Do Craftsman mowers use Briggs and Stratton engines?
Yes, many Craftsman mowers and lawn tractors use Briggs and Stratton engines. For Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273370, the owner's manual parts breakdown identifies a Briggs engine model 31C707 (type 0230-E1), so this specific tractor is Briggs-powered; see the 917273370 owner's manual.
What this means for parts and service
Engine brand matters when you’re buying tune-up parts or looking up engine-specific specs. On the 917273370, you’ll typically match parts using both the tractor model number and the Briggs engine model/type.
- Use the tractor model (917273370) for deck, chassis, steering, and drive parts
- Use the Briggs engine model/type (31C707, 0230-E1) for engine internals and many engine tune-up items
- Confirm the engine model/type on the engine shroud label before ordering
- Follow the maintenance schedule and safety steps in the manual
Quick ID checklist (fast way to confirm)
- Locate the engine label on the blower housing or valve cover area.
- Verify model and type numbers match what you’re servicing.
- Cross-check the tractor model number on the frame tag.
Common parts that are tractor-specific vs engine-specific
| You’re replacing | Usually matched by | Example for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Mower blades | Tractor/deck model | Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 |
| Ground drive belt | Tractor model | V-belt 532138255 |
| Ignition key | Tractor model | Molded ignition key 532140403 |
| Carburetor gasket set, valve gasket set | Engine model/type | Briggs 31C707, 0230-E1 |
Why it matters
Ordering by the correct engine family prevents wrong-fit parts and saves time during repairs. It also helps you use the right procedures for adjustments and maintenance on a low-emission engine design.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the model number for the Craftsman 917273370?
The model number is 917.273370 for this Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor; it’s printed on the tractor’s model/serial number label and also shown in the parts list diagrams for the chassis and enclosures. For confirmation, match it to the identification section in the 917273370 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the tractor
You’ll typically find the model/serial label in one of these common locations on Craftsman riding mowers:
- Under the seat pan or on the seat deck
- On the frame rail near the engine compartment
- Near the rear fender area
- Under the hood area on the chassis
- On a sticker or metal tag attached to the frame
How to read it correctly
Craftsman riding mower model numbers often include a dot (for example, 917.273370). When ordering parts or searching diagrams, use the full number exactly as shown.
| What you see | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 917.273370 | Tractor model number | Use this to look up parts and diagrams |
| Serial number | Unique ID for your specific unit | Keep for service records and warranty |
| Engine model/type | Engine identification (separate from tractor model) | Use for engine-specific parts like carburetor or starter |
Why it matters
Using the correct model number ensures you get the right parts for your exact chassis, deck, and transaxle configuration. Even small model-number differences can change blade style, belt length, or steering and lift components.
Last updated: February 2026
What kind of engine does a Craftsman riding lawn mower have?
The Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273370 uses a Briggs engine; the parts list in the manual identifies it as Briggs engine model 31C707, type 0230-E1. This is a low-emissions engine, and it should be operated and maintained using the procedures in the 917273370 owner's manual.
How to confirm the engine on your tractor
Use these quick checks to match what you have on the machine to the documentation:
- Look for the engine ID label on the engine shroud or valve cover area.
- Match the model and type numbers to the manual listing (31C707, 0230-E1).
- Verify the tractor model tag shows 917273370.
- If the label is dirty, wipe it clean and recheck the stamped or printed numbers.
- Use the manual’s engine parts diagram section to confirm major components.
What “model” and “type” mean (and why they matter)
Briggs engines commonly use both a model number and a type number. The model identifies the engine family; the type narrows it down to the exact configuration (governor, charging system, crankshaft, and other build details).
| ID on engine label | What it tells you | Example for 917273370 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine model | Engine family and core design | 31C707 |
| Type number | Exact build configuration | 0230-E1 |
| Tractor model | Which chassis/deck the engine is installed on | 917273370 |
Why it matters
Using the correct engine identification helps you get the right tune-up parts and service procedures (oil changes, air filter service, spark plug replacement) and prevents ordering mismatched engine components.
Helpful DIY resource
If you are diagnosing a no-start condition after confirming the engine ID, follow the steps in riding lawn mower engine spins but wont start video.
Last updated: February 2026
What year did Craftsman make the 917273370?
Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273370 does not have a single published “model year”; Craftsman used the 917-prefix model system across multiple production runs, and the exact build timeframe is identified from the tractor’s serial number and date code on the ID label. Use the 917273370 owner's manual to locate the correct identification points and match parts accurately.
How to find the build date on the tractor
Use the tractor’s product identification label first; it is the most reliable way to pin down the manufacturing timeframe.
- Look for the ID label under the seat, on the frame rail, or near the rear fender pan
- Confirm the model number reads 917273370
- Write down the serial number and any date code printed on the label
- Compare those numbers to the identification guidance in the manual
- Use the engine’s model/type code only as a secondary clue (engines are often replaced)
What the manual confirms for this model
The documentation for 917273370 is a model-specific parts and diagrams manual (electrical, chassis, engine, decals). That is what we use to ensure the correct parts fit your exact tractor configuration.
| Item to check | Where to find it | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (917273370) | Tractor ID label | Confirms the correct parts breakdown applies |
| Serial number or date code | Tractor ID label | Identifies the production timeframe |
| Engine model/type code | Engine shroud or valve cover label | Helps match engine parts and narrow the era |
Why it matters
The production run affects fit details such as wiring harness layout, safety interlock switch style, deck hardware, and belt routing. Confirming the ID label information helps prevent ordering the wrong drive belt, blade, or electrical parts.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes Craftsman engines?
Craftsman lawn tractors such as model 917273370 can be equipped with engines sourced from multiple manufacturers, most commonly Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, or Kawasaki depending on the specific tractor configuration and production run. The sure way to identify yours is to match the engine brand and model on the engine ID label.
How to identify the engine manufacturer on your 917273370
Check the engine itself, not the hood badge. Use these quick checks:
- Look for an engine ID label on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter
- Record the engine brand, engine model, and type/spec numbers
- Compare those numbers to the engine section in the 917273370 owner's manual
- If the label is missing, look for cast-in brand marks on the shroud or valve cover
- Use the tractor model number 917273370 only to find tractor parts; use the engine model to find engine-specific parts
Common engine brand clues (what the label usually looks like)
| Engine brand | What you typically see on the ID tag | Where it’s often located |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton | Model / Type / Code | Blower housing or valve cover |
| Kohler | Model / Spec / Serial | Valve cover area or side shroud |
| Kawasaki | Model / Spec / Serial | Side shroud near muffler or starter |
Why it matters
The engine maker determines the correct tune-up parts and specs (spark plug, air filter, oil type, and governor settings). Using the engine ID prevents ordering the wrong maintenance parts even when the tractor model number is correct.
Related parts you might replace during routine mowing maintenance
These are tractor-side wear items commonly replaced on a 42-inch deck setup:
- Lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 for bagging and strong lift
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 for mulching performance
- V-belt 532138255 if the drive belt is slipping, squealing, or cracked
Last updated: February 2026





