Craftsman 917273480 lawn tractor Parts

Replacing the engine on a Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273480 typically costs $600 to $2,500 installed. The biggest cost driver is buying the correct replacement engine; it must match your tractor’s vertical-shaft configuration and the exact crankshaft diameter, length, and keyway so your pulley and belt alignment stay correct.

What determines the price most

• Engine type and specs: vertical-shaft, horsepower range, crankshaft dimensions
• What gets transferred: pulley(s), wiring, throttle/choke cables, exhaust, fuel line
• Labor time: removal, swap-over parts, belt alignment, test run, safety checks
• Extra parts: belts, hardware, electrical items, fuel filter, spark plug
• Condition of the tractor: rusted fasteners, damaged wiring, worn pulleys

Typical cost breakdown

Cost item	Typical range	What it covers
Replacement engine	$400 to $1,800	Correct vertical-shaft engine with matching crankshaft specs
Labor	$200 to $900	Commonly 4 to 8 hours depending on rust and transfers
Misc. parts/supplies	$25 to $250	Belts, nuts, fuel line items, tune-up parts

Compatibility checklist for model 917273480

Use this checklist before you buy an engine so you do not end up with a motor that will not accept your pulley or line up with the deck and drive belts:

• Confirm vertical-shaft layout (typical for lawn tractors)
• Match crankshaft diameter, length, and keyway to your current engine
• Verify mounting bolt pattern and crankshaft height
• Confirm charging system output and wiring connector style
• Check muffler clearance and throttle/choke linkage routing

For the exact specifications and safety system checks after the swap, follow the 917273480 owner’s manual.

Parts we often replace during an engine swap

• If you have click or no-crank symptoms: solenoid with brass plunger 532146154
• If the tractor slips or won’t move well: lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294
• If you need a spare key after reassembly: molded ignition key 532140403

Why it matters

If the crankshaft specs are off even slightly, the pulley can sit at the wrong height, causing belt wear, poor blade engagement, or vibration. After installation, confirm the operator presence and interlock systems operate exactly as described in the manual.

Last updated: February 2026

Yes; replacing the engine on your Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273480 is worth it when the deck, chassis, steering, and ground drive are still solid and you want several more seasons of dependable mowing. If multiple major systems are worn, replacement makes better financial sense.

Quick decision checklist

• Deck and frame are structurally sound (no cracks, no rust-through)
• Ground drive pulls strongly (no slipping, no loss of drive)
• Steering and front axle have minimal play
• Safety interlocks work correctly (seat, brake, attachment clutch)
• The engine is the main major failure, not one of many

Cost and value: a simple rule

Engine replacement makes sense when the total repair stays well below the cost of a comparable replacement tractor.

If you see this...	Choose engine replacement	Choose replacement tractor
Deck and chassis	Solid	Damaged or heavily corroded
Other repairs due soon	Few	Many (spindles, belts, steering, tires)
Downtime tolerance	OK with a project	Need to mow immediately

What to inspect on model 917273480 before deciding

Use the maintenance and troubleshooting guidance in the 917273480 owner's manual to judge overall condition.

• Deck and blades: Bent or damaged blades should be replaced; the manual specifies tightening the blade bolt to 27 to 35 ft-lbs. If your cut quality is poor, a replacement like the lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971 can be part of the fix.
• Mandrels and deck airflow: The manual notes that buildup around mandrels can clog deck vent holes; cleaning around mandrels is a common correction for poor discharge.
• Drive system: If you already have belt wear or slipping, factor that cost in; the lawn tractor ground drive belt 532140294 is a common wear item.

Why it matters

An engine is one of the highest-cost repairs on a riding mower. When the deck, drive, and safety systems are dependable, an engine swap restores years of service; when they are not, total repair cost climbs fast.

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman lawn tractors can use engines from several manufacturers, but for Craftsman model 917273480 the owner’s literature indicates a Kohler engine (the manual’s parts/decals section lists an “Engine, Kohler” decal). For other Craftsman tractors, the engine brand varies by model and year; the sure way to confirm is to match the engine identification on your tractor to the information in the owner's manual.

How to confirm the engine brand on your Craftsman 917273480

• Check the engine shroud or valve cover for the engine maker badge (often Kohler, Briggs & Stratton, or Kawasaki on other models).
• Locate the engine model and spec numbers on the engine ID label (usually near the blower housing).
• Compare those numbers to the engine information and illustrations in the owner's manual.
• If decals are missing, use the engine ID label as the primary identifier.
• When ordering maintenance or repair items, match parts by the tractor model number 917273480 and the engine ID numbers.

Common engine brands you may see on Craftsman lawn tractors

Craftsman has used multiple engine suppliers across different tractor lines. Here’s a practical way to think about it:

What you’re looking at	What it tells you	Best next step
Engine badge/label says Kohler	Kohler-built engine on that tractor	Use engine model/spec for tune-up parts
Engine badge/label says Briggs & Stratton	Briggs-built engine on that tractor	Use engine model/spec for carb/ignition parts
Engine badge/label says Kawasaki	Kawasaki-built engine on that tractor	Use engine model/spec for filters/plugs

Why it matters

Engine brand affects the correct air filter, spark plug, fuel filter, and some starter/charging components. Confirming the engine maker first helps you avoid ordering the wrong maintenance parts and speeds up troubleshooting.

Last updated: February 2026

You can find the model number for your Craftsman riding mower on the tractor’s identification label; for this unit it’s 917.273480 (often shown as 917273480). The label is typically under the seat, on the frame near the rear wheels, or under the hood area. Confirm the exact location in the owner's manual.

Common places to check on Craftsman model 917273480

Look for a sticker or metal tag that lists Model No. 917.273480 and sometimes the serial number.

• Under the seat pan (lift the seat and look on the frame)
• On the rear frame plate near the hitch area
• Along the frame rail by the rear wheels
• Under the hood near the engine compartment (on the tractor frame, not the engine)
• Near the footrest area on the frame (left or right side)

Tractor model number vs. engine model number

The tractor model number (917273480) identifies the mower for parts like blades, belts, and deck hardware. The engine has its own model and spec numbers stamped on the engine shroud or valve cover area.

What you’re identifying	Where it’s found	Used for
Tractor model number (917273480)	Tractor frame label/tag	Deck parts, drive belt, steering, chassis
Engine model/spec numbers	Stamped/printed on the engine	Engine tune-up and internal engine parts

Why it matters

Using the correct tractor model number keeps you matched to the right diagrams and parts list for your 42-inch mower deck and drive system. For example, blade selection for this model includes options like the husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 and the lawn tractor 42-in deck high-lift blade 532138971.

Last updated: February 2026