Craftsman 917273520 lawn tractor Parts

Replacing the engine on a Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273520 typically costs about $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine type, labor rates, and whether related drive or deck parts also need service. Use the 917273520 owner's manual to follow safe shutdown steps before any inspection.

What drives the total replacement cost

• Engine price (new or remanufactured) is the biggest variable.
• Labor time is usually higher on riding tractors than walk-behind mowers.
• Extra parts often get replaced at the same time (belts, pulleys, hardware).
• Shop supplies (oil, filter, fuel line clamps) add small but real cost.
• Condition of the tractor (rusted fasteners, worn wiring, damaged mounts) can increase labor.

Common add-on parts to check while the engine is out

Even when you are only pricing an engine, we recommend checking these wear items because access is easier during an engine swap:

Area	What to inspect	Example part on this model page
Ground drive	Cracks, glazing, stretching	Lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294
Starting/keys	Worn or missing key	Molded ignition key 532140403
Deck drive/spindles	Noisy or loose mandrels	Husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794

Safety steps we follow before any engine service

The manual’s service precautions help prevent accidental starts and blade movement:

• Depress the clutch/brake and set the parking brake
• Put the motion control in neutral
• Disengage the attachment clutch (PTO)
• Turn the key to STOP and remove it
• Wait for all moving parts to stop
• Disconnect the spark plug wire

(These steps are outlined in the 917273520 owner's manual.)

Why it matters

A full engine replacement is a major investment; checking the drive belt, ignition key, and mandrel condition at the same time helps prevent a “new engine, same problems” situation like loss of drive, poor cut quality, or vibration.

For parts you can order the items listed for model 917273520 from the parts list, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

For a Craftsman riding mower like model 917273520, the model number is printed on the product identification label; you can also confirm it in the owner's manual. Once you have the model number, use it to match the correct parts list and diagrams for your exact tractor.

Where to find the model number on the tractor

On most Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors, the model and serial label is typically located:

• On the frame under the seat
• On the underside of the seat pan (lift the seat to check)
• Near the rear fender or seat bracket area
• Occasionally on the frame rail near the engine (varies by build)

How to read the label (what to write down)

Record these items exactly as shown on the label:

• Model number (example: 917273520)
• Serial number (unique to your tractor)
• Any product number or additional ID codes (if listed)

Quick ID check

Item	What it does	Example
Model number	Identifies the correct parts diagrams	917273520
Serial number	Identifies production run details	(varies)

Why it matters

Craftsman tractors often share similar frames and 42-inch mower decks across multiple models, but parts like blades, belts, mandrel assemblies, and steering components can differ by model series. Using the exact model number helps ensure you order the right replacement part the first time.

After you find the model number: common parts you may shop by model

If you are looking up the model number to buy maintenance parts, these are common categories customers replace on 917273520:

• Mower blades (mulching or high-lift)
• Ground drive belt
• Mandrel and mandrel shaft components
• Ignition key
• Deck hardware (nuts, washers, clips)

You can order replacement parts for your Craftsman 917273520 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

For Craftsman lawn tractors, the year is identified from the model and serial number on the tractor’s product ID label; for model 917273520, use the ID label to confirm the exact production date for your specific unit and match the correct parts list. The 917273520 owner's manual shows where to find key identification information.

Where to find the model and serial number

On Craftsman riding mowers and tractors, the product ID label is typically in one of these spots (clean the area first so every digit is readable):

• Under the seat or on the seat pan support
• On the frame near the rear wheels
• Under the hood near the engine compartment
• On the fender, footrest area, or dash support
• Near the mower deck lift or hanger brackets

How to use the numbers to determine the year

Once you have the serial number, look for a date code pattern. Many Craftsman-built tractors use a serial format where a group of digits represents a build date.

• Some serials include MMDDYY (month, day, year)
• Others use a year and week style code
• Some labels show a manufacture date directly

Quick decode example (common format)

Date-code digits	What it means	Example result
07 28 11	MM DD YY	July 28, 2011

Why it matters

The build year affects parts compatibility for wear items and running changes, especially on a 42-inch deck tractor like the Craftsman 917273520.

Parts most affected by exact version

• Blades (lift style and deck configuration)
• Belts (length and width)
• Mandrel and pulley components
• Steering and brake linkage hardware

If you are refreshing the cutting system, common blade options on the parts list include the lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971. You can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect to cross-check parts by the exact ID label information.

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman lawn tractors can use engines from several manufacturers, but the exact engine brand depends on the specific tractor model and engine configuration. For Craftsman model 917273520, our best match is to confirm the engine details using the identification and specifications information in the 917273520 owner's manual.

How to identify the engine brand on model 917273520

We recommend checking the engine itself first, then confirming against the manual.

• Look for the engine data label (typically on the blower housing, valve cover area, or near the starter)
• Record the engine model, type, and code/spec numbers
• Match those numbers to the engine information in the 917273520 owner's manual
• If the label is dirty, wipe it clean; avoid pressure washing directly at decals and wiring
• Use the tractor model number 917273520 when browsing parts so you stay in the correct parts list

Common engine brands used on Craftsman lawn tractors

Across Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors, these are the most common engine suppliers you will see:

Engine brand	How it is typically labeled	What it affects most
Briggs & Stratton	“Briggs & Stratton” plus model/type/code	Tune-up parts, carburetion, ignition
Kohler	“Kohler” plus spec number	Filters, charging system, starter
Kawasaki	“Kawasaki” plus model/spec	Fuel system parts, ignition components

Why it matters

The engine brand determines the correct maintenance parts and service specs (oil type/quantity, spark plug, air filter, and fuel system settings). Using the wrong engine spec is a common reason a lawn tractor runs rough, won’t start, or won’t stay running.

Related parts you might replace during engine or deck service

Even when you are focused on the engine, these model-matched deck and drive items are commonly serviced at the same time:

• Lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294 (loss of drive, slipping)
• Molded ignition key 532140403 (no-crank due to worn or missing key)
• Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 (poor cut quality, uneven discharge)

If you are stocking up for seasonal maintenance, you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect to find additional filters, spark plugs, and engine-specific items.

Last updated: February 2026