Owner’s manual
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How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
Engine replacement on a Craftsman riding tractor like model 917276013 typically runs about $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine type, whether any pulleys or belts transfer over, and local labor rates. Plan on around 6 hours of labor for a full riding-mower engine swap.
- Engine price (new or remanufactured, horsepower, shaft size, charging system)
- Labor time (engine removal, wiring, throttle/choke setup, belt and pulley alignment)
- Extra parts you may need during the swap (belts, pulleys, electrical switch or wiring)
- Shop supplies (oil, filter, fuel line clamps, hardware)
- Condition of the tractor (rusted fasteners, damaged harnesses, worn deck components)
If the old engine failed violently or the tractor has lots of hours, these related parts often get inspected or replaced so the new engine is not stressed by a slipping belt or misaligned drive.
- Lawn tractor lawn mower secondary v-belt 532137153 (ground drive belt)
- Husqvarna lawn tractor primary blade drive belt, 5/8 x 90-3/32-in 532174368 (deck belt)
- Lawn tractor electric clutch 532414737 (PTO clutch, if equipped and worn)
- Switch.pto 582107601 (PTO switch, if engagement is intermittent)
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | $200 to $1,400 | Biggest variable; must match crankshaft specs |
| Labor | $200 to $600 | Often 4 to 8 hours depending on access |
| Fluids and small parts | $20 to $150 | Oil, filter, fuel line, hardware |
| Belts or PTO parts (if needed) | $50 to $400+ | Depends on what is worn |
A correct engine match and clean installation protects the tractor’s interlock systems, belt routing, and PTO operation. The owner's manual also emphasizes safe servicing practices, including never making adjustments with the engine running and keeping safety devices working properly.
For parts shopping by model number, we recommend starting with the parts list for 917276013, or searching by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth replacing a lawn mower engine?
Yes, replacing the engine on your Craftsman 917276013 front-engine lawn tractor is worth it when the deck, steering, and drive system are in good shape and you want several more seasons of reliable mowing; it is not worth it when the deck or drivetrain is failing and would still need major repairs.
- Replace the engine if the mower deck is solid (not rusted through) and the blades and mandrels spin freely
- Replace the engine if the tractor drives smoothly and the transaxle is not slipping or leaking heavily
- Replace the engine if the PTO engages consistently and the wiring and safety controls are dependable
- Skip the engine swap if the deck is cracked, badly bent, or has repeated spindle/mandrel failures
- Skip the engine swap if belts, pulleys, and idlers keep failing due to worn brackets or misalignment
Many “engine” complaints are actually deck or belt issues.
| Symptom | Common non-engine cause | First step |
|---|---|---|
| Blades will not rotate | Worn belt, frozen idler pulley, frozen mandrel | Inspect belt, spin pulleys by hand (engine off) |
| Poor discharge | Deck not level, buildup under deck, low tire pressure | Level deck, clean underside, set tire pressure |
| Overheating | Blocked grass screen, dirty cooling fins, missing shrouds | Clean fins and reinstall shrouds |
If these items are worn, they can make a new engine feel disappointing because the tractor still will not cut or engage correctly.
- Husqvarna lawn tractor primary blade drive belt, 5/8 x 90-3/32-in 532174368 (deck blade drive)
- Lawn tractor lawn mower secondary v-belt 532137153 (drive belt routing and traction)
- Switch.pto 582107601 (PTO engagement control)
An engine swap restores starting power and reliability, but mowing quality still depends on the deck, belts, pulleys, and mandrels. Checking those systems first prevents spending engine money and still ending up with poor cutting or no blade rotation.
For safety steps and maintenance intervals (including cleaning cooling fins and avoiding adjustments with the engine running), follow the owner's manual. For broader model and parts lookup, use Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
The Craftsman garden tractor model 917276013 uses a 25.0 HP engine (as listed in the owner’s manual cover). For the exact engine manufacturer, model, and service specifications, use the engine identification information and spec sections in the 917276013 owner's manual.
Even within the same tractor model, the engine brand and model are confirmed by the engine’s ID label. Check these common locations:
- On top of the engine shroud (near the recoil or blower housing)
- Near the valve cover or spark plug area
- On the engine block near the starter
- Under the hood on a label or decal
- In the manual’s product specifications and service sections
Write down the engine model, type, and code (or serial number) exactly as shown; that is what you need for tune-up parts and service procedures.
The tractor model number identifies the chassis and mower deck parts, but the engine ID determines many maintenance items (for example, spark plug, air filter, fuel filter, and carburetor parts). Using the correct engine ID prevents ordering the wrong parts and helps match the right adjustment specs.
| What you have | What it identifies | What you use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model 917276013 | Tractor frame, deck, drive system | Belts, pulleys, steering, deck hardware |
| Engine model/type/code | The engine itself | Tune-up parts, engine service specs |
If you are diagnosing a no-start, no-crank, or “blades won’t engage” issue, these model-specific parts are commonly involved:
- Switch.pto 582107601 (engages mower blades and attachments)
- Molded ignition key 532140403 (key wear can cause intermittent electrical contact)
- Ignition harness 583169601 (wiring damage can interrupt starting or charging circuits)
Knowing your exact engine helps you maintain correct power, starting performance, and fuel efficiency. It also speeds up troubleshooting when symptoms point to engine-related issues versus deck or drive problems.
You can order replacement parts for your Craftsman 917276013 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
