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What model number is a Craftsman 917276865 lawn mower?
The model number is 917.276865 (often written without the dot as 917276865). This is a Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor model; you can confirm the exact model listing and operating details in the owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the tractor
Most Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors list the model number on a product ID label. Check these common spots:
- Under the seat on the fender pan
- On the frame rail near the engine
- Near the rear hitch plate or rear frame area
- Under the hood area on the chassis
- In the first pages of the manual (model identification)
How to read “917.276865” vs “917276865”
Both formats refer to the same tractor model; the dot is just a formatting style used in some manuals and labels.
| You might see it as | What it means | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| 917.276865 | Model number with dot formatting | Matching the operator’s manual and some ID labels |
| 917276865 | Model number without dot formatting | Searching parts diagrams and ordering parts |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number ensures you get the right parts and diagrams for your mower deck, drive system, and electrical components. For example, parts like the lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350 and lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 are model-matched items where the wrong version can cause no-start or intermittent starting problems.
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917276865, a full engine replacement typically costs about $800 to $2,500 installed (engine plus labor). The total depends on the exact engine spec, whether the wiring and fuel system need updates, and local labor rates; confirm the correct engine details in the 917276865 owner's manual.
What drives the total cost
- Engine price: Most replacement riding mower engines fall roughly in the $500 to $1,800 range.
- Labor time: Commonly 4 to 8 hours for a riding mower engine swap.
- Extra parts: Belts, wiring, fuel lines, battery cables, and mounting hardware often add cost.
- Shop fees: Pickup/delivery, diagnostics, and disposal can apply.
- Condition of the tractor: Worn pulleys, a damaged deck, or electrical issues can turn into add-on repairs.
Typical cost breakdown (installed)
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement engine | $500 to $1,800 | Varies by horsepower, crankshaft size, and charging system |
| Labor | $300 to $900 | Based on 4 to 8 hours at local shop rates |
| Misc. parts and supplies | $50 to $300 | Fuel filter, oil, clamps, hardware, belts |
| Estimated total | $800 to $2,500 | Most common real-world range |
Before you replace the engine, check these common “no-start” causes
Many “needs an engine” symptoms are actually starting or safety-circuit problems. We see these items fix a lot of tractors:
- Battery condition and cable connections
- Fuse and wiring harness condition
- Ignition switch and key
- Starter solenoid
- Safety interlock switches (brake/seat/PTO)
If the tractor clicks but will not crank, follow the steps in riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video. If you suspect a starting-circuit failure, parts like the lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 and lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350 are common repair items.
Why it matters
An engine swap can cost close to the value of an older tractor. Pricing the repair up front helps you decide whether to repair, rebuild, or address a simpler issue (battery, solenoid, ignition switch) first.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is my Craftsman mower serial number lookup?
On Craftsman lawn tractors like model 917276865, the model number identifies the tractor family, but the serial number is what you use to determine the build date (and therefore the year). Use the date-code format shown in your owner's manual and the serial tag on the tractor to decode the year.
Where to find the serial number tag
We typically see the serial/model tag in one of these spots on a Craftsman riding mower:
- Under the seat pan (lift the seat)
- On the rear fender pan near the seat
- On the frame rail near the engine
- Near the transmission area on the frame
How to decode the year from the serial number
Many Craftsman-built riding mowers use a 6-digit date code within the serial number that reads as:
- MM = month
- DD = day
- YY = year
Example
If the date code is 072811, that decodes to:
| Code | Meaning | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 07 | Month | July |
| 28 | Day | 28 |
| 11 | Year | 2011 |
Quick checks if the serial format is unclear
If your serial number does not look like a clear MMDDYY date code, these checks still help narrow the year:
- Compare the serial tag format and location to the identification section in the owner's manual
- Match your deck size and engine HP listed in the manual (this series is shown as 24.0 HP with a 54-inch mower deck)
- Use the parts diagrams for model 917276865 to confirm major components (deck, belts, electrical)
Why it matters
Knowing the exact year helps us match the correct parts and diagrams for your tractor, especially for wear items like the ground drive belt, PTO switch, ignition switch, and starter solenoid.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes Craftsman engines?
Craftsman engines are made by several engine manufacturers depending on the specific tractor or mower model and production run. For the Craftsman 917276865 lawn tractor, the engine is a low-emission internal combustion design; the exact engine maker is identified on the engine label and in the product identification details in the owner's manual.
How to identify the engine manufacturer on your 917276865
Use these quick checks (no disassembly needed):
- Look for the engine brand badge on the blower housing (top/front of the engine).
- Find the engine model and type code on the valve cover, recoil housing, or emissions label.
- Match the engine model/type to the engine maker (common makers include Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, and Kawasaki).
- Confirm the tractor model number is 917276865 on the frame tag so you do not cross-reference the wrong manual.
- If the tractor has been repowered, rely on the engine label, not the tractor brand.
What “Craftsman engine” usually means
Craftsman is the equipment brand; the engine is typically sourced from a major engine OEM. Which OEM you have can vary by:
- Horsepower and deck size package
- Emissions family and production year
- Retail channel and configuration
Common engine makers you may see (typical)
| What you see on the engine | What it indicates | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton label | Briggs-built engine | Use the engine model/type for tune-up parts |
| Kohler label | Kohler-built engine | Use the engine spec number for parts |
| Kawasaki label | Kawasaki-built engine | Use the engine model code for parts |
Why it matters
The engine manufacturer determines the correct maintenance parts and specs (spark plug, air filter, oil type/amount, and fuel system details). Using the engine’s exact model/type prevents ordering the wrong parts and helps troubleshooting start or run issues.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
Craftsman lawn tractor model 917276865 uses a low-emission gasoline engine; the exact engine brand and engine model are identified on the engine ID label (not by the tractor model number alone). Use the engine label and the specifications section in the 917276865 owner's manual to match service parts and settings.
How to identify the exact engine on model 917276865
Use the engine’s identification tag to determine the correct tune-up parts (air filter, spark plug, fuel filter) and service specs.
- Locate the engine ID label on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter
- Write down the engine model, type/spec, and code (format varies by engine maker)
- Compare those numbers to the engine information in the 917276865 owner's manual
- Use the engine ID, not deck size or tractor series, when selecting engine-specific parts
- If the label is dirty, wipe it clean and take a clear photo before ordering parts
Starting and no-start issues: parts that commonly affect the engine
If the engine clicks, will not crank, or cranks but will not start, these electrical parts are common checks on this tractor.
| Symptom | What to check first | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Single click, no crank | Battery connections, solenoid output | Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 |
| No crank in START position | Key switch, brake/seat safety circuit | Lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350 |
| Blades will not engage | PTO switch, clutch wiring | Switch.pto 582107601 |
Why it matters
The tractor model number 917276865 identifies the chassis and controls, but the engine ID label identifies the exact engine build. That engine ID is what ensures you get the correct maintenance parts and the right service specifications.
Last updated: February 2026
