Owner’s manual
View engine
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
The Craftsman riding mower model 917288701 uses a 24.0 HP low-emission engine (as rated by the engine manufacturer). For the exact engine family details and maintenance specs (oil type, spark plug, air filter service), follow the 917288701 owner's manual.
What we can confirm for model 917288701
From the operator’s manual for this tractor, the key engine info is:
- Power rating: 24.0 HP (manufacturer-rated)
- Engine type: low-emission design (operates differently than older engines)
- Starting system: electric start
- Mower deck size shown in manual: 42-inch mower
Where to find the exact engine make and model
Most Craftsman tractors list the engine identification on the engine itself. Check these common spots:
- Valve cover or blower housing decal
- Engine shroud near the starter
- Sticker near the muffler heat shield
- Stamped tag near the flywheel area
Write down the engine model, type, and code (or serial) so you can match tune-up parts correctly.
Quick spec snapshot
| Item | What to use for 917288701 |
|---|---|
| Engine rating | 24.0 HP (manufacturer-rated) |
| Start method | Electric start |
| Deck size | 42-inch |
| Best mowing performance | Run at full throttle (fast) |
Why it matters
The exact engine make and model determines the correct maintenance parts and settings (spark plug, air filter, fuel filter, oil capacity, and governor settings). Using the right specs also helps prevent hard-starting and poor cutting performance.
Last updated: January 2026
Who makes Craftsman engines?
Craftsman engines are made by several manufacturers, depending on the specific tractor or mower. For Craftsman model 917288701, the engine is a low-emission, internal-combustion engine; the engine maker is typically identified on the engine shroud, valve cover, or the engine ID label, and it is also often listed in the 917288701 owner's manual.
How to identify the engine manufacturer on your 917288701
Look for an engine identification label or stamping on the engine itself. Common places include:
- Top of the engine shroud (blower housing)
- Valve cover area
- Near the spark plug
- On or near the muffler heat shield
- A tag near the starter or flywheel screen
Write down the engine model and type/spec numbers; those are the fastest way to match parts like spark plugs, air filters, and fuel system components.
Common engine makers used on Craftsman riding tractors
Across Craftsman riding mowers and tractors, the most common engine brands you will see include:
- Briggs & Stratton
- Kohler
- Kawasaki
The exact supplier can vary by production run and tractor configuration, so the engine label is the best confirmation for your specific unit.
Quick reference: where the “truth” is printed
| What you need | Where to look | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Engine manufacturer | Engine shroud or valve cover label | Confirms who built the engine |
| Engine model/type | Engine ID label | Ensures correct tune-up parts |
| Tractor model | Tractor frame tag (917288701) | Ensures correct chassis and deck parts |
Why it matters
The tractor model number (917288701) helps you get the right Craftsman chassis, deck, and drive parts, but engine parts are matched to the engine’s own model/type numbers. That prevents ordering the wrong air filter, spark plug, or carburetor parts.
Last updated: January 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding tractor like model 917288701, engine replacement typically runs about $800 to $2,500 total (engine plus labor), with labor commonly 4 to 8 hours depending on the engine type and how much has to be transferred over. Confirm the exact engine and wiring layout in the 917288701 owner's manual.
What drives the total cost
- Engine price: new replacement engines for riding tractors commonly fall in the $500 to $1,800 range.
- Labor time: most shops charge for 4 to 8 hours for removal, swap, and setup.
- Extra parts: belts, pulleys, fuel line, clamps, battery cables, and hardware often get replaced during the job.
- Electrical and safety circuits: time increases if there are wiring issues or interlock problems.
- Deck and drive condition: if the tractor also has belt or pulley problems, the shop may recommend fixing those while it is apart.
Typical cost breakdown (example ranges)
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement engine | $500 to $1,800 | Varies by brand, horsepower, and crankshaft specs |
| Labor | $300 to $900 | Based on local shop rate and hours |
| Misc. parts and supplies | $25 to $200 | Fuel filter, oil, clamps, hardware, etc. |
| Estimated total | $800 to $2,500 | Most common real-world range |
When it makes sense to repair instead of replace the engine
If the engine is not turning over or is running poorly, we recommend checking common causes first because they are often far cheaper than an engine swap:
- Battery weak or connections corroded
- Starter/solenoid issue (a common no-crank cause)
- Dirty air filter, stale fuel, or clogged fuel filter
- Spark plug or loose spark plug wire
- Low oil level or dirty oil
If you are troubleshooting a click-no-start symptom, use riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video to narrow it down before committing to an engine replacement.
Why it matters
An engine replacement is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Verifying whether the problem is fuel, ignition, or starting related can save hundreds of dollars and get your 917288701 back to mowing faster.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917288701 engine?
The Craftsman tractor model 917288701 uses a low-emission gasoline engine, but the engine’s separate engine model number is not the same as the tractor model number. For the exact engine model and specification numbers, we use the ID tag on the engine and the listing in the 917288701 owner's manual.
Where to find the engine model number on your tractor
On Craftsman riding tractors like model 917288701, the engine model information is printed on an engine ID label (often on the blower housing, valve cover area, or near the starter).
Check these common locations:
- Top or side of the engine shroud (blower housing)
- Near the spark plug wire/valve cover area
- Near the starter motor or flywheel screen
- On a metal tag or printed sticker with multiple lines of numbers
What numbers to write down (so you get the right parts)
When you find the engine label, record all lines exactly as shown. Most engine tags include:
- Engine model (the key identifier)
- Type or spec number
- Code or serial number
- Sometimes a family or emissions code
Quick ID guide
| What you have | What it identifies | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model 917288701 | The mower/tractor | Deck, chassis, belts, electrical, steering parts |
| Engine model/spec (from engine tag) | The engine itself | Carburetor, starter, ignition, filters, internal engine parts |
Why it matters
The tractor model number (917288701) tells us which Craftsman chassis and mower deck you have, but engines can vary by manufacturer and spec. Using the engine tag prevents ordering the wrong ignition, carburetor, or tune-up parts.
Related parts that are tractor-specific (not engine-specific)
If you are troubleshooting drive or cutting issues, these parts are identified by the tractor model:
- Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 (starting circuit component)
- Lawn tractor ground drive or blade drive belt 592855201 (belt-driven systems)
- Switch.pto.8 582107601 (PTO engagement control)
Last updated: January 2026
