How to find Craftsman parts?
To find the right Craftsman parts for your lawn tractor, match your exact model number (Craftsman 917273823) to the parts diagrams and parts list, then confirm the part name and part ID before ordering. Your owner's manual also helps you identify service items like blades and belts.
Fast way to find the correct part
- Use the model number 917273823 to stay on the correct parts list for your tractor.
- Open the parts diagrams and locate the system you are repairing (mower deck, steering, electrical, etc.).
- Match the diagram callout to the parts list description.
- Verify fit by comparing the part name and part ID (not just the part number).
- If you are replacing a wear item, replace related hardware when needed (nuts, springs, caps).
Common parts customers replace on model 917273823
Here are examples of parts available for this model that people often shop for:
| What you are fixing | Example part to look up | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Poor cut quality or worn blade | Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 | Lift, discharge, cut finish |
| No crank or intermittent starting | Solenoid with brass plunger 532146154 | Starter engagement |
| Deck vibration or noisy spindle area | Husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794 | Blade spindle/mandrel operation |
| Missing key | Molded ignition key 532140403 | Ignition switch operation |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number and diagram callouts prevents ordering the wrong Craftsman riding mower parts, especially on deck and steering components where similar tractors use different blades, mandrels, and hardware.
Last updated: February 2026
How to find the year of a Craftsman lawn tractor?
To find the year of a Craftsman lawn tractor like model 917273823, we use the product identification label (often called the model and serial tag). The most reliable method is to match the model and serial information to the date and production details shown in the owner's manual.
Where to look for the date information
On most Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors, the model and serial tag is on the tractor frame under the seat, under the hood, or near the rear fender area.
Check these common spots:
- Under the seat pan (lift the seat and look at the frame)
- Inside the engine compartment near the dash or firewall
- On the rear fender or rear frame rail
- Near the transaxle area on the frame
How to use the numbers you find
Once you locate the tag, write down:
- Model number (example: 917273823)
- Serial number (a longer number or letter-number string)
- Any separate “date code” printed on the label
What the serial number usually tells you
Many Craftsman tractors use a serial number format that includes a build date code. A common pattern is MMDDYY (month, day, year) embedded in the serial number or printed as a separate date code.
| Code format | What it means | Example | Example date |
|---|---|---|---|
| MMDDYY | Month, day, year | 072811 | July 28, 2011 |
| MMYY | Month, year | 0711 | July 2011 |
| YYWW | Year, week of year | 1129 | 29th week of 2011 |
Why it matters
Knowing the build year helps us choose the correct parts and diagrams for your exact tractor configuration (deck components, steering parts, electrical parts, and decals). It also helps when comparing wear items like blades, belts, and mandrel components.
Related parts you may replace by year and deck setup
If you are confirming the tractor year to order maintenance parts, these are common deck-related items for this model family:
- Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794
Last updated: February 2026
How to read Craftsman model number?
For Craftsman lawn tractors, the model number is the full identifier you use to match the correct parts list and diagrams. On your Craftsman model 917.273823, the model number appears in the documentation and on the tractor’s product identification label; use all digits exactly as shown in the owner's manual.
What the Craftsman model number tells you
A Craftsman model number helps us match the right configuration for your tractor (engine, deck size, transmission, and chassis family). For this model, the manual identifies it as a lawn tractor with an 18.5 HP engine and a 42-inch mower deck.
- Use the complete model number: 917273823
- Match the punctuation exactly as shown on the label (some labels show a dot format like 917.273823)
- Use the model number first, then confirm the part by diagram location and description
- If a part has multiple versions, the model number narrows it to the correct fit
Where to find the model number on the tractor
Most Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors have a product identification label on the frame under the seat, near the rear fender area, or under the hood near the engine compartment.
- Check under the seat pan and seat bracket area
- Look along the frame rails near the rear wheels
- Check under the hood on the chassis near the engine
- Wipe dirt and grass off the label so every digit is readable
How to use the model number to get the right parts
Once you have 917273823, use it to confirm the exact part you need by name and location in the diagrams.
| What you have | What to do with it | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (917273823) | Select the correct parts breakdown | Prevents ordering the wrong version |
| Part description | Match to the diagram callout | Confirms function and placement |
| Part ID/part number | Order the exact replacement | Ensures fit and compatibility |
Example parts commonly matched by model
- Deck and blade parts (for a 42-inch deck), such as the lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971
- Front wheel and axle hardware, such as the lawn tractor axle cap 532104757
- Electrical starting components, such as the solenoid with brass plunger 532146154
Why it matters
A single missing digit can pull up a different Craftsman tractor family, which can change deck components, wheel and tire sizes, and transaxle parts. Using the exact model number keeps your repair accurate and avoids returns.
Last updated: February 2026
What brand engine does Craftsman use?
Craftsman uses engines from multiple manufacturers across its lawn and garden lineup. For Craftsman model 917273823 specifically, our documentation confirms it has a low-emission internal combustion engine, but it does not name the engine brand; the exact engine maker is typically identified on the engine shroud or ID label (and in some cases in the engine-specific paperwork). See the owner's manual for model-specific operating and maintenance details.
How to identify the engine brand on model 917273823
Check these common locations on the tractor and engine:
- Engine blower housing or top shroud (often shows Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, or Kawasaki branding)
- Engine ID label near the valve cover, starter, or muffler area (lists model and type codes)
- Under the hood on a decal or tag near the engine mounting area
- The emissions label (often includes engine family information)
- Any separate engine booklet that came with the tractor
What Craftsman commonly uses (typical across many models)
Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors are commonly equipped with engines from a few major brands. Here is a practical way to think about it:
| What you see on the engine | What it usually means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton label | Very common on many Craftsman tractors | Record the engine model and type codes for tune-up parts |
| Kohler label | Common on some higher-output setups | Use the engine model to match filters, plugs, and fuel parts |
| Kawasaki label | Used on some models | Use the engine model for exact service parts |
Why it matters
The tractor model number (917273823) helps us match chassis and deck parts, but engine brand and engine model are what you need to match many maintenance items (spark plug, air filter, oil filter, fuel filter) and some starting/charging components.
Parts that are matched to the tractor (not the engine)
If you are shopping for mower deck and chassis items by tractor model, these are examples of parts that match the tractor and deck configuration:
- Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149
- Solenoid with brass plunger 532146154
- Molded ignition key 532140403
Last updated: February 2026
How many horsepower is a 382cc engine?
A 382cc 4-cycle small engine is typically rated around 12 to 14 horsepower for lawn and garden equipment. For Craftsman model 917273823, the correct approach is to confirm the exact engine model and factory rating in the owner's manual, because horsepower is tied to the specific engine family and its governed RPM.
Typical horsepower for 382cc (what to expect)
Displacement (cc) is only a size measurement; horsepower varies with RPM, compression, and how the manufacturer rates output.
- Most 382cc vertical-shaft mower engines fall in the 12 to 14 HP range
- Higher governed RPM generally increases the published HP number
- “Gross” vs “net” rating methods can change the number even for the same engine
- Carburetor, muffler, and emissions tuning affect peak output
- Condition matters: worn rings, dirty air filter, and dull blades reduce usable power
Quick reference table
| Engine size | Typical HP range | Common applications |
|---|---|---|
| 300 to 350cc | 10 to 12 HP | light-duty mowing |
| 382cc | 12 to 14 HP | 42-inch class mowing, general use |
| 450 to 550cc | 15 to 20 HP | hills, towing, heavier cutting |
How to confirm the horsepower on your Craftsman 917273823
Use the engine identification numbers, not the cc number alone.
- Find the engine model and type numbers on the engine shroud or valve cover area
- Match those numbers to the engine listing/diagrams in the owner's manual
- Use the confirmed engine ID when selecting tune-up and starting parts
Why it matters
Horsepower affects how well the tractor handles thick grass and how much deck load it can manage without bogging down. Keeping the deck in good shape also helps performance; for example, using the correct blade style such as the lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 can change airflow and cutting load.
Last updated: February 2026





