Owner’s manual
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What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273522, the owner's manual lists a Briggs engine: Briggs model number 407577-0283-E1. This tractor is also identified in the manual as a 21.0 HP, 42-inch mower with electric start and an automatic transmission (see the owner's manual).
From the parts and manual information for this specific Craftsman riding mower:
- Engine brand: Briggs (Briggs & Stratton)
- Engine model: 407577-0283-E1
- Starting system: electric start
- Drive type: automatic transmission
- Mower deck size: 42-inch
| Item | What we use for 917273522 |
|---|---|
| Engine make | Briggs (Briggs & Stratton) |
| Engine model number | 407577-0283-E1 |
| Deck size | 42-inch |
| Start type | Electric start |
The most reliable way to confirm what you have on your machine is to match the engine ID tag:
- Look on the engine shroud or blower housing
- Check near the valve cover area
- Look around the muffler heat shield area (use caution, parts get hot)
- Compare the tag to the engine listing in the owner's manual
Using the correct engine model number helps us match the right maintenance and repair parts (filters, ignition parts, belts, and engine hardware) and prevents ordering parts that do not fit your Craftsman 917273522.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes Craftsman lawn mower engines?
Craftsman lawn tractor engines are typically supplied by major small-engine manufacturers such as Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, or Kawasaki; the exact engine maker depends on the specific Craftsman model and engine family installed on it. For Craftsman model 917273522, the engine identification details are listed in the owner's manual.
Use the engine ID information (not the tractor model number) to confirm who built the engine.
- Locate the engine data label on the engine shroud, valve cover area, or blower housing
- Write down the engine brand and the model-type-code (common on Briggs & Stratton)
- Record the spec number (common on Kohler) or model and serial (common on Kawasaki)
- Match that information to the engine section in the owner's manual
- Use the engine ID when ordering tune-up and fuel system parts
These are the most common manufacturers used across Craftsman riding mowers and tractors.
| Engine maker | What the ID tag often shows | Typical parts you match by engine ID |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton | Model / Type / Code | Air filter, spark plug, carburetor parts |
| Kohler | Model / Spec / Serial | Fuel filter, starter, ignition parts |
| Kawasaki | Model / Serial | Air filter, oil filter, carburetor parts |
The tractor model number (917273522) identifies the chassis and mower deck parts (belts, blades, mandrel components), but the engine ID is what ensures you get the correct ignition, fuel, and tune-up parts for your specific engine.
Last updated: February 2026
What year did Craftsman make the 917273522?
Craftsman model 917273522 was produced across multiple years, so the model number alone does not identify one single “model year.” The most accurate way to date your specific tractor is to use the serial number and date code information shown in the owner's manual.
On most Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors, the model and serial number label is under the seat or on the rear fender pan. Once you find it, record both numbers exactly.
- Look under the seat first; tilt the seat forward to view the label
- Check the rear fender pan (near the seat) if you do not see it under the seat
- Write down the full model number (917273522) and the full serial number
- Clean the label gently if it is dirty; avoid scraping off the print
- Use the serial number format guidance in your manual to interpret the date information
Your documentation identifies this unit as a Craftsman lawn tractor, 21.0 HP with a 42-inch mower deck, model 917.273522 (often written without the dot as 917273522). It also lists a Briggs engine model 407577-0283-E1 in the engine breakdown section, which helps confirm you are matching the correct tractor when looking up service parts and specs in the manual.
| Item to match | Where to confirm | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Model number 917273522 | Product label | Confirms the correct parts diagrams |
| 42-inch mower deck | Deck housing and manual | Helps match blade and deck parts |
| 21.0 HP rating | Manual cover/spec section | Confirms the correct configuration |
| Engine model 407577-0283-E1 | Engine tag | Helps date and service the engine |
Craftsman used the 917 model family for many years, and parts, wiring, and deck configurations can change by production run. Using the serial number date information prevents ordering the wrong blade, belt, ignition key, or electrical part.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes Craftsman riding lawn mowers now?
Craftsman is a brand owned by Stanley Black & Decker; the actual manufacturer of a Craftsman riding mower can vary by model and production run. For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273522, use the product identification details in the owner's manual to match the correct parts and service information.
We focus on what keeps repairs accurate: the model number, the parts diagrams, and the manual specs.
- Use model 917273522 when searching parts and diagrams
- Match parts by deck size and blade style (mulching vs high-lift)
- Confirm fit by comparing the part listing details to your tractor’s configuration
- Use the manual’s maintenance and safety sections to guide service intervals
Many Craftsman riding mowers were built by large outdoor power equipment manufacturers over the years, and sourcing can change. Instead of relying on brand history, we recommend checking these identifiers on your tractor:
| Where to look | What it tells you | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Model/serial tag (tractor frame) | Exact build identity | Ensures correct parts lookup |
| Engine label | Engine family and service parts | Helps with tune-up parts matching |
| Mower deck tag | Deck size and deck family | Prevents wrong blade/belt selection |
Two tractors sold under the Craftsman name can use different blades, belts, mandrel assemblies, or electrical parts. Using the 917273522 model-specific documentation and parts list prevents ordering the wrong component.
If you are servicing the cutting system, these are common wear items for this model’s deck family:
- Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794
Last updated: February 2026
