Owner’s manual
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How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917273260, a full engine replacement typically costs about $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine, labor rates, and any extra parts needed (battery, belts, pulleys, wiring repairs). Use the owner's manual to confirm engine and service details before ordering parts.
What drives the total replacement cost?
- Engine price (new or replacement engine assembly)
- Labor time (riding mower engine swaps commonly take several hours)
- Related repairs found during teardown (wiring, starter/solenoid, fuel system)
- Wear items replaced “while you’re in there” (belts, pulleys, clutch components)
- Pickup/delivery or mobile service fees (if applicable)
Parts that commonly add cost (and why)
Even when the engine is the main issue, we often see these related items replaced to restore reliable operation:
| Item | What it affects | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Ground drive belt | Tractor movement and load on the engine | Lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294 |
| PTO switch | Ability to engage the mower deck safely | Pto switch 582107601 |
| Electric clutch | Deck engagement under load | Lawn tractor electric clutch 532414336 |
When an “engine replacement” is not actually needed
Your manual’s troubleshooting chart lists several no-start and low-power causes that can look like a bad engine but are usually cheaper fixes:
- Weak/dead battery or corroded terminals
- Loose/damaged wiring
- Faulty solenoid or starter
- Dirty air filter, stale fuel, dirty fuel filter
- Low oil level or dirty oil
A good first step is to follow the no-start checks in the owner's manual. For a guided diagnostic, we also recommend riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video.
Why it matters
Replacing the engine is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Confirming whether the problem is electrical (battery, solenoid, starter), fuel-related, or belt/clutch-related prevents spending engine-level money on a fix that does not solve the real issue.
If you decide to move forward, you can order replacement parts for model 917273260 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What brand engine does Craftsman use?
Craftsman lawn tractors can be equipped with engines from several manufacturers, depending on the specific tractor model and production year. For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273260, the owner’s documentation identifies it as a 23.0 HP internal combustion, low-emission engine setup; use the 917273260 owner's manual to confirm the exact engine make and service specs for your tractor.
Common engine brands used on Craftsman lawn tractors
Across Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors, these engine brands are the most common:
- Briggs & Stratton
- Kohler
- Kawasaki
- Other OEM-supplied engines used in certain model runs
How to identify the engine brand on model 917273260
The fastest way is to match the engine identification to your tractor’s documentation and labels.
- Check the engine shroud or valve cover for a brand badge (Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki)
- Locate the engine model and type code on the engine label (often near the starter or blower housing)
- Cross-check the engine information against the specifications and maintenance sections in the 917273260 owner's manual
- Use the tractor model number 917273260 when ordering maintenance or drive components
Parts that are often confused with “engine parts”
Many running or drive complaints are caused by belt or PTO components rather than the engine itself. If you are troubleshooting power to the mower deck or forward motion, these model-matched parts are common suspects:
| Symptom | Often-related system | Example part for 917273260 |
|---|---|---|
| Blades will not engage | PTO electrical or clutch | Pto switch 582107601 |
| Tractor will not move or slips | Ground drive belt and pulleys | Lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294 |
| Deck engagement noise or poor tension | Idler pulley system | Lawn tractor blade idler pulley 532177968 |
Why it matters
Engine brand determines the correct tune-up parts and service procedures (oil type, spark plug, air filter, valve settings). Using the correct specs also helps prevent hard starting, poor performance, and premature wear.
If you need to order replacement parts for your Craftsman 917273260, use the parts list for this model first, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What year did Craftsman make the 917273260?
Craftsman model 917273260 does not map to one single model year; it was sold across a production run, and the exact build year is identified from the tractor’s product/serial number on the ID tag. Use the model-specific parts and decal information in the 917273260 owner's manual to match your tractor’s configuration.
How to identify the exact build year on your tractor
Check the tractor’s identification tag first; that tag is what ties your unit to a specific manufacturing date range.
- Look for the ID tag under the seat, on the frame rail, or near the rear fender pan
- Record the model number (917273260) and the product/serial number exactly as shown
- Compare your tractor’s hood, fender, and dash layout to the manual’s chassis and enclosures breakdown
- Use the decals list to confirm you are working with the correct model family and trim
- Keep the ID information with your maintenance records for future parts lookups
What our manual confirms for model 917273260
The documentation is explicitly labeled TRACTOR MODEL NUMBER 917.273260 and provides illustrated parts breakdowns that help you verify the exact configuration of your tractor.
| Manual section | What it helps you verify | Why it helps with year/run changes |
|---|---|---|
| Chassis and enclosures | Hood, grille, fender/footrest, dash panels | Confirms body style used during that run |
| Ground drive | Transaxle type, brake linkage, control parts | Identifies drive-system variations |
| Decals | Hood, fender, battery, belt schematic decals | Helps match the correct label set |
Why it matters
Craftsman made running changes within the 917.273xxx family; confirming the exact product/serial number prevents ordering the wrong wear items (belts, pulleys, electrical switches) when servicing the mower deck or ground drive.
Parts tip once you confirm your ID
After you confirm the product/serial number, order replacement parts from the parts list for model 917273260, or search the model number on Sears PartsDirect for additional diagrams and parts.
Last updated: February 2026
