What model number is the Craftsman 42 riding mower?
For the Craftsman riding mower on this page, the model number is 917289450 (Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor). You can confirm the exact model and specifications on the ID label and in the owner's manual.
How to find the model number on your mower
We recommend checking the mower’s product ID label first, then matching it to the manual and parts list.
- Look under the seat pan or seat bracket area
- Check the frame near the rear fender or footrest
- Look near the engine compartment or dash tower
- Write down the full model number exactly as shown (all digits)
- Use that model number to match parts like belts, switches, and deck components
42-inch deck vs. this model’s deck size
“Craftsman 42” usually refers to the cutting deck width, not the model number. Model numbers identify the exact tractor configuration (engine, deck, transmission, and controls).
| What you’re looking at | What it means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Deck size | Cutting width of the mower deck | 42-inch deck |
| Model number | Exact tractor identity for parts and service | 917289450 |
| Part ID | Identifies a specific replacement part | 592855201 |
Why it matters for parts and repairs
Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong belt length, PTO switch style, or deck hardware. For example, common parts for Craftsman model 917289450 include the lawn tractor ground drive or blade drive belt, 1/2 x 92-2/5-in 592855201 and the switch.pto 582107601.
Ordering the right parts
We recommend ordering replacement parts from the parts list for model 917289450 first; you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect if you’re comparing diagrams or looking for additional assemblies.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
The Craftsman riding mower model 917289450 uses a 26.0 HP low-emission engine (as rated by the engine manufacturer) and is paired with a 54-inch mower deck and an electric start system; see the owner's manual for the exact specifications and operating details.
What we know for model 917289450
From the model 917289450 documentation, these are the key engine-related identifiers you can rely on:
- 26.0 HP engine rating (manufacturer-rated)
- Low-emission engine design (operates differently than older engines)
- Electric start
- 54-inch mower deck
- 6-speed transaxle drivetrain
How to identify the engine on your tractor (quick checks)
If you need the engine make/model for ordering tune-up parts (filter, plug, etc.), use these common ID points:
- Look for the engine ID label on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter
- Record the model, type, and code (or spec numbers) exactly as shown
- Match the engine label to the tractor model 917289450 parts breakdown
- Confirm the deck size (54-inch) so you pull parts from the correct configuration
Common starting-related parts that affect “what engine it has” symptoms
Many “engine” problems on riding mowers are actually starting or safety-circuit issues. These parts on this model are frequent culprits:
- Starter solenoid 582042802 (clicking, no crank)
- Ignition switch 532193350 (no power to start circuit)
- Switch.pto 582107601 (PTO safety interlock preventing crank)
Quick symptom-to-part guide
| Symptom | Most likely area | What to check first |
|---|---|---|
| Clicks but won’t crank | Starting circuit | Battery connections, solenoid, ground cable |
| Cranks but won’t start | Fuel/ignition | Fresh fuel, choke use, spark, air filter |
| Dies when you release brake | Safety interlocks | Brake switch, PTO switch, seat switch |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct engine rating and configuration for Craftsman 917289450 helps you choose the right maintenance parts and troubleshoot correctly; the low-emission design also means starting and choke technique can differ from older tractors.
For parts ordering beyond the items listed above, we recommend using the model-based parts list for 917289450 first, or searching by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What year was Craftsman 917289450 made?
Craftsman model 917289450 (shown in the manual as 917.28945) does not have a single fixed “model year”; it was sold across multiple production runs. The exact build date for your tractor is identified from the serial number and date codes on the ID plate; use the 917289450 owner's manual as your reference.
How we determine the exact build year
We use the tractor’s ID plate information (model and serial) to pinpoint the manufacturing date for that specific unit.
- Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and remove the key
- Lift the seat and locate the model/serial ID plate (commonly under the seat on the fender pan)
- Confirm the model reads 917289450 (or 917.28945)
- Write down the full serial number exactly as printed
- Check the ID plate for any printed date code (some plates include a month/year or similar code)
- Compare what you recorded to the identification information in the manual
What you can confirm quickly
| What you’re checking | Where to look | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | ID plate under the seat | Confirms you have 917289450 |
| Serial number | Same ID plate | Identifies the specific production run |
| Date code (if present) | ID plate | Often indicates month/year of manufacture |
Why it matters
The build date helps ensure parts compatibility when Craftsman updated components mid-run (deck drive, electrical starting circuit, and controls). Verifying the ID plate before ordering prevents getting the wrong belt length or switch style.
Parts that commonly vary by production run
When you’re matching parts for Craftsman 917289450, these are frequent “verify-by-serial” items:
- Deck and drive belt specifications: lawn tractor ground drive or blade drive belt, 1/2 x 92-2/5-in 592855201
- Starting circuit components: lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802
- Key switch and wiring connections: lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350
- Deck spindle/mandrel assemblies: lawn tractor mandrel housing 587819701
You can order replacement parts from the parts list for model 917289450, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





