blown motor on craftsman rider

Yes. Repair parts are very expensive. A few years back I priced parts to rebuild a 18hp B&S and they totaled nearly $900. Probably higher than that now. Add labor to that and you're close to the price of a new engine. I opted for a new mower.

KC

Ask a maintenance shop about a "short block". That's basically a new motor, block crank and piston. All other parts will come from your own motor.

Unfortunately, machines like this are now basically disposable. If you had bought a John Deere or a Wheel Horse, the tractor would be worth spending the money for an engine or short block. But the cost of a short block will be at least 85% the cost of the new engine installed, and only has a 90 day manufacturer warranty on the part. The new engine comes with a new two year warranty (non-commercial). But for another $100, you get not just a new engine, but also a new transmission, deck, frame, seat, etc. And if you look carefully at the eight year old one, I'm sure you'll find the front axle loose in the frame, bends and cracking in the deck, and possibly hard shifting in the transmission.

Just remember, if the engine is $1400, just how much do you think they spent to build the rest of the tractor?