What brand engine does Craftsman use?
Craftsman lawn tractors can use engines from several manufacturers, but most Craftsman riding mowers and tractors are powered by Briggs & Stratton; some models use Kohler or Kawasaki engines. For your Craftsman model 917276826, confirm the exact engine make and model on the engine label and in the 917276826 owner's manual.
How to identify the engine brand on model 917276826
Use these quick checks on your tractor (no disassembly needed):
- Look for the engine shroud decal or valve cover label; it typically lists the engine brand and model family.
- Check the engine model and type numbers stamped on the blower housing or printed on a tag.
- Match the engine information to the specifications section in the manual.
- If the label is missing, record the tractor model number (917276826) and compare the engine-related diagrams and parts listings.
Common engine brands used on Craftsman lawn tractors
Craftsman has sourced engines from multiple suppliers over the years. Here is what we see most often on front-engine lawn tractors like this one:
| Engine brand | How common on Craftsman tractors | What you will notice |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton | Most common | Wide parts availability; many 1-cylinder OHV designs |
| Kohler | Less common | Often labeled “Courage” or “7000 series” on newer units |
| Kawasaki | Least common | Typically very smooth running; brand is clearly labeled |
Why it matters
The engine brand determines the correct tune-up parts and service specs (oil type/amount, spark plug, air filter, fuel filter, and valve settings). It also helps when diagnosing no-start or clicking-start issues, where the starting circuit parts on the tractor can overlap with engine-specific requirements.
Related parts that affect starting (tractor-side)
If the engine brand is confirmed but the tractor still will not crank or start, these model-matched parts are commonly involved:
- Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802
- Lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350
- Molded ignition key 532140403
You can order replacement parts for Craftsman 917276826 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is a Craftsman 6.75 lawn mower?
A “Craftsman 6.75” label by itself is not a single model number; it usually describes the engine power class, and many different Craftsman walk-behind mowers share that marking. For this page, the confirmed model number is Craftsman 917276826 (a 20.0 HP, 42-inch front-engine lawn tractor); see the 917276826 owner's manual for the exact identification locations.
How to find the correct model number on your mower
We use the model number to match the right blade, belt, ignition parts, and other replacement parts.
- Check the model tag/ID label on the mower deck, rear frame, or under the seat (riding units)
- Write down the full model number and any product number listed on the tag
- If it is a walk-behind mower, check the rear of the deck near the height adjusters
- If the label is worn, look for the number stamped into the frame or printed on a decal
- Use the model number to confirm parts like blades, mandrel assemblies, and ignition components
Craftsman “917” numbers: what they mean
Many Craftsman outdoor power products use a 3-digit prefix like 917 as part of the full model number. The key is the entire number on the ID tag.
| What you see | What it usually indicates | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| “6.75” | Engine power class (not a model) | Find the ID tag model number |
| “917.xxxxx” | Craftsman model family format | Use the full number to look up parts |
| “917276826” | Specific tractor model on this page | Match parts and diagrams to this model |
Why it matters
Using only “6.75” can lead to the wrong parts because deck sizes, blade styles, and drive systems vary widely. With the correct model number, we can match the exact components for your equipment, including common wear items like blades and deck hardware.
Parts that commonly depend on the exact model
If you are working on the Craftsman 917276826 tractor, these are examples of parts that must match the model and deck configuration:
- Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149
- Lawn tractor mandrel housing 587819701
- Lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350
- Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802
To search additional parts by model number beyond what is listed here, use Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
Replacing the engine on a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917276826 typically costs $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine price, any extra parts needed (starter, wiring, pulleys), and local labor rates. Engine swaps on riding tractors commonly take about 6 hours of labor.
What drives the total replacement cost
- Engine price: the biggest variable (new vs. remanufactured, horsepower, crankshaft specs)
- Labor time: riding tractor engine replacements are more involved than walk-behind mowers
- Extra parts discovered during teardown: worn belts, damaged wiring, fuel line issues
- Electrical starting components: weak starting system can mimic engine failure
- Deck and drive condition: if the tractor has multiple worn systems, the job can expand
Quick cost breakdown (typical ranges)
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (part only) | $200 to $1,500 | Varies by brand, HP, crankshaft size, and availability |
| Labor | $300 to $900 | Often based on ~6 hours plus shop rate |
| Misc. parts and supplies | $20 to $200 | Fuel filter, spark plug, clamps, oil, hardware |
Before you replace the engine: confirm it is actually bad
Many “dead engine” complaints are caused by the starting or safety circuits. Your 917276826 owner's manual troubleshooting chart points to checks like battery condition, wiring, ignition switch, and solenoid.
- Recharge or replace the battery; clean battery terminals
- Check the fuse and inspect wiring connections
- Test the ignition switch and key system
- Test the starter solenoid and starter motor
- Verify safety interlocks (seat switch, brake/clutch switch, PTO/attachment clutch)
If you are chasing a no-crank or click-no-start symptom, our video guide riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video walks through common causes and fixes.
Parts that commonly get replaced during engine-related repairs
Even if you replace the engine, these parts often come up during diagnosis or reassembly:
- Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 (no-crank, single click)
- Lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350 (intermittent crank or no power to starter circuit)
- Molded ignition key 532140403 (worn key can cause poor switch engagement)
Why it matters
An engine replacement is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. Verifying the battery, solenoid, ignition switch, and wiring first prevents paying for an engine when the real issue is an electrical start or safety interlock problem.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth replacing a lawn mower engine?
Yes, replacing the engine on your Craftsman 917276826 front-engine lawn tractor is worth it when the deck, steering, and drivetrain are in good shape and the total engine-swap cost is well below the price of a comparable replacement tractor. If the deck or transmission is worn out, skip the engine swap.
Quick decision checklist
- Deck is straight with no cracks, rust-through, or severe vibration
- Tractor drives strongly forward and reverse (no slipping, no loud whining)
- Steering is safe (no excessive play)
- You can match the replacement engine’s crankshaft size, mounting pattern, and wiring
- Total cost (engine + incidentals + labor) stays under about half the cost of replacing the tractor
What to inspect first (before buying an engine)
- Deck and blade system: Bent blades and worn mandrels cause vibration and poor cut quality. Use the 917276826 owner's manual for the correct blade orientation, safety steps, and tightening guidance.
- Starting circuit: A “bad engine” symptom is often electrical. If the engine clicks but will not crank, diagnose the battery, cables, ignition switch, and solenoid; our riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video walks through the common checks.
- Safety interlocks: Confirm the seat switch, brake switch, and reverse operation system (ROS) work correctly; interlock problems can mimic engine failure.
Symptom-to-decision guide
| What you notice | Likely area | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Strong vibration while mowing | Blade, mandrel, deck damage | Inspect blades and mandrels before pricing an engine |
| Clicks but will not crank | Battery, cables, solenoid, switch | Test the starting circuit first |
| Cranks but will not start | Fuel, spark, air | Do a tune-up and fuel-system checks |
| Smokes, knocks, low power | Internal engine wear | Price engine replacement and compare to tractor value |
Parts that often get addressed during “engine swap” decisions
- Blade and deck wear items (cut quality and vibration)
- Electrical starting parts such as the lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 and lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350
- Deck hardware that loosens over time, such as the lock nut 532409149
Why it matters
An engine swap restores power and reliability, but it does not fix a worn deck, damaged mandrel, or failing transmission. Verifying the tractor’s core systems are solid prevents spending engine money and still ending up with an unsafe or poor-cutting mower.
If you decide to repair, you can order model-matched parts from the parts list for this tractor or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
Craftsman lawn tractor model 917276826 is a 20.0 HP tractor with a 42-inch mower deck and electric start, as shown in the 917276826 owner's manual. The exact engine brand and engine model are identified on the engine ID label mounted on the engine itself.
What we can confirm for model 917276826
From the operator documentation, this tractor is configured as:
- 20.0 HP lawn tractor
- 42-inch mower deck
- Electric start
- Drive system and controls are covered in the operation section of the manual
How to identify the exact engine installed (brand and model)
Check the engine ID tag or label (commonly on the blower housing, valve cover area, or near the starter). Record these items exactly as printed:
- Engine brand
- Engine model
- Type/spec number (if listed)
- Code and/or serial number
Quick tips before you write it down
- Wipe the label clean so every digit is readable.
- Use the engine model to match tune-up parts (spark plug, air filter, fuel filter).
- Use the tractor model 917276826 to match chassis and deck parts.
Tractor model vs. engine model (what each one controls)
| You are working on | Use this ID first | Example part on this model |
|---|---|---|
| Starting and no-crank issues | Tractor model (wiring, switches, solenoid) | Lawn tractor starter solenoid 582042802 |
| Key switch problems | Tractor model (ignition circuit) | Lawn tractor ignition switch 532193350 |
| Cutting system vibration/uneven cut | Tractor model (deck, blades, mandrels) | Lawn tractor mandrel housing 587819701 |
Why it matters
The tractor model number identifies the frame, deck, and electrical layout; the engine ID label identifies the exact engine so you get the right engine-specific service parts and settings.
You can order replacement parts from the list for model 917276826, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





