What brand engine does Craftsman use?
Craftsman uses engines from multiple manufacturers across different tractor and mower models. For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273820, the owner’s documentation identifies it as a low-emission internal combustion engine, but it does not call out a single engine brand name in the excerpted pages; check the engine shroud label and the owner's manual for the exact engine identification details.
Across Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors, it’s common to find engines supplied by major small-engine makers. The exact brand depends on the specific model and production run.
- Briggs & Stratton (very common on many Craftsman models)
- Kohler (common on some higher-output configurations)
- Kawasaki (less common, but used on select models)
- Craftsman-branded labeling on the tractor does not always match the engine maker
- The engine model and type are usually printed on the engine itself (blower housing, valve cover area, or emissions label)
Use the tractor’s engine labeling to confirm the manufacturer and engine family.
- Turn the engine off and let it cool completely
- Lift the hood and look for an emissions label or stamped model/type code
- Check the recoil housing or blower shroud for a manufacturer badge
- Record the engine model and type numbers exactly as shown
- Match those numbers to the engine parts list and specifications in the owner's manual
| What you’re looking for | Typical location | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Engine manufacturer name | Blower housing badge or emissions label | Brand (Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki, etc.) |
| Engine model/type code | Stamped tag or printed label | Exact engine configuration for parts matching |
| Tractor model number 917273820 | Tractor frame tag | Confirms you are using the correct tractor parts diagrams |
Engine brand and engine model/type determine the correct tune-up parts and service specs (oil type, spark plug, air filter, belt routing references, and maintenance intervals). Using the engine’s exact ID prevents ordering the wrong parts for your Craftsman 917273820.
Last updated: February 2026
Where can I find my lawn mower engine model number?
On your Craftsman tractor model 917273820, the engine identification is listed in the documentation as Briggs & Stratton engine model 31P777 with type 0296-E1. For the exact label location on the engine itself, use the diagrams and ID guidance in the owner's manual.
Most riding mower engines show the engine model and type on a label or stamping on the engine shroud or blower housing. Check these common spots:
- Top of the engine near the valve cover area
- Blower housing (the metal/plastic cover around the flywheel)
- Near the starter motor or solenoid area
- On the side of the engine shroud facing the seat
- On a stamped pad on the engine block (varies by engine family)
Engine IDs are usually a set of fields. Here is what each one is used for when matching parts like air filters, carburetor kits, or ignition components.
| ID on engine tag | What it means | Example for 917273820 |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Engine family and displacement series | 31P777 |
| Type | Exact configuration and build spec | 0296-E1 |
| Code | Build date (often needed for exact match) | Varies by engine |
- Wipe off grass and oil film; use a flashlight to read faint stamping.
- Write the numbers down exactly, including dashes.
- If the label is missing, use the engine model and type shown in the owner's manual to narrow the match, then confirm by comparing your engine’s components (air cleaner style, carburetor linkage, muffler layout).
The tractor model number (917273820) helps match chassis and deck parts, but the engine model and type are what ensure you get the correct engine-specific parts and tune-up items.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917273820?
The model number is 917.273820 (often written without the dot as 917273820) for this Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor (DYT4000 series). You can confirm it in the parts diagrams and identification sections of the owner's manual.
We recommend checking the tractor’s ID label and matching it to the manual and parts list.
- Look for the product identification label under the seat or near the rear fender area
- Match the label to the model shown in the electrical and chassis parts diagrams
- Record the full model number before ordering blades, belts, or electrical parts
- Use the model number to ensure the correct deck and steering components are selected
In documentation and parts lists, the same model can appear with or without punctuation.
| Format you might see | What it means | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| 917.273820 | Standard manual/diagram format | Verifying in diagrams and lists |
| 917273820 | Common website/search format | Searching parts and manuals |
The model number is the key to getting the right Craftsman riding mower and tractor parts. For example, the correct ignition and electrical components (like the molded key and solenoid) are tied to the exact model number, not just the tractor family name.
Last updated: February 2026
Where can I find a Craftsman lawn mower model?
On your Craftsman riding tractor, the model number is typically on the product identification label under the seat or on the frame near the engine. For this unit, the model is 917273820; you can also confirm it in the 917273820 owner's manual.
Check these common label locations first:
- Under the seat pan (lift the seat and look on the body/frame)
- On the frame rail near the engine compartment
- Near the rear fender area, inside the left or right side panel
- Under the hood on the chassis (less common)
Craftsman tractor model numbers are usually a 9-digit number (often shown with a dot in printed materials).
| Where you see it | Example format | What to enter for parts |
|---|---|---|
| ID label on tractor | 917273820 | 917273820 |
| Printed in manual | 917.273820 | 917273820 |
We use the model number to match the correct parts diagrams and replacement parts for your exact tractor configuration (mower deck, drive system, steering, and hardware). Even small model differences can change belts, blades, and deck components.
Before ordering, match both the model number and the part description. For example, if you are servicing the 42-inch deck, common wear items include blades such as the lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 or the husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 (choose the blade style that matches how you mow).
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes Craftsman riding lawn tractors?
Craftsman is a brand name, and Craftsman riding lawn tractors have been manufactured by different companies over the years depending on the model and production run. For your Craftsman lawn tractor model 917.273820, use the owner's manual and the parts diagrams to identify the correct OEM-style replacement parts and service procedures.
For repairs, the most important detail is the model number (917.273820), because it ties your tractor to the correct deck, drive, steering, and chassis components.
- Use the model number to match blades, belts, and mandrel parts correctly
- Rely on the illustrated parts list to confirm part shapes and mounting style
- Follow the maintenance schedule and adjustment steps in the manual
- Match hardware by size and thread type when replacing nuts, bolts, and washers
- Verify deck size and blade style before ordering (mulching vs high-lift)
These are examples of model-matched parts shown for this tractor that often come up in routine maintenance and mowing performance issues:
- Lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294
- Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794
| Blade type | Best for | Typical result |
|---|---|---|
| Mulching blade | Frequent mowing, returning clippings | Finer clippings, less windrowing |
| High-lift blade | Bagging or side discharge | Stronger airflow, cleaner pickup |
Craftsman tractors can share similar looks across years, but small differences in the mower deck, mandrel shaft, belt routing, and hardware can change which parts fit. Using the model-specific documentation and parts list prevents ordering the wrong blade, belt, or pulley.
Last updated: February 2026





