Do Craftsman mowers use Briggs and Stratton engines?
Yes, some Craftsman mowers use Briggs & Stratton engines, and the Craftsman model 917270670 lawn tractor specifically uses a Briggs & Stratton engine (Briggs model 310707-0136-E1) per the tractor’s documentation and parts listing. See the engine identification details in the 917270670 owner’s manual.
What this means for your Craftsman 917270670
Craftsman used different engine suppliers across model lines and years, so the only reliable way to confirm the engine brand is by checking the exact model’s manual or the engine model/type code on the engine shroud.
For model 917270670, the engine is identified as Briggs & Stratton.
How to confirm the engine on your mower (quick checks)
- Check the engine shroud for the Briggs & Stratton nameplate or decal.
- Locate the engine model/type code stamped on the blower housing.
- Match that code to the engine listing in the 917270670 owner’s manual.
- Use your tractor’s full model number (917270670) when ordering tune-up parts.
- If you are replacing a belt or deck component, confirm deck size and routing first.
Common engine-related parts vs. tractor parts
Even when the engine is Briggs & Stratton, many wear items are tractor or deck-specific (belts, blades, mandrels). For example, the mower deck blade drive belt is a tractor/deck part, not an engine part.
| Part type | Usually tied to | Example for 917270670 |
|---|---|---|
| Spark plug, air filter, carb parts | Engine model/type | Briggs & Stratton 310707-0136-E1 |
| Blade drive belt, blades, mandrels | Tractor deck design | Lawn tractor v-belt 532144959 |
Why it matters
Engine brand and engine model/type determine the correct maintenance parts (spark plug, air filter, fuel system parts) and service procedures. Using the tractor model number alone can lead to the wrong engine tune-up parts if the same tractor platform was sold with different engines.
Last updated: January 2026
How many horsepower is a 420cc Craftsman engine?
For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917270670, the engine is rated at 16 HP. “420cc” by itself does not map to one fixed horsepower because horsepower varies by engine design and the RPM at which it’s rated, so always use the tractor’s specified HP when matching parts and service procedures.
What we can confirm for model 917270670
Our owner’s documentation for this exact tractor lists it as a 16 HP Craftsman tractor with a 42-inch mower deck.
- Model: 917270670
- Engine rating: 16 HP
- Deck size: 42 in.
- Starting: electric start
For operating specs, tune-up intervals, and maintenance procedures, use the 917270670 owner’s manual.
Why “420cc” does not equal one horsepower number
Engine displacement (cc) is only one piece of the performance picture. Two 420cc engines can have different horsepower ratings.
Common reasons HP varies:
- Different governed RPM (how fast the engine is allowed to spin)
- Different carburetor and ignition tuning
- Different compression ratio and camshaft profile
- Different emissions configuration
- Different rating standard (gross vs. net)
Quick comparison
| Measurement | What it tells you | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| CC (displacement) | Engine size/air-fuel capacity | Comparing engine families |
| HP (horsepower) | Power output at a rated RPM | Matching tractor capability |
| Torque | Pulling strength under load | Mowing and towing performance |
Why it matters
Using the correct 16 HP rating for the Craftsman 917270670 helps you choose compatible maintenance parts (like belts and blades) and follow the right service steps and safety limits.
Last updated: January 2026
What kind of engine does a Craftsman riding lawn mower have?
For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917.270670, the engine is a Briggs & Stratton single-cylinder engine; the engine model listed for this tractor is 310707-0136-E1. For operating details and maintenance specs (oil, spark plug, fuel), use the 917270670 owner's manual.
Engine details for model 917.270670
Here’s what we can identify for this exact model:
- Brand: Briggs & Stratton
- Configuration: single-cylinder
- Engine model: 310707-0136-E1
- Starting system: electric start
- Fuel type: regular unleaded gasoline
Quick spec snapshot (from the manual)
| Spec | What to use on 917.270670 |
|---|---|
| Gas tank capacity | 1.25 gallons |
| Oil type (above 32°F) | SAE 30 (API SF/SG/SH) |
| Oil type (below 32°F) | SAE 5W-30 |
| Spark plug | Champion RC12YC (gap 0.030 in.) |
If you are shopping parts for the engine or deck
The engine type matters because belts, blades, and safety interlock parts are model-specific. Common maintenance and wear items to match by model include:
- Blade drive belt
- Ground drive belt
- Cutting blades
- Seat and brake interlock switches
- Fuel line and fuel cap
If you’re replacing the mower deck blade drive belt on this tractor, match it to the correct belt for your deck setup; a common option listed for this model is the lawn tractor v-belt 532144959.
Why it matters
Using the correct engine identification (Craftsman 917.270670 with Briggs & Stratton 310707-0136-E1) helps ensure you get compatible tune-up parts and follow the right maintenance intervals, which improves starting, power under load, and overall engine life.
Last updated: January 2026





