What model number is the Craftsman 42 riding mower?
For this Sears PartsDirect model page, the Craftsman riding mower model number is 917255914. “42-inch” describes the cutting deck size on many Craftsman tractors, but the correct way to identify parts is always by the full model number on the mower’s ID tag.
On Craftsman riding mowers like model 917255914, the model number is typically on a product ID label in one of these spots:
- Under the seat (lift the seat and look on the frame)
- On the rear fender pan near the seat
- On the frame rail near the engine
- Near the footrest area on the chassis
A 42-inch deck is a common configuration across many Craftsman lawn tractors, and different models can share the same deck size but use different belts, pulleys, switches, and steering parts.
- Model number (example: 917255914)
- Product type (riding mower or lawn tractor)
- Deck size (example: 42-inch or 44-inch)
- Engine family (varies by build)
- Part ID or part number from the parts list
| Item | What it tells you | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Exact parts fit | 917255914 |
| Deck size | Mowing width only | 42-inch |
| Part ID | Exact replacement part listing | 532110883 |
Using the correct model number prevents common fit issues, especially for wear items like belts and electrical parts. For example, if your tractor needs a ground drive belt or an ignition switch, matching the model number first helps ensure the replacement is correct.
You can order replacement parts for Craftsman model 917255914 from the parts list for this mower, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine is in a Craftsman lawn mower?
For the Craftsman model 917255914 front-engine lawn tractor, the exact engine make and model varies by build and engine spec for that tractor series; the most reliable way to confirm is to match the engine ID tag on your engine to the parts listing for your tractor on Sears PartsDirect.
Look for the engine identification label, then record the key fields before ordering parts.
- Lift the hood and locate the engine ID sticker or metal tag (often on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter)
- Write down the engine model, type, and code (or spec number)
- Compare those numbers to the engine-related diagrams and parts list for your tractor
- If the label is missing, use the tractor’s product number and any engine casting numbers you can see
- Use the parts list to confirm related electrical parts (starter circuit, ignition, charging) match your setup
Many Craftsman front-engine riding tractors in this class were built with single-cylinder or V-twin gasoline engines from major small-engine makers. Your exact match depends on the engine tag.
| What you’re checking | Where to find it | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Engine model/type/code | Engine ID label | Identifies the correct tune-up and gasket parts |
| Starter/solenoid style | Near starter wiring | Confirms correct starting circuit parts |
| Ignition switch and PTO interlock setup | Dash and harness | Helps match safety switch and wiring layout |
If your issue is “won’t crank” or “clicks but won’t start,” these model-matched parts are commonly involved:
- Solenoid 532146154 (starter solenoid)
- Lawn tractor ignition switch 532365402 (key switch)
- Anmenter 532122822 (ammeter, if equipped)
- Lawn tractor pto switch 532407863 (PTO switch, part of the safety/start circuit)
Engine families can look similar but use different carburetors, ignition parts, filters, and wiring. Matching the engine ID tag prevents ordering the wrong parts and speeds up troubleshooting.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is my Craftsman mower serial number lookup?
For a Craftsman riding mower like model 917255914, the year is not reliably determined from the model number alone; it’s typically identified from the product/serial number label on the tractor (often under the seat, on the frame rail, or near the engine). Once you have the full serial or product number, we can narrow down the build date range and match the correct parts.
Look for a sticker or metal tag on the tractor. Common locations include:
- Under the seat pan or on the seat support
- Left or right frame rail near the rear wheels
- Near the engine shroud or hood hinge area
- On the mower deck shell (less common for the tractor’s main ID)
Craftsman labels vary by era and manufacturer, so the “first two digits are the month” rule is not universal. Here are the most common patterns we see:
- A true serial number that does not directly encode a date (you use it to cross-reference production)
- A date code embedded in the serial number (often YYMMDD or MMDDYY)
- A product number format that helps identify the manufacturing source and parts family
| What you see on the label | What it usually means | What you should do |
|---|---|---|
| 6 digits that look like a date | Often a date code | Try reading it as YYMMDD and MMDDYY and see which is realistic |
| Long serial with letters and numbers | Often not a direct date | Use it to match parts diagrams and production range |
| Model 917.XXXXXX style | Sears/Craftsman model family | Use it to find the correct parts list for the tractor |
The build year affects parts fitment on key systems like the PTO switch, ignition switch, drive belt routing, and steering hardware. Using the correct production range helps you avoid ordering the wrong electrical or deck-drive parts.
If you’re matching what you see on your tractor to the parts list, these commonly replaced items can help confirm you’re looking at the right diagrams:
If you need to order parts after you identify the serial or product number, use the parts list for model 917255914 first, or search by the full ID on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
