What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
For Craftsman riding mower model 917287490, the engine is a low-emission gasoline engine; the exact engine brand and displacement vary by build, but this tractor is identified in the manual as a 26.0 HP model with a 54-inch mower deck. See the 917287490 owner's manual for the engine identification details.
How to identify the exact engine on your tractor
We recommend confirming the engine by reading the engine ID label on the engine itself (not the tractor frame tag). Use these common locations:
- On top of the engine shroud (blower housing)
- Near the valve cover
- Near the starter or flywheel screen
- On the side of the engine block near the muffler
- On a sticker or stamped plate with model, type, and code
What you should record (and why)
Write down the engine information exactly as shown; it helps you match tune-up and starting parts correctly.
- Engine manufacturer (for example, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler)
- Engine model number
- Type/spec number
- Code/date number
Quick reference: tractor model vs. engine model
| Item | Where to find it | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model 917287490 | Tractor frame tag | Finding chassis, deck, steering, and electrical parts |
| Engine model/type/code | Engine label/plate | Ordering engine maintenance and ignition/fuel parts |
Why it matters
Many Craftsman tractors share the same tractor model family but use different engine variants over time. Confirming the engine ID prevents ordering the wrong ignition switch, solenoid, filters, or tune-up parts.
Related parts that affect starting (common checks)
If you are troubleshooting a no-start or click-no-crank condition, these model-matched parts are often involved:
- Lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350
- Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802
- Husqvarna lawn tractor ignition harness 532401104
You can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect if you are matching additional engine-related items.
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
Replacing the engine on a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917287490 typically costs $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine, labor rates, and whether related items (battery cables, wiring, belts) also need service. Engine replacement labor commonly runs around 5 to 7 hours.
What drives the total cost?
- Engine price (new vs. rebuilt, horsepower, shaft size, compatibility)
- Labor time (engine swap, throttle/choke linkage setup, belt alignment)
- Extra parts found during teardown (worn pulleys, damaged wiring, loose hardware)
- Electrical starting issues that get addressed at the same time (switches, solenoid)
- Fuel system cleanup if old fuel or a clogged filter contributed to the failure
Before you replace the engine, rule out common “no-start” causes
Many “dead engine” symptoms are actually starting or safety-circuit problems. Our troubleshooting guidance for this tractor includes checks for:
- Weak/dead battery and corroded terminals
- Blown fuse
- Loose or damaged wiring
- Faulty ignition switch
- Faulty solenoid or starter
- Operator presence and interlock switches
If you’re chasing a click or no-crank condition, parts that commonly apply include the lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 and lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350. For model-specific procedures and safety steps, use the 917287490 owner's manual.
Quick cost planning table
| Scenario | What you pay for | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| Best case | Engine + basic labor | $260 to $900 |
| Most common | Engine + labor + a few small parts | $700 to $1,500 |
| Worst case | Premium engine + multiple add-on repairs | $1,500 to $1,800 |
Why it matters
An engine swap is a big investment; confirming the real cause (battery, wiring, ignition switch, solenoid, fuel delivery) prevents spending engine-level money on a problem that a smaller repair would fix.
If you decide to move forward, you can order replacement parts for model 917287490 from the parts list for this tractor, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is a Craftsman 6.75 lawn mower?
A “Craftsman 6.75” label by itself is not a single model number; it usually refers to the engine horsepower class used across many different walk-behind mowers. For your Craftsman riding tractor shown here, the model number is 917287490; confirm the exact mower model number on the ID tag and in the 917287490 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on a Craftsman mower
Look for a sticker or metal tag; the model number is typically a 9-digit number starting with 917.
- Under the seat or on the rear fender (riding mowers and tractors)
- On the mower deck near the discharge chute (riding mowers)
- On the rear of the deck housing (many walk-behind mowers)
- On the handle bracket or behind the engine (walk-behind mowers)
- In the first pages of the manual under “Model No.”
“6.75” vs. model number: what it means
“6.75” is commonly used as an engine rating identifier, not the mower’s model identifier. The model number is what we use to match the correct parts list, diagrams, and items like belts, blades, ignition parts, and deck hardware.
Quick comparison
| What you see | What it identifies | Example format |
|---|---|---|
| 6.75 | Engine power class (varies by engine maker) | 6.75, 6.75 HP, 6.75 ft-lb |
| 917… | Craftsman product model number | 917287490 |
| Engine model/type code | Engine manufacturer ID | Varies by brand |
Why it matters
Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong parts. For example, a tractor like 917287490 can use model-specific electrical parts such as an ignition switch or starter solenoid, and deck parts such as a mandrel assembly.
Parts examples for model 917287490
- Lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350 (no-start or intermittent start)
- Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 (clicking, no crank)
- Lawn tractor mandrel housing 587819701 (deck noise, blade wobble)
Ordering the right parts once you have the model number
Use the parts list for your exact model first; if you are searching beyond this model page, search by the full model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is my Craftsman mower serial number lookup?
For Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor model 917287490, you identify the build year by reading the product/serial number label on the tractor and decoding any date code printed on that label. The label format and ID locations are shown in the 917287490 owner's manual.
Find the product/serial number label
Common places to check on riding lawn tractors:
- Under the seat pan or on the seat support
- On the rear fender pan near the seat
- On a frame rail (left or right side)
- Near the engine compartment on the chassis
- On the mower deck shell (deck tags can be separate)
What to record (exactly)
Write down every character as printed:
- Model number: 917287490
- Product/serial number (letters and numbers in order)
- Any separate “Date” field or date code
How date codes are typically shown
Craftsman labels vary by production run; these are the most common patterns.
| Label pattern you see | What it means | How to get the year |
|---|---|---|
| MMDDYY (or similar) | Month, day, year | The last two digits are the year (YY) |
| Long serial with letters + numbers | Date may be embedded | Use the manual’s examples to identify the date portion |
| Separate “Date” line | Explicit build date | Use that year directly |
Why it matters
The correct year helps us match the right parts diagrams and compatible components for your tractor, especially electrical and starting parts such as the lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350 or lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802.
If you need to order parts, start with the parts list for model 917287490; you can also search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Where can I find my lawn mower engine model number?
On your Craftsman tractor model 917287490, the engine model number is on the engine itself (not on the mower deck or tractor frame). Look for an engine ID label or a metal-stamped code on the upper engine area around the blower housing, valve cover(s), or engine block; confirm the exact location using the owner's manual.
Where to look on the engine
Before you look, let the engine cool and brush off grass and dirt so the tag or stamping is readable.
- Top of the engine shroud or blower housing
- Valve cover area on the side(s) of the engine
- Flat machined pad on the engine block
- Near the starter or flywheel housing
- Near the muffler heat shield (often close to the cylinder area)
What to write down (and why)
Engine identification is often shown as a model and additional codes. Record everything you see.
| Marking type | What it may include | Best practice |
|---|---|---|
| Sticker or metal tag | Model, type, code, serial | Photograph it, then copy all fields exactly |
| Stamped into metal | Model or family code, serial | Use a flashlight; copy letters, numbers, and dashes |
| Tractor model number (917...) | Tractor identification | Use for chassis, deck, and electrical parts (not engine-only parts) |
Why it matters
The tractor model number 917287490 helps us match Craftsman tractor and mower-deck parts, but the engine model number is what you use to match engine-specific maintenance items and engine parts.
If the tag is missing or unreadable
- Clean the area with a rag and mild degreaser; avoid soaking electrical components
- Check both sides of the engine and the top shroud
- Use the tractor’s parts diagrams to identify related components you may be servicing, such as the lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350 or lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802
You can order replacement parts from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





