How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
Replacing the engine on a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917276682 typically costs $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine type, labor rates, and whether related items (battery cables, belts, pulleys) also need service. Use the 917276682 owner's manual to confirm safety steps before any work.
- Engine cost: new, rebuilt, or used engine options vary widely
- Labor time: riding mower engine swaps commonly take about 6 hours
- Extra parts: worn belts, pulleys, wiring, or fuel system parts can add cost
- Shop rates: local labor rates and minimum service charges
- Pickup and delivery: common for riding mowers and tractors
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (part) | $150 to $1,400 | Biggest variable; depends on brand and horsepower class |
| Labor | $300 to $900 | Often based on ~6 hours plus shop supplies |
| Misc. parts and fluids | $25 to $250 | Oil, filter (if equipped), fuel filter, hardware |
| Total installed | $260 to $1,800 | Real-world range for many riding mowers |
If the tractor will not crank or start, we check the basics first because they are faster and cheaper than an engine replacement:
- Battery charge and cable connections
- Fuse and wiring condition
- Ignition switch operation
- Starter solenoid and starter function (a common no-crank path)
- Fuel quality and fuel filter condition
If you are chasing a click-no-crank symptom, the riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video matches the troubleshooting flow used on many tractors.
An engine replacement is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower; confirming the real failure (starting circuit, fuel delivery, or internal engine damage) prevents spending engine-level money on a fixable electrical or maintenance issue.
Last updated: February 2026
How to tell model year of Craftsman riding mower?
To tell the model year on a Craftsman riding mower like model 917276682, we use the date code on the product ID label (often on the frame under the seat or near the engine). Many Craftsman labels use a 6-digit code in MMDDYY format, where the last two digits are the year.
Check these common label locations on Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors:
- Under the seat pan (lift the seat and look on the frame)
- On the rear fender area near the seat
- On the frame rail near the engine
- Near the transaxle area on the rear frame
- Sometimes inside the hood area on a side panel
For label diagrams and model identification details, use the 917276682 owner's manual.
A very common Craftsman date code format is MMDDYY:
- MM = month
- DD = day
- YY = year
| Date code | Interprets as | Model year clue |
|---|---|---|
| 072811 | July 28, 2011 | Built in 2011 |
| 031915 | March 19, 2015 | Built in 2015 |
| 110920 | November 9, 2020 | Built in 2020 |
Some tractors use a different serial/date format. When that happens, we match the mower by:
- Model number (for you: 917276682)
- Product number or serial number from the same label
- Engine model and type (on the engine shroud label)
- Major configuration (deck size, transmission type)
Knowing the build date helps us choose the correct parts and diagrams for your exact tractor configuration, especially for wear items like blades, belts, and deck hardware.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917276682, the operator’s manual identifies it as a 24.0 HP, 42-inch mower tractor with a low-emission engine; the manual does not specify the engine brand or model in the excerpted pages. For the exact engine make and model, use the engine ID label on the engine and confirm it in the 917276682 owner's manual.
Use these quick checks to get the engine make and model number you need for tune-up parts and service:
- Lift the hood and look for an engine ID sticker on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter
- Write down the model, type, and code (common on Briggs and Stratton engines)
- Check for a stamped tag near the muffler heat shield or above the spark plug
- Match the ID to the engine parts list referenced in the 917276682 owner's manual
- Use the ID when ordering ignition, fuel, and starting parts
The manual for this tractor family (including 917.276682) calls out these engine-related characteristics.
| Item | What the manual indicates | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower class | 24.0 HP | Confirms the power class for this model family |
| Mower deck size | 42-inch | Helps match blade and deck-related parts |
| Engine type | Low-emission engine | Indicates newer emissions design and operating differences |
Knowing the exact engine make and model prevents wrong-part orders for common maintenance items (spark plug, air filter, fuel filter) and speeds up troubleshooting when the tractor will not start or runs rough.
If the engine clicks or struggles to crank, these model-listed parts are commonly involved in the starting circuit and operator controls:
- Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 (starter engagement)
- Battery cables and connections (clean and tighten)
- Safety interlock switches (seat, brake, PTO)
Last updated: February 2026
Where is Craftsman's model number?
On the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917276682, the model number is shown on the tractor’s model label and is also printed on the cover of the 917276682 owner's manual. Use the full model number when ordering parts like blades, belts, or electrical components.
Check these common ID-label locations on front-engine riding mowers and tractors:
- Under the seat on the seat pan or fender area
- On the frame rail near the engine compartment
- Under the hood near the dash or steering column
- Near the rear fender or hitch plate area
- On the mower deck shell (sometimes a separate deck tag)
For this Craftsman tractor series, the model number is a 9-digit format.
| What you need | Example for this tractor | Why you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model number | 917276682 | Ensures correct parts diagrams and fit |
| Deck size (common spec) | 42-inch deck | Helps match blades and deck belt |
| Engine HP (common spec) | 24.0 HP | Helps match tune-up and engine-related parts |
Using the correct model number prevents mismatches between similar tractors that use different decks, belts, or wiring.
- Blades can differ by deck type and lift style (mulching vs high-lift)
- Belts vary by routing and length
- Electrical parts can vary by harness and safety interlock setup
- Deck spindle and pulley parts must match the exact deck configuration
If you are servicing the mower deck, match parts to the tractor model and deck diagram; for example, a deck spindle/mandrel component like the lawn tractor mandrel shaft assembly 587819701 must match the correct deck build.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is a Craftsman 6.75 lawn mower?
A “Craftsman 6.75” is usually a 21-inch walk-behind mower (not a riding tractor), and the exact model number depends on the ID tag on your mower. For the Craftsman riding tractor model on this page, the model number is 917276682; confirm your mower’s model on the product label and compare it to the 917276682 owner's manual.
Look for a sticker or metal tag in one of these common spots:
- On the rear of the mower deck near the discharge chute
- Under the seat area (on some self-propelled designs)
- On the handle support brackets near the base of the handle
- Near the engine mounting area on the deck
- In the battery compartment (electric start versions)
“6.75” typically refers to an engine power class used on many Craftsman walk-behind mowers. Multiple mower models can share the same engine class, but they use different parts (blade adapters, belts, wheels, air filters, and carburetor linkages).
| What you see | What it usually means | What to record |
|---|---|---|
| “6.75” on the engine shroud | Engine power class | Not enough to order parts |
| “917.xxxxxx” format | Craftsman model family | Record the full number |
| A serial number | Production identifier | Helpful, but not the model |
Use the full model number from the tag (for example, 917.XXXXXX). If your mower turns out to be a riding tractor like this one, common wear items include deck blades and belts; for this tractor we list blades such as the lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 and belt-driven components.
Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong blade, belt length, or engine tune-up parts; Craftsman models can look similar but use different deck and drive systems.
Last updated: February 2026
Where can I find the Craftsman product date code?
On a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917276682, the most useful “date code” is typically on the tractor product identification label (often under the seat or on the frame) or on the engine ID label (on the engine shroud). For model-specific label locations, use the 917276682 owner's manual.
Look for a sticker or metal tag in these areas:
- Under the seat pan or on the seat support/frame rail
- On the rear fender pan near the seat (left or right side)
- On the frame near the footrest area
- Under the hood near the dash tower (less common)
- On the engine shroud or valve cover area (engine model and code)
Different labels use different formats. Here are the most common:
| Label type | What it usually includes | What it helps with |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor product ID label | Model number, serial number | Matching the correct Craftsman parts diagrams for your exact build |
| Engine ID label | Engine model, type, code/date | Identifying engine-specific tune-up parts and specs |
| Battery date code (if equipped) | 4 to 6 digits (varies by maker) | Determining battery age for charging and replacement decisions |
- Wipe the area with a damp rag first; grass dust can hide the print.
- Use a flashlight and take a photo; zooming in often makes faint numbers readable.
- If the tractor label is damaged, check the engine label; it is often more durable.
The date code or serial information helps us match the correct parts for your exact build, especially when components vary by production run (blades, belts, and electrical parts).
Last updated: February 2026





