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What model number is the Craftsman 917255830 riding mower?
The model number for this Craftsman riding mower is 917255830. That number identifies the exact (1987) front-engine lawn tractor version, and it is the number you should use when matching parts like belts, steering components, and electrical parts.
Where to find the model number on the mower
On most Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors, the model tag is on the frame in an easy-to-spot location. Check these common spots:
- Under the seat on the seat pan or rear fender area
- On the frame rail near the engine compartment
- Near the rear hitch plate area
- Under the hood along the chassis (less common)
Why the model number matters for parts
Craftsman tractors can look similar across years, but parts can vary by deck setup, drive system, and steering design. Using 917255830 helps ensure the part fits your tractor’s configuration.
Examples of parts that depend on the exact model
- Ground drive belt length and width (drive system specific)
- Blade drive belt routing (deck specific)
- Starter circuit components (wiring and mounting specific)
- Steering linkage geometry (front axle specific)
Quick part examples for model 917255830
Here are a few model-matched parts commonly used on this tractor:
| What you’re fixing | Example part on this model | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| No crank or intermittent starting | Solenoid 532146154 | Switches battery power to the starter |
| Tractor won’t move or slips | V-belt dr 532125907 | Transfers power to the transmission |
| Mower deck won’t drive blades well | Lawn tractor blade drive belt 532106085 | Drives the blade pulleys |
Why it matters
Entering the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong belt, pulley, or steering part, which saves time and avoids installation issues.
Last updated: February 2026
What year did Craftsman make the 917255830?
Craftsman model 917255830 is a 1987 front-engine lawn tractor (YT 14 twin 5-speed tractor). If you are confirming the build date of a specific unit, the model/serial tag on the tractor is the best cross-check for the exact manufacturing date.
Where to find the date information on the tractor
On most Craftsman riding mowers and tractors, the model and serial number tag is typically located in one of these spots:
- Under the seat pan or on the seat bracket
- On the rear fender pan near the seat
- On the frame rail near the engine compartment
- Near the transaxle area on the frame
How to use the serial number (quick guidance)
Craftsman serial formats vary by era and supplier, but these checks help you narrow it down:
- Write down the full model number (917255830) and the full serial number
- Look for a date code pattern (often embedded near the start of the serial)
- Compare the tractor’s major components (engine, deck, transaxle) to ensure they match the same era
- Use the parts list for model 917255830 to confirm component families and revisions
Parts that commonly match the model year when you are verifying identity
If you are trying to confirm you are working with the correct tractor, matching a few common wear parts to the model’s parts list is a practical check.
| System | Example part on this model | What it helps confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Ground drive | V-belt dr 532125907 | Drive system configuration and belt length family |
| Mower deck | Lawn tractor blade drive belt 532106085 | Deck drive layout and belt routing family |
| Starting/electrical | Solenoid 532146154 | Starter circuit style used on many tractors of this era |
Why it matters
The correct year matters because Craftsman tractors with similar “917” prefixes can use different belt lengths, pulleys, steering parts, and electrical components. Confirming the 1987 model identity helps you order the right drive belt, blade belt, idler, or steering parts the first time.
Last updated: February 2026
What size deck is a Craftsman 917255830?
The Craftsman 917255830 (1987) front-engine lawn tractor is typically equipped with a 42-inch mower deck (cutting width). If you are confirming fit for belts, blades, or pulleys, match parts to the 42-inch deck configuration used on this model.
How to confirm your deck size on the tractor
We recommend verifying the deck size on the machine before ordering deck-related parts.
- Look for a deck size decal on the mower deck shell (often shows “42”).
- Measure the cutting width by checking blade tip-to-tip coverage (not the deck shell edge).
- Count blades: most 42-inch decks use two blades.
- Compare your deck belt routing and pulley layout to the parts diagrams for model 917255830.
- If the deck has been swapped in the past, use the deck’s own model/part tag (if present) for the most accurate match.
Parts that commonly depend on deck size
Deck size matters most when you’re replacing wear items that must match length, width, or pulley geometry.
| Part type | Why deck size matters | Example from this model’s parts list |
|---|---|---|
| Blade drive belt | Belt length and width vary by deck | Lawn tractor blade drive belt 532106085 |
| Idler pulley | Pulley diameter and bearing style vary | Pulley 532139245 |
| Idler components | Tensioning geometry varies by deck | Husqvarna lawn tractor idler arm return spring 532105709 |
Why it matters
A 42-inch deck uses specific belt lengths and idler setups; ordering a belt or pulley for a different deck size can cause slipping, poor cut quality, or the belt jumping off during engagement.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes engines for Craftsman lawn mowers?
Craftsman lawn mower and tractor engines are commonly supplied by major small-engine manufacturers such as Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, and Kawasaki. For a specific unit like Craftsman model 917255830, the engine maker depends on the exact engine installed on that tractor (identified on the engine ID tag), not just the tractor model number.
How to identify the engine manufacturer on your 917255830
Look for the engine identification label directly on the engine. On most front-engine riding mowers and tractors, you will find it:
- On the blower housing (recoil/shroud area)
- On the valve cover or near the spark plug
- On the side of the engine block near the muffler
- Stamped into a metal tag or printed on a decal
Once you have the engine brand and model (and sometimes a “type” or “spec” number), you can match tune-up and fuel-system parts more accurately.
Common engine brands you will see on Craftsman equipment
Craftsman has historically used several engine suppliers across different years and product lines. These are the most common:
- Briggs & Stratton (very common on many Craftsman walk-behind mowers and riders)
- Kohler (common on higher-horsepower riders and garden tractors)
- Kawasaki (often used on premium models)
Why it matters
The tractor model number (917255830) helps us match chassis, deck, steering, and drive components, but engine parts like carburetor components, ignition parts, and filters are selected by the engine model and spec.
Examples of tractor parts that are not engine-specific
These parts are matched to the tractor and are ordered by the tractor model:
| Part type | Best number to use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Engine tune-up parts (plug, air filter, carb parts) | Engine model/spec | Engine makers use different designs |
| Belts, pulleys, steering, wheels | Tractor model 917255830 | Fits the chassis and deck layout |
| Electrical starting parts (some items) | Tractor model, then verify wiring | Harness and safety circuits vary |
Last updated: February 2026
