How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman lawn tractor model 9172736401, a complete engine replacement (parts plus labor) typically costs $260 to $1,800 installed. Total cost depends on the engine type, whether you replace related wear parts, and local labor rates.
- Engine price: new, rebuilt, or used engine options vary widely
- Labor time: riding mower engine swaps commonly take around 6 hours
- Extra parts: belts, electrical parts, and hardware often get replaced at the same time
- Condition issues: damaged wiring, fuel contamination, or deck problems add time
- Shop rates: hourly labor rates vary by region
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (part) | $150 to $1,400 | Biggest variable; depends on brand/specs |
| Labor | $100 to $600 | Often based on ~6 hours of shop time |
| Misc. parts/supplies | $10 to $200 | Belts, fasteners, fuel line, oil, filter |
Even when you are replacing the engine, we often see customers also fix “while you’re in there” items that affect starting, cutting, and safety.
- If the tractor has starting issues, a starter solenoid is a common culprit: solenoid with brass plunger 532146154
- If the blades will not engage, the PTO circuit is a frequent check point: switch.pto 582107601
- If the deck is noisy or cuts unevenly, the spindle area may need attention: husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794
A riding mower engine replacement is one of the highest-cost repairs on a tractor. Before spending on an engine, we recommend confirming the problem is not a safety interlock, PTO issue, or electrical starting fault. The safety and interlock system checks and service cautions in the owner's manual help you diagnose safely.
You can order replacement parts for model 9172736401 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What kind of engine does a Craftsman riding lawn mower have?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 9172736401 is equipped with a low-emission gasoline engine and is sold in an 18.5 HP, 42-inch mower configuration with electric start and automatic transmission. For the exact engine make and model used on your unit, match the engine ID label to the specs in the 9172736401 owner's manual.
Use these quick checks so you get the right tune-up and repair parts:
- Lift the hood and locate the engine ID label (often on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter)
- Write down the model, type, and code (or spec) from the label
- Compare those numbers to the engine information and maintenance specs in the 9172736401 owner's manual
- If the label is dirty, wipe it gently; avoid spraying water directly into the air intake
- Keep the engine numbers with your tractor model number for future parts lookups
The owner’s manual for this tractor family calls out an 18.5 HP, 42-inch mower with a low-emission engine. That tells you the tractor is designed around a standard single-cylinder riding-mower engine platform, but the brand and exact displacement are determined by the engine label.
| Item | What to expect on 9172736401 |
|---|---|
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Emissions | Low-emission engine design |
| Starting | Electric start |
| Mower deck size | 42-inch deck |
Engine identification affects the correct spark plug, air filter, oil type/quantity, and some starting system parts. For example, if you’re troubleshooting a no-crank condition, the starter circuit commonly involves a solenoid such as the solenoid with brass plunger 532146154.
Last updated: February 2026
What year did Craftsman make the 9172736401?
Craftsman model 9172736401 identifies a specific front-engine lawn tractor configuration, but the model number by itself does not equal a single build year. To pinpoint the exact year your tractor was made, we use the manufacturing date information on the tractor’s ID/serial label and confirm details in the 9172736401 owner's manual.
Look for the product identification label (commonly under the seat, on the frame near the seat pan, or under the hood area). Then:
- Write down the model number and the serial number exactly as shown
- Look for a date code or manufacture date printed on the label
- If the label shows a numeric date code, record it before cleaning or repainting the area
- Compare the label information to the identification guidance in the 9172736401 owner's manual
The manual excerpts confirm the tractor is identified as MODEL NUMBER 917.2736401 in the parts breakdown sections (chassis, engine, seat, lift). That confirms you have the correct model family for ordering parts, but it does not lock to one calendar year.
| Item | What it’s used for | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (9172736401) | Correct parts diagrams and compatible parts | ID/serial label |
| Serial number | Tracks production run and build info | ID/serial label |
| Manufacture date/date code | Determines the exact year | ID/serial label (varies by run) |
Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors often keep the same model number across multiple production runs while changing components (for example, engine variants, deck hardware, or electrical switches). Getting the year from the ID label helps us match the right parts the first time.
When you are ready to service common wear items, match parts by model and diagram callout. For example, deck and blade-related parts for this model include the Craftsman lawn tractor pto switch 582107601 and the Craftsman lawn tractor blade drive belt, 5/8 x 97-2/5-in 532174883. You can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect if you are building a full maintenance list.
Last updated: February 2026





