Owner’s manual
How to look up Craftsman model number?
For your Craftsman riding mower, we look up the correct model by finding the model plate on the tractor and using the model number exactly as shown. On Craftsman model 917255813, the manual specifies the model and serial numbers are on the model plate attached to the fender; record both for parts and service.
Where to find the model number on a Craftsman riding mower
Check these common locations first (clean off grass and dirt so the plate is readable):
- Model plate on the fender (this is the specified location for 917255813)
- Under the seat on the frame (common on many riding mowers)
- Underside of the seat pan (common on many riding mowers)
- Near the rear axle area or frame rail (varies by design)
How we use the model number to look up parts
Use the model number to match the exact parts diagrams and part lists for your tractor.
- Copy the model number exactly (for example, 917255813)
- Record the serial number too; it helps confirm production details
- Use the model number when ordering belts, pulleys, steering parts, and hardware
- If the plate is damaged, gently clean it; avoid sanding off the printed characters
Quick checklist: model number vs. part number
| What you’re looking at | Example | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | 917255813 | Identifies the exact tractor for diagrams and compatible parts |
| Part number | 104757X | Identifies the manufacturer’s part |
| Part ID | 532104757 | Identifies the Sears PartsDirect part listing |
Why it matters
Using the exact Craftsman model number prevents ordering the wrong items (especially drive belts, blade drive belts, and transaxle parts) because similar tractors can use different sizes and configurations.
For more model-specific details and the parts ordering format, use the 917255813 owner’s manual.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 42 riding mower?
For the Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor on this page, the model number is 917255813 (a 1987 YT 14 twin yard tractor). If you are asking about a newer “Craftsman 42-inch riding mower,” that is a different product line and will have a different model number on its ID tag.
Where to find the model number on your mower
Use the model number from the tractor’s ID tag, not the deck size or a retail listing.
- Look under the seat on the frame (common location)
- Check the rear fender pan area near the seat
- Look on the left or right side of the frame rail
- Wipe off grass and oil; the tag is often hard to read when dirty
- Write down the full model number exactly as shown (all digits)
For model-specific diagrams and part lists for this tractor, use the 917255813 owner's manual.
Why “42-inch” does not equal a single model number
“42-inch” usually describes the cutting deck width, and many Craftsman tractors share that deck size across multiple years and engine packages.
| What you have | What it tells us | What you still need |
|---|---|---|
| 42-inch deck | Deck size only | Exact model number from the ID tag |
| Model 917255813 | Exact tractor family and parts match | Correct deck/attachment configuration |
| Engine model (example: Briggs & Stratton) | Engine parts reference | Tractor model for chassis and deck parts |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong belts, pulleys, or steering parts. For example, this 917255813 tractor uses specific mower and drive components such as the lawn tractor blade drive belt 532106085 and the v-belt dr 532125907, which can vary by model and deck setup.
Last updated: February 2026
What year was Craftsman 917255813 made?
Craftsman model 917255813 is a 1987 front-engine lawn tractor (YT 14 twin yard tractor). The year is part of the model listing for this machine, and you can also confirm it by matching the model number on the tractor’s ID plate to the parts and specifications in the 917255813 owner's manual.
How to confirm the year on the tractor
We use the model number first, then verify it on the tractor itself.
- Look under the seat area for the model/serial number plate.
- Confirm the model number reads 917255813 (all digits).
- Compare the tractor’s major assemblies to the manual (steering, lift, transaxle).
- If the engine has been replaced, use the tractor model number (not the engine number) to date the tractor.
- Keep the model/serial info handy when ordering belts, pulleys, or steering parts.
What the manual tells you about this model
The documentation for YT 14 twin yard tractor, model 917255813 lists the tractor’s major components and parts breakdowns (for example, the Foote 5-speed transaxle and the Briggs & Stratton engine family used on this tractor). Use it to verify you have the correct 1987 platform before buying parts.
| Item to check | What should match for 917255813 | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Product type | YT 14 twin yard tractor | Confirms you are on the right chassis |
| Drive system | Ground drive belt routing and idlers | Prevents ordering the wrong belt length |
| Mower deck drive | Blade drive belt routing | Avoids slip, noise, and poor cut |
| Steering/lift parts | Linkages and hardware layout | Confirms correct generation of parts |
Why it matters
Craftsman tractors can look similar across multiple years, but parts like the ground drive belt, blade drive belt, idler pulleys, and steering linkage can change by model series. Confirming 917255813 (1987) helps ensure the parts diagrams and replacement parts you choose actually fit.
Last updated: February 2026
Where can I find the Craftsman product date code?
On the Craftsman model 917255813 (1987) front-engine lawn tractor, the most reliable identifying information is the model plate on the fender; use that plate information when ordering parts or service. For date codes, check common stamp locations on the tractor and confirm the correct identifier format in the 917255813 owner's manual.
Where to look for a date code on this tractor
Date codes on riding mowers and tractors are typically stamped, printed, or tagged on a component, not on the operator controls.
- Under the seat pan or on the seat pan underside
- On the frame rail near the engine or battery tray
- On the engine shroud or valve cover area (engine manufacturer tag)
- On the transaxle housing tag
- On the underside of the hood or near the dash tower
- On the mower deck shell (top surface) near the belt routing decal
Model plate vs. date code (what each one does)
The manual for this tractor states the model number is on the model plate attached to the fender, and that you should provide the model number when requesting service or parts.
| Identifier | What it tells us | Where you usually find it |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (917255813) | Which parts diagrams and parts fit | Model plate on the fender |
| Date code | When a component or unit was made | Stamped/tagged on a component or frame |
| Part number | Exact replacement part | On the part, packaging, or parts list |
Why it matters
Using the correct identifier prevents ordering the wrong belt, pulley, or hardware for your YT 14 twin yard tractor. The model plate gets you to the right parts list first; the date code helps when a component changed mid-production.
Quick tip for parts matching
If you are troubleshooting a drive or deck issue while you search for identifiers, these model-matched parts are commonly involved:
- V-belt dr 532125907 (ground drive belt)
- Lawn tractor blade drive belt 532106085 (deck belt)
- Pulley 532139245 (blade idler pulley)
Last updated: February 2026
