What is the real Craftsman model?

daydremer152 · Jan 23, 2012

Have been given a Craftsman model number 917-273220 lawn tractor. I see lots of model numbers or names of craftsman tractors....GT XXXX and LT this and DYT that. Does this unit I have have a "popular" name or am I stuck referring to it as 917-273220?

It would sure be easier on the forum to have a more known name for the unit...All help is appreciated!!

daydreamer152

bp fick · Jan 23, 2012

Actually, that number is the real one. It's the number you need on PartsDirect.

There are a lot of knowledgeable guys about the nuances of Craftsman's numbering system, who made it, etc. I believe the 917 tells you it is Electrolux, AYP, Husquarna division rather than an MTD, etc.

All I know is that we like ours. I did a thread recently about putting a new alternator ring in an 18 hp, 917.275640
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/craftsman-sears/213135-fixing-my-wifes-new-yard.html

bp fick · Jan 23, 2012

I've got a .pdf of your manual, if you need one.

daydremer152 · Jan 23, 2012

bp

A pdf of the manual would be great....I have been servicing this unit while it belonged to wife's step dad....they had the property adjacent to us and he had lent it to her more or less. He had replaced it with a JD commercial zero turn....they moved and left it (the craftsman) for us...while it is appreciated it does need quite a bit of work. That manual would be a godsend....I have been using good common sense to do most things....a manual would be better

....

I guess I'll have to use the really clumsy model number for help in future postings.....

Thanks again,

bp fick · Jan 23, 2012

http://www.hammerwall.com/Download_Manual/37474/

Just put the 4 digit "proof" you are a human, and your manual should come up. Be sure to save the .pdf and you'll always have it.

If you don't mind 30 sheets of paper, print it out too.

daydremer152 · Jan 23, 2012

bp

Thank you sir, your generosity is exceeded only by your intelligence...:thumbsup:

Tractor Seabee · Jan 23, 2012

For all you craftsman owners or buyers. The manuals are readily available free on the sears parts web site. When contemplating buying or have bought their products I always get the manual first off. A lot of after market sellers charge for those manuals. Sears parts are expensive and shipping is also. Sometimes shipping equals or exceeds their sale price. I avoid them when ever I can and I have a lot of craftsman stuff. I now have a 4" 3 ring binder full of crafstman manuals.

Ron

bp fick · Jan 24, 2012

The manual .pdf was free on line at hammerwall, glad to be of help.

For me, the exploded parts diagrams and parts lists are invaluable.

Parts Direct through Sears is not always the cheapest place to get parts, but you gotta start somewhere in determining the baseline cost. Frankly, sharp web browsing will get you better prices. Even Ebay suppliers and sellers are a treasure of parts savings. Just be smart.