Craftsman 107280340 lawn mower Parts

To identify the engine on your Craftsman rear-engine riding mower model 107280340, locate the engine’s ID label or stamping on the engine shroud (sheet metal) near the muffler and air cleaner; that model/type code is what you use to match service parts and specs. See the 107280340 owner's manual.

Where to look on the engine

Common places the engine model and type are shown include:

• On the sheet metal shroud directly above or near the muffler (either side)
• On the front of the engine shroud near the air cleaner housing
• On a label near the recoil starter area or blower housing
• Near the spark plug area (sometimes on a tag or stamped pad)
• On the valve cover area (less common, but possible)

What numbers you need (and why)

Engine identification usually includes a few fields. Write them down exactly as shown.

What you’ll see	What it’s used for	Example (format)
Model / type code	Correct tune-up and maintenance parts	XXXXX-XXXX-XX
Code / date	Helps identify production version	YYMMDD or similar
Spec number (sometimes)	Confirms exact configuration	Spec-XXXX

Why it matters

The mower model number 107280340 identifies the tractor and deck; the engine model/type identifies the exact engine build. That difference matters when you’re choosing items like the air filter, spark plug, fuel system parts, or ignition components.

Safety steps before checking

Follow these basic precautions before reaching around the engine:

• Stop the engine and let hot parts cool (muffler and exhaust can burn)
• Disconnect the negative (black) battery cable before service
• Remove the spark plug wire and secure it away from the plug
• Keep hands clear of the blade area; blades are sharp

Last updated: January 2026

For a Craftsman rear-engine riding mower model 107280340, the serial number can sometimes indicate the build date, but the format varies by manufacturer and engine. We recommend using the identification label on the mower plus the date and spec details in the 107280340 owner's manual to narrow the manufacturing timeframe.

Where to find the serial number (and what else to record)

On most rear-engine riders, the ID label is commonly found in one of these places:

• Under the seat pan or seat bracket area
• On the rear frame near the transaxle
• On the mower deck shell (top surface) or deck hanger area
• Near the engine mounting plate
• On the frame rail by the left or right rear wheel

Also write down these items because they help confirm age and correct parts:

• Model number: 107280340
• Engine brand and model (often Briggs & Stratton on this unit)
• Engine code/date (if present on the engine shroud or valve cover area)
• Any product number or type code listed with the serial

How serial numbers usually encode a date

Many mower serial formats include a date code, but it is not universal. Common patterns we see:

• YYMMDD (year, month, day)
• MMDDYY (month, day, year)
• YYWW (year and production week)
• A letter prefix plus digits (letter indicates plant or series, digits include date)

Quick decode examples

Example pattern	What it means	Example result
YYMMDD	2-digit year, month, day	210615 = June 15, 2021
YYWW	year + week number	1934 = week 34 of 2019

Use the mower specs to confirm you are decoding the right machine

If you have multiple mowers or swapped engines, confirm you are working from the correct unit. The 107280340 operator manual lists key identifiers such as a 28-inch deck and 12.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine (344 cc), which helps match the correct equipment to the serial tag.

Why it matters

Knowing the build timeframe helps us match the right maintenance parts and service procedures (blade, deck belt, air filter, spark plug) and prevents ordering parts for a similar-looking but different production run.

Last updated: January 2026

Craftsman model numbers like 107280340 identify the product family and configuration, not the build date. For your Craftsman 107280340 rear-engine riding mower, use the model and serial information on the ID tag (rear frame, between the wheels) when ordering parts or getting service; see the 107280340 operator's manual.

Where to find the numbers you need

We use these identifiers to match the correct diagrams, parts, and specifications for your riding mower.

• Model number: 107280340 (used to find the correct parts list)
• Unit serial number: used to narrow production variations
• Engine numbers (maker, model, type/spec, code/serial): used for engine-specific parts
• Stock number (if listed): sometimes used for cross-referencing

How to read the ID tag (what each field means)

The ID tag is the most reliable source because it ties directly to your exact machine.

Field on tag	What it tells us	When you need it
Model name/number	The mower platform and deck configuration	Always (parts lookup)
Unit serial number	Production run details	When parts vary by serial range
Engine model/type/spec	Exact engine configuration	Spark plug, air filter, carburetor, starter parts
Engine code/serial	Engine build identifiers	Engine service and parts matching

Why “month/day/year” usually does not apply

Many Craftsman outdoor power products do not encode a simple manufacture date in the model number. The model number is primarily a product identifier; the serial number and engine code are what typically help date or version the unit.

Why it matters

Using the correct model and serial information prevents ordering the wrong mower deck, drive components, belts, blades, or engine parts, and it speeds up troubleshooting and service.

Last updated: January 2026

Yes, replacing the engine on your Craftsman 107280340 rear-engine riding mower is worth it when the tractor chassis, deck, and transmission are still solid and you want to extend the mower’s life; it is usually the right call when the engine is the only major failure and the replacement cost stays well below the cost of a comparable new rider.

Quick decision checklist

• Deck and frame are sound: no major rust-through, cracks, or bent deck shell.
• Transmission drives normally: it moves forward and reverse without slipping (your model uses a 5-speed disc drive).
• Cut quality issues are fixable: uneven or rough cut is often blade, belt, leveling, or tire pressure related.
• You can match key engine specs: crankshaft size, mounting pattern, and charging output.
• You want to keep the same mower size: this model is a 28-inch deck rider, which can be hard to replace at the same footprint.

Model-specific facts that affect the value

Your Craftsman 107280340 is a compact rear-engine rider with a 28-inch deck, 12.5 HP / 344 cc engine, and a listed weight of 314 lb. If the mower still steers well, brakes hold, and the deck engages properly, an engine swap can be a practical way to keep a known-good machine running. See the specs section in the 107280340 owner's manual.

Repair vs replace: a simple cost comparison

Option	Best when	Typical downside
Replace engine	Deck, drive, and controls are in good shape	Upfront cost and install time
Repair existing engine	Problem is minor (carb, ignition, fuel)	May not solve low compression or internal wear
Replace mower	Multiple major systems are worn	Higher total cost, new setup and accessories

Why it matters

On a riding mower, the engine is only one part of the total system. If the deck belt, blades, steering, and drive are healthy, replacing the engine restores reliability without starting over with a different machine.

Safety notes we follow before any engine work

• Disconnect the negative (black) battery cable before service.
• Remove and secure the spark plug wire away from the plug.
• Work only with the engine stopped and the mower blocked safely.
• Avoid overspeeding; do not change governor settings.

Last updated: January 2026