How to look up Craftsman model number?
For Craftsman lawn tractors like model 917257620, we look up the model number on the model plate under the seat; the manual also notes the engine model number is on the engine blower housing. Use that exact model number when ordering parts or searching diagrams in the 917257620 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number (tractor)
On Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors, the tractor model number is typically on a plate or label:
- Under the seat on the tractor frame (most common)
- Under the seat itself (underside of the seat pan)
- On a model plate you can read after tilting the seat forward
Where to find the engine model number (engine)
Your tractor and engine have separate IDs. Check the engine model number here:
- On the engine blower housing (shroud)
- Near the starter area or recoil housing (depending on engine style)
- On a stamped tag or printed label attached to the shroud
What to write down before you search parts
Recording the full ID prevents ordering the wrong belt, tire, or deck part.
- Tractor model number (example: 917257620)
- Tractor serial number (from the same plate under the seat)
- Engine model number (from the blower housing)
- Engine type number (often listed with the engine model)
| ID you need | Where you’ll find it | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model number | Plate under the seat | Correct parts diagrams and tractor-specific parts |
| Tractor serial number | Plate under the seat | Production variation matching |
| Engine model/type | Blower housing | Engine-specific parts (tune-up, carb, starter) |
Why it matters
Many Craftsman tractors share similar frames and decks, but belts, pulleys, and steering parts can vary by model and serial range. Using the exact model number helps match parts like the lawn tractor drive belt 532138255 to your tractor.
Last updated: February 2026
What model is my Craftsman riding mower?
For a Craftsman riding mower like model 917257620, the tractor model number is printed on the model plate located under the seat. Flip the seat forward and look for the product identification label; that tractor model number is what you use to get the right parts and diagrams in the 917257620 owner's manual.
Where to look (fast checklist)
- Park on a flat surface, set the parking brake, and remove the key
- Flip the seat forward to access the label area
- Find the model plate under the seat (tractor model number)
- Write down the full model number exactly as shown (including dots or dashes if present)
- Also note the engine model number (typically found on the engine blower housing)
Tractor model number vs. engine model number
Your Craftsman lawn tractor has two different identifiers, and they are used for different parts.
| What you are identifying | Where it’s found | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model number (example: 917257620) | Model plate under the seat | Mower deck, belts, steering, chassis, lift parts |
| Engine model number | On the engine blower housing | Engine-specific parts like carburetor, ignition, starter components |
Why it matters
Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong drive belt, mower deck parts, or steering components. For example, once you confirm 917257620, you can match wear items like the lawn tractor drive belt 532138255 to the correct routing and deck configuration.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is my Craftsman?
For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917257620, the most reliable way to identify the year is to use the product identification label (model and serial) and decode the manufacture date shown on that label. Your 917257620 owner's manual shows where to find key model information and parts diagrams, which helps confirm you are reading the correct tag.
Where to find the date information
On most Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors, the model and serial label is typically located:
- Under the seat pan or on the seat support
- On the rear fender pan near the seat
- On the frame rail near the engine
- Near the transaxle area (rear frame)
How to decode the date (common Craftsman format)
Many Craftsman-built tractors use a 6-digit date code on the ID label where:
- First 2 digits = month
- Next 2 digits = day
- Last 2 digits = year
Example
| Code on label | Reads as | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 072811 | 07/28/11 | July 28, 2011 |
Quick checks to avoid misreading the tag
Use these checks so you do not confuse a part number with a date code:
- Confirm you are reading the serial/date code, not a deck or engine number
- Look for separators or nearby words like DOM, MFG DATE, or DATE
- Match the tractor model to the label: 917257620
- If the label is damaged, compare the tractor configuration to the diagrams in the manual
Why it matters
Knowing the manufacture year helps us match the correct parts and diagrams for your Craftsman lawn tractor, especially for wear items like belts, deck components, and wheels.
Last updated: February 2026





