Who makes Craftsman lawn mower engines?
Craftsman lawn mower and lawn tractor engines are commonly supplied by major small-engine manufacturers such as Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, and Kawasaki. For your Craftsman lawn tractor model 917275671, the exact engine maker is identified on the engine ID label and in the 917275671 owner's manual.
How to identify the engine manufacturer on model 917275671
Use these quick checks (no disassembly needed):
- Look for the engine ID label on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter
- Record the engine model, type, and code (or spec number)
- Match that engine model to the maker (Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki, etc.)
- Confirm the tractor configuration (the manual lists this tractor as 24.0 HP with a 42-inch mower deck)
- Use the engine model when ordering tune-up and ignition parts
What you will typically see by brand
Most Craftsman riding mowers and tractors were built with engines from a small group of suppliers. Here is what the engine label usually tells you.
| What you find on the engine | What it means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| “Model / Type / Code” format | Common on Briggs & Stratton | Use all three numbers for correct parts |
| “Model / Spec” format | Common on Kohler | Use model plus spec number |
| “Model / Spec / Serial” format | Common on Kawasaki | Use model plus spec and serial |
Why it matters
The tractor model number (917275671) identifies the chassis and mower deck, but the engine model number identifies the correct ignition, fuel, and maintenance parts. Using the engine label prevents wrong-part returns and helps troubleshooting start or charging problems.
Related parts you may replace during engine or starting repairs
If your issue is “no crank” or intermittent starting, these model-matched parts are commonly involved:
- Solenoid with brass plunger 532146154
- Lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350
- Molded ignition key 532140403
You can order replacement parts for Craftsman 917275671 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is my Craftsman mower serial number lookup?
On Craftsman lawn tractors like model 917275671, the model number does not contain the build year; the year comes from the serial number/date code on the product label. Use the date-code format shown in your owner's manual section for identification, then match it to your label to get the year.
Where to find the serial number/date code
Check the product identification label on the tractor (commonly under the seat, on the frame near the rear fender, or near the engine compartment). On many Craftsman riders, the label includes both:
- Model number (for example, 917275671)
- Serial number or date code
- Engine information
- Compliance/safety markings
How to decode the year (what the numbers usually mean)
Many Craftsman riding mower serial/date codes are printed as a 6-digit date in this pattern:
- MM = month
- DD = day
- YY = year
Example
If your code is 072811, that reads as July 28, 2011.
Quick decode table
Use this to translate the first and last parts of the code:
| Code position | Meaning | Example (072811) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | Month (MM) | 07 = July |
| 3 to 4 | Day (DD) | 28 = 28th |
| 5 to 6 | Year (YY) | 11 = 2011 |
If your label does not match MMDDYY
Some labels use a different serial format (letters mixed with numbers). When that happens, we use the model number 917275671 to pull the correct parts diagrams and keep the tractor running, then use the label details to narrow the production date.
Here are the most common next steps:
- Write down the entire serial number exactly as printed
- Look for a separate line that says DATE or shows a 6-digit number
- Compare the label location and format to the identification section in the owner's manual
- If you are ordering maintenance or deck parts, match by model first (for example, blades and deck hardware)
- Use our parts lookup by model on Sears PartsDirect if you are cross-checking multiple label numbers
Why it matters
The build year helps when you are matching electrical parts (like an ignition switch or PTO switch) and deck components that can change across production runs. For model 917275671, the parts list and diagrams are still the most reliable way to confirm fit.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
The Craftsman riding mower model 917275671 uses a 24.0 HP engine (low-emission design) paired with an electric start and a 6-speed transaxle. For the exact engine details and operating specs for your tractor, use the owner's manual.
What we can confirm for model 917275671
From the model 917275671 documentation, these are the key powertrain details:
- Engine power: 24.0 HP
- Starting system: electric start
- Transmission: 6-speed transaxle
- Mower deck size: 42-inch
How to identify the exact engine on your tractor
Horsepower alone does not uniquely identify the engine brand or model. The fastest way to confirm the exact engine is to check the engine ID label on the tractor.
- Lift the hood and look for an engine data sticker on the blower housing or valve cover
- Write down the engine model, type, and code (or spec number)
- Match those numbers to the engine section in the owner's manual
- Use the tractor model number 917275671 when ordering tractor-specific parts on Sears PartsDirect
Why it matters
Knowing the exact engine model helps you buy the correct tune-up and starting parts (for example, ignition components) and follow the right maintenance intervals. It also prevents ordering the wrong items when multiple engine variants were used across similar Craftsman tractors.
Common related parts customers replace
If your tractor is having starting or engagement issues, these model-matched parts are commonly involved:
| Symptom | Common part to check | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| No crank or intermittent crank | Starter circuit control | Solenoid with brass plunger 532146154 |
| Key turns but nothing happens | Key switch | Lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350 |
| Blades will not engage | PTO control | Switch.pto 582107601 |
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding tractor like model 917275671, a full engine replacement typically costs about $800 to $2,500 installed (engine plus labor). The total depends on engine type, whether the replacement is a direct-fit, and how much related work is needed during the swap.
What drives the total cost
Engine replacement pricing is mostly parts cost plus shop time. Common cost factors include:
- Engine price (new or remanufactured, horsepower, crankshaft size)
- Labor time (typically 4 to 8 hours for a riding tractor engine swap)
- Extra parts often replaced at the same time (belts, pulleys, wiring, battery)
- Fuel system cleanup if old fuel caused starting or running issues
- Deck and drivetrain condition (worn components can add time)
Typical cost breakdown (what you can expect)
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement engine | $500 to $1,800 | Biggest variable; direct-fit costs less to install |
| Labor | $300 to $900 | Based on local shop rate and hours |
| Misc. parts and supplies | $25 to $200 | Fuel filter, oil, clamps, hardware, etc. |
| Total installed | $800 to $2,500 | Most common real-world range |
When replacement makes sense (and when it usually does not)
We recommend comparing engine replacement cost to the tractor’s overall condition.
- Replace the engine when the deck, transaxle, steering, and frame are solid
- Consider other repairs first if the tractor has starting or safety-switch issues
- Avoid major investment if the transaxle is failing or the deck is severely worn
If your tractor will not crank, it is often cheaper to diagnose the starting circuit first. A failed solenoid or switch can mimic a bad engine; parts like the solenoid with brass plunger 532146154 and lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350 are common fixes.
Why it matters
An engine swap is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Confirming the real cause (no-crank, no-start, low power, smoking) helps you avoid replacing an engine when the issue is actually electrical, fuel-related, or maintenance-related.
For model-specific maintenance intervals and service steps that help prevent engine damage (oil changes, air filter service, cooling fin cleaning), use the owner's manual. For parts shopping beyond the list for this model, search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth replacing a lawn mower engine?
Yes. Replacing the engine on your Craftsman 917275671 front-engine lawn tractor is worth it when the deck and drivetrain are in good shape and the total engine-swap cost stays well under the cost of replacing the whole tractor. Use the 917275671 owner's manual for safe service and maintenance guidance.
When an engine replacement makes sense
- The mower deck shell is solid (no major cracks or rust-through)
- It still drives smoothly (no slipping or loss of drive)
- Steering and front axle feel tight (no wandering or excessive play)
- You want to keep the tractor and can handle a DIY repair safely
- The problem is truly engine-related (low compression, heavy smoke, internal noise)
When replacing the tractor is the better value
- Deck damage plus chronic vibration from worn mandrels
- Multiple deck-drive issues (belt, pulley, clutch) that keep returning
- Electrical problems beyond normal wear items (wiring damage, repeated switch failures)
- The transaxle also needs major work at the same time
Quick decision checklist
| What you’re comparing | Replace engine | Replace tractor |
|---|---|---|
| Deck and frame | Straight, solid | Cracked, rusted, or warped |
| Drive system | Strong and consistent | Weak, slipping, or noisy |
| Total cost | Under about 50% of replacement | Near replacement cost |
Related parts to inspect while you decide
- Cut quality: consider a fresh blade such as the lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971
- Deck noise or vibration: inspect spindles; a worn unit points to the husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794
- No-crank symptoms: common wear items include the solenoid with brass plunger 532146154 and lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350
Why it matters
An engine swap only pays off if the tractor remains safe and mechanically sound. The manual’s basics (keep fasteners tight, avoid repairs with the engine running, use caution around sharp blades and hot parts) protect your investment.
You can order model-matched replacement parts from the parts list for Craftsman 917275671, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





