Owner’s manual
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What year was Craftsman 917258473 made?
Craftsman model 917258473 was made across multiple production runs, so the exact year depends on your tractor’s serial number. For this model, the serial number plate is located under the seat, and that information is what you use to identify the build date and production year (see the owner's manual).
How to find the build year on your tractor
Use this quick checklist on your Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor:
- Park on a flat surface, set the parking brake, and remove the key
- Lift the seat to access the identification plate
- Write down the model number (917258473) and the serial number
- Record the date of purchase if you still have it
- Match the serial number information to the identification guidance in the owner's manual
What information to record (and why)
The ID plate under the seat typically provides the details you need for parts lookup and service history.
| Item to record | Where you’ll find it | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Plate under the seat | Confirms you have the correct parts list for 917258473 |
| Serial number | Plate under the seat | Identifies the production run and build date |
| Date of purchase | Your records (and sometimes noted in the manual) | Helps track maintenance intervals and ownership history |
Why it matters
Craftsman tractors like the 917258473 can have small part and configuration changes between production runs. Using the serial number (not just the model number) helps ensure you order the right belt, blade, steering, or deck parts the first time.
If you are ordering parts, start with the parts list for model 917258473 on this page; for broader model search and ordering, use Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 42 riding mower?
For the Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor with a 42-inch mower deck shown here, the model number is 917.258473 (often written without the dot as 917258473). We recommend confirming it on the model plate under the seat before ordering parts or using the diagrams in the owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on your tractor
On Craftsman riding mowers like model 917258473, the tractor model number is on the model plate under the seat.
- Park on a flat surface, set the parking brake, and remove the key
- Lift the seat and look for the model plate or sticker underneath
- Match the full number exactly (including any dots)
- Use the tractor model number (not the engine model) when selecting mower deck, belt, or steering parts
- Record the number for future maintenance and parts ordering
Tractor model number vs. engine model number
This tractor has its own model number, and the engine has a separate model number. For parts lookup on this page, use the tractor model number.
| What you are identifying | Where to look | Example for this unit |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model number | Model plate under the seat | 917.258473 (917258473) |
| Engine model number | Blower housing on the engine | 28N707-0173-01 |
Why it matters
Using the correct model number ensures you get the right 42-inch deck parts and drive components for your exact build, such as the correct blade drive belt, ground drive belt, and mower deck hardware.
Ordering parts once you have the model number
After you confirm 917258473, you can order parts from the diagrams for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect. Common deck-related parts shown for this model include the husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 and the lawn tractor drive belt 532144200.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is Craftsman's model number?
On the Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor model 917258473, the tractor model number is on the model plate under the seat. The engine has a separate model number; you will find it on the engine blower housing. For diagrams and exact label locations, use the owner's manual.
Where to look on model 917258473
- Lift the seat and look for the model plate on the tractor frame under the seat
- Wipe off dirt and grass buildup; the plate can be hard to read when dusty
- Write down the full tractor model number exactly as shown (for this unit: 917.258473)
- Check the engine blower housing for the engine model and type numbers
- Keep both numbers handy when ordering parts like belts, blades, or electrical components
Tractor model number vs. engine model number
These two numbers identify different parts systems.
| What you are identifying | Where it is | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model number (917258473) | Under the seat on the model plate | Mower deck, steering, chassis, electrical, belts, seat, decals |
| Engine model number | On the engine blower housing | Engine-specific parts (tune-up items, internal engine components) |
Why it matters
We use the tractor model number to match you to the correct Craftsman parts list for items like the lawn tractor drive belt 532144200 or deck components. The engine model number is just as important when you are troubleshooting a no-start or sourcing engine-specific parts.
Ordering tip
When you order parts, start with the tractor model number 917258473 from the parts list for this model; for broader model searches and parts lookup, use Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
For the Craftsman riding mower model 917258473, the exact engine make and model is listed in the engine parts section of the 917258473 owner's manual. Many Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors in this series use a single-cylinder gasoline engine; the manual is the fastest way to match your tractor to the correct engine parts.
How to identify the engine on model 917258473
Use these checks before ordering engine parts:
- Look for the engine ID label on the blower housing or valve cover (it typically shows a model and type code).
- Compare that ID to the engine breakdown in the manual (often shown under “Repair parts, engine”).
- Confirm whether your tractor has features like headlights or specific deck options; these can affect parts listings.
- If the engine has been replaced, use the engine label, not the tractor model number, to match engine parts.
- Use the tractor model number 917258473 to match chassis, deck, and drive parts.
Common engine-related symptoms and what they usually point to
If you are asking because the tractor will not start or runs poorly, these are the most common directions:
| Symptom | Most common cause area | What to check first |
|---|---|---|
| Clicks but will not crank | Battery, cables, starter circuit | Battery charge and clean terminals |
| Cranks but will not start | Fuel, spark, air | Fresh fuel, spark plug, air filter |
| Backfires when shutting off | Carburetor adjustment, engine speed | Idle speed and carb settings |
| Runs rough or lacks power | Air filter, fuel delivery | Air filter condition and fuel flow |
For step-by-step no-start diagnosis, we recommend riding lawn mower engine spins but wont start video.
Why it matters
The tractor model number 917258473 helps you get the right mower deck, belt, and steering parts, but engine parts must match the engine’s own model/type code. That prevents ordering the wrong carburetor, ignition parts, or tune-up items.
If you are ordering mower-deck wear parts at the same time, you can also match your deck components by model, such as the husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794 and the lawn tractor drive belt 532144200, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth replacing a lawn mower engine?
Yes, replacing the engine on your Craftsman 917258473 front-engine lawn tractor is worth it when the deck, steering, and drive system are still in good shape and you want several more seasons of use; it is not worth it when multiple major systems are worn and the total repair cost is near the price of another tractor.
Quick decision checklist
- Deck shell is solid (no rust-through or major bends)
- Tractor drives strongly (no chronic slipping or weak pull)
- Steering and front axle feel tight (no excessive play)
- You can complete an engine swap safely with basic tools
- You can still get the wear parts you need for upkeep (belts, blades, mandrels)
What to inspect on model 917258473 before you decide
These common wear items often determine whether an engine swap pays off:
- Blade-drive belt wear or slipping (see lawn tractor drive belt 532144200)
- Ground drive belt wear or glazing (see v-belt 532138255)
- Mandrel noise or wobble that causes vibration (see husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794)
- Blade damage that affects cut quality (see husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149)
Cost and effort comparison
| Situation | What it usually means | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Engine failed; cuts and drives well | Chassis is worth saving | Replace engine |
| Engine failed plus deck vibration | Mandrel or belt-drive wear | Price engine + deck repairs |
| Engine failed plus drive slipping | Belt/pulley wear or drivetrain issue | Price engine + drive repairs |
| Deck, drive, and steering all worn | End-of-life tractor | Replace tractor |
Why it matters
A new engine only delivers value if the tractor remains safe and reliable afterward. Follow the safety and service steps in the owner's manual, including disconnecting the spark plug wire before repairs and inspecting the tractor after striking an object.
You can order model-matched replacement parts from the parts list for 917258473, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
