Craftsman 917273061 garden tractor Parts

For the Craftsman 917273061 front-engine lawn tractor, a full engine replacement typically costs about $800 to $2,500+ total (engine plus labor). The final price depends on whether you install a direct-fit engine, reuse existing parts (like the fuel tank and wiring), and whether a shop does the work.

Typical cost breakdown

These ranges cover most garden tractor engine swaps.

• Engine (new): $500 to $1,800
• Labor (shop install): $300 to $900
• Pickup/delivery or trip charge (if applicable): $50 to $200
• Small parts and fluids: $25 to $150 (oil, filter, fuel line, clamps, hardware)

Scenario	What you pay for	Typical total
DIY replacement	Engine + fluids + small parts	$550 to $2,000
Shop replacement	Engine + labor + shop supplies	$900 to $2,700+
“While we’re in there” repair	Engine + extra wear parts	$1,100 to $3,200+

What usually changes the price the most

• Engine type and fitment: Direct bolt-in replacements cost less than conversions.
• Condition of the tractor: Rusted fasteners, damaged wiring, or worn pulleys add labor.
• Extra parts needed: Throttle/choke cables, belts, battery, or electrical switches.
• Deck and clutch condition: If the mower blades do not engage or stop correctly, the manual notes the electric clutch brake can wear and may need service.

Quick checks before you commit to an engine

We recommend ruling out common “no start” causes first, because they are far cheaper than an engine.

• Confirm the clutch/brake pedal is fully depressed and the attachment clutch is disengaged (safety interlock).
• Check battery connections and basic wiring condition.
• Inspect for fuel issues (stale fuel, cracked lines, leaking tank).
• Verify the PTO and safety switches operate correctly.

If you suspect an electrical issue, use the wiring and safety system guidance in the 917273061 owner’s manual.

Why it matters

An engine swap can cost more than the tractor is worth if the deck, steering, or drive system also needs major work. Pricing the engine plus likely add-ons up front helps you decide between repair, rebuild, or replacement.

Last updated: February 2026

Replacing the engine on your Craftsman garden tractor model 917273061 is worth it when the tractor is otherwise in solid shape (deck, steering, transmission) and the total repair cost stays under about half the price of a comparable replacement tractor. If multiple major systems are worn out, replacement usually makes more sense.

Quick decision checklist (what we look at)

• Overall condition: frame rust, deck rot, wiring damage, and safety interlocks
• Hours and maintenance history: regular oil changes and clean fuel system favor repair
• What failed: a carburetor or starter is very different from a thrown rod
• Parts availability: common wear parts are easy; major assemblies can add up fast
• Safety items: seat switch, brake operation, and blade stop behavior must be correct

Cost rule of thumb

A practical guideline is the 50% rule: if engine replacement plus any “must-do” fixes exceeds 50% of the tractor’s current value, put that money toward a replacement.

Scenario	Typical recommendation	Why
Engine failed but deck and drive are strong	Replace engine	You keep a known-good chassis and controls
Engine failed and transmission slips	Replace tractor	Two major repairs stack costs quickly
Hard starting, surging, stalling	Repair engine systems first	Fuel/ignition fixes are often far cheaper
Blades will not engage or stop correctly	Service clutch system first	Safety and cut quality depend on it

Safety and reliability items to verify first

Your 917273061 manual emphasizes keeping hardware tight, inspecting after striking objects, and never adjusting or repairing with the engine running. It also calls out operator-presence and interlock behavior (engine should shut off if you leave the seat under certain conditions). Use the 917273061 owner’s manual to confirm these checks before investing in a major repair.

• Confirm the clutch/brake pedal and PTO disengaged start conditions
• Verify the engine shuts off when it should (seat and parking brake logic)
• Inspect the deck for damage; keep blade bolts tight (blade bolt torque is typically 27-35 ft-lbs on this style of tractor)
• Check belts, pulleys, and mandrels for wear and free rotation

Why it matters

An engine swap can restore years of service, but only if the tractor’s deck, drive system, and safety interlocks are dependable. Otherwise, you risk spending engine-level money and still fighting cut-quality issues, engagement problems, or shutdown faults.

Last updated: February 2026

A “Craftsman 6.75” label usually refers to the engine horsepower class, not one single mower model number. The exact model number is found on the mower’s model tag; once you have it, match it to the correct parts list and the right 917273061 owner's manual style documentation for your equipment.

Where to find the model number on a Craftsman mower

We use the model number (not the 6.75-hp marking) to identify the correct blade, drive belt, air filter, and other repair parts.

• Check the rear of the deck near the discharge chute
• Look under the seat (riding models) or on the frame rail
• Check near the engine mounting area on the deck
• Look for a sticker or metal tag with a 9-digit number (often starts with 917)
• Write down the full number exactly as shown

“6.75” does not equal one model

Many Craftsman walk-behind mowers were sold with 6.75-hp class engines across multiple years and deck designs. Two mowers can both say 6.75 but use different parts.

What you have	What it tells us	What we still need
6.75-hp marking on engine/shroud	Engine power class	Mower model number
Model tag number (example: 917.XXXXXX)	Exact mower identity	Nothing else to start parts lookup
Engine model (example: Kohler, Briggs)	Engine-specific parts	Still need mower model for deck/drive parts

If you are trying to match parts to a mower

Once you locate the mower model number, use it to select diagrams and parts. If your issue is deck engagement or blades not turning on a tractor-style unit, common related parts include the PTO switch and deck idler components.

• For electric PTO engagement problems, check the switch.pto.3 582107601
• For deck belt tension and routing issues, inspect the idler pulley and keepers
• For uneven cut, check mandrel/spindle condition and blade hardware

Why it matters

Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong blade, belt, or ignition parts, and it ensures the diagrams match your exact deck and drive system.

Last updated: February 2026

For your Craftsman garden tractor model 917273061, we recommend buying replacement parts by searching with the full model number and matching the part name and number exactly. Our parts diagrams and the 917273061 owner's manual help you confirm the correct fit before you order.

Best places to buy Craftsman parts

Use these sources first because they are set up for model-based lookups and exact part matching:

• Sears PartsDirect (model diagrams, part numbers, and repair part lists)
• Craftsman official parts resources (model-based ordering)
• Major retailers that stock Craftsman outdoor power equipment parts (selection varies by season)
• Specialty parts sellers for outdoor power equipment (helpful for older models)

How we recommend you match the right part

Even within the same Craftsman tractor family, parts can vary by deck size, engine, and production run. Use this checklist to avoid ordering the wrong item:

• Confirm the model number is 917273061 (not a close match)
• Identify the system: mower deck, steering, fuel, electrical, or drive
• Compare the part name and part number from the parts list/diagram
• Check quantities and related hardware (clips, nuts, bearings)
• Review notes in the repair parts section of the manual

Example parts you can order for model 917273061

These are common replacement items shown for this model; match by function and location on your tractor:

What it’s for	Example part (ID)	When you’d replace it
PTO engagement (mower deck on/off)	Switch.pto.3 582107601	PTO will not engage, intermittent deck power
Starting/keys	Molded ignition key 532140403	Lost key, worn key causing poor contact
Fuel storage	Husqvarna lawn tractor fuel tank 532151346	Leaks, cracked tank, damaged mounting area

Why it matters

Ordering by model number and diagram position prevents fit issues that can waste time during a repair. It also helps you pick up the correct related hardware (like lock nuts and ring clips) so the repair goes back together safely and stays tight.

Last updated: February 2026

The Craftsman garden tractor model 917273061 is a 20.0 HP gas tractor with electric start (as shown on the manual cover). For the exact engine make and engine model number installed on your unit, match the numbers on the engine shroud or valve cover to the specifications in the 917273061 owner's manual.

How to identify the exact engine on your tractor

Craftsman tractors can be built with different engine variants over a production run; the engine ID tag is the reliable way to confirm what you have.

• Look for an engine model/type/code label on the blower housing or valve cover
• Record the full string exactly as printed (letters and numbers)
• Use that ID to select the correct air filter, oil filter, spark plug, and fuel filter
• Confirm the oil type and oil capacity before servicing
• Use the manual for the tractor-level specs and operating guidance

Model 917273061 specs we can state from the manual

Spec item	What applies to 917273061
Engine rating	20.0 HP
Fuel	Gasoline (unleaded regular)
Starting system	Electric start
Fuel capacity	3.5 gallons

Common engine-related parts that affect starting and power

If you are troubleshooting hard starting or loss of power, these are the first items we check on a Craftsman riding mower:

• Air filter condition and housing seal
• Fresh fuel and a clean fuel path (tank, lines, filter)
• Battery charge and cable connections
• Spark plug condition and correct gap for your engine model
• Throttle and choke linkage movement

Why it matters

Getting the exact engine identification for 917273061 prevents ordering the wrong tune-up parts and helps you use the correct oil, filters, and ignition components for reliable starting and mowing performance.

Last updated: February 2026