Craftsman 917272440 lawn tractor Parts

For a Craftsman riding mower like model 917272440, we find the model number on the tractor itself (not on the engine). It’s typically printed on a label on the frame under the seat area; confirm the exact location and label format in the 917272440 owner's manual.

Where to check on the tractor

Look in these common spots first:

• On the frame directly under the seat (lift the seat to view the label)
• On the underside of the seat pan
• On the rear frame near the hitch plate or drawbar area
• Near the footrest area on the frame rail
• On a vertical frame member under the fender

What to write down (so parts match)

Record the information exactly as shown on the label.

• Model number (example format: 917.272440, often shown with a dot)
• Serial number (unique to your tractor)
• Any product number or manufacturing code listed on the same tag

Model number vs. engine number

Your tractor has more than one ID label. Use the tractor model number for chassis and deck parts.

Label type	What it identifies	Use it for
Tractor model number (917272440)	The mower/tractor chassis and deck	Belts, blades, steering, frame parts
Engine model/type code	The engine only	Engine-specific parts like carburetor and ignition

Why it matters

The same Craftsman lawn tractor series can use different decks, belts, and steering parts across production runs. Using the exact 917272440 model number helps us match the correct diagrams and parts the first time.

Last updated: February 2026

The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917272440 is identified in the documentation by its model number and specifications (20.0 HP, 42-inch mower, automatic), but the manual does not list a single “model year.” For the exact year, we use the product identification label information referenced in the 917272440 owner's manual.

How to find the exact year for model 917272440

Use the tractor’s product identification label (often under the seat or near the rear fender area) and match what you find to the identification guidance in the manual.

• Locate the model and serial label on the tractor frame (commonly under the seat)
• Write down the serial number exactly as shown
• Check for any date code printed on the label
• Compare the serial/date information to the identification section in the 917272440 owner's manual
• If the label is damaged, clean it gently and take a clear photo before the text fades further

What we can confirm from the manual (not the year)

The owner’s manual for Craftsman 917272440 confirms the configuration of this tractor, which helps ensure you are looking up the correct parts and diagrams.

Item	What the manual shows
Equipment type	Lawn tractor
Engine rating	20.0 HP
Starting	Electric start
Mower size	42-inch mower
Drive type	Automatic

Why it matters

The exact production year affects parts lookups and compatibility for items like blades, belts, and deck hardware. For example, the 42-inch deck on this model commonly uses a specific mulching blade such as the husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149, and confirming the correct model identification helps prevent ordering the wrong replacement.

Last updated: February 2026

For a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917272440, a full engine replacement typically costs $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine type, labor rates, and whether related parts (belts, pulleys, wiring) also need service. Plan on about 6 labor hours for a riding mower engine swap.

What drives the total price

• Engine cost: New replacement engines vary widely by horsepower, shaft size, and charging system.
• Labor: Shop rates and minimum charges vary; riding mower engine swaps commonly run several hours.
• Extra parts: Worn drive components often get replaced during the job.
• Fuel system cleanup: Old fuel can require draining the tank and carburetor cleaning.
• Electrical and safety checks: Interlock circuits and wiring issues can add time.

Typical cost breakdown (installed)

Cost item	Typical range	Notes
Engine (part)	$200 to $1,400	Biggest variable; match shaft and mounting specs
Labor	$200 to $600	Often around 6 hours total
Misc. parts and supplies	$20 to $200	Belts, hardware, filters, fuel line, shop supplies

Parts that commonly get addressed during an engine swap

Even when the engine is the main issue, we often see these items inspected or replaced so the tractor runs correctly afterward:

• Ground drive belt (cracking, glazing, slipping), such as the lawn tractor ground drive belt 532140294
• Engine pulley wear or wobble, such as the husqvarna companion lawn tractor engine pulley 532175410
• Ignition key and switch wear, such as the molded ignition key 532140403
• Loose or damaged wiring (a common no-start contributor)
• Safety interlock operation (seat switch, brake/clutch switch, PTO switch)

Why it matters

A correct engine match and a quick inspection of belts, pulleys, and safety interlocks prevents repeat failures like no-start conditions, poor drive performance, or shutdowns when you release the brake. The safety system on this tractor is designed to prevent starting or running in unsafe conditions.

For model-specific specs and service checks, use the 917272440 owners manual.

Last updated: February 2026

The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917272440 is equipped with a 20.0 HP gas engine with electric start and is paired with a 42-inch mower deck (as shown in the 917272440 owner's manual). For the exact engine brand and model (Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, etc.), use the engine ID tag on your tractor.

How to identify the exact engine on your 917272440

Use these checks so you get the right tune-up and repair parts:

• Find the engine ID label on the blower housing, valve cover, or engine shroud.
• Record the engine model, type, and code (or spec number).
• Match the tractor’s 917272440 model tag (often under the seat or on the frame).
• Compare your controls to the manual (throttle, choke, electric start) to confirm configuration.
• Use the deck size (42-inch) to narrow down blade and belt selections.

Common engine-related parts that depend on engine ID

Once you have the engine model/type, it determines the correct:

• Spark plug
• Air filter
• Fuel filter
• Starter solenoid or starter motor
• Carburetor parts and gaskets

What to look up	Where you’ll find it	Why it matters
Tractor model: 917272440	Frame tag	Ensures chassis and deck parts fit
Engine model/type/code	Engine ID label	Ensures tune-up and fuel/ignition parts fit
Deck size: 42-inch	Deck shell label or measurement	Ensures blades, mandrels, belts fit

Deck part example for a 42-inch setup

If you are servicing the cutting system, a common wear item is the blade; this model’s parts list includes the husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 (many 42-inch decks use two blades).

Why it matters

The tractor model number gets you to the right diagrams, but the engine ID is what prevents ordering the wrong maintenance parts and speeds up troubleshooting for hard starting, weak cranking, or poor power.

Last updated: February 2026