How to look up Craftsman model number?
For your Craftsman riding lawn tractor, the model number is on the model plate under the seat; on model 917252711, the owner’s manual also notes the model and serial numbers are found on a plate under the seat. Use that exact model number to pull the correct parts list and diagrams.
Check these common locations first:
- Under the seat on the frame (look for a model plate or sticker)
- On a plate under the seat that also lists the serial number
- If you’re looking for the engine model number: on the engine blower housing (separate from the tractor model)
- If the label is dirty: wipe it with a damp rag and mild cleaner, then dry it
- If the label is faded: use a flashlight at an angle to make the stamped/printed text easier to read
Record the information exactly as shown on the plate:
- Tractor model number (example: 917252711)
- Tractor serial number
- Engine model number (if ordering engine-specific parts)
- Date of purchase (helpful for maintenance records)
These are different identifiers and they point to different parts lists.
| What you’re identifying | Where to find it | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model number | Plate under the seat | Mower deck, belts, steering, chassis, electrical |
| Engine model number | Engine blower housing | Engine tune-up and internal engine parts |
Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong belt length, blade style, or deck parts. For example, model 917252711 is a 42-inch deck tractor, so the correct deck and blade-drive components depend on that exact model identification.
- Use the 917252711 owner’s manual to confirm the model plate location and recordkeeping details.
- Once you have the model number, you can shop by model on this parts list or search by model at Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
The Craftsman riding mower model 917252711 uses an 18 HP twin-cylinder engine; the engine model number listed for this tractor is MV18S-58560. For the exact engine identification label location and ordering details, use the owner's manual.
Even within the same tractor model, the most reliable match is the engine model number on the engine itself.
- Lift the seat and locate the tractor model plate (tractor model: 917252711).
- Find the engine model number label on the blower housing.
- Match the engine model number to MV18S-58560.
- Record the full engine model and type numbers before ordering tune-up parts.
- Use the parts diagrams to match related drive and deck components.
If you are troubleshooting starting or drive complaints, these parts are commonly involved on riding tractors.
| Symptom | What to check first | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Clicks but won’t crank | Battery connections, starter circuit | Solenoid 532146154 |
| Cranks but won’t start | Fuel, spark, air filter condition | Tune-up items (varies by engine spec) |
| Engine runs but tractor won’t move | Ground drive belt wear or damage | Lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294 |
Using the correct engine model number prevents ordering the wrong ignition, fuel, or tune-up parts. It also helps you follow the right maintenance schedule (oil, air filter, and adjustments) for the MV18S-58560 engine configuration.
When ordering, we recommend using the tractor model (917252711) and the engine model (MV18S-58560) together to ensure the best match. You can order parts from the 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?
For a Craftsman riding mower like model 917252711, the model number does not contain the year; the year is identified from the product serial number/date code on the tractor’s ID tag. Use the date-code format shown in your owner's manual to translate the serial/date code into a calendar date.
We typically see the ID tag in one of these spots on front-engine lawn tractors:
- Under the seat pan (lift the seat)
- On the rear fender pan near the seat
- On the frame rail near the engine
- Near the transaxle area on the frame
Many Craftsman-built tractors use a 6-digit date code that reads as:
- MM = month
- DD = day
- YY = year
Example: a code like 072811 translates to July 28, 2011.
| Code position | Meaning | Example (072811) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | Month (MM) | 07 = July |
| 3 to 4 | Day (DD) | 28 |
| 5 to 6 | Year (YY) | 11 = 2011 |
Knowing the build date helps us match the correct parts and diagrams for your tractor’s production run, especially for wear items like deck components, belts, and electrical switches.
For model 917252711, these are examples of parts that are selected by model and deck configuration:
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 (blade)
- Lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294 (ground drive)
- Switch 582107601 (PTO switch)
- Molded ignition key 532140403 (key)
You can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect if you are comparing diagrams or ordering replacements.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917252711 engine?
The Craftsman 917252711 tractor uses a Kohler engine with engine model number MV18.0S and type number PS58560. You can confirm this in the engine parts section of the 917252711 owner's manual, which lists the Kohler engine identification for this tractor.
We recommend checking both the manual and the engine label so you match parts correctly.
- Look for the engine ID label on the engine shroud, valve cover area, or blower housing
- Clean off grass and oil film so the numbers are readable
- Record both the model (MV18.0S) and type (PS58560)
- Use the full tractor model number 917252711 when looking up chassis and deck parts
- Use the Kohler engine model and type when looking up engine-specific parts
Kohler engines often share a similar displacement across multiple variants; the type number identifies the exact configuration (carburetor, governor settings, starter, and other build details). That is why MV18.0S alone is not always enough for perfect parts matching.
| Item you’re identifying | What to use | Example for this tractor |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor (whole unit) | Tractor model number | 917252711 |
| Engine (powerplant) | Engine model number | MV18.0S |
| Engine configuration | Engine type number | PS58560 |
If the engine clicks or won’t crank, these common electrical parts are often involved (depending on symptoms and testing results):
- Starter solenoid: solenoid 532146154
- Ignition key (if worn or intermittent): molded ignition key 532140403
- PTO switch (if safety interlock prevents cranking): switch 582107601
Using the correct engine identification prevents ordering the wrong Kohler engine parts and speeds up troubleshooting for no-crank, hard-start, and poor-running conditions.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth replacing a lawn mower engine?
Yes, replacing the engine on your Craftsman 917252711 front-engine lawn tractor is worth it when the tractor’s deck, steering, and drive system are still solid and the total engine-swap cost stays well below the price of a comparable replacement tractor. If the deck is rusted through or multiple major systems are failing, replacement makes more sense.
- The mower deck is structurally sound (no cracks, severe rust, or bent hangers).
- The transmission and drive feel strong (no slipping, creeping, or loss of drive).
- The wiring and safety interlocks are intact and working.
- You can complete the swap safely (spark plug wire disconnected before repairs).
- The engine cost plus incidentals (belts, blades, hardware) is comfortably under half the cost of a replacement unit.
Use the maintenance and troubleshooting guidance in the owner's manual to evaluate the tractor’s overall condition, not just the engine.
| Area to check | What “good” looks like | What pushes you toward replacing the tractor |
|---|---|---|
| Mower deck and discharge | Deck is cleanable, vents around mandrels are open | Heavy corrosion, repeated clogging from damaged deck/vents |
| Blade and mandrel area | Blades tighten securely; no wobble | Bent mandrel, recurring vibration, damaged housings |
| Drive system | Moves smoothly; no belt burn smell | Frequent belt failures, loss of drive, persistent slipping |
| Electrical starting | Consistent crank; connections clean | Repeated no-crank issues beyond battery and cables |
An engine swap only pays off when the rest of the machine can reliably support it. The manual emphasizes keeping fasteners tight, keeping the machine free of debris buildup, and never making adjustments with the engine running; those basics directly affect deck life, belt life, and overall reliability.
If you are already tearing down the tractor, these common wear items are worth evaluating and replacing if worn:
- Lawn tractor ground drive belt 532140294 (cracking, glazing, stretching)
- Lawn tractor drive belt 532144200 (deck belt wear or slipping)
- Solenoid 532146154 (intermittent clicking or no-crank symptoms)
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 (bent, badly nicked, or repeatedly dull)
We recommend pricing the full job (engine, belts, blades, filters, oil, and any damaged deck components) and comparing it to a replacement tractor. You can order model-matched parts from the list for Craftsman 917252711, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





