How to tell what year a Craftsman mower is?
For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917250520, the year is identified by using the model plate information under the seat and, when present, the date code on the tractor or engine identification label. The fastest path is to match the tractor model number and the engine model information shown in the 917250520 owner's manual.
The manual calls out these ID label locations:
- Tractor model plate: located under the seat
- Engine model label: located on the blower housing of the engine
- If the tractor plate is missing, the engine label still helps narrow the production era
Because Craftsman date coding varies by production run and supplier, we use these methods in order:
- Check the tractor model plate for a printed manufacture date or date-coded serial
- Record the full tractor model number and serial exactly as shown
- Check the engine label for an engine model and type code; engine codes often include a build date
- Cross-reference parts diagrams using the exact model number to ensure you are matching the correct version
| What you find | Where you find it | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model number (917250520) | Under-seat model plate | Confirms the correct tractor family and parts breakdown |
| Tractor serial number | Under-seat model plate | May include a date code depending on the tag style |
| Engine model/type code | Engine blower housing | Helps identify engine build period and correct engine parts |
The build year affects parts compatibility for items like the PTO switch, belts, and steering components. Using the model plate and engine label prevents ordering the wrong version when similar Craftsman tractors share close model numbers.
Last updated: February 2026
What brand engine does Craftsman use?
Craftsman uses engines from multiple manufacturers, and the brand depends on the specific tractor model. For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917250520, the engine is a Kohler twin-cylinder. Use the engine model number on the blower housing to match the correct maintenance and repair parts (see the 917250520 owner's manual).
Use these checks so you identify the engine correctly before ordering tune-up parts:
- Verify the tractor model plate under the seat shows 917250520
- Locate the engine identification label on the blower housing
- Record the full engine model and spec/type numbers exactly
- Use those numbers to select the correct air filter, spark plug(s), and fuel filter
- Compare the label information to the engine section in the manual and parts diagrams
| ID you’re checking | What it identifies | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model number: 917250520 | The Craftsman tractor platform and chassis parts | Model plate under the seat |
| Engine model/spec numbers | The Kohler engine family and engine-specific parts | Blower housing label |
Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors commonly use engines from:
- Kohler
- Briggs & Stratton
- Kawasaki
Engine brand and the engine’s model/spec numbers determine the exact service parts that fit, especially filters, ignition parts, and fuel system items. Using the engine label prevents wrong-fit parts and speeds up troubleshooting.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 42 riding mower?
For the Craftsman riding mower on this page, the model number is 917250520 (a Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor with a 46-inch mower deck). You can confirm the exact model number on the tractor’s model plate under the seat using the 917250520 owner's manual.
On Craftsman riding mowers like model 917250520, the tractor model number is on a model plate under the seat (the engine has a separate model number on the blower housing).
- Lift the seat and look for the model plate or sticker
- Write down the full model number exactly as shown
- Record the engine model number separately (it is not the tractor model)
- Use the tractor model number when ordering deck, belt, steering, and chassis parts
- Use the engine model number when ordering engine-specific parts (filters, carb parts, ignition parts)
Many Craftsman tractors are described by deck size (42-inch, 46-inch, 48-inch), but deck size is not the same as model number. For 917250520, the manual parts pages show a 46-inch mower deck.
| What you’re checking | What it tells you | Where to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model number | The correct parts breakdown for the whole tractor | Under-seat model plate; 917250520 owner's manual |
| Deck size (cut width) | Which deck and blade/belt system you have | Deck label; manual deck section |
| Engine model number | Correct engine tune-up and fuel/ignition parts | Engine blower housing |
Using the wrong model number (or using only “42-inch Craftsman”) often leads to ordering the wrong belt, blade, or PTO switch. Matching parts to 917250520 keeps fit and routing correct, especially for deck and drive components.
Last updated: February 2026
Where can I buy Craftsman replacement parts?
For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917250520, we recommend buying replacement parts using the exact model number so you get the right fit for your tractor and its specific engine. Sears PartsDirect is a reliable source for model-matched parts and diagrams, and the 917250520 owner's manual also explains where to find the tractor and engine model numbers.
- Use the tractor model number (917250520) for chassis, deck, steering, and drive parts
- Use the engine model number (found on the blower housing) for engine-specific parts
- Match by part name and part ID when available (helps avoid look-alike parts)
- Replace common wear items together (for example, belts and related hardware)
- Keep your serial/model plate info handy (model plate is under the seat)
These are examples of parts available for Craftsman 917250520; matching by part ID helps ensure compatibility.
| What you need | Example part (model-matched) | When it’s commonly replaced |
|---|---|---|
| Blade drive belt | Riding lawn mower blade drive belt 532148763 | Slipping, squealing, poor blade engagement |
| Ground drive belt | Lawn tractor ground drive belt 532140218 | Loss of drive, slow movement, belt glazing |
| PTO switch | Switch 582107601 | Blades will not engage, intermittent PTO |
| Ignition key | Molded ignition key 532140403 | Lost key, worn key, intermittent start |
Craftsman tractors often share similar-looking parts across different builds, and your tractor and engine can have different model numbers. Using the correct model number and part ID reduces returns and prevents installation issues.
Last updated: February 2026





