Craftsman 917253742 gt front-engine lawn tractor Parts

Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors (including model 917253742) have been built with engines from multiple manufacturers over the years; the most common are Briggs & Stratton, with some models using Kohler or Kawasaki depending on the tractor’s specific build and engine option.

What you will see on a Craftsman tractor like 917253742

The engine brand is determined by the engine installed on your exact tractor configuration, not just the Craftsman name on the hood.

• Check the engine shroud or valve cover for a brand badge (Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki)
• Look for an engine model/type code label near the starter, blower housing, or valve cover
• Use the tractor model number 917253742 to match chassis parts, then confirm the engine brand from the engine tag
• If you are troubleshooting a no-start, the engine brand matters for ignition and carburetion specs

Quick comparison: common engine brands used on Craftsman tractors

Engine brand	Typical use on Craftsman tractors	What it affects most
Briggs & Stratton	Most common across many Craftsman lawn tractors	Tune-up parts, ignition parts, carb settings
Kohler	Used on some higher-output configurations	Fuel system layout, charging system details
Kawasaki	Used on select models/configurations	Carburetor style, service intervals, parts sourcing

Why it matters when ordering parts

Many “engine parts” are matched to the engine model number, while many “tractor parts” are matched to 917253742. For example, if you are fixing a crank-no-start, you may replace a chassis electrical part like the lawn tractor ignition switch 532365402 first, then move on to engine-specific diagnostics.

Ordering the right parts

We list model-matched replacement parts for Craftsman 917253742 on this page (for example belts, pulleys, steering, and electrical items). If you are shopping beyond the parts shown here, search by your full model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

For your Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor model 917253742, the fastest way to find the right replacement parts is to match your exact model number to the parts list and diagrams, then confirm the part name and ID before ordering. You can also search by part ID when you already know what you need.

Best ways to find the correct part for model 917253742

• Start with the model number: use 917253742 to pull the correct parts breakdown for your tractor.
• Use the parts diagrams to identify the exact component location and related hardware (nuts, washers, clips).
• Match by part ID and part name (most accurate) rather than guessing by appearance.
• Check common wear items first: belts, pulleys, ignition parts, and steering or axle supports.
• Order directly from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect if you are working on multiple Craftsman machines.

Common parts customers look up on this model

If you are troubleshooting a no-start, drive issue, or steering noise, these are examples of parts that are commonly searched and are available for model 917253742:

• Lawn tractor ignition switch 532365402
• Ground drive belt 583639501
• Idler pulley 532101344
• Tank 532151346

Quick match guide (symptom to part category)

What you notice	What to check first	Example part on this model
Engine will not crank	Ignition and safety interlocks	Ignition switch
Tractor will not move or slips	Ground drive belt and idlers	Ground drive belt, idler pulley
Fuel smell or leaking	Fuel tank and fuel line routing	Fuel tank
Steering play or front-end wobble	Tie rod ends, bearings, fasteners	Tie rod end, axle bearing

Why it matters

Craftsman tractors often use similar-looking hardware across different builds, but the exact belt routing, pulley sizes, and electrical connectors can vary by model. Matching 917253742 to the correct diagram helps prevent wrong-part returns and repeat repairs.

Last updated: February 2026

For Craftsman model 917253742, the model number itself does not contain the manufacturing year. To identify the year, we use the tractor’s product identification label (often showing a date code or serial information) rather than the 917-prefix model format.

Where to find the year on your tractor

Look for the product ID label in common locations on a front-engine Craftsman riding mower:

• Under the seat pan or on the seat support
• On the frame near the rear wheels
• Under the hood near the engine compartment
• On the fender deck near the operator position

What to record from the label

Write down these items exactly as shown; they are what we use to narrow down the build year and correct parts:

• Model number (confirm it matches 917253742)
• Serial number
• Any date code (often formatted as numbers and letters)
• Engine model and type (helpful for tune-up and fuel parts)

Why the year matters for parts

Craftsman 917-series tractors can have mid-year changes. The build date helps ensure you get the correct belt, steering, and fuel system parts.

What you’re replacing	Year/build-date impact	Example part on this model page
Drive system	Belt routing and pulley sizes can vary	Ground drive belt 583639501
Fuel system	Tank and line routing can change	Tank 532151346
Electrical	Switch connectors can differ	Lawn tractor ignition switch 532365402

Quick next steps

• Locate the ID label and note the serial/date code
• Compare your current part markings to the parts list for 917253742
• Order the exact match from the parts list on this page, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect

Last updated: February 2026

Common problems on the Craftsman 917253742 front-engine lawn tractor are no-start conditions, rough running or stalling, blades that will not engage or cut poorly, and loss of drive. Most fixes come down to checking fuel delivery, ignition and safety interlocks, and the belt and pulley drive system.

Most common symptoms and what usually causes them

• Won’t start or only clicks: weak battery, bad ignition switch, loose/corroded connections, or a safety switch not made (seat, brake, PTO)
• Cranks but won’t fire: stale fuel, restricted fuel flow, dirty air filter, or ignition issue
• Starts then dies or surges: fuel restriction, dirty carburetor circuits, venting issue at the tank/cap, or debris in the fuel system
• Blades won’t engage or slip: worn deck belt, idler problems, or a sticking engagement mechanism
• Tractor won’t move or slips under load: worn ground drive belt, idler pulley wear, or linkage out of adjustment

Quick checks we recommend first (fast, high-value)

1. Set parking brake, sit in the seat, and confirm PTO is OFF; then try starting again (this verifies the safety interlock sequence).
2. Inspect battery terminals and ground connection for corrosion and tightness.
3. Check fuel quality and fuel flow from the tank; old fuel is a top cause of hard starting.
4. Look for belt glazing, cracking, or slack; belt wear is a leading cause of drive and deck complaints.
5. Listen and observe: a single click points to starting circuit; steady cranking with no start points to fuel or spark.

Parts that commonly solve these issues on model 917253742

Symptom	Common wear item	Example part on this model page
No start, intermittent start	Ignition switch	Lawn tractor ignition switch 532365402
Won’t move, slips, weak drive	Ground drive belt	Ground drive belt 583639501
Belt squeal, belt won’t tension	Idler pulley	Idler pulley 532101344
Fuel starvation, leaks, contamination	Fuel tank	Tank 532151346

Why it matters

Catching belt, pulley, and fuel issues early prevents secondary damage like overheated belt surfaces, thrown belts, and hard starting that can drain the battery and stress the starter circuit.

If you are ordering parts, we recommend matching by the full model number (917253742) and using the parts list for this tractor first; you can also search by model on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

For your Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor, we look up the model number by finding the model and serial tag on the tractor itself, then using that exact model number (for example, 917253742) to match parts and diagrams. On most Craftsman riders, the tag is on the frame under the seat area.

Where to find the model number tag on a Craftsman rider

Check these common locations first:

• On the frame directly under the seat (lift the seat and look down at the chassis rails)
• On the underside of the seat pan (flip the seat up and look underneath)
• Near the rear fender area close to the seat mount
• On the frame near the engine compartment (less common, but worth a quick look)

How to use the model number once you find it

After you locate the tag, use the model number exactly as printed (letters and numbers, no spaces) to pull the correct parts list for your tractor.

• Match the full model number (example: 917253742) before ordering any belt, pulley, or electrical part
• Use the parts diagrams to confirm the part name and placement
• Order by the part ID shown for the exact component you need
• If you are replacing a drive component, confirm whether you need related hardware (washers, nuts, clips)

Common parts people look up by model number

Here are examples of parts that are frequently matched by model number on Craftsman riders:

Part type	What it affects	Example part on this model page
Ground drive belt	Tractor movement and speed	Ground drive belt 583639501
Ignition switch	Starting and run power	Lawn tractor ignition switch 532365402
Fuel tank	Fuel storage and delivery	Tank 532151346

Why it matters

Craftsman tractors often have similar-looking decks, belts, and steering parts across different model numbers. Using the exact model number helps us match the correct diagrams and prevents ordering a belt length, pulley, or switch that will not fit.

If you need to search beyond the parts shown for model 917253742, we also support model number search on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026