Owner’s manual
View engine
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
The Craftsman riding mower model 917276840 uses a 24.0 HP, low-emission engine (as specified in the operator documentation for this tractor). For the exact engine manufacturer and model family used on your unit, match the engine ID label on the engine to the specifications section in the 917276840 owner's manual.
How to identify the exact engine on your 917276840
Most riding mower engines have an ID label (or stamped tag) on the blower housing, valve cover area, or near the starter.
- Turn the key off, remove the key, and let the engine cool
- Lift the hood and locate the engine ID label
- Record model, type, and code (or model and serial)
- Compare those numbers to the engine information listed in the specifications section of the manual
- Use the engine ID when ordering tune-up parts (spark plug, air filter, fuel filter)
What we can confirm from the manual
The operator documentation for Craftsman model 917276840 identifies the tractor as:
| Item | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Horsepower rating | 24.0 HP |
| Emissions design | Low-emission engine |
| Starting system | Electric start |
| Drive type | Automatic transmission |
| Mower deck size | 48-inch mower |
Why it matters
The tractor model number (917276840) helps you find chassis and deck parts, but the engine ID is what ensures you get the correct maintenance and ignition parts. Using the wrong engine-specific parts can cause hard starting, poor performance, or premature wear.
Last updated: January 2026
Is it worth repairing a lawn mower engine?
Yes, repairing the engine on your Craftsman 917276840 lawn tractor is worth it when the problem is a basic maintenance or bolt-on repair (fuel, spark, belts, switches) and the total cost stays well below the price of a replacement tractor. If the engine has major internal damage, replacement is usually the better value.
Quick decision checklist
- Start with simple maintenance items first (fuel, spark plug, air filter, oil level and condition).
- If the engine cranks but will not start, focus on fuel delivery and ignition.
- If you hear clicking or no crank, focus on battery, cables, and starting circuit.
- If the tractor runs but the mower deck will not spin, the issue is often belt, idler, clutch, or mandrel related (not the engine).
- If the engine was run low on oil or has heavy knocking, plan for engine replacement.
Typical repair cost guide (what usually makes sense)
| Repair type | What it usually includes | Typical value call |
|---|---|---|
| Basic maintenance | Tune-up items, fresh fuel, cleaning | Almost always worth it |
| Starting system repair | Battery/cables, solenoid, safety switch checks | Usually worth it |
| Deck drive issue mistaken for engine problem | Belt/idler/mandrel service | Worth it if the engine runs well |
| Major engine work | Internal rebuild, crankshaft damage | Usually replace the engine or tractor |
Model-specific tips for the 917276840
Your manual highlights that stale/oxidized fuel can drive fuel-system cleaning and repair needs; in general, gasoline should be used within about 30 days of purchase. Use the 917276840 owner's manual to follow the correct starting, choke, and throttle practices and to match troubleshooting steps to your symptoms.
If the tractor will not crank and you suspect the starting circuit, a common fix is replacing the starter solenoid, such as the lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802.
Why it matters
Many “engine problems” on riding mowers are actually maintenance issues (stale fuel, dirty air filter) or drive/deck issues (belt, idler, mandrel). Diagnosing the symptom correctly prevents overspending and gets your Craftsman tractor cutting reliably again.
Last updated: January 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding tractor like model 917276840, a full engine replacement typically costs about $600 to $2,500 total (engine plus labor). Most shops bill 4 to 8 labor hours for a riding mower engine swap, and the engine itself is usually the biggest cost.
What drives the total price
- Engine type and horsepower (single-cylinder vs. V-twin, OEM vs. aftermarket)
- Labor time (access, wiring, fuel line routing, exhaust, and belt/pulley transfer)
- Extra parts often replaced at the same time (battery cables, fuel filter, belts)
- Condition of mounting hardware (rusted bolts can add time)
- Pickup/delivery fees if you do not transport the tractor
Typical cost breakdown
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement engine | $400 to $1,900 | Varies widely by spec and availability |
| Labor | $200 to $800 | Commonly 4 to 8 hours |
| Fluids, filters, small parts | $25 to $150 | Oil, fuel filter, clamps, hardware |
| Total installed | $600 to $2,500 | Most common real-world range |
Before you replace the engine, rule out common “no start” causes
The troubleshooting steps in the 917276840 owner’s manual point to several issues that can mimic a bad engine. Check these first:
- Battery charge and cable connections
- Fuse condition
- Wiring and safety interlock circuits
- Ignition switch operation
- Starter/solenoid function (a click with no crank is often electrical)
If you suspect a starting circuit problem, the lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 is one of the model-specific parts that can be involved.
Why it matters
An engine replacement can cost close to the value of an older riding mower. Confirming whether the problem is electrical, fuel-related, or mechanical helps you avoid paying for an engine when a battery, solenoid, or wiring repair solves it.
Last updated: January 2026
Who makes Craftsman push mower engines?
Craftsman push mower engines are commonly supplied by Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, or Kawasaki, depending on the specific mower. For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917276840, the operator manual identifies it as a 24.0 HP lawn tractor; confirm the exact engine maker by matching the engine’s ID tag to the specifications in the 917276840 owner’s manual.
What applies to model 917276840 (lawn tractor)
This question is often asked about walk-behind mowers, but model 917276840 is a front-engine riding lawn tractor. The engine manufacturer is confirmed by the engine’s own model and spec numbers, not the tractor model number.
- Check the engine shroud or valve cover for the brand decal
- Locate the engine ID label (model, type, code, or spec)
- Record every character exactly (letters and numbers)
- Compare the ID to the engine specifications section in the 917276840 owner’s manual
- Use the engine ID, not the tractor model, when ordering tune-up parts
Quick engine ID guide (what you’ll typically see)
| Engine maker | Common ID format on the engine | Where it’s often found |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton | Model-Type-Code | Blower housing, valve cover area |
| Kohler | Model-Spec | Valve cover, blower housing |
| Kawasaki | Model-Code | Shroud or tag near starter |
Why it matters
Craftsman model 917276840 parts lookups cover the tractor chassis, mower deck, and electrical system. Engine maintenance and repair parts (spark plug, air filter, carburetor parts) must match the engine’s model and spec.
Related starting and safety note (tractor-specific)
If the tractor will not crank unless the PTO is off, the PTO switch is part of the safety interlock circuit. A common related component for this model is the switch.pto 582107601.
Last updated: January 2026
