Craftsman 502255652 replacement parts Parts

For a Craftsman riding lawn mower like model 502255652, the model number is printed on a product ID label attached to the tractor frame. The most common spot is under the seat; it can also be on the rear frame near the wheels or under the rear guard. Use that exact model number to match parts correctly.

Common places to check on a riding tractor

Look for a sticker or metal tag on the tractor frame in these areas:

• Under the seat (lift the seat and look on the frame pan)
• On either side of the frame near the rear wheels
• On the back of the mower under the rear guard
• Near the engine compartment on the frame rail
• Near the footrest area on the frame (left or right side)

What the label looks like (and what to write down)

The label usually includes several identifiers. For parts lookup, the most important is the model number.

Label item	What it’s used for	Example for this tractor
Model number	Matching diagrams and parts	502255652
Serial number	Identifying production run	Varies
Product name/type	General identification	Craftsman riding tractor

Why it matters

We use the model number to pull the correct parts list and diagrams for your exact tractor. That prevents ordering the wrong belt, spindle, tire, or hardware when there are similar-looking Craftsman tractors.

If the label is missing or unreadable

• Check under the seat first; it’s the most common location
• Wipe the area with a damp rag to remove grass and oil film
• Look for an outline of an old sticker on the frame near the rear wheels
• If you find partial numbers, match them against the parts list for model 502255652

If you’re replacing deck or drive components, matching by model number helps you choose the correct parts such as the belt 37X51MA or spindle, right 400302MA.

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors (including model 502255652) have been built with engines from several major manufacturers; the most common are Briggs & Stratton, with some models using Kohler or Kawasaki depending on the tractor’s series and production run.

How to identify the engine brand on your 502255652

Use the engine’s ID tag, not the hood badge. On most front-engine lawn tractors, the engine label is on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter.

Check these items:

• Engine manufacturer name (Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki)
• Engine model and type (or spec) numbers
• Engine serial number
• Any emissions label that lists the engine family
• Whether the tractor has a single-cylinder or V-twin layout

What you can expect to see (common pairings)

Craftsman has used multiple suppliers over the years, so the “right” answer depends on the exact build.

Engine brand	Where you’ll usually see it	What it affects for parts/repair
Briggs & Stratton	Many Craftsman lawn tractors	Tune-up parts, carburetor, starter, filters
Kohler	Some mid to higher series tractors	Spec-specific parts, ignition, fuel system
Kawasaki	Some premium series tractors	Carburetion, ignition, filters, service intervals

Why it matters

The tractor model number 502255652 helps us match chassis and deck parts, but engine parts are matched to the engine model/spec. Confirming the engine brand and spec prevents ordering the wrong ignition parts, carburetor components, or starter-related items.

Parts on this model page that often relate to “engine won’t crank” symptoms

If the engine brand checks out but the tractor still will not start or crank, these chassis parts commonly come into play:

• Solenoid 7701100MA (starter circuit switching)
• Switch key 421064MA (key and ignition switch interface)
• Tie strap 32618MA (wire routing and harness securing)

Last updated: February 2026

Common problems on a Craftsman riding mower like model 502255652 usually fall into a few buckets: no-start or weak cranking (battery, wiring, starter circuit), engine running poorly (fuel delivery or ignition), blades not engaging (deck belt or idler issues), and poor drive/handling (tires, steering linkage). Many of these trace back to wear items and basic maintenance.

Most common symptoms and what they point to

• Clicks but won’t crank: starter circuit issue; a failing starter solenoid is common (see solenoid 7701100MA).
• Cranks but won’t start: fuel or ignition issue; also check the ignition key and switch (see switch key 421064MA).
• Starts then dies or surges: restricted fuel flow, dirty carburetor, clogged vent in fuel cap, or stale fuel.
• Blades won’t engage or cut is uneven: deck belt slipping/broken (see belt 37X57MA and belt 37X51MA), idler pulley not tensioning (see idler pulley 420613MA), or spindle wear (see spindle, right 400302MA).
• Vibration or loud deck noise: bent blade, loose hardware, or failing spindle bearings.
• Poor traction or pulling to one side: low tire pressure, worn tire, or steering wear (see tire 55700MA and tire 532122075).

Quick checks we recommend before buying parts

1. Confirm safety interlocks: seat/brake/PTO conditions must be correct for starting.
2. Inspect battery cables and grounds: clean, tight connections prevent “click-no-crank.”
3. Check belts and pulleys: look for glazing, cracking, fraying, or a seized pulley.
4. Look for obvious deck play: grab the blade (engine off, spark plug wire removed) and check for spindle wobble.
5. Verify tire pressure: uneven pressure causes uneven cut and steering drift.

Common problem-to-part map (fast reference)

Problem	What to inspect first	Example part on this model page
Clicks but won’t crank	Battery connections, solenoid	Solenoid 7701100MA
Blades won’t engage	Deck belt, idler pulley	Belt 37X57MA, idler pulley 420613MA
Excess deck vibration	Spindle play, loose fasteners	Spindle, right 400302MA
Poor traction	Tire wear, pressure	Tire 55700MA

Why it matters

Catching belt, pulley, and spindle wear early prevents secondary damage (burned belts, damaged housings, and uneven cutting). Electrical no-start issues are often simple connection or solenoid problems, so a quick inspection saves time and cost.

Last updated: February 2026

For Craftsman model 502255652, the year is identified from the tractor’s ID tag information (model and serial/date code). On older Craftsman front-engine tractors, the tag often lists a serial number and sometimes a build date; newer units may show a 6-digit date code.

Where to find the ID tag on a Craftsman tractor

Look for a printed label or metal tag in these common locations:

• Under the seat pan or on the seat support
• On the frame rail near the engine
• Under the hood near the dash tower
• Near the rear axle or transaxle
• On the mower deck shell (less common)

How to interpret the code you find

Craftsman used different formats over the years, so start by writing down the entire string exactly as shown.

• If you see a 6-digit code like MMDDYY: it reads as month, day, year (example: 072811 = July 28, 2011). This format is common on newer equipment.
• If you see a longer serial number (often 8 to 12+ characters): use it as the production identifier; the year is typically determined by matching that serial range to the correct parts breakdown for your exact build.
• If the tag lists only model plus serial: the most practical way to confirm the production version is to match what’s installed to the diagrams and parts list for model 502255652.

What you have on the tag	What it tells you	What to do next
6-digit MMDDYY	Exact build date	Use the year when selecting parts
Serial number only	Production run/version	Match components to the parts list
Missing/unreadable tag	No direct date info	Identify parts by measurements and appearance

Why the year (and build version) matters for parts

Deck and drive components can change across production runs; confirming the correct version prevents ordering the wrong belt, spindle, or hardware.

• Deck spindle styles (example: spindle, right 400302MA)
• Deck/drive belts (examples: belt 37X51MA, belt 37X57MA)
• Tensioning parts (example: idler pulley 420613MA)

Last updated: February 2026