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What model number is the Craftsman 42 riding mower?
For the Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor on this page, the model number is 917.273505 (often written without the dot as 917273505). This model is a 16.5 HP tractor with a 42-inch mower deck; confirm the exact ID on the product label and in the owner's manual.
We recommend checking these common locations on Craftsman riding mowers:
- Under the seat on the frame or seat pan area
- On the rear fender or near the rear wheels
- On the frame rail near the engine compartment
- On a label near the steering column or dash area
- In the documentation that shipped with the tractor
A “42-inch” description usually refers to the mower deck cutting width, not the model number. Many different Craftsman tractors use a 42-inch deck, so the model number is the reliable way to match parts.
| What you’re looking at | What it tells you | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| 42-inch deck size | Cutting width | Choosing blades and deck-related parts |
| Model number 917.273505 / 917273505 | Exact tractor configuration | Ordering the correct parts and diagrams |
| Part number / part ID | Exact replacement component | Replacing a specific item |
Using the correct model number helps us match the right diagrams and parts for your Craftsman 917273505, especially for deck and drive components.
Common 42-inch deck parts shown for this model include:
- Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149
- Lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294
If you are shopping beyond the parts listed for this model, search by the full model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What year did Craftsman make the 917273505?
Craftsman model 917273505 was produced during the early-to-mid 2000s; the exact build year for your specific tractor is determined by the manufacturing date code on the tractor’s product/serial label, not by the model number alone. Use the steps in the owner's manual to locate the label and confirm the date.
We use the tractor’s product/serial label because Craftsman reused model families across multiple years.
- Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and remove the key.
- Look for the product/serial label (commonly under the seat, on the frame near the seat pan, or under the hood area).
- Write down the serial number and any date code printed on the label.
- If the label is dirty or faded, clean it gently and take a clear photo for reference.
- Match the label information to the identification guidance in the owner's manual.
The manual confirms the platform identity (for example, it lists TRACTOR MODEL NUMBER 917.273505 and shows the 42-inch deck parts breakdown), but it does not assign a single calendar year to the model number.
| Identifier | What it’s used for | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (917273505) | Parts diagrams and compatibility | Ordering the right blade, belt, deck, and chassis parts |
| Serial/date code on label | Manufacturing date | Determining the exact year your tractor was built |
The build year affects running changes such as wiring harness routing, safety interlock switch versions, and deck hardware. Confirming the year helps us match the correct replacement parts the first time, especially for electrical and mower deck components.
These are examples of model-matched parts shown for Craftsman 917273505:
- Molded ignition key 532140403 (ignition key)
- Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 (blade option)
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 (blade option)
- Lawn tractor deflector shield 532130968 (discharge safety shield)
If you need to order parts beyond the list for this tractor, search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917273505, a full engine replacement typically runs about $800 to $2,500 installed (engine plus labor). The total depends on the engine type, whether the replacement is a direct-fit, and what else gets replaced during the swap; we use the owner's manual to confirm the correct engine specs and procedures.
- Engine price: Most replacement riding mower engines fall roughly in the $500 to $1,800 range.
- Labor time: A riding mower engine swap commonly takes 4 to 8 hours.
- Extra parts and supplies: Oil, filter, fuel line, clamps, belts, and hardware often add $25 to $150.
- Related repairs found during teardown: Worn belts, pulleys, or deck components can increase the bill.
- Fitment and wiring differences: Throttle/choke linkages, charging circuits, and muffler routing can add time.
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement engine | $500 to $1,800 | Biggest variable; depends on horsepower and crankshaft specs |
| Labor | $300 to $900 | Based on shop rate and hours |
| Fluids and small parts | $25 to $150 | Oil, filter, fuel line, clamps, hardware |
| Optional add-ons | $0 to $300+ | Belts, pulleys, blades, battery, etc. |
Even when you are replacing the engine, we recommend inspecting wear items that affect drive and cutting performance:
- Ground drive belt (example: lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294)
- Blades (example: lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971)
- Mandrel components if the deck has vibration or noise (example: husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794)
- Idler spring tension (example: lawn tractor blade idler spring 532169022)
An engine replacement is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Pricing it correctly means matching the engine specifications to your Craftsman 917273505 and budgeting for the wear parts that often show up once the tractor is apart. For replacement parts that fit this model, we list them on the parts diagram for this tractor, and you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273505 is a 16.5 HP riding lawn tractor with a 42-inch mower deck (as shown in the 917273505 owner's manual). To identify the exact engine make and model installed on your tractor, use the engine’s model/type/code label and the hood decals.
Use these checks on the tractor itself; they confirm the engine manufacturer and the exact engine model.
- Find the engine model/type/code label on the blower housing, valve cover area, or near the starter
- Record the model, type, and code exactly as printed
- Check the hood decals (some versions list “Powered by …”)
- Match what you recorded to the engine section and decals list in the 917273505 owner's manual
- If the tractor was repowered, always use the engine label, not the tractor model number
The manual confirms the tractor platform and key specs that help you match the correct engine family and deck parts.
| Spec | 917273505 detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Power rating | 16.5 HP | Helps verify the correct engine family and decals |
| Deck size | 42-inch | Helps match blades, belt routing, and deck hardware |
| Starting | Electric start | Points to battery, starter, and solenoid circuits |
The tractor model number (917273505) identifies the chassis and deck system; the engine label identifies the exact engine. That label is what ensures you get the right spark plug, air filter, fuel parts, and starter components.
These are common maintenance and wear items for the 42-inch deck and ground drive setup:
- Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149
- Lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294
To find additional parts by model number and diagrams, you can also search on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
