How to look up Craftsman model number?
On a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917276400, you can look up the model number by finding the model and serial tag on the tractor itself (most often on the frame under the seat or on the underside of the seat), then using that exact number when searching parts and manuals such as the 917276400 owner's manual.
Where to find the model and serial number tag
Check these common locations first:
- On the frame under the seat (lift the seat and look down at the frame rails)
- On the underside of the seat pan
- Near the rear fender or rear frame area (close to the seat mounting points)
- On the left or right side of the frame, just behind the engine (less common)
How to use the number once you find it
Use the model number exactly as printed (including dots or dashes if shown).
- Search parts by the full model number (example: 917.276400)
- Match the model number to the correct product type (front-engine lawn tractor)
- Use the serial number to confirm production run details when ordering certain chassis or deck parts
Quick tip
If the tag is dirty or faded, wipe it with a damp rag and mild detergent; avoid aggressive solvents that can remove printing.
Model number vs. serial number (what each one does)
| What you found | What it’s used for | Example format |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Identifies the exact tractor design so you get the right parts diagrams and parts | 917.276400 |
| Serial number | Helps narrow down build variations within the same model | Varies by unit |
Why it matters
Craftsman tractors often share similar looks across years, but deck, belt routing, mandrel, and electrical parts can differ. Using the exact model number helps ensure you get the correct blade, ground drive belt, or starter solenoid for your tractor.
Last updated: February 2026
How to tell the year of a Craftsman lawn mower?
For a Craftsman riding mower like model 917276400, you determine the year by finding the product identification tag and decoding the serial number or date-of-manufacture code printed on that tag. Use the format and examples shown in the 917276400 owner's manual to match your exact tag style.
Where to find the model and serial tag
On Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors, the ID tag is commonly found in these areas:
- Under the seat (seat pan area)
- On the fender pan near the seat
- On a frame rail near the engine
- Near the transaxle area on the frame
- Under the hood on the chassis (less common)
How the year is usually encoded
Craftsman and Craftsman-built-by suppliers have used more than one serial/date format over the years. Two common patterns you may see are:
- A 6-digit date code that reads like MMDDYY (example: 071294 = July 12, 1994)
- A longer serial where a specific position indicates the year (the tag often labels this as a date code)
Quick check table
| What you see on the tag | How to interpret it | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| 6 digits that form a valid month and day | Often a build date code | Convert to month, day, year |
| Longer serial with letters and numbers | Manufacturer serial format varies | Match it to the examples in the manual |
If the code is unclear
Use these practical checks to avoid misreading the year:
- Confirm the first two digits are 01 through 12 (a valid month)
- Confirm the next two digits are 01 through 31 (a valid day)
- Look for a separate line that says “DOM” or “Date”
- Compare your tag layout to the identification information in the manual
Why it matters
The build year helps us match the correct Craftsman parts and specifications, especially for items that can vary by production run such as blades, belts, and electrical components.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the common problems with Craftsman lawn mowers?
Common problems we see on the Craftsman 917276400 lawn tractor are no-start or hard-start conditions (often tied to battery, wiring, fuel, or ignition issues), poor cut quality (deck buildup, dull or bent blades, deck not level), and blade-drive problems (belt, idler, or mandrel issues). Use the 917276400 owner's manual troubleshooting chart to match symptoms to the fastest checks.
Most common symptoms and what usually causes them
- Engine will not start: brake pedal not depressed, attachment clutch engaged, weak/dead battery, blown fuse, corroded battery terminals, loose/damaged wiring, faulty ignition switch, faulty solenoid, operator presence switch issue
- Hard starting or runs rough: dirty air filter, bad spark plug, stale/dirty fuel, dirty fuel filter, carburetor out of adjustment
- Poor cut or uneven cut: mower deck not level, low/uneven tire pressure, worn/bent/loose blade, buildup under deck, bent mandrel, clogged deck vent holes around mandrels
- Blades will not rotate: obstruction in clutch mechanism, worn/damaged mower drive belt, frozen idler pulley, frozen blade mandrel
- Poor grass discharge or clumping: engine speed too slow, travel speed too fast, wet grass, deck not level, improper blades, deck vent holes clogged
Quick checks we recommend first (fast, low-cost)
- Set throttle to full mowing speed; reduce ground speed in heavy grass
- Avoid mowing wet grass; it plugs the deck and leaves clumps
- Inspect under the deck for packed grass and debris; clean it out safely
- Check battery terminals for corrosion and tight connections
- Confirm the brake is fully depressed and the attachment clutch is disengaged before starting
Parts that commonly solve cut and deck-related complaints
| Symptom | Common fix | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Uneven cut, ragged tips | Replace worn/bent blades | Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 |
| Excess vibration | Replace bent/loose blade; inspect mandrel | Husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794 |
| Blades do not spin | Inspect belt and idlers; replace belt if worn | Lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294 |
Why it matters
These issues affect safety and performance. A clogged deck or dull blade increases engine load, can cause vibration, and reduces discharge quality. Electrical no-start problems often trace back to simple interlock, battery, or connection checks.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the parts of a riding lawn mower called?
On a Craftsman riding lawn mower like model 917276400, parts are typically grouped into engine/fuel components, cutting deck components, drive and steering components, and operator controls. For the exact names and locations used for your tractor, we follow the terminology in the 917276400 owner's manual.
Common riding mower part names (by system)
Operator controls (what you use while driving)
The manual for this tractor calls out controls such as:
- Attachment clutch lever (engages mower blades)
- Attachment lift lever and lift lever plunger (raises/lowers deck)
- Clutch/brake pedal (declutching, braking, starting)
- Motion control lever (speed and direction)
- Parking brake lever (locks brake)
- Ignition switch and light switch
- Freewheel control (disengages transmission for pushing)
Cutting system (mower deck)
- Mower deck (housing)
- Blades (cut grass)
- Mandrel assembly (spindle that the blade mounts to)
- Idler pulley and idler spring (keeps belt tension)
- Mower drive belt (turns the blades)
Drive, chassis, and steering
- Ground drive belt (transfers power to the transmission)
- Transmission and axles
- Steering sector gear, drag link, and front wheel assemblies
- Chassis, hood, foot rests, and hardware (nuts, washers, clips)
Examples of model 917276400 parts you may see listed
| System | Example part name | Example part ID |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting deck | Mulching blade, 21-in | 532134149 |
| Cutting deck | Mandrel assembly | 532130794 |
| Drive | Ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in | 532140294 |
| Starting | Starter solenoid | 582042802 |
Why it matters
Using the correct part names helps you match the right diagram and order the right replacement. For example, “blade won’t spin” often points to the mower drive belt, idler pulley, or a frozen mandrel, while “no crank” points to the battery, solenoid, or safety interlock controls.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
Craftsman lawn tractor model 917276400 is an 18.0 HP, 42-inch-deck tractor; the operator manual notes it uses a low-emission engine, but the engine brand and model numbers are confirmed from the engine ID tag on your tractor. Use the 917276400 owner's manual for operating and maintenance procedures.
How to identify the exact engine on your 917276400
Look at the engine itself; that ID is what determines the correct tune-up and repair parts.
- Lift the hood and locate the engine ID label (commonly on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter)
- Write down the engine manufacturer (often Briggs & Stratton or Kohler on tractors of this type)
- Record the engine model/type/code (or model/spec numbers)
- Use those numbers when ordering engine parts such as the air filter, spark plug, or carburetor items
- If the label is missing, use the tractor’s product ID and compare to the engine shown in parts diagrams
What the manual confirms for this model
The cover page of the operator manual identifies these core specs for model 917276400:
| Item | 917276400 specification |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 18.0 HP |
| Mower deck | 42 in |
| Starting | Electric start |
| Transmission | Automatic |
Why it matters
Craftsman tractors can share the same deck size and horsepower rating but use different engine builds. The engine ID tag ensures you get the right maintenance parts and avoid fit issues.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes the 547cc IntelliPOWER engine?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917276400 uses an 18.0 HP, 42-inch mower configuration per the 917276400 owner's manual. The manual does not identify an engine maker or any “547cc IntelliPOWER” branding for this model, so we treat IntelliPOWER as a feature used on other tractor lines, not this Craftsman tractor.
What we can confirm for model 917276400
From the operator’s manual, this tractor is described as:
- Craftsman lawn tractor
- 18.0 HP engine (low-emission design)
- 42-inch mower deck
- Electric start
- Automatic transmission
Why “547cc IntelliPOWER” may not match this model
“547cc IntelliPOWER” is commonly used as a marketing description on certain newer riding mower platforms. Craftsman model 917276400 is documented differently (18.0 HP, 42-inch mower), so the engine family and displacement being discussed likely belongs to a different model number.
Quick comparison
| Item | Craftsman 917276400 (manual) | “547cc IntelliPOWER” listing |
|---|---|---|
| Engine description | 18.0 HP | 547cc (displacement-based) |
| Branding | No IntelliPOWER noted | IntelliPOWER noted |
| Best way to verify | Manual + engine ID tag | Product listing + engine ID tag |
How to identify the actual engine manufacturer on your tractor
Use the engine ID label on the engine itself (not the tractor hood or deck). We recommend:
- Lift the hood and locate the engine data tag (often on the blower housing or valve cover area)
- Write down the engine model, type, and code/spec numbers
- Match those numbers in the 917276400 owner's manual or parts diagrams for the correct engine family
- If you are shopping parts, match by engine model/spec, not by cc claims
Why it matters
The engine manufacturer and spec code determine the correct tune-up parts (air filter, spark plug, fuel filter) and the right service procedures. Using only a cc description can lead to ordering the wrong parts.
Last updated: February 2026





