Craftsman 917273241 tractor Parts

For a Craftsman riding tractor like model 917273241, a full engine replacement typically costs $900 to $2,500 installed (engine plus labor). The biggest price drivers are the engine brand/HP, whether the wiring and PTO setup transfers cleanly, and shop labor time.

Typical cost breakdown

• Engine (new): $600 to $1,800
• Labor: $300 to $900 (often 4 to 8 hours)
• Extras that add cost: belts, battery, fuel line/filter, blades, shop supplies
• Pickup/delivery (if needed): $50 to $200

Item	Typical range	Notes
Engine assembly	$600 to $1,800	Most of the total cost is the engine itself
Labor	$300 to $900	More time if rusted fasteners or wiring issues
“While you’re in there” parts	$25 to $200	Common wear items that can cause repeat downtime

What to check before you commit

We recommend confirming these items first because they determine whether replacement is straightforward or turns into a bigger project.

• Verify the exact engine spec and mounting pattern in the 917273241 owner’s manual.
• Check whether the mower has starting or safety-interlock issues that mimic a “bad engine” (battery, wiring, operator presence switches).
• Inspect the deck drive system; a failed clutch or belt problem can be mistaken for engine trouble.
• Look for obvious maintenance-related causes of poor performance (dirty air filter, stale fuel, low/dirty oil).

Parts that commonly get replaced at the same time

If the engine swap is happening due to heavy wear or repeated drive issues, these parts are often addressed during the same service visit.

• Ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294 (if worn, glazed, or cracked)
• Battery cables/terminals (corrosion causes no-start symptoms)
• Fuel filter and spark plug (basic tune-up items)

Why it matters

An engine replacement can cost close to the value of an older riding mower. Pricing the job as “engine + labor + likely add-ons” helps you avoid surprises and decide whether repair, used engine, or replacement tractor makes the most sense.

Last updated: February 2026

On Craftsman lawn tractors like model 917273241, the serial number format depends on the manufacturer and production run; the most reliable way to interpret it is to match the serial tag information to the identification section in the 917273241 owner's manual.

Where to find the serial number on a riding lawn tractor

Most Craftsman riding mowers place the model and serial tag in one of these spots:

• Under the seat pan (lift the seat and look on the frame)
• On the rear fender pan near the seat
• On the frame rail near the engine compartment
• Near the left or right footrest area
• On a decal near the steering column or dash support

How to decode it (what to look for)

Serial numbers are commonly used to identify the build sequence and sometimes the build date, but the exact pattern is not universal. When you read the tag, capture these items exactly:

• Full model number (for this tractor: 917273241)
• Serial number (all digits and letters, in order)
• Any prefix/suffix letters
• Engine brand/model listed on the tractor (often shown on a separate engine label)

Common serial number patterns you may see

Pattern type	What it usually means	What to do with it
All numbers	Often a production sequence	Use it to match parts lists and revisions
Letters + numbers	Plant/line code plus sequence	Record the full string; do not drop letters
Date-coded blocks	Sometimes MMDDYY or similar	Confirm using the manual identification notes

Why it matters

Getting the serial number right helps us match the correct illustrated parts list, decals, belts, and electrical components for your exact build. That is especially important on tractors where parts can change mid-year.

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman uses engines from several manufacturers, but the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273241 is equipped with a Kohler engine (the manual’s parts/decals section lists “Decal, Engine, Kohler”). For exact service parts, match the Kohler model and spec from the engine ID tag to the 917273241 owner's manual.

What you should use to confirm the exact Kohler engine

Even when the brand is known, Kohler service parts are selected by the engine’s model and spec.

• Locate the Kohler ID tag (often on the blower housing or valve cover area)
• Write down the engine model and spec number
• Use those numbers when choosing air filter, oil filter, spark plug, and fuel filter
• Cross-check maintenance intervals and capacities in the 917273241 owner's manual
• If the tag is dirty, clean it gently so the numbers are readable

Common engine brands Craftsman uses (by model)

Craftsman has used multiple engine suppliers across different tractor and mower models.

Engine brand	Where you’ll see it	What to record for parts
Kohler	Engine shroud/ID tag	Model + spec number
Briggs & Stratton	Valve cover/shroud label	Model + type + code
Kawasaki	ID plate on engine	Model + spec

Why it matters

The engine brand tells you the correct service literature, but the engine model/spec determines the exact tune-up and repair parts. That prevents wrong filters, incorrect spark plugs, and starting or performance problems after maintenance.

Last updated: February 2026

A “Craftsman 6.75” is a walk-behind mower description, not a single model number. For your Craftsman riding tractor, the model number is 917.273241 (shown on the cover of the 917273241 owner's manual).

How to find the correct model number on your mower

We recommend using the model number from the product label, not the engine HP rating.

• Check the sticker under the seat (riding mower) or on the rear deck (walk-behind mower)
• Look for a format like 917.XXXXXX on Craftsman equipment
• Write down the full model number and any revision digits
• Use the model number to match parts diagrams and the correct owner’s manual
• If the label is worn, compare your deck size and features to the manual’s specifications

“6.75” vs. tractor model numbers (quick comparison)

What you see	What it usually means	What to use for parts/manuals
6.75 (HP rating)	Engine power class on many walk-behind mowers	The mower’s full model number from the ID tag
917.273241	Craftsman product model number	Use this for tractor parts and diagrams
CV730 (engine model)	Kohler engine model used on this tractor	Use for engine-specific parts and tune-up items

Why it matters

Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong belts, blades, and electrical parts. For example, the PTO engagement system on this tractor can use a specific switch such as the pto switch 582107601, which will not match a walk-behind “6.75” mower.

Last updated: February 2026

On a Craftsman riding mower like model 917273241, the model number is printed on the product identification label (decal). On riding lawn tractors, that label is most often under the seat or on the rear frame area; match the label to the format shown in the 917273241 owner's manual.

Most common places to check

Look in these spots first (clean off grass and dirt so the decal is readable):

• Under the seat pan (lift the seat and look on the frame or fender pan)
• Rear frame area near the back wheels
• Under the rear guard or rear fender area
• Side of the frame rail (left or right side)
• Near the engine compartment on the chassis (not on the engine itself)

What the label looks like (what to write down)

We recommend copying the model number exactly as printed, including dots or spaces if shown.

What you may see	What it means	Example for this tractor
Model No.	The full tractor model identifier	917.273241 (same as 917273241)
Serial No.	Unique unit identifier	Varies by unit
Engine info	Engine model/spec numbers	Separate from tractor model

Quick tips if the decal is hard to read

• Wipe the label with a damp rag; avoid harsh solvents that can remove ink
• Use a flashlight at an angle to make faded printing stand out
• Take a close-up photo and zoom in to read the characters

Why it matters

The exact model number ensures we pull the correct Craftsman parts diagrams and match the right items for your tractor, such as the correct tire size or deck hardware.

Last updated: February 2026