for service |
Why it matters
Engine manufacturer identification prevents ordering the wrong ignition, carburetor, or starting parts. For example, a no-crank issue on a tractor often traces to electrical components such as the solenoid 532146154 or the lawn tractor ignition switch 532365402, but the correct diagnosis starts with knowing the exact engine and equipment model.
Last updated: February 2026





