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What year did Craftsman make the 917255980?
Craftsman model 917255980 is an 18 HP, 44-inch deck front-engine lawn tractor; this model series is commonly associated with the early 1990s, and many listings place it around 1991. For the exact build date of your specific tractor, use the serial number and purchase date fields shown in the 917255980 owner's manual.
How to pinpoint the exact year for your tractor
The most accurate way to date a Craftsman tractor is by using the identification plate information.
- Lift the seat and locate the model/serial plate under the seat
- Record the serial number and date of purchase (if known)
- Compare the serial number format to the identification guidance in the manual
- If the tractor has had major repairs, use the serial plate, not the engine tag
- Keep the recorded info with your maintenance records for future parts lookups
What we know from the model documentation
The documentation for 917255980 confirms the model number and key specs, which helps narrow the era even when the exact manufacturing year is not printed on the cover.
| Item | What to check | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | 917255980 | Plate under the seat |
| Serial number | Unique to your tractor | Plate under the seat |
| Deck size | 44-inch | Manual specs/parts sections |
| Engine rating | 18 HP | Manual specs section |
Why it matters
The year and serial range can affect parts fitment (wiring, decals, electrical switches, belts, and deck hardware). When ordering parts for a Craftsman tractor, matching by model number plus serial number helps ensure you get the correct replacement.
Last updated: February 2026
How much oil does a CRAFTSMAN 917255980 take?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917255980 uses a Kohler MV18S engine; for the correct crankcase oil capacity and fill procedure, we follow the specifications in the 917255980 owner's manual. Fill to the full mark on the dipstick, then recheck after the engine has run briefly.
How to check and fill engine oil correctly
- Park the tractor on level ground and set the parking brake.
- Let the engine cool a few minutes so oil drains back into the crankcase.
- Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert fully, then read the level.
- Add oil in small amounts (a few ounces at a time) to avoid overfilling.
- After topping off, start the engine for 30 to 60 seconds, shut it off, then recheck.
What oil capacity means (and why the dipstick matters)
Oil capacity can vary slightly depending on whether the oil filter was changed and how completely the old oil drained. The dipstick is the final authority for your 917255980 because it reflects the actual level in the crankcase.
Quick guide: topping off vs. oil change
| Task | What you do | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Topping off | Add small amounts until the dipstick reads full | Do not overfill; foamy oil can cause poor lubrication |
| Oil change | Drain oil, refill, then recheck after a short run | Level ground and a clean dipstick reading are key |
Why it matters
Running low on oil increases engine wear; overfilling can cause smoking, leaks, and performance issues. Keeping the oil at the correct level is one of the most important maintenance steps for a front-engine riding mower.
Last updated: February 2026
What kind of engine does a CRAFTSMAN riding lawn mower have?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917255980 uses an 18.0 HP twin-cylinder engine; the engine model number listed for this tractor is MV18S-58556. For the exact engine identification details and service specs, use the 917255980 owner's manual.
How to confirm the engine on your specific tractor
We recommend matching the manual information to the ID tags on your machine so you get the right tune-up and repair parts.
- Find the tractor model plate under the seat; it should show 917255980.
- Find the engine model number on the blower housing (engine shroud).
- Compare the engine tag to the manual listing (MV18S-58556).
- Use the engine model number when ordering engine-specific parts (filters, ignition parts, carburetor items).
- If the tractor has been repowered, the engine tag is the final authority.
What “kind of engine” means for parts and maintenance
On this Craftsman tractor, “kind of engine” usually refers to horsepower class, cylinder count, and the engine model number used for parts lookup.
| Item | What to use | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model | 917255980 | Model plate under the seat |
| Engine type | 18.0 HP twin-cylinder | Listed in the manual |
| Engine model number | MV18S-58556 | Engine tag on blower housing and manual |
Why it matters
Using the correct engine model number prevents wrong-part returns and speeds up troubleshooting for common issues like hard starting, poor performance, or fuel and ignition problems.
Last updated: February 2026
How to find Craftsman riding mower serial number?
On the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917255980, the model and serial number are on the model plate under the seat (you may need to tilt or remove the seat to see it clearly). Use those numbers to match the correct parts and diagrams in the 917255980 owner's manual.
Where to look (fast checklist)
- Park on a flat surface, set the parking brake, and remove the key
- Lift the seat and look for a sticker or metal plate on the frame directly underneath
- Check the underside of the seat if you do not see a plate on the frame
- Wipe dirt and grass off the plate so the numbers are readable
- Write down the full model number and the serial number exactly as shown
What the numbers mean
| Number you find | What it’s used for | Example for this tractor |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Identifies the tractor configuration for parts lookup | 917.255980 (often shown as 917255980 online) |
| Serial number | Identifies the production run; helps confirm correct revisions | Varies by unit |
| Engine model number | Identifies the engine for engine-specific parts | MV18S-58556 |
Why it matters
Using the correct model and serial number prevents ordering the wrong belt, tire, or steering part when there are mid-series changes. It also helps you match the right diagrams for items like the mower deck and wheels.
Related parts you might match after you find the plate
- Front wheel axle cap: hub cap 532104757
- Front wheel flange bearing: wizard lawn tractor axle flange bearing 532009040
- Front tire: lawn tractor tire, front 532122075
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917255980?
The model number for this Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor is 917255980. You can confirm it on the model and serial number plate under the seat, and it is also printed in the 917255980 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the tractor
We use the model plate under the seat as the most reliable identifier for ordering parts like belts, steering components, and electrical switches.
- Lift the seat and look for the identification plate
- Record the model number (917255980) and the serial number
- Keep the information with your purchase date for future reference
- Use the model number when searching diagrams for chassis, electrical, and deck parts
Quick identification checklist
| Item to check | What you should see | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Model plate location | Under the seat | Confirms you have the correct tractor family |
| Model number format | 9 digits (917255980) | Matches Craftsman/Sears tractor numbering |
| Manual cover pages | Model number listed | Confirms parts lists and wiring diagrams apply |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number 917255980 prevents ordering the wrong parts for common repairs such as replacing a drive belt, troubleshooting a PTO circuit, or matching steering and chassis hardware.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes CRAFTSMAN push mower engines?
Craftsman push mower engines are supplied by several major small-engine manufacturers; the maker depends on the specific mower model and the engine model number on the engine itself. For Craftsman model 917255980 (a front-engine riding lawn tractor, not a push mower), the engine listed is Kohler MV18S-58556; confirm ID locations in the 917255980 owner's manual.
How to tell who made your Craftsman push mower engine
Use the engine’s ID, not the mower badge. The engine model and type/spec numbers identify the manufacturer and the correct tune-up parts.
- Find the engine ID label or stamping on the blower housing, valve cover, or recoil starter shroud
- Write down the engine model and type/spec numbers exactly as shown
- Match that engine model to the manufacturer (commonly Briggs & Stratton or Kohler on many Craftsman push mowers)
- Buy engine maintenance parts (air filter, spark plug, carburetor parts) by engine model/type
- Buy mower chassis parts (wheels, height adjusters, handles) by the mower model number
What applies to model 917255980 (riding tractor)
This Sears PartsDirect model page is for a Craftsman riding tractor. Its documentation lists a Kohler engine and shows where to find both the tractor and engine model numbers.
| Item you’re identifying | Where it’s typically found | Example for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model number | Model plate under the seat | 917255980 |
| Engine model number | Engine blower housing | MV18S-58556 |
Why it matters
Engine parts must match the engine manufacturer and engine model; mower drive and cutting parts must match the mower or tractor model. Using the correct ID prevents wrong-part returns and speeds up troubleshooting.
Last updated: February 2026
