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How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917271020, a full engine replacement typically runs $600 to $2,500 total (engine plus labor). The biggest cost drivers are the engine type, whether the replacement is a direct-fit, and the labor time to swap and set up the new engine.
- Engine cost: Most riding mower engines fall in the $300 to $1,800 range depending on horsepower and brand.
- Labor time: A riding mower engine swap commonly takes 4 to 8 hours.
- Extra parts: Belts, pulleys, blades, and hardware often get replaced at the same time if worn.
- Shop rates: Local labor rates vary widely.
- Condition of the tractor: Rusted fasteners, damaged wiring, or worn mounts add time.
Even when the engine is the main issue, we often see related wear items cause problems right after the swap.
- Starter solenoid 532146154 (no-crank or intermittent crank)
- Lawn tractor ground drive belt 532140294 (won’t move or slips under load)
- Lawn tractor drive belt 532144200 (deck drive issues)
- Engine pulley 532140186 (belt alignment or wobble)
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 (poor cut quality after service)
| Scenario | Typical total cost | Best fit when |
|---|---|---|
| Repair existing engine (carb, ignition, compression-related tune-up) | $150 to $700 | Engine is basically sound and parts are available |
| Replace engine with a direct-fit equivalent | $600 to $2,500 | Tractor is in good shape and you want reliable starting and power |
| Replace tractor instead of engine | $2,000+ | Deck, transmission, and steering also need major work |
An engine replacement can make sense on a solid 917271020 chassis, but if the deck, belts, mandrels, or steering are also worn, the total investment can approach the cost of upgrading equipment. We recommend pricing the engine swap alongside the most likely companion repairs.
To price out the most common wear items for your model, start with the parts list for 917271020, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What brand engine does Craftsman use?
Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors use engines from several manufacturers depending on the specific tractor and production year; the most common are Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, and Kawasaki. For your Craftsman model 917271020, confirm the exact engine brand by checking the engine shroud label or the engine model tag.
Look for a manufacturer label in one of these common spots:
- On top of the engine blower housing (shroud) near the pull-start area (if equipped)
- On the valve cover or near the spark plug
- On the engine block near the starter
- On a sticker or metal tag near the muffler heat shield
- Stamped into the engine housing (sometimes near the flywheel)
Capture these details before ordering tune-up or starting-system parts:
- Engine manufacturer (Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki)
- Engine model number
- Type and code (common on Briggs & Stratton)
- Spec number (common on Kohler)
- Serial number
| Engine brand | Label often shows | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton | Model, Type, Code | Needed to match carburetor, ignition, and governor parts |
| Kohler | Model, Spec, Serial | Spec number controls the exact parts breakdown |
| Kawasaki | Model, Spec, Serial | Ensures correct air filter, fuel parts, and electrical parts |
The tractor model number (917271020) identifies the chassis and deck, but many engine service parts are engine-specific. For example, a no-crank issue may point you to the tractor’s starter circuit and a replacement solenoid 532146154, while filters, plugs, and carburetor parts depend on the engine brand and engine model tag.
If the engine clicks but will not crank, follow the same diagnostic path used for most riding mowers: battery condition, cable connections, brake and PTO safety switches, then the solenoid and starter. Our video guide covers the common checks in order: riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video.
You can order replacement parts for your Craftsman 917271020 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What year did Craftsman make the 917271020?
Craftsman model 917271020 was produced during the LT1000-era, most commonly in the early-to-mid 2000s. The exact build year for your specific tractor is identified from the serial number/date code on the tractor’s ID label; use that code to pinpoint the manufacturing date.
Look for the product identification label (commonly under the seat, on the rear fender pan, or near the frame). Then use these checks:
- Write down the model number (917271020) and the serial number exactly as shown.
- Look for a date code or a manufacture date printed on the label.
- If the label uses a numeric date format, it’s often MMDDYY (month, day, year).
- If the label is worn, clean it gently and use a flashlight to read stamped characters.
- If the tractor has had major repairs, rely on the tractor label, not engine tag dates.
If your label shows a 6-digit date code, it typically reads like this:
| Example code | Interprets as | Build date |
|---|---|---|
| 041503 | MMDDYY | April 15, 2003 |
| 092106 | MMDDYY | September 21, 2006 |
Knowing the exact year helps us match the correct parts and diagrams for your Craftsman riding mower, especially for deck components and drive parts that can vary by production run (even within the same model family).
When you’re confirming fit, these are the items most likely to differ by build date and deck configuration:
- Mower deck blades (example: husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149)
- Blade drive belt routing and length (example: lawn tractor drive belt 532144200)
- Ground drive belt length (example: lawn tractor ground drive belt, 1/2 x 82-in 532140294)
- Mandrel and spindle components (example: husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794)
You can order replacement parts from the parts list for model 917271020, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
