Craftsman 917273403 lawn tractor Parts

On a Craftsman riding mower like model 917273403, the most reliable way to identify the build year is to read the product identification label (model and serial number tag) and decode the serial number date code. Use the date-code format shown in your 917273403 owner's manual to confirm the exact location and labeling for your tractor.

Where to find the model and serial number tag

On most Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors, the tag is typically in one of these spots:

• Under the seat pan or on the seat deck
• On the rear fender pan near the seat
• On the frame rail near the engine compartment
• Near the transaxle area on the frame

How to decode the year from the serial number

Many Craftsman tractors use a 6-digit date code within the serial number:

• MM = month
• DD = day
• YY = year

Examples:

Code example	Interprets as	Build date
071294	07 / 12 / 94	July 12, 1994
032105	03 / 21 / 05	March 21, 2005

If your serial number uses a different pattern (some do), match what you see on the tag to the identification section in the 917273403 owner's manual.

Quick checks that prevent mix-ups

Before you decide the year, we recommend these quick confirmations:

• Make sure you are reading the serial number, not the engine model number
• Write down the full model as 917.273403 (sometimes shown with a dot on the tag)
• If the tag is dirty, wipe it and use a flashlight; faint stamping is common
• If the tag is missing, check for a duplicate label on the frame or under the hood

Why it matters

The correct manufacturing year helps you match the right parts and diagrams for your mower deck and chassis. For example, model 917273403 uses 42-inch deck blade options such as the husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 and the lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971, and the correct year and configuration helps avoid ordering the wrong blade style.

Last updated: February 2026

Replacing the engine on a Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273403 typically costs about $800 to $3,000 total (engine plus labor), depending on horsepower, whether it is a direct-fit replacement, and local shop rates. Engine replacement on a riding mower is a larger job than most deck or blade repairs.

What drives the total price

Most of the cost is the engine itself; labor and “while you’re in there” parts can add up.

• Engine price: commonly $500 to $2,000+ for many 18 HP class riding mower engines
• Labor time: commonly 4 to 8 hours at a shop
• Shop rate: often $90 to $160 per hour (varies by region)
• Extra parts: belts, battery, fuel line, clamps, hardware, oil and filter
• Fitment factors: crankshaft size, wiring, muffler/exhaust layout, and throttle/choke linkages

Typical cost ranges (parts + labor)

Scenario	What it usually includes	Typical total cost
Budget repair	Used or basic replacement engine, minimal extras	$800 to $1,500
Standard replacement	New direct-fit engine, fluids, basic tune items	$1,500 to $2,500
Premium or complex	Higher-end engine or extra fitment work, multiple add-ons	$2,500 to $3,000+

Before you replace the engine, confirm it is the engine

Many “dead engine” symptoms on riding mowers are caused by starting, safety, or fuel issues. Our 917273403 troubleshooting and safety interlock checks are outlined in the 917273403 owner’s manual.

• Battery weak or cables corroded
• Blown fuse or bad ignition switch
• Faulty solenoid or starter
• Safety interlock not made (brake pedal, seat switch, PTO disengaged)
• Stale fuel, clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter

Why it matters

An engine swap can exceed the value of an older tractor. Verifying the battery, wiring, and interlock system first helps you avoid paying for an engine when the real fix is a starter circuit or fuel/air maintenance.

Last updated: February 2026

For a Craftsman riding mower like model 917273403, we look up the model number by finding the ID label on the tractor and then using that exact number when searching parts and diagrams. On most Craftsman lawn tractors, the label is on the frame under the seat or on the underside of the seat; confirm the exact location in the 917273403 owner's manual.

Where to find the model number on a Craftsman riding mower

Check these common label locations first:

• On the frame under the seat (lift the seat to view the frame rail)
• On the underside of the seat pan
• Near the rear fender area close to the seat mounting points
• On a sticker or metal tag that also lists the serial number

If the label is dirty or faded, wipe it with a damp rag and mild cleaner so the digits are readable.

How to use the model number to look up parts

Once you have the model number, use it exactly as printed (including dots or dashes if shown).

• Search the model number to pull up the correct parts list and diagrams
• Match the part name and part ID before ordering
• Use the diagrams to confirm quantity and placement

Example parts you might see for model 917273403

Common maintenance item	Example part for this model	When you would look it up
Mower blade (mulching)	Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149	Bagging or mulching performance issues, blade damage
Mower blade (high-lift)	Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971	Poor discharge, heavy grass, uneven cut
Ignition key	Molded ignition key 532140403	Lost key or worn key causing intermittent start

Why it matters

Using the exact Craftsman model number prevents ordering the wrong blade, deck, or steering parts. Even tractors that look similar can use different 42-inch deck components, mandrel assemblies, and hardware.

Last updated: February 2026

Yes, replacing the engine on your Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273403 is worth it when the tractor chassis, mower deck, and driveline are in solid condition and the total engine swap cost stays well below the cost of a comparable new rider. If the tractor has multiple worn systems, replacement makes more sense.

Quick decision checklist

• The mower deck is straight, not rusted through, and cuts evenly after basic service
• Steering, brakes, and transmission operate normally (no major leaks or slipping)
• You can do the work safely (or have a technician install the engine)
• The engine failure is major (thrown rod, low compression, cracked block) rather than tune-up related
• You plan to keep the tractor several more seasons

Repair first: common “no-start” items to rule out

Before committing to an engine, we recommend checking the basics the manual calls out for starting and running issues:

• Battery condition and cable connections
• Fuse and wiring condition
• Spark plug and spark plug wire connection
• Air filter condition and fuel quality (fresh gasoline)
• Safety interlock operation (brake pedal depressed; attachment clutch disengaged)

For the model-specific safety interlock and troubleshooting steps, use the 917273403 owner's manual.

Cost and effort comparison

Option	Best when	What you gain	What to watch for
Tune-up and troubleshooting	Engine cranks but runs poorly	Lowest cost, fastest turnaround	May not fix internal engine damage
Replace engine (complete)	Engine has internal failure	Fresh start, typically best reliability	Highest parts cost; installation time
Replace mower instead	Deck, steering, transmission also worn	New machine, new features	Higher total spend; setup time

Why it matters

A riding mower engine swap is a big investment of time and money. If the deck and drivetrain are still strong, a new engine can extend the life of your 917273403 significantly. If the tractor also has cut-quality problems, address the deck first (blades, mandrels, belt) so you do not put a new engine on a mower that still will not perform.

If you are also chasing poor cut quality, start with blade condition and correct installation; the manual specifies proper blade orientation and tightening torque. A common upgrade is replacing worn blades with a correct 42-inch deck blade such as the lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 (when it matches your deck setup).

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman uses engines from multiple manufacturers, and the engine brand depends on the exact model. For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273403, the owner’s manual identifies it as an 18.0 HP, 42-inch tractor; the engine brand is confirmed by the engine’s model/type label and the engine section of the 917273403 owner’s manual.

Engine brands commonly found on Craftsman tractors

Across Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors, we most often see:

• Briggs & Stratton
• Kohler
• Kawasaki
• Other OEM suppliers (varies by year and emissions family)

How to confirm the engine brand on model 917273403

Use the engine identification tag on the engine, then match that information to parts and service specs.

• Find the engine ID label (commonly on the blower housing, valve cover area, or near the starter)
• Write down the engine model, type/spec, and code numbers
• Use those numbers to identify the manufacturer and order tune-up parts
• Cross-check maintenance specs (oil type, spark plug gap, air filter service) in the 917273403 owner’s manual

Quick reference: what to record

Item to record	Example for this tractor	What it’s used for
Tractor model number	917273403	Deck, chassis, steering, and drive parts
Engine model/type/code	From engine label	Engine-specific parts and service specs
Deck size	42-inch	Blades, mandrels, belts, and deck hardware

Why it matters

Engine brand alone does not guarantee correct parts fit. Two Craftsman tractors can both use Briggs & Stratton engines but require different filters, belts, or ignition parts based on the exact engine model and the tractor’s configuration.

Last updated: February 2026

The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273403 is an 18.0 HP front-engine riding tractor with a low-emission engine (per the 917273403 owner's manual). For the exact engine make and model (for example, Briggs & Stratton model and type), match the engine ID label on your engine to the specifications section in the manual.

How to identify the exact engine on your 917273403

Use these quick checks so you get the right tune-up and repair parts:

• Lift the hood and locate the engine ID label (often on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter)
• Write down the engine model, type, and code exactly as shown
• Compare those numbers to the Product specifications section in the manual
• Use the engine numbers when shopping for spark plug, air filter, fuel filter, and oil filter
• If the label is dirty, wipe it clean; do not scrape it off

What we can confirm from the manual

The manual for this model confirms the tractor configuration and power rating.

Item	What you will see for model 917273403
Tractor type	Front-engine lawn tractor
Power rating	18.0 HP
Emissions	Low-emission engine
Mower deck (typical for this platform)	42-inch class deck

Why it matters

The engine make and model determines the correct maintenance parts and settings (spark plug type and gap, air filter style, oil capacity, and fuel system parts). Using the engine ID prevents ordering the wrong parts even when two tractors share the same deck size.

Last updated: February 2026

For the Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor with a 42-inch mower deck on this page, the model number is 917.273403 (often written without the dot as 917273403). You can confirm it on the product ID label and in the 917273403 owner's manual.

Where to find the model number on the tractor

We recommend checking these common locations on Craftsman riding mowers and tractors:

• Under the seat on the seat pan or fender area
• On the frame near the rear wheels
• Under the hood near the engine compartment
• Near the steering column or dash support
• Inside the left or right footrest area

Why the model number matters

The model number is what we use to match the correct parts diagrams and replacement parts for your exact tractor. For example, the 42-inch deck on model 917273403 uses specific blade and mandrel components.

Examples of model-matched deck parts

Part type	Example for model 917273403	When you would replace it
Mulching blade	Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149	Poor mulching, bent blade, excessive vibration
High-lift blade	Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971	Bagging performance drops, blade is worn or nicked

Quick tips to avoid ordering the wrong part

• Use the full model number exactly as shown: 917.273403 or 917273403
• Match the deck size (42-inch) and configuration (mulching, bagging, side discharge)
• If your tractor has been modified, verify the deck and blade style before ordering

Last updated: February 2026