Craftsman 917257720 lawn tractor Parts

For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917257720, the engine brand is Kohler; the manual lists a Kohler engine (MV18S) for this tractor. For other Craftsman riding mowers and tractors, engine brands vary by model and year, so the sure way to confirm is to match the engine model shown in the documentation.

What we see for model 917257720

In the parts and service information for this tractor, the engine is identified as:

• Engine brand: Kohler
• Engine model: MV18S
• Tractor type: front-engine lawn tractor
• Where to confirm: the engine section of the 917257720 owner's manual

Common engine brands used across Craftsman riding mowers

Craftsman has used several engine suppliers over the years. The most common brands you will see include:

• Briggs & Stratton (very common on many Craftsman models)
• Kohler (like this 917257720)
• Kawasaki (on some higher-output models)

Quick ways to identify your engine brand (no guessing)

Use these checks to confirm what you have on the tractor:

• Look for the engine ID label on the blower housing or valve cover (it lists brand and model).
• Check the manual engine pages for the engine model and type number.
• Match the engine tune-up parts (air filter, spark plug, fuel filter) to the engine model.
• If you are troubleshooting a no-start, verify the PTO and safety interlock settings first.

Why it matters

Engine brand and model determine the correct maintenance parts (air filter, spark plug, oil type) and the right repair procedures (carburetor adjustment, charging system checks). Using the wrong engine information is a common reason parts do not fit.

Engine brand vs. tractor brand (quick comparison)

Item	What it tells you	Example for 917257720
Tractor brand/model	Which mower you own	Craftsman 917257720
Engine brand/model	Which engine parts fit	Kohler MV18S

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman model 917.257720 is an 18 HP, 44-inch front-engine lawn tractor; this model series was sold primarily in the late 1990s through the early 2000s. For the exact build year of your specific tractor, match the product identification information shown in the 917257720 owner's manual to the ID tag on your machine.

How to pinpoint the exact year on your tractor

Use these quick checks on the Craftsman 917257720:

• Look for the model and serial number tag (commonly under the seat, on the frame rail, or near the rear fender pan).
• Write down the full serial number exactly as shown.
• Compare the tractor configuration to the manual’s parts breakdown (it lists MODEL NUMBER 917.257720 and major assemblies like chassis, steering, and seat).
• If your tag includes a date code, use that as the build date reference.
• If the tag is missing or unreadable, use the engine model/type code (on the engine shroud) to estimate the tractor’s era.

What we can confirm from the documentation

The manual excerpts identify the unit as:

Item	What it tells you
Model identification	Listed as MODEL NUMBER 917.257720
Tractor class	18 HP 44" tractor
Electrical system reference	Charging system output specs are provided (useful for matching era and wiring layout)

Why it matters

Knowing the correct year helps you get the right parts and diagrams for maintenance and repairs (belts, steering parts, decals, and electrical components can change across close model runs). It also prevents ordering look-alike parts that do not fit your exact chassis or deck setup.

Last updated: February 2026

A lawn tractor engine (like the Craftsman 917257720) is built around fuel delivery, air intake, ignition, and internal moving parts that convert combustion into power. The most common engine parts you will service are the fuel tank, air filter, carburetor, spark plug, and starter components; see the 917257720 owner's manual for diagrams and maintenance points.

Core engine systems and common parts

• Fuel system: fuel tank, fuel line, fuel filter (if equipped), carburetor
• Air intake: air filter, air box, air screen
• Ignition: ignition switch, ignition coil, spark plug, flywheel
• Starting/charging: starter motor or recoil starter (varies by engine), battery, charging circuit
• Lubrication/exhaust: crankcase, oil fill and drain, muffler

Parts you will see on the tractor that affect engine operation

On the 917257720, several tractor controls and safety circuits directly impact whether the engine starts and keeps running.

• Ignition switch and key
• Clutch/brake pedal and parking brake linkage
• Throttle control and choke control
• Safety interlock switches (seat, brake, PTO)

Quick reference: what each part does

Part/system	What it does	Common symptom when faulty
Fuel tank and carburetor	Stores and meters fuel	Cranks but will not start, surging
Air filter	Keeps dirt out of engine	Hard starting, black smoke, loss of power
Spark plug/ignition	Creates spark at the right time	No start, misfire
Battery/starter circuit	Spins engine fast enough to start	Clicking, slow crank
Muffler	Reduces noise, routes exhaust	Loud operation, power loss

Model-specific parts customers often ask about

If you are troubleshooting a no-start or “won’t crank” issue, these model-listed parts are commonly involved:

• Molded ignition key 532140403 (key and switch engagement)
• Switch 582107601 (PTO switch; can affect safety interlock behavior)
• Tank 532151346 (fuel storage and supply)

Why it matters

Knowing the engine’s main systems helps you diagnose faster: “cranks but won’t start” usually points to fuel, air, or spark; “clicks but won’t turn over” usually points to the battery, cables, or starter circuit. The 917257720 owner's manual also outlines maintenance items like air filter and oil service intervals.

Last updated: February 2026

For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917257720, a full engine replacement typically costs $900 to $2,500 installed (engine plus labor). Most shops book 4 to 8 labor hours for a riding mower engine swap; exact totals depend on the engine type, mounting, and any extra parts needed.

Typical cost breakdown

Costs vary most by engine brand/horsepower and whether you replace related wear items while everything is apart.

• Engine assembly: commonly $600 to $1,800
• Labor: commonly $300 to $700
• Optional add-ons: battery, belts, fuel line parts, tune-up items
• Pickup/delivery fees: common with riding mowers
• Shop supplies/taxes: small but real line items

Item	Typical range	Notes
Engine (new)	$600 to $1,800	Biggest variable; match crankshaft size and mounting pattern
Labor	$300 to $700	Often 4 to 8 hours depending on access and rusted fasteners
Extra parts	$0 to $200+	Belts, wiring repairs, fuel system refresh

Parts that are often replaced at the same time

If the old engine failed due to age, heat, or poor fuel, we often see these items addressed during the swap to prevent repeat problems.

• Drive and deck belts if cracked or glazed
• Battery cables and terminals if corroded
• Fuel tank grommets, stems, and lines if leaking
• PTO switch or wiring if the clutch circuit is damaged

If you already have belt issues, replacing the lawn tractor drive v-belt 532144200 during service can save labor later.

Why it matters

An engine replacement can exceed the value of an older tractor, but it can still be the best choice when the deck, transmission, and steering are in good shape. Your 917257720 owner's manual also helps you confirm maintenance items (oil type/level, air filter service, and storage steps) that protect the new engine.

Last updated: February 2026