Craftsman 917276781 tractor Parts

For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917276781, the operator’s manual identifies the tractor as a 20.0 HP, 42-inch mower with a low-emission engine. To know the exact engine brand and model installed on your unit, match the engine’s ID tag to the engine information in the 917276781 owner's manual.

How to identify the exact engine on model 917276781

Use the engine ID tag so you get the correct tune-up and repair parts.

• Find the engine ID label (commonly on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter)
• Write down the model, type, and code exactly as shown
• Use that ID to confirm the correct air filter, spark plug, fuel parts, and ignition parts
• If the tractor has hard-start or no-start symptoms, verify the throttle/choke setting first
• Make sure the operator presence and safety interlocks are satisfied (seat, brake, blade engagement)

Common starting problems that are often mistaken for an “engine issue”

These checks solve many no-crank and no-start complaints on front-engine riding mowers.

• Single click, no crank: weak battery, corroded terminals, bad solenoid
• Cranks but will not start: stale fuel, clogged fuel path, choke not set, ignition issue
• Dies when brake is released: safety interlock not made (brake/seat switch)
• Backfires at shutdown: throttle not reduced before turning key off

If you hear a click but the starter will not turn, a common repair is replacing the solenoid; see the lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802.

Quick reference

What you want to know	What’s identified for 917276781	What you confirm on the engine
Power and deck configuration	20.0 HP, 42-inch mower	N/A
Engine family details	Low-emission engine	Brand, model, type, code
Starting system	Electric start	Battery and cable condition

Why it matters

The tractor model number (917276781) tells us the correct chassis and deck setup; the engine ID tag is what ensures you buy the correct engine-specific maintenance and ignition parts.

You can order replacement parts for your tractor from the parts list for model 917276781, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917276781, use high-quality detergent 4-cycle engine oil rated API SG-SL. The manual specifies SAE 30 for temperatures above 32°F and SAE 5W-30 for temperatures below 32°F; oil capacity is 56 oz with filter or 48 oz without filter (check your setup in the owner's manual).

Oil type and temperature chart (quick pick)

Use the viscosity that matches the temperatures you mow in most often.

Outdoor temperature	Recommended oil viscosity	Notes
Above 32°F (0°C)	SAE 30	Best for warm-weather mowing
Below 32°F (0°C)	SAE 5W-30	Helps cold starting

Capacity and fill tips

Using the right amount matters as much as using the right viscosity.

• Oil capacity with filter: 56 oz
• Oil capacity without filter: 48 oz
• Check oil on level ground; wipe dipstick, reinsert, then read
• Fill only to the FULL mark; do not overfill
• If you use multi-viscosity oil above 32°F, check the oil level more often (it can consume oil faster)

Maintenance intervals we recommend

Following the manual schedule prevents hard starting and premature engine wear.

• Check crankcase oil before starting and after each 8 hours of operation
• Change oil every 50 hours of operation or at least once a year
• Drain oil when warm (it flows out more completely)

Why it matters

Correct oil viscosity keeps the engine properly lubricated across temperature changes, reduces wear on internal parts, and helps the tractor start reliably in cold weather.

If you are stocking up on maintenance items and common replacement parts for model 917276781, you can use the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

A “Craftsman 6.75” label by itself is not a single model number; Craftsman used 6.75 HP on multiple 21-inch walk-behind mowers. The exact model number is printed on the mower’s model and serial tag; once you have it, you can match the correct parts and manual on Sears PartsDirect.

Where to find the model number on a Craftsman 6.75 mower

We use the model and serial tag (not the engine cover label) to identify the correct walk-behind mower.

• Check the rear of the deck near the discharge opening
• Look under the handle mounting area on the deck
• Check the side of the deck near the rear wheel height adjuster
• If there is a bagger frame, check the deck area behind it
• Write down the full model number and the serial number exactly as shown

What the model number usually looks like

Most Craftsman walk-behind mower model numbers are a 9-digit number that often starts with 917.

What you see	What it means	What to do
“6.75” or “6.75 HP”	Engine power family, not a unique mower ID	Use the model/serial tag to identify the mower
“917.XXXXXX” (or similar)	Mower model number format	Use the full number to look up parts
Engine brand/model (Briggs, etc.)	Engine identification only	Use it only when ordering engine-specific parts

Why it matters

Using the wrong model number can lead to ordering the wrong blade, drive belt, air filter, or carburetor parts. The model/serial tag ties your mower to the correct parts diagrams and specifications.

If you are actually asking about model 917.276781

The model on this page is a Craftsman 917.276781 front-engine lawn tractor (20.0 HP, 42-inch mower deck), not a 6.75 walk-behind mower. For tractor specs, operating symbols, and maintenance guidance, use the owner's manual.

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman does not manufacture its own small engines; Craftsman tractors like model 917276781 use an engine supplied by an outside engine maker. To identify the exact manufacturer on your 917276781, match the engine’s brand and model numbers on the engine ID label to the specifications listed in the 917276781 owner's manual.

How to identify the engine maker on model 917276781

Use the engine’s ID tag (not the tractor model number) to confirm the manufacturer and order the right tune-up parts.

• Find the engine ID label on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter
• Record the engine brand (commonly Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, or Kawasaki)
• Write down the engine model and type/spec numbers
• Compare those numbers to the engine/specification information in the manual
• Use the confirmed engine brand and numbers when selecting filters, spark plugs, and ignition parts

Common engine suppliers you will see on Craftsman lawn tractors

These are the most common suppliers used across Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors.

Engine brand	Typical label format	What it helps you match
Briggs & Stratton	Model / Type / Code	Carburetor kits, ignition parts, tune-up items
Kohler	Model / Spec	Filters, fuel system parts, charging system parts
Kawasaki	Model / Spec	Air filter, fuel parts, ignition components

Parts that often get replaced when diagnosing starting issues

If you are troubleshooting a no-crank or click-no-start condition, these model-compatible parts are commonly involved:

• Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 (switches battery power to the starter)
• Molded ignition key 532140403 (enables the ignition switch to operate)
• Battery cables and terminals (clean and tighten)
• Safety interlock switches (brake, PTO, seat)

Why it matters

The engine manufacturer determines the correct service specs and maintenance parts. Using the engine ID prevents ordering the wrong air filter, spark plug, or fuel system parts for your Craftsman 917276781.

You can order replacement parts for Craftsman model 917276781 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026