How to look up Craftsman model number?
To look up your Craftsman model number, we recommend finding the model and serial tag on the tractor first, then using that exact model number (for example, 917272065) when searching parts and manuals. On riding tractors, the tag is commonly on the frame under the seat area.
Check these common locations on a Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor like model 917272065:
- On the frame under the seat (lift the seat and look on the chassis rails)
- Under the seat pan or seat mounting area
- Near the rear fender area close to the seat base
- On a label near the engine compartment (less common)
For model-specific diagrams and identification notes, use the 917272065 owner's manual.
Once you have the model number, use it exactly as printed (including all digits).
- Search using the full model number: 917272065
- Match the product type: front-engine lawn tractor (riding mower)
- Use the parts diagrams to confirm fit before ordering
- If a part has multiple versions, compare your old part to the diagram and description
| What to match | What it should look like | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | 9-digit number (example: 917272065) | Ensures correct parts list |
| Serial number | Letters and numbers | Helps confirm production run |
| Engine model | Often listed separately (example: Kohler CV460) | Engine parts differ by engine |
Craftsman tractors often share similar frames and mower decks across multiple models. Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong belt, blade, or mandrel parts that look similar but mount differently.
Last updated: February 2026
What brand engine does Craftsman use?
For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917272065, the engine brand is Kohler; the owner’s manual and parts breakdown identify a Kohler engine (CV460). For other Craftsman riding mowers, the engine brand varies by model and production year.
Your tractor’s engine identification is tied to the Kohler model and type, which you will use when ordering engine-specific maintenance and repair parts (filters, ignition parts, gaskets) and when following tune-up specs in the 917272065 owner's manual.
- Look for the engine model and type on the engine ID label (typically on the blower housing or valve cover area).
- Match parts by engine model and type, not just by tractor model.
- Use the tractor model number 917272065 for chassis and deck parts (belts, blades, mandrel parts).
- Use fresh fuel and correct oil viscosity for season and temperature.
- Keep cooling fins and air intake screens clear to prevent overheating.
| What you’re identifying | Example for this tractor | Used for ordering | Where to confirm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tractor model | 917272065 | Deck, steering, drive, chassis parts | Tractor ID label; manual |
| Engine brand/model | Kohler CV460 (type 26509 shown in parts list) | Engine internal and tune-up parts | Engine ID label; manual |
These are common wear items on riding mowers; match by your exact configuration and deck setup.
- Mower blade (deck cutting performance): husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149
- Ground drive belt (loss of drive or slipping): lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294
- Ignition key (lost or worn): molded ignition key 532140403
Craftsman tractors are built with different engine suppliers across model lines. Using the correct engine brand and model prevents wrong-part returns and helps you follow the right maintenance specs for reliable starting, power, and engine life.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the cutting width of a Craftsman 917272065?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917272065 uses a 42-inch mower deck, so its cutting width is 42 inches. This matches the “42" MOWER” specification shown in the 917272065 owner's manual.
A 42-inch cutting width is the deck size; it helps you choose the right blades, belt routing, and deck setup.
- Cutting width: 42 in.
- Deck type: mid-mount mower deck (typical for front-engine lawn tractors)
- Blade system: multi-blade deck (common on 42-inch decks)
- Best practice: keep blades sharp and deck level for an even cut
If you are servicing the deck on model 917272065, these parts are commonly involved in cut quality and blade drive.
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 (one of the deck blades used on this tractor)
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794 (spindle/mandrel that the blade mounts to)
- Lawn tractor blade idler spring 532169022 (helps maintain belt tension at the idler)
A wider deck covers more ground per pass, but it also makes deck leveling and blade condition more noticeable.
| What you notice | Common cause | What to check first |
|---|---|---|
| Uneven cut | Deck not level | Deck leveling adjustments in the manual |
| Ragged grass tips | Dull or nicked blades | Blade edge condition and balance |
| Poor discharge/mulching | Clogged deck or worn blades | Deck cleaning and blade condition |
Knowing the 42-inch cutting width helps you buy the correct mower deck parts (blades, mandrel components, and hardware) and set expectations for mowing time and maneuverability.
Last updated: February 2026
What kind of engine does a Craftsman riding lawn mower have?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917272065 is equipped with a 16.0 HP electric-start engine and a 42-inch mower deck. For the exact engine manufacturer, model, and tune-up specifications, we use the identification and spec sections in the 917272065 owner's manual.
Most riding mower engines have an ID label on the engine shroud, valve cover, or near the starter. Match that label to the tractor documentation so you get the right parts and service specs.
- Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and remove the key
- Let the engine cool completely before touching the muffler or shrouds
- Locate the engine ID tag (model, type, code or spec numbers)
- Write the numbers down exactly as shown
- Use the manual’s “Product specifications” section to confirm what your tractor uses
The manual for Craftsman 917272065 calls out the key power and deck configuration up front, which is the fastest way to confirm you are looking at the correct tractor family before ordering parts.
| Spec item | What you can expect on 917272065 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 16.0 HP | Helps match engine parts and service intervals |
| Starting system | Electric start | Points to battery, starter, solenoid diagnostics |
| Deck size | 42-inch | Determines blade and mandrel style |
Engine brand and model determine the correct spark plug, air filter, fuel filter, oil type, and carburetor settings. Deck size and design determine the correct blade style and installation orientation.
If you are servicing the cutting system, the manual also specifies blade installation details and torque; for common 42-inch setups, a compatible replacement option is the husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 when your deck uses that blade style.
Last updated: February 2026
What year was Craftsman 917272065 made?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917272065 was made across a production run (not a single year). We identify the exact build year by matching the tractor’s serial number/date code on the ID plate (commonly found under the seat or on the frame) to the date-code format shown in the 917272065 owner's manual.
- Park on a flat surface, set the parking brake, and remove the key.
- Lift the seat and look for the model and serial number label.
- Write down the full serial number exactly as shown.
- Compare the serial/date code to the identification information in the manual.
- If the label is damaged, check the frame rails near the seat pan for a secondary sticker.
The documentation for this unit identifies it as a Craftsman 16.0 HP, electric start, 42-inch mower lawn tractor with model number 917.272065. That confirms the configuration, but the build year still comes from the serial/date code on your specific tractor.
| Item | What it tells you | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (917272065) | The design family and parts match | ID plate/label |
| Serial/date code | The actual build year (and often month) | ID plate/label |
| Deck size (42-inch) | Helps confirm you have the correct manual/parts | Manual and deck tag |
The build year affects small running changes (decals, brackets, wiring routing, and hardware). Using the correct year information helps us match the right parts the first time, especially for chassis, steering, and mower deck components.
Last updated: February 2026





