Owner’s manual
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Does Craftsman use Kohler engines?
Yes, some Craftsman riding mowers use Kohler engines, but it depends on the specific model. For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917270712, our owner's manual identifies it as a 17.0 HP tractor and includes a Briggs and Stratton engine decal listing, so this model is set up with a Briggs and Stratton engine rather than Kohler.
We recommend confirming the engine brand using the tractor and engine ID labels, then matching what you see to the manual and parts list.
- Check the engine shroud or valve cover for the engine brand badge (Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki).
- Look for the engine model and type code label (often near the starter, valve cover, or blower housing).
- Compare decals and diagrams listed for model 917270712 in the owner's manual.
- Use the engine model/type code when ordering tune-up parts (filters, spark plug, belts).
- If the tractor has been repowered, trust the engine label over the tractor model number.
The documentation for Craftsman 917270712 calls out key specs and references a Briggs and Stratton engine decal set.
| Item | What you’ll typically use it for | What we see for 917270712 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine brand | Correct tune-up and repair parts | Briggs and Stratton referenced in decals |
| Horsepower | Matching performance class and some service specs | 17.0 HP |
| Spark plug spec | Correct plug and gap | Champion RC12YC, .030 in gap |
Engine brand and engine model/type codes control the correct maintenance parts and settings (spark plug, oil type, valve clearance). Using the wrong engine family can lead to hard starting, poor performance, or ordering the wrong parts.
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman lawn tractor model 917270712, a full engine replacement typically costs $800 to $2,500 installed (engine plus labor). The total depends on the exact engine type, whether you replace related wear items, and local labor rates; engine swaps commonly take about 4 to 8 labor hours.
- Engine price: Most replacement riding mower engines fall in the $500 to $1,800 range.
- Labor time: Typical shop time is 4 to 8 hours for removal, installation, and testing.
- Extra parts: Belts, pulleys, wiring, and mounting hardware often get replaced if worn.
- Fuel system cleanup: Stale fuel or debris can add time (tank, lines, carburetor work).
- Pickup/delivery: Some shops charge transport or trip fees.
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement engine | $500 to $1,800 | Varies by horsepower, shaft size, and brand compatibility |
| Labor | $300 to $900 | Based on 4 to 8 hours and local hourly rates |
| Misc. parts/fluids | $50 to $250 | Oil, filter, fuel line, clamps, hardware |
| Total installed | $800 to $2,500 | Most common real-world range |
Many “dead engine” symptoms are caused by starting or safety circuits. Your owner's manual describes safety interlock behavior, including that the engine should only start with the brake/clutch depressed and the attachment clutch disengaged.
Check these common causes first:
- Battery charge and cable connections
- Starter solenoid operation (a frequent no-crank culprit)
- Safety interlock switches (seat switch, brake switch, PTO/attachment clutch switch)
- Fuel quality (stale fuel, water in fuel) and basic tune-up items
- Excessive deck load or seized deck components that can bog the engine
If you are hearing a click but the engine will not turn, follow riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video to narrow it down.
An engine swap is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Verifying the starting circuit, fuel condition, and safety interlocks first helps you avoid paying for an engine when a solenoid, wiring issue, or maintenance problem is the real cause.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is my Craftsman mower serial number lookup?
On Craftsman lawn tractors like model 917270712, the model number does not contain the year. The year is identified from the product serial number on the tractor’s ID tag; once you find that tag, you can match the serial format shown in the owner's manual and decode the build date from the serial/date code.
Look for a sticker or metal tag in one of these common locations:
- Under the seat pan or on the seat support
- On the rear fender deck near the seat
- On the frame rail (left or right side) under the hood
- Near the engine compartment or steering column area
- On the mower deck shell (less common for the tractor serial)
Craftsman serial formats vary by production run, so we recommend using the serial number exactly as printed (including letters). In many cases, the serial or date code is arranged as month, day, year.
Typical examples you may see:
| Example code pattern | What it means | Example result |
|---|---|---|
| MMDDYY | Month, day, 2-digit year | 072811 = July 28, 2011 |
| MMDDYYYY | Month, day, 4-digit year | 07282011 = July 28, 2011 |
| Mixed letters + numbers | Factory/line info plus date | Use the date portion only |
Before you settle on a year, verify these details:
- Count digits carefully; 6 digits often indicates MMDDYY
- If the “year” portion is 00-26, it usually means 2000-2026
- If the code includes letters, don’t drop them; copy the full serial first, then isolate the date portion
- Confirm the tractor matches the manual’s key specs (for 917270712: 17.0 HP, 42-inch mower, 6-speed transaxle) in the owner's manual
Knowing the correct build year helps us match the right diagrams and replacement parts (for example, mower deck items like the husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 or belt routing parts) so you do not order a look-alike part that fits a different production run.
Last updated: February 2026
Where can I find my lawn mower engine model number?
On your Craftsman lawn tractor model 917270712, the engine model number is on the engine itself (not on the mower deck or frame). For this tractor, the manual identifies the engine as a Briggs & Stratton model 311707, type 0132-E1; use the engine’s ID stamping/label to match parts and tune-up specs. See the owner's manual for diagrams and engine identification.
Check these common spots first (wipe off dirt and oil so the numbers are readable):
- On the blower housing/shroud near the recoil starter area (often a printed label)
- On the valve cover area or nearby flat metal surface (stamped/etched)
- Near the spark plug side of the engine, on the top or side of the cylinder area
- Near the muffler/heat shield area (sometimes on a tag)
- On the engine block close to the flywheel screen
Engines are identified by more than one number. Record all of these exactly as shown:
| What to record | Example for this tractor | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Engine model number | 311707 | Identifies the engine family |
| Type number | 0132-E1 | Matches the exact build configuration |
| Code/date (if present) | Varies | Helps match revisions and service parts |
- Use the engine model and type when shopping for engine-specific items (carburetor parts, ignition parts, gaskets).
- Use the tractor model 917270712 when shopping for tractor and deck parts (belts, blades, mandrels, steering parts).
- If you are servicing the cutting system, match deck parts by tractor model; for example, the lawn tractor drive belt 532144200 and husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 are listed for this model.
Craftsman tractors can use the same tractor model family with different engine variations. Using the correct engine model and type prevents mismatches in ignition, fuel, and gasket parts, and it speeds up troubleshooting.
Last updated: February 2026
