Who makes Craftsman engines?
Craftsman engines are made by several manufacturers depending on the specific tractor or mower; for Craftsman lawn equipment, the most common engine suppliers are Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, and Kawasaki. For Craftsman model 917274951, the engine family is identified in the 917274951 owner's manual, which is the best way to confirm the exact engine maker for your unit.
Use these quick checks (no parts removal needed):
- Look for the engine brand badge on the blower housing or valve cover (often says Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, or Kawasaki).
- Find the engine model and type numbers on the engine ID label (usually on the shroud, valve cover, or near the starter).
- Match the engine ID information to the engine section in the 917274951 owner's manual.
- Check for decals that reference the engine family (some units have engine-related decals listed in the manual parts pages).
- If the tractor has been repowered, rely on the engine ID label, not the tractor model number.
Craftsman is the equipment brand; the engine is commonly sourced from a major engine manufacturer. That is why two Craftsman riding mowers can share the Craftsman name but have different engines.
| Engine maker | Where you’ll usually see it | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton | Many Craftsman lawn tractors | “Briggs & Stratton” badge and engine model/type code |
| Kohler | Some mid to higher HP tractors | “Kohler” badge and Command/Courage-style model tag |
| Kawasaki | Some premium models | “Kawasaki” badge and FR/FS-series style model tag |
Knowing the engine maker helps you get the right tune-up parts (spark plug, air filter, fuel filter) and the correct service specs (oil type, capacity, valve settings) for your Craftsman 917274951.
Last updated: January 2026
How to look up Craftsman model number?
To look up parts for your Craftsman riding mower, we use the model number from the product ID label. On Craftsman lawn tractors like model 917274951, that label is typically on the frame under the seat area; once you have the full model number, you can match parts and diagrams accurately using the 917274951 owner's manual.
Check these common spots first (clean the area so the numbers are readable):
- On the frame under the seat (often easiest to see with the seat raised)
- On the underside of the seat pan
- Near the rear fender or seat bracket area
- On the mower deck housing (less common, but possible)
- On a decal near the engine compartment (varies by build)
Once you find the model number, use it exactly as printed (including dots or dashes if shown on the label).
- Confirm the model number matches the format 917.274951 or 917274951
- Use the model number to pull the correct parts diagrams (mower deck, steering, electrical, wheels)
- Match the part name and part ID before ordering
- If you are replacing a wear item, compare belt routing or hardware callouts in the manual
| What it is | Example | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | 917274951 | Identifies the exact tractor version and diagrams |
| Part ID | 582107601 | Identifies a specific replacement part listing |
| Part number | 104757X428 | Manufacturer number printed on packaging/part |
Craftsman tractors can look similar across years, but small changes in deck size, drive system, or wiring can change the correct belt, switch, or hardware. Using the exact model number helps ensure the right fit the first time.
Last updated: January 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917274951 uses a 21.0 HP, electric-start engine (as listed in the owner’s manual). For the exact engine manufacturer, type, and service part numbers, match the engine ID label on your engine to the specifications section in the 917274951 owner's manual.
Use these quick checks so you get the right tune-up and repair parts:
- Lift the hood and locate the engine ID label (often on the blower housing or valve cover)
- Write down model, type, and code (common on Briggs & Stratton engines)
- Compare those numbers to the engine/specifications information in the manual
- Use the engine ID (not just the tractor model) when buying ignition or fuel-system parts
- If the label is missing, use the tractor’s build info and the manual’s spec section to narrow it down
The 917274951 control layout in the manual helps confirm you are working with the correct tractor configuration:
| Control | What it does | Why you care |
|---|---|---|
| Ignition switch | Starts and stops the engine | No-crank and no-start troubleshooting starts here |
| Choke control | Helps start a cold engine | Incorrect choke use can cause hard starting |
| Throttle control | Sets engine speed | Full throttle is typically best for mowing performance |
Some parts are tractor-specific (deck, belts), while others are engine-specific (spark plug, air filter, carburetor parts). If you are diagnosing a no-start or intermittent shutoff, the engine ID is the fastest way to avoid wrong-part returns.
If the starter clicks or the engine spins but will not fire, follow a structured starting diagnosis using riding lawn mower engine spins but wont start video.
Craftsman tractor model numbers (like 917274951) identify the chassis and mower deck system, but the engine ID determines many maintenance parts and settings. Confirming both saves time and prevents repeat repairs.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917274951 engine?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917274951 uses a Kohler engine model CV624 with type number 65577. We list it in the ENGINE breakdown for this tractor in the 917274951 owner's manual; you can also match it to the engine ID label on the engine for the most accurate parts lookup.
Use the manual and the engine ID tag together so the model and type match your exact build.
- Open the ENGINE section for tractor model 917274951 in the 917274951 owner's manual
- Look for the engine callout that lists the Kohler model and type
- Find the engine ID label on the engine (commonly on the blower housing or shroud)
- Record model (CV624) and type (65577)
- Also record the serial number; it helps when ordering Kohler engine parts
| Identifier | What it identifies | For this tractor |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model number | Craftsman tractor chassis and configuration | 917274951 |
| Engine model number | Kohler engine family | CV624 |
| Engine type number | Exact engine build configuration | 65577 |
Kohler engines can share the same model family but use different carburetors, linkages, or gasket sets by type number. Using CV624-65577 keeps you aligned with the correct engine parts for your Craftsman 917274951.
Last updated: January 2026





