Craftsman 917273450 lawn tractor Parts

On the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273450, the model number is typically printed on an ID label on the tractor frame (often under the seat area or near the rear fender). For the exact label location and identification details, use the 917273450 owner's manual.

Common places to check on a riding lawn tractor

Look for a sticker or metal tag that includes the model number and other specs.

• Under the seat pan or on the seat support bracket
• On the rear fender or inside the fender well
• On the frame rail near the engine compartment
• Near the footrest area on the left or right side of the frame
• Near the mower deck lift area

What the label usually looks like

Most Craftsman riding mower tags include multiple identifiers. Use the model number to match parts like blades, belts, and tires.

Label item	What it’s used for	Example for this tractor
Model number	Finds correct parts diagrams and manuals	917273450
Product name/specs	Confirms deck size, HP class, features	42-inch deck, electric start
Serial number	Identifies production run	Varies by unit

Why it matters

Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong parts for your 42-inch mower deck and drive system. For example, blade and belt fit can vary even within similar Craftsman lawn tractor families.

Quick tip if the label is hard to read

• Wipe the tag with a damp cloth and mild soap
• Use a flashlight at an angle to make faded printing easier to see
• Take a close-up photo and zoom in

Last updated: February 2026

On Craftsman lawn tractors like model 917273450, the model number does not tell the year; the build date is typically decoded from the serial number/date code on the ID label. Use the date-code format shown in your 917273450 owner's manual to confirm the exact year for your tractor.

Where to find the serial number (ID label)

We typically see the ID label in one of these spots on a front-engine Craftsman riding mower:

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

How to decode the year from the serial number

Many Craftsman-built riding mowers use a 6-digit date code embedded in the serial number that reads:

• First 2 digits = month
• Next 2 digits = day
• Last 2 digits = year

Example

If the date code is 072811, that decodes to July 28, 2011.

Quick decode table

Use this as a fast check once you identify the 6-digit date code:

Digits in code	Meaning	Example
01 to 12	Month	07 = July
01 to 31	Day	28 = 28th
00 to 99	Year (last two digits)	11 = 2011

Why it matters

Knowing the correct year helps us match the right parts and specifications for your 917273450, especially for items that can vary by production run (mower deck components, belts, and decals).

Last updated: February 2026

No. Craftsman mower blades are not all the same; the correct blade depends on your exact mower model, deck size, and the center mounting pattern. For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273450, the manual lists specific 42-inch deck blade options, so matching the listed blade type is the safest way to ensure proper fit and cut quality.

How to choose the right blade for model 917273450

For this Craftsman 42-inch mower deck, the manual calls out these blade styles:

• Mulching blade for mulching setups
• High-lift blade for bagging or side discharge
• Use only blades intended for the 42-inch deck and the correct center hole pattern
• Replace blades that are bent, worn, or loose (these can cause vibration and poor discharge)

For the exact blade listing and deck diagram, use the 917273450 owner's manual.

Blade options listed for this 42-inch deck

Here are two common blade choices available for this model:

Blade type	Best for	Example part for this model
Mulching	Chopping clippings finely and returning them to the lawn	Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149
High-lift	Strong airflow for bagging or side discharge	Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971

Why blades are not universally interchangeable

Even when two blades are both labeled “Craftsman,” they can differ in ways that prevent safe installation or good performance:

• Length (must match deck size)
• Center hole shape (star, round, etc.)
• Blade offset and lift (affects airflow and discharge)
• Thickness and balance (affects vibration and spindle wear)
• Intended use (mulching vs. bagging/discharge)

Why it matters

Using the wrong blade can lead to poor cut quality, clumping, excessive vibration, and damage to the mandrel/spindle area. The manual also notes blades are sharp and servicing requires extra caution; always work with the engine off and follow the torque and hardware guidance in the manual.

Last updated: February 2026

The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273450 uses a Briggs & Stratton engine; the parts list in the manual identifies it as B&S Intek Twin, engine 446777-0165-E1. For the exact engine breakdown and related service parts, use the 917273450 owner's manual.

How to confirm the engine on your tractor

We recommend matching the engine ID on the tractor to the manual so you order the right tune-up and drive parts.

• Check the engine model/type/code label on the engine shroud or valve cover
• Match the tractor model number 917273450 on the frame tag
• Compare the engine listing to the manual engine section (B&S Intek Twin)
• Use the engine number 446777-0165-E1 when looking up engine-specific parts
• If you are replacing drive components, verify belt routing and pulley style first

What this means for common maintenance parts

Many maintenance items (oil, air filter, spark plugs) are engine-family specific, while deck and drive items are tractor-model specific.

Item type	Usually matched to	Example on this model page
Engine tune-up parts	Engine model/type/code	B&S Intek Twin (446777-0165-E1)
Ground drive parts	Tractor model and chassis	V-belt 532138255
Mower deck cutting parts	Deck size and blade style	Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971

Why it matters

Using the correct engine identification prevents wrong-part returns and helps ensure proper starting, charging, and mowing performance, especially when selecting ignition parts, filters, and carburetion components.

Last updated: February 2026

For a Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273450, a complete engine replacement typically runs about $800 to $2,500 total (engine plus labor), with labor commonly 4 to 8 hours depending on shop rates and whether pulleys, belts, or wiring need attention. For model-specific service procedures and safety checks, use the 917273450 owner's manual.

What drives the total cost

Engine replacement cost varies mostly by engine type, labor time, and any “while you’re in there” parts.

• Engine price: new replacement engines commonly $500 to $1,800
• Labor: typically $300 to $900 (shop rate and hours)
• Extra parts: belts, pulleys, hardware, fuel line items, battery cables
• Diagnosis time: sometimes added if the no-start issue is electrical or fuel-related
• Pickup/delivery: optional, but can add meaningful cost

Typical cost ranges (parts + labor)

Scenario	What’s included	Typical total
Basic swap	Engine replacement only	$800 to $1,600
Swap + common wear items	Engine plus belt/pulley/hardware as needed	$1,200 to $2,100
Complex job	Engine plus electrical/fuel system fixes	$1,600 to $2,500

Before you replace the engine (quick checks)

Many “bad engine” symptoms are caused by fuel, ignition, or safety interlock issues. Your manual highlights that the engine should only start with the clutch/brake depressed and the attachment clutch disengaged, and the engine should shut off if you leave the seat under certain conditions.

• Verify battery condition and cable connections
• Confirm operator presence and interlock switches work correctly
• Check fuel quality (stale fuel and clogged fuel filter are common)
• Inspect air filter and cooling fins/shrouds (overheating can cause damage)
• Check oil level and oil condition

If the engine cranks but will not start, we recommend using riding lawn mower engine spins but wont start video to narrow it down before committing to an engine.

Why it matters

An engine is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Spending a few minutes on interlock, fuel, and ignition checks can prevent replacing a good engine and can also reduce repeat failures after the repair.

Last updated: February 2026

Yes. Craftsman has used Kohler engines on some riding mowers and lawn tractors, but engine suppliers vary by model and production run. For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273450, confirm the exact engine brand and spec from the engine ID tag and the 917273450 owner's manual.

How to confirm which engine is on your Craftsman 917273450

Use the engine’s identification label first; that is what determines the correct tune-up and service parts.

• Locate the engine ID tag or sticker on the blower housing, valve cover, or engine shroud
• Write down the engine model, type/spec, and code numbers
• Match those numbers to the engine information listed in the manual’s specifications section
• If the label is dirty or faded, clean it and take a clear photo before ordering parts
• Use the tractor model number 917273450 when looking up chassis and deck parts

Common engine brands found on Craftsman riders

Craftsman riders have been built with engines from multiple manufacturers over the years.

Engine brand	Common on	What to use for parts lookup
Kohler	Some lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers	Engine model and spec/code tag
Briggs & Stratton	Many lawn tractors	Model-type-code label/stamp
Tecumseh (older)	Some older equipment	Model/spec tag on shroud

Why it matters

The engine brand and spec numbers control fit for maintenance items like spark plugs, air filters, oil filters, and fuel system parts. Verifying the engine ID prevents ordering the wrong parts even when the tractor model number is correct.

Last updated: February 2026