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What model number is the Craftsman 917289730?
The model number for this Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor is 917.28973 (often written without the dot as 917289730 on parts listings). You can confirm the exact model format and specifications on the identification information shown in the 917289730 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the tractor
We recommend checking the tractor’s model/serial label first, then matching it to the manual.
- Look under the seat area or on the seat pan
- Check the frame rail near the engine compartment
- Look near the rear fender or hitch/drawbar area
- Match the label to the manual’s “Model No.” line
917.28973 vs 917289730: what’s the difference?
Both refer to the same tractor; the dot is a formatting style used in some manuals and labels.
| Format you may see | What it means | Where it’s commonly used |
|---|---|---|
| 917.28973 | Model number with dot formatting | Owner’s manual, model/serial label |
| 917289730 | Model number without dot formatting | Parts lookup pages, some databases |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number helps us match the correct diagrams and replacement parts for your mower deck, drive system, and electrical components. For example, starting and PTO issues often trace back to parts like the lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350 or the lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802.
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
Replacing the engine on a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917289730 typically costs $260 to $1,800 for the engine and installation combined, with labor commonly running around 6 hours for a riding mower engine swap. Exact cost depends on engine type, shop labor rate, and any extra parts needed.
What drives the total replacement cost?
- Engine price: new or remanufactured engine, horsepower, and crankshaft configuration
- Labor time and rate: riding mower engine swaps are more involved than walk-behind mowers
- Extra parts: belts, pulleys, wiring, fuel line parts, or mounting hardware discovered during teardown
- Condition of the tractor: rusted fasteners, damaged harnesses, or worn deck components add time
- Tune-up items: spark plug, air filter, oil, and fuel filter are often replaced at the same time
Typical cost breakdown (what most owners see)
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (part) | $200 to $1,400 | Varies by brand, HP, and crank specs |
| Labor | $200 to $600 | Often based on ~6 hours total time |
| Misc. parts and fluids | $20 to $200 | Belts, hardware, oil, filters |
Before you replace the engine, rule out common “no-start” causes
Many “bad engine” diagnoses are actually starting or safety-circuit issues. The troubleshooting chart in the owner's manual points to common causes when the engine clicks but will not start.
Check these first:
- Battery charge and terminal corrosion
- Loose or damaged wiring
- Faulty solenoid or starter (common click-no-crank causes)
- Safety interlock switches (seat, brake, PTO)
- Fuel quality (stale fuel can mimic bigger problems)
If you suspect a starting-circuit issue, the riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video walks through the most common checks.
Parts that are often involved in a “no-crank” repair
If the tractor clicks but does not crank, these model-matched parts are common fixes:
- Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802
- Lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350
- Switch.pto.8 582107601
Why it matters
An engine replacement is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Confirming the battery, wiring, solenoid, starter, and safety circuits first can prevent paying for an engine when the real issue is an electrical or interlock problem.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
For Craftsman riding lawn tractor model 917289730, the operator’s manual identifies it as a 28.0 HP tractor with a low-emission engine (horsepower is rated by the engine manufacturer). For the exact engine make and model (such as Briggs & Stratton or Kohler), check the engine identification label and the owner's manual.
How to identify the exact engine on your 917289730
Use these quick checks to match the engine correctly before ordering tune-up or starting parts:
- Look for the engine model/type/code label on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter
- Write down the full string (letters and numbers) exactly as shown
- Compare that label to the engine section in the owner's manual
- If the label is missing, use the tractor’s model number 917289730 plus the engine’s visible features (single vs. V-twin, filter style, muffler layout)
- When troubleshooting starting issues, confirm the PTO is disengaged and the brake is set (safety interlocks can prevent cranking)
What we can confirm from the manual (and what varies)
The manual confirms the tractor’s power rating and that it uses a low-emission engine; the engine brand can vary by production run, so the engine label is the best match point.
| Item | What to use | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor identification | 917289730 | Tractor model tag/frame label |
| Engine identification | Engine model/type/code | Engine label/ID tag |
| Power rating reference | 28.0 HP (engine-manufacturer rated) | Owner's manual |
Why it matters
The engine make and model determines the correct maintenance parts (air filter, spark plug, fuel filter) and starting-system components. For example, a no-crank complaint often leads to checks of the starter solenoid 582042802 and the ignition switch 532193350, but the right diagnosis starts with correct engine identification.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is my Craftsman mower serial number lookup?
On a Craftsman lawn tractor like model 917289730, the serial number does not reliably encode the build year in a simple “MMDDYY” format. To identify the year, we use the tractor’s product/ID label information (model and serial) and cross-check it with the identification guidance in the 917289730 owner's manual.
Where to find the serial number and ID label
On most Craftsman front-engine tractors, the product identification label is typically located:
- Under the seat pan (lift the seat and look on the frame)
- On the rear fender area near the seat
- On the frame rail near the engine compartment
- Occasionally under the hood on the chassis
Write down the model number (917289730) and the full serial number exactly as shown.
How we determine the year (what to check)
Because serial formats vary by production run, the most accurate approach is to match your label details to the manual and parts configuration.
- Confirm the model number matches 917289730
- Look for any additional numbers such as a product number or manufacturing code
- Compare major configuration items (deck size, transmission type) to what’s listed for your tractor
- Use the parts list for your model to confirm you are in the correct family of tractors
Quick comparison guide
| What you have | What it tells us | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Model number only | Identifies the tractor family | Use the 917289730 owner's manual to confirm specs and label location |
| Serial number only | Not enough by itself to date reliably | Record the full label info (model + serial + any product code) |
| Model + serial + product code | Best for dating | Match the code format to the identification info in the manual |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct year helps you get the right replacement parts and diagrams for maintenance and repairs (for example, deck and drive components can change across production runs even when tractors look similar).
If you are troubleshooting starting or electrical issues while you’re identifying the tractor, the riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video can help you narrow down common causes such as battery connections, the ignition switch, or the starter solenoid.
Last updated: February 2026
