Craftsman 917276340 tractor Parts

The model number for this Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor is 917.276340 (often written without the dot as 917276340). You’ll find it listed on the cover and in the parts diagrams in the owner's manual.

Where to confirm the model number on the tractor

Check these common ID locations on Craftsman riding mowers and tractors:

• Under the seat on the frame or seat pan
• On the rear fender pan near the seat
• On the left or right side of the frame, near the engine
• Near the footrest area on the frame rail
• In the documentation that came with the tractor

Why the dot matters (917.276340 vs 917276340)

Both formats refer to the same model; the dot is just a formatting style used in manuals and parts lists.

You might see it as	What it means	Use it for
917.276340	Manual and diagram formatting	Matching diagrams and parts lists
917276340	Online model search formatting	Finding parts and manuals

Why it matters

Using the exact model number ensures you get the correct Craftsman parts for your tractor’s configuration (for example, the 54-inch mower deck and steering components shown in the manual diagrams).

Last updated: February 2026

Yes, it’s worth replacing the engine on your Craftsman 917276340 front-engine lawn tractor when the tractor’s deck, steering, and transmission are still solid and you can keep the total repair cost well below the price of a comparable replacement tractor. If multiple major systems are worn out, an engine swap usually does not pay off.

Quick decision checklist

• The tractor frame and mower deck are not rusted through or cracked.
• The transmission drives normally (no slipping, no loss of motion).
• The wiring and safety interlock system are intact (no hacked or bypassed switches).
• You can source the correct engine and any required pulleys, wiring adapters, and throttle/choke linkages.
• You are not also facing big deck repairs (mandrels, idlers, belts) at the same time.

Cost and condition guide

Use this simple rule to decide:

What you’re comparing	Good sign	Bad sign
Total engine swap cost (parts + labor)	Under ~50% of a comparable tractor	Near or over ~50%
Overall tractor condition	One major failure (engine only)	Several major failures
Parts availability	Common wear parts still available	Hard-to-find parts across systems

What to inspect before you commit

Before spending money on an engine, we recommend checking these common “make-or-break” areas:

• Deck hardware: look for wobble, noise, or heat at the mandrels; a worn mandrel can add significant cost (see lawn tractor mandrel housing 587819701).
• Belt and pulley condition: glazing, cracking, or squealing points to additional repairs (blade drive belt, idlers, keepers).
• Steering and front axle wear: excessive play can mean multiple linkage/bearing repairs.
• Brake and drive engagement: the manual notes the freewheel control and brake behavior; if the tractor will not hold or drive correctly, address that first using the owner's manual.

Why it matters

An engine swap can restore years of service, but only if the rest of the machine is safe and mechanically sound. If the deck, drive system, and safety devices are already near end-of-life, you can end up paying for an engine and still have an unreliable tractor.

Last updated: February 2026

The Craftsman riding mower model 917276340 is a garden tractor equipped with a low-emission gasoline engine and is rated at 27.0 HP in the owner's manual.

What this means for maintenance and parts

Your engine choice affects the tune-up parts you buy and the service steps you follow (oil type, air filter style, spark plug access, and throttle/choke operation). For model 917276340, use the maintenance schedule and specifications in the owner's manual to match parts correctly.

Common engine-related items to check first

• Use full throttle for best mowing performance and battery charging rate
• Use the choke only for cold starts; do not use it to stop the engine
• Turn the key to STOP when parked; leaving it on can drain the battery
• Keep the engine cooling areas clear (air screen/fins) to prevent overheating
• Inspect the muffler area for clogging if performance drops

Quick troubleshooting: start and run symptoms

If the tractor cranks poorly, clicks, or has intermittent starting, these electrical parts are common suspects on riding tractors:

Symptom	Most likely area	Example part on this model page
Single click, no crank	Starter circuit	Solenoid with brass plunger 532146154
No response when key turns	Key switch circuit	Lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350
Key turns but won’t engage accessories	Key/lock cylinder items	Molded ignition key 532140403

Why it matters

Using the correct engine specs for Craftsman 917276340 prevents buying mismatched tune-up parts and helps you follow the correct operating steps for a low-emission engine design.

Last updated: February 2026

On a Craftsman riding tractor like model 917276340, the serial number (not the model number) is what you use to determine the build date. Many Craftsman serial labels include a 6-digit date code where the last two digits are a 2-digit year (for example, 11 = 2011).

Where to find the serial number

Look for the product ID label on the tractor; common locations include under the seat, on the frame near the rear wheels, or near the engine compartment.

• Find a sticker or metal tag listing MODEL and SERIAL
• Wipe dirt off gently so every digit is readable
• Copy the serial number exactly (include leading zeros)
• Take a clear photo for your records

How to decode the year from a common 6-digit date code

A very common Craftsman format is MMDDYY.

• MM = month (01 to 12)
• DD = day (01 to 31)
• YY = 2-digit year (example: 11 = 2011, 05 = 2005)

Example code	MM	DD	YY	Build date example
072811	07	28	11	July 28, 2011

If your serial number is longer than 6 digits, the date code is often embedded within it. Use the label format and identification details in the owner's manual to confirm you are reading the correct number.

Why it matters

The build year helps us match the correct parts diagrams and revisions for your mower deck and drivetrain. That matters when ordering deck parts such as the lawn tractor mandrel housing 587819701 or the lawn tractor blade drive belt 584451901.

Last updated: February 2026