What year is my Craftsman mower serial number lookup?
On Craftsman model 917273010 lawn tractors, the year is typically encoded in the serial number or date code on the ID tag. We use the tractor’s product ID label (not the engine tag) and match the date format shown in the owner's manual to identify the build year.
Where to find the serial number and date code
Look for the product identification label in one of these common spots:
- Under the seat pan (lift the seat)
- On the rear fender pan near the seat
- On the frame rail near the engine
- Near the steering column support
Write down both the model number (917273010) and the serial number exactly as shown.
How to decode the year (most common Craftsman formats)
Craftsman used more than one serial number style over the years. These are the most common patterns we see on riding mowers and tractors:
- 6-digit date code: often reads as MMDDYY (month, day, year)
- 10+ character serial: the year may be embedded, but the position varies by production run
- Engine serial: useful for engine parts, but it does not reliably date the tractor chassis
Quick examples
| Code on tag | Typical meaning | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 072811 | July 28, 2011 | 2011 |
| 031506 | March 15, 2006 | 2006 |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct year helps us match the right diagrams and parts for your 917273010, especially for items that change across production runs such as the pto switch 582107601 or the starter solenoid 532146154.
Tips to avoid a wrong match
- Use the tractor ID tag first; use the engine tag only as a secondary reference.
- If your tag has letters mixed with numbers, copy everything including dashes.
- When ordering, match by model number + serial/date code, not by appearance alone.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
For the Craftsman riding mower model 917273010, the exact engine make and model is listed on the engine ID label and in the specifications section of the owner's manual. Most tractors in this series use a single-cylinder gasoline engine, and the correct match depends on the engine code on your machine.
How to identify the engine on model 917273010
Use these quick checks to get the right engine information the first time:
- Look for the engine ID label on the engine shroud, valve cover, or blower housing
- Write down the engine model, type, and code (or spec number)
- Compare that information to the specifications and engine section in the owner's manual
- If the label is missing, check for a stamped code near the muffler or starter area
- Use your recorded engine code when selecting tune-up and starting-system parts
Common engine brands you may see (and what it means)
Craftsman tractors like the 917273010 were commonly built with engines from major small-engine manufacturers. The brand is confirmed by the engine label, not the tractor hood decal.
| What you see on the engine | What it tells you | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs and Stratton model/type/code | Briggs and Stratton engine family | Helps match carburetor, air filter, and ignition parts |
| Kohler spec number | Kohler engine family | Helps match starter, charging system, and fuel parts |
| Tecumseh identifiers (older units) | Tecumseh engine family | Helps match ignition and fuel system parts |
Why it matters
The tractor model number 917273010 identifies the chassis and mower deck, but engine parts are matched by the engine’s own model and code. Using the engine ID prevents ordering the wrong starter, solenoid, or ignition components.
Parts that relate to starting and ignition
If you are troubleshooting a no-start or no-crank condition, these model-matched parts are commonly involved:
- Solenoid 532146154 (starter solenoid)
- Molded ignition key 532140403 (key and ignition interface)
- Switch.pto.3 582107601 (PTO safety and engagement circuit)
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917273010?
The model number for this Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor is 917273010. You’ll find it on the tractor’s model and serial number label; our owner's manual also explains where to locate and record that information for parts lookup and service.
Where to find the model number on the tractor
On Craftsman riding mowers and tractors like model 917273010, the model number is printed on a model/serial label (not on the hood decal). Common label locations include:
- Under the seat (seat pan area)
- On the rear fender or frame near the seat
- On the left or right side of the frame, near the engine compartment
- Near the transaxle area on the frame rail
Why the exact model number matters
Craftsman tractors often look similar across multiple years and configurations. Using the exact model number helps us match the correct diagrams and parts, especially for items that vary by build.
- Ensures the right belts, steering parts, and electrical parts
- Prevents ordering a similar-looking part with different mounting or sizing
- Helps match parts by diagram position and part ID
Quick check: model number vs. other numbers you may see
| What you see | What it means | Use it for parts? |
|---|---|---|
| 917273010 | Tractor model number | Yes |
| Serial number | Unique ID for your unit | Sometimes (service history) |
| Engine model/type/code | Engine identification | Only for engine-specific parts |
| Deck model/size info | Mower deck identification | Sometimes (deck-specific parts) |
Related parts you might look up by model
Once you confirm 917273010, you can match common replacement parts by diagram and part ID, such as the molded ignition key 532140403 or the solenoid 532146154.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes Craftsman engines?
Craftsman engines are made by several different manufacturers depending on the specific tractor or mower model and production run. For Craftsman riding equipment like model 917273010, the engine is commonly sourced from major small-engine makers such as Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, or Kawasaki; the sure way to identify yours is by checking the engine ID label and the model’s documentation in the owner's manual.
How to identify who made the engine on your 917273010
Look for the engine’s identification label (usually on the blower housing, valve cover area, or near the starter). Use these details to match the manufacturer:
- Engine brand name on the shroud (Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki)
- Engine model and type code (or spec number)
- Serial number
- Horsepower/cc rating (helps confirm the correct parts list)
- Any emissions label that lists the engine family
What “Craftsman engine” usually means
Craftsman is the equipment brand; the engine is often built by an engine OEM and installed on the tractor during assembly. That is why two Craftsman tractors can use different engines even if they look similar.
Quick comparison: common Craftsman engine suppliers
| Engine maker | Typical identifiers on the label | What you’ll use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton | Model, Type, Code | Tune-up parts, carburetor and ignition matching |
| Kohler | Model, Spec, Serial | Correct filters, fuel system parts, charging system |
| Kawasaki | Model, Spec, Serial | Correct air filter, fuel filter, and ignition parts |
Why it matters
Engine manufacturer determines the correct maintenance parts (air filter, spark plug, fuel filter) and troubleshooting steps. It also helps when diagnosing no-start or no-crank issues that can involve the ignition key, PTO switch, or starter circuit.
Related parts that can affect starting (on this model)
If the tractor will not crank or the starter only clicks, these parts are commonly involved:
- Solenoid 532146154 (starter solenoid)
- Molded ignition key 532140403 (key and switch engagement)
- Switch.pto.3 582107601 (PTO safety interlock)
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917273010, a full engine replacement typically costs about $800 to $2,500 total (engine plus labor). The biggest price drivers are engine brand/horsepower, whether you replace related wear parts, and local shop labor rates; see the 917273010 owner's manual for engine and service details.
Typical cost breakdown
These ranges reflect common riding mower engine swaps (not a tune-up or carburetor repair).
- Engine assembly: $500 to $1,800
- Labor (shop): $300 to $900 (often 4 to 8 hours)
- Fluids and small supplies: $20 to $80
- Optional add-ons: $50 to $400 (battery, belts, pulleys, wiring repairs)
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (new) | $500 to $1,800 | Varies by horsepower and crankshaft specs |
| Labor | $300 to $900 | Higher if rusted fasteners or wiring issues |
| Total installed | $800 to $2,500 | Most common real-world range |
What changes the price the most
- Crankshaft size and length: Must match your pulley and PTO drive setup.
- Electrical system condition: Weak connections can add diagnostic time.
- Drive and deck condition: Worn belts or pulleys can make a new engine feel “weak.”
- Shop minimum charges: Many shops bill a minimum even for straightforward swaps.
- DIY vs. shop install: DIY saves labor but requires safe lifting and correct alignment.
Smart checks before you commit to an engine
In many “needs an engine” cases, the fix is actually fuel, ignition, or starting.
- Confirm the engine turns freely by hand (spark plug removed).
- Check battery cables and starter circuit; a bad starter solenoid can mimic engine failure.
- Verify safety interlocks and PTO switch operation.
- Inspect belts and pulleys for binding.
- If it only clicks or will not crank, follow riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video.
Parts that commonly get replaced during starting or electrical repairs
If your issue is no-crank or intermittent starting, these model-compatible parts are often involved:
Why it matters
An engine swap is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Verifying the starting, fuel, and safety circuits first helps you avoid replacing an engine when a solenoid, PTO switch, or wiring issue is the real cause.
Last updated: February 2026





