Owner’s manual
What are the most common issues with 917255915?
The most common issues we see on the Craftsman 917255915 6-speed garden tractor involve starting and safety interlocks, drive or deck belt wear, and steering or wheel hardware loosening over time. Many problems trace back to normal wear items and simple adjustments listed in the owner's manual.
Common problems and what they usually point to
- Won’t start or intermittent starting: ignition switch, battery connections, or safety switches (seat/PTO/brake interlock).
- Blades won’t engage: PTO switch issues or deck belt routing/tension problems.
- Tractor won’t move or slips in gear: worn or stretched ground drive belt, idler/pulley wear, or linkage adjustment.
- Squealing, burning rubber smell: belt slipping from misrouting, weak idler spring, or a seized pulley.
- Uneven cut or poor discharge: deck belt wear, damaged deflector, or deck needs leveling.
- Loose steering or wheel wobble: worn bearings, missing clips/nuts, or loose hub hardware.
Parts that commonly solve these symptoms
If your symptoms match, these model-matched parts are frequent fixes:
- Belt issues: lawn mower blade drive belt 582778701, ground drive belt 583639501
- Blade engagement: lawn tractor pto switch 532407863
- No-start: lawn tractor ignition switch 532365402
- Discharge/guarding: deflector shield 532109785
Quick checks before you replace anything
- Park on level ground, set parking brake, remove key, and let moving parts stop.
- Inspect belts for glazing, cracks, fraying, or oil contamination.
- Confirm PTO lever/switch operation and that the deck belt is routed correctly.
- Check battery terminals for tight, clean connections.
- Look for loose fasteners at wheels and pulleys.
Symptom-to-fix guide
| Symptom | Most likely area | Common next step |
|---|---|---|
| No crank/no start | Ignition and interlocks | Test switch circuits, inspect wiring |
| Blades won’t engage | PTO switch, deck belt | Verify PTO switch, inspect belt routing |
| Slips or won’t drive | Ground drive belt, idlers | Inspect belt and idler pulleys |
| Squeal/burning smell | Belt/pulley drag | Check for seized pulley, correct tension |
Why it matters
Catching belt and pulley wear early prevents sudden loss of drive or blade engagement and reduces the chance of damaging pulleys, spindles, and linkages.
Last updated: March 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 42 riding mower?
For the Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor on this page, the model number is 917255915. On the tractor itself, you can confirm it on the model plate attached to the fender; we list the same model in the 917255915 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the mower
We use the model number to match the correct parts diagrams, belts, switches, and hardware for your tractor.
- Look for the model plate on the fender (common location for this Craftsman tractor)
- Record both the model number and serial number for future parts lookups
- Clean off grass and dirt so the stamped or printed characters are readable
- Match the full number exactly (all digits, no spaces)
Model number vs. deck size (42-inch)
A “42-inch” description usually refers to the mower deck cutting width, not the tractor’s model number. Your tractor model number identifies the full machine configuration (engine, transmission, deck lift, wiring, etc.).
| Item | What it tells you | Example for this page |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Exact tractor configuration for parts matching | 917255915 |
| Deck size | Approximate cutting width of the mower deck | 42-inch (varies by setup) |
| Serial number | Production identifier used for exact revisions | Found on the same plate |
Why it matters for parts and repairs
Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong drive belt, PTO switch, or ignition switch for your Craftsman tractor.
- Electrical parts can differ by wiring harness and safety interlocks
- Belts and pulleys vary by deck and drive configuration
- Hardware sizes and linkages can change across similar-looking tractors
Ordering the right parts
Once you confirm 917255915, you can order parts from the list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What year was Craftsman 917255915 made?
Craftsman model 917255915 is identified in the documentation as a GT 18 Twin garden tractor. The most accurate way to pin down the exact build year of your specific tractor is to use the model and serial information from the ID plate (commonly under the seat) and cross-check it with the identification details in the 917255915 owner's manual.
How to find the build year on the tractor
Use the tractor’s ID plate because the same model number can span multiple production runs.
- Lift the seat and locate the model/serial label (often on the fender pan or frame under the seat)
- Confirm the model number reads 917255915
- Write down the full serial number exactly as shown
- Check the manual’s identification section and parts lists for model and serial references
- If the label is missing, look for stamped numbers on the frame near the rear axle area
What the manual confirms for model 917255915
The manual includes model-specific wiring and repair parts sections for this GT 18 Twin tractor.
| Manual section | What it helps you do | Why it helps with “what year” |
|---|---|---|
| Wiring schematic | Identify electrical configuration (12V, ignition, PTO circuits) | Confirms the correct model family and system layout |
| Repair parts lists | Match assemblies and key components | Helps verify you are using the correct model documentation |
| Chassis/drive diagrams | Identify belts, steering, and chassis parts | Supports correct parts matching once the serial range is known |
Why it matters
The build year and serial range affect parts compatibility for wear items like belts, steering hardware, and electrical switches. For example, if you are diagnosing a no-start issue, matching the correct ignition switch style matters when replacing the lawn tractor ignition switch 532365402.
Getting the right parts after you confirm the serial
- Use the parts list for 917255915 to match diagrams to your tractor
- Compare your old part markings to the listed part number before ordering
- If you are unsure between similar-looking parts, use the serial number to narrow the correct diagram
You can order replacement parts from the parts list for model 917255915, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect to cross-check additional diagrams and part variations.
Last updated: February 2026
