Owner’s manual
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Are gas lawn mowers being phased out?
Gas walk-behind mowers like the Craftsman 917370840 are not being phased out everywhere at once, but the market is shifting toward battery-electric models as some states and local areas restrict new sales of certain gas-powered outdoor equipment. Your mower remains serviceable and supportable with routine maintenance and replacement parts; use the 917370840 owner's manual for safe operation and upkeep.
What “phased out” usually means
Most changes focus on new equipment sales, not taking existing gas mowers out of service.
- Some regions restrict or plan to restrict sales of certain new gas-powered lawn equipment
- Existing gas mowers can typically still be used and maintained
- Retailers may stock fewer gas models over time as demand shifts
- Commercial and heavy-duty use cases often keep gas options available longer
- Parts availability is driven by model demand and supplier production, not just regulations
How to keep a gas mower running longer (and why it matters)
A well-maintained gas mower cuts cleaner, starts easier, and avoids premature engine wear.
- Clean the underside of the deck after each use (scrape off grass buildup)
- Clean under the drive cover at least twice per season
- Replace the spark plug at the start of each mowing season or every 100 hours
- Inspect safety and wear items (grass catcher components, deflectors, cables)
- Stop and inspect the mower if you strike an object; repair before restarting
Common parts owners replace on this model
If you plan to keep the Craftsman 917370840 for years, these are typical wear items to watch.
| Part type | What it affects | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Blade | Cut quality, vibration | Husqvarna lawn mower 22-inch deck 3-in-1 blade 532421825 |
| Drive cable | Self-propel engagement | Lawn mower drive cable (inspect for stretch/fraying) |
| Discharge/deflector | Clipping control, safety | Lawn mower clipping deflector (check for cracks) |
Why it matters
Even if electric mowers become more common, keeping your gas mower maintained protects cut quality and reduces downtime. It also helps you avoid damage from overheating caused by grass and debris buildup.
Last updated: January 2026
How to identify a lawn mower model?
On the Craftsman walk-behind mower model 917370840, the model and serial numbers are printed on a decal on the rear of the lawn mower housing. Use those numbers when ordering parts or looking up specifications in the 917370840 owner's manual.
Where to look on this mower
Check these common spots first:
- Rear of the mower deck/housing (primary location for 917370840)
- Under the handle area where the handle brackets mount
- Near the rear discharge door or rear skirt area
- On the engine shroud (engine model is separate from mower model)
Mower model number vs. engine model number
Your mower has two different identifiers. Using the right one prevents ordering the wrong blade, cable, or drive parts.
| What you are identifying | Where it’s found | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Mower model number (917370840) | Rear housing decal | Correct Craftsman chassis parts (wheels, cables, doors, handle parts) |
| Engine model/type/code | Stamped/printed on engine shroud or near spark plug area | Correct engine parts (carburetor, ignition parts, recoil starter parts) |
Tips to record it correctly
- Write down both the model and serial number exactly as shown
- Take a clear photo of the decal before it fades
- If the decal is dirty, wipe it gently so all digits are readable
- Match parts by model first, then confirm by part description
Why it matters
The model number ties your mower to the correct parts list and diagrams. For example, the correct 22-inch blade for this mower is the husqvarna lawn mower 22-inch deck 3-in-1 blade 532421825, and using the wrong blade can affect cut quality and safety.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917370840?
The model number is 917.370840 (commonly written without the dot as 917370840) for this Craftsman gas walk-behind mower. You can confirm it on the model ID label and in the 917370840 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the mower
Look for the model ID label in one of these common spots:
- On the rear of the mower deck near the discharge area
- Near the height adjuster brackets on the deck
- On the handle support area (lower handle mounting points)
- In the documentation that came with the mower
How to read the number (dot vs no dot)
Both formats refer to the same mower:
| You may see it printed as | It means |
|---|---|
| 917.370840 | Craftsman model number |
| 917370840 | Same model number, just without punctuation |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number ensures you get the right Craftsman walk-behind mower parts and diagrams for items like the blade, drive system, and control cables.
If you are ordering common wear parts, match them to the diagrams for model 917370840. For example, the correct 22-inch blade for this model is the husqvarna lawn mower 22-inch deck 3-in-1 blade 532421825.
Last updated: January 2026
