What year is my Craftsman mower serial number lookup?
For a Craftsman riding mower like model 917270511, the year is typically encoded in the serial number’s date code. On many Craftsman-built tractors, the date code is formatted as MMDDYY, so the last two digits indicate the year.
How to find and read the serial number
Look for a product ID label on the tractor; common locations include under the seat, on the frame near the rear wheels, or under the hood near the engine area.
Once you find the serial number, check for a 6-digit date code and read it like this:
- First 2 digits: month (01 to 12)
- Next 2 digits: day (01 to 31)
- Last 2 digits: year (00 to 99)
- If there are extra letters or numbers, focus on the MMDDYY portion
- If multiple numbers appear, use the one printed as the serial or date code
Quick examples (MMDDYY)
| Date code | Month | Day | Year | Build date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 072811 | 07 | 28 | 11 | July 28, 2011 |
| 031905 | 03 | 19 | 05 | March 19, 2005 |
| 112320 | 11 | 23 | 20 | November 23, 2020 |
If your serial number does not match MMDDYY
Some Craftsman tractors use different label formats depending on who manufactured the unit and the production run. When the date code is not obvious, we recommend using your model number (917270511) to match parts diagrams and assemblies, which often confirms the correct generation of the tractor.
- Use the parts list for wear items that commonly match by deck and chassis style
- Compare deck-related parts if you are unsure of the tractor’s configuration
- A common deck identifier is the blade and mandrel style
Helpful examples from this model’s parts list:
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794
Why it matters
Knowing the build year helps you choose the correct replacement parts (like a drive belt, mandrel, or blade) and avoid ordering parts that fit a different production version of the same Craftsman model family.
If you want to shop by model number or compare additional diagrams, search by 917270511 on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to look up Craftsman model number?
To look up the correct parts and diagrams for your Craftsman riding mower, first find the model number on the tractor’s ID label, then enter that exact number (for example, 917270511) when you search parts. For this model page, the model number is 917270511.
Where to find the model number on a Craftsman riding mower
On most Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors, the model and serial label is typically located in one of these spots:
- On the frame under the seat (lift the seat to check)
- On the underside of the seat pan
- Near the rear fender area around the seat mounting zone
- On the frame rail close to the engine (less common)
If the label is dirty or faded, wipe it with a damp rag and a little mild cleaner so the full number is readable.
How to use the model number to look up parts
Once you have the model number, use it exactly as printed (including all digits). Then:
- Match the model number to the correct parts list and diagrams
- Confirm the part description and fit before ordering
- Use the part ID when you want the fastest match for a replacement
If you already know what you need for 917270511, common deck-related items you may see include the husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149 and the lawn tractor drive belt 532144200.
Quick check: model number vs. serial number
| Label item | What it’s used for | Example format |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Identifies the exact tractor design for parts lookup | 917270511 |
| Serial number | Identifies your specific unit; helpful for production details | Varies |
Why it matters
Craftsman tractors often look similar across years, but small changes in the deck, mandrel assembly, belt routing, or steering parts can affect fit. Using the exact model number helps ensure you get the right blade, belt, pulley, or solenoid the first time.
To search beyond this specific model page, you can also look up your mower by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to replace a riding lawn mower engine?
For a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917270511, a full engine replacement typically costs $260 to $1,800 installed, depending on the engine, labor rates, and any extra parts needed (belts, pulleys, wiring, or hardware).
What drives the total price?
- Engine cost: The engine itself is the biggest variable (new vs. used, horsepower, crankshaft type).
- Labor time: Most riding mower engine swaps run about 5 to 8 labor hours.
- Extra parts discovered during teardown: worn belts, pulleys, or mounting hardware.
- Shop supplies: oil, filter, fuel line, clamps, and disposal fees.
- Why the engine failed: a thrown rod or seized crank often means more cleanup and parts.
Common “while you’re in there” parts to check on 917270511
Even if you only replace the engine, we recommend inspecting these wear items because they can affect performance and reliability:
- Deck belt condition and cracking (example: lawn tractor drive belt 532144200)
- Starter circuit connections and solenoid function (example: solenoid 532146154)
- Deck spindle play/noise (example: husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794)
- Blade and spindle hardware tightness
- Fuel quality and fuel line condition
Quick cost snapshot
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (part only) | $200 to $1,500 | Varies by spec and availability |
| Labor | $300 to $900 | Based on 5 to 8 hours and local rates |
| Fluids and small parts | $20 to $120 | Oil, filter, clamps, misc. |
Why it matters
If the rest of the tractor is in good shape (deck, steering, transmission), an engine replacement can restore years of service. If multiple major systems are worn, putting that money toward a different mower can be the better value.
How to shop parts for your repair
We recommend starting with the parts list for model 917270511 to match components correctly. If you need to search beyond the most common items shown, use Sears PartsDirect and search by your full model number.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine does Craftsman riding mower use?
Craftsman model 917270511 is a front-engine riding lawn tractor; the exact engine make and horsepower vary by the engine family installed on that specific unit. The most reliable way to identify it is to read the engine ID label on the engine shroud or valve cover, then match parts by model.
How to identify the engine on model 917270511
Use the engine’s own model and type numbers (not the tractor model) to pinpoint the correct tune-up and fuel system parts.
- Park on a flat surface, set the parking brake, and remove the key
- Let the engine cool completely before touching the shroud or muffler area
- Look for a label or stamped numbers on the blower housing, valve cover, or near the starter
- Write down all fields shown (model, type, code, spec, serial)
- Use those numbers when selecting engine-specific parts and maintenance items
Common engine brands you may see on Craftsman tractors
Many Craftsman front-engine tractors were built with single-cylinder gas engines from major small-engine makers. What matters is the engine’s ID tag, because the same tractor model can be produced with different engine variants.
| What you have | Where to find it | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor model: 917270511 | Under-seat tag or frame label | Chassis, deck, steering, belts, electrical |
| Engine model/type/code | On the engine shroud/cover | Carburetor, air filter, spark plug, starter parts |
Why it matters
Ordering by the correct engine ID prevents mismatched ignition, fuel, and tune-up parts. For deck and drive issues on 917270511, we match parts to the tractor model instead.
Parts on this page that are not engine-specific
If you are troubleshooting cutting or drive performance (often mistaken for an “engine problem”), these model-matched parts are common fixes:
- Lawn tractor drive belt 532144200 (blade drive belt)
- Solenoid 532146154 (starter solenoid for no-crank or click symptoms)
- Husqvarna lawn tractor mandrel assembly 532130794 (spindle/mandrel for noisy or uneven cutting)
Helpful DIY guidance
If the engine clicks but will not crank, follow the step-by-step checks in riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesnt turn over video.
You can order replacement parts for Craftsman 917270511 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What Craftsman lawnmower do I have?
You have a Craftsman riding lawn tractor identified by the model number on its product identification label. For this page, the model is 917270511; match that number on your tractor’s label to confirm you have the same front-engine lawn tractor.
Where to find the model number on a Craftsman tractor
On most Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors, the product identification label is located under the seat area. Check these common spots:
- Underside of the seat (lift the seat up)
- Seat pan or frame directly beneath the seat
- Rear fender area near the seat mounting points
- Frame rail near the battery or rear wheels
How to confirm it matches model 917270511
Use the label to verify the exact model number and avoid ordering the wrong parts.
| What to check | What it should look like | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | A full number string (example: 917270511) | Ensures correct parts diagrams and fit |
| Product label condition | Legible, not worn off | Prevents misreads (common with outdoor equipment) |
| Any extra digits/letters | Record them exactly as shown | Some tractors have variants that use different parts |
If the label is missing or unreadable
We use these practical checks to narrow it down before ordering parts:
- Compare your mower deck size and blade style to the parts you need
- Identify whether the issue is deck-related, steering-related, or starting-related
- Match a known part from your tractor to a listed replacement part
For example, if you are servicing the cutting deck, a common replacement is the husqvarna lawn tractor mulching blade, 21-in 532134149. If your existing blade matches that style and mounting, it supports that you are looking at the right model family.
Why it matters
Craftsman tractors often look similar across years, but small differences in the deck, mandrel, belt routing, and steering parts change what fits. Confirming the model number first saves time and prevents returns.
If you need to shop beyond the parts shown for model 917270511, search by your full model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





