How to find Craftsman mower model number?
To find your Craftsman mower model number, look for the model/serial label on the tractor frame, usually under the seat or near the rear fender area. For this Craftsman lawn tractor, the model number is 917.273372 (often shown as 917273372 on parts pages); confirm the exact characters in the 917273372 owner's manual.
Where to look on a Craftsman riding mower
Check these common label locations first (clean off grass and oil so you can read it):
- Under the seat pan or on the seat support
- On the rear fender or rear frame area
- On the frame rail near the engine compartment
- Near the steering column or dash support
- On the mower deck shell (less common for the main tractor model)
What numbers you should write down
For ordering the right parts (blades, V-belt, mandrel parts, steering parts), record:
- Model number (example: 917273372)
- Product number (if listed)
- Serial number
- Engine model/type/code (engine parts often use engine ID, not tractor ID)
Quick check: model number vs. engine number
| You need parts for | Use this ID | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Mower deck, belts, steering, chassis | Tractor model number | 917273372 |
| Carburetor, starter, ignition coil, engine gaskets | Engine model/type/code | Listed on engine shroud |
Why it matters
Craftsman tractors can look similar across years, but small differences (deck style, belt length, mandrel design) change the exact replacement part. Using the correct model number helps match parts like the lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 or the v-belt 532138255 to your specific deck and drive setup.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273372 uses a 17.5 HP gas engine (single-cylinder) and is designed to run at full throttle for best cutting and battery charging performance. For the exact engine details and specifications, follow the identification steps in the 917273372 owner's manual.
How to identify the exact engine on your tractor
Use these quick checks to match the engine to the correct tune-up and repair parts:
- Look for the engine model/type code label on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter
- Record the engine model number and type (and code/serial if shown)
- Match the label info to the engine section in the manual and parts diagrams
- Verify the tractor model tag shows 917273372
- If the label is dirty, wipe it clean; do not scrape off printed numbers
What we can confirm for model 917273372
From the owner’s manual, this tractor is a 17.5 HP, 42-inch mower deck, electric-start unit with a 6-speed transaxle. That narrows the engine class and helps you choose the right maintenance parts (spark plug, air filter, fuel filter, oil).
Common engine-related symptoms and where to start
If you are troubleshooting starting or performance issues, these checks solve most problems:
- Battery charge and cable connections
- Fresh fuel and open fuel shutoff (if equipped)
- Clean air filter and correct oil level
- Safety interlock operation (seat, brake, PTO)
- Starter solenoid click vs. crank behavior
| Symptom | Most likely area | Best first action |
|---|---|---|
| Clicks but won’t crank | Battery, cables, solenoid | Load-test battery; clean terminals |
| Cranks but won’t start | Fuel, spark, air | Check fuel freshness; inspect plug |
| Runs rough under load | Air filter, blade/deck drag | Clean filter; check deck for buildup |
Why it matters
The exact engine model number determines the correct spark plug, air filter, and oil type/quantity. Using the wrong tune-up parts can cause hard starting, poor mowing power, and faster wear.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917273372 engine?
On the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273372, the engine is a Briggs single-cylinder engine with model number 31C707 and type number 0230-E1 (often written together as 31C707-0230-E1). For the full engine breakdown and parts list, use the 917273372 owner's manual.
Where to find the engine model and type on the tractor
You can confirm the exact engine identification on the engine itself (not on the mower hood decal). Look for the Briggs ID label or stamping on the:
- Blower housing (recoil shroud) area
- Valve cover area
- Side of the engine near the muffler
- Engine shroud near the spark plug wire
- Engine tag with “MODEL”, “TYPE”, and “CODE” fields
What the numbers mean (so you order the right parts)
Briggs uses multiple identifiers; the model and type are the key ones for parts lookups.
| Identifier | Example for 917273372 | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Engine model | 31C707 | Engine family and core design |
| Type number | 0230-E1 | Exact configuration (carb, governor, charging, etc.) |
| Model + type | 31C707-0230-E1 | Best format for matching parts |
Why it matters
Using only “Craftsman 917273372” can point you to tractor chassis parts, but engine service parts (carburetor kits, starter components, gaskets, air filter, spark plug tools) match correctly when you use Briggs 31C707-0230-E1. That prevents wrong-part returns and speeds up repairs.
Last updated: February 2026





