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How old is my mower by serial number?
For a Craftsman walk-behind mower model 917374371, the serial number can often be decoded to estimate the build date, but the format varies by the engine and mower manufacturer. We use the serial tag details (and sometimes the engine model/type code) to identify the most likely month and year of manufacture.
Where to find the serial number on model 917374371
Look for a sticker or stamped tag in one of these common locations:
- Rear of the mower deck near the discharge chute
- Top of the deck near the engine mounting area
- Behind the rear wheels on the deck housing
- On the handle support bracket (less common)
How to decode the date (what to look for)
Many walk-behind mowers use one of these patterns somewhere in the serial number or on the ID tag:
- 6-digit date code such as
MMDDYYorYYMMDD - 4-digit date code such as
YYWW(year + week of year) - Letter + numbers where the letter indicates month and the numbers indicate year
If your mower tag does not show an obvious date code, the engine label often provides the best clue.
Use the engine label as a backup (often the fastest method)
On many Craftsman walk-behind mowers, the engine has its own model and date coding. Check the engine shroud for an engine model/type/code label and compare it to common formats.
| What you have | What it tells you | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Mower serial only | Sometimes includes a build date | Check for MMDDYY, YYWW, or similar patterns |
| Engine model/type/code | Usually includes a build date range | Use the engine code to identify the year/week |
| No readable tag | Date cannot be decoded from the tag | Replace missing hardware, then keep a photo record |
Why it matters
Knowing the approximate manufacture date helps us match the correct drive system and deck hardware for repairs, especially for wear items like belts, blade adapters, and wheel components.
Parts that commonly get replaced as mowers age
If you are refreshing the drive and cutting system, these are common wear items for this model family:
- Belt 532157769 (self-propel drive belt)
- Lawn mower blade adapter 581547901 (blade mounting interface)
- Husqvarna lawn mower wheel dust cover 581840401 (wheel hub protection)
For maintenance timing and seasonal storage, follow how to winterize a lawn mower.
Last updated: January 2026
How to read Craftsman serial number?
On a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 917374371, the serial number format depends on the engine and the mower’s data tag; we read it by first locating the correct tag, then decoding the date portion (if present) to identify the build date.
Where to find the serial number
Look for a sticker or stamped tag in one of these common spots:
- Rear of the mower deck near the discharge opening
- Top of the deck near the engine mounting area
- On the handle support brackets
- On the engine shroud (engine serial is separate from mower model)
How to decode it (what the numbers usually mean)
Craftsman mowers can use different serial formats across years and suppliers. Many date-coded serials use a MMDDYY style date segment (month, day, year), but you should confirm the pattern by matching the serial length and separators on your tag.
Quick decode checklist
- Identify whether you’re reading the mower serial tag or the engine serial tag
- Look for a 6-digit date block (often read as MMDDYY)
- Write the full serial exactly as shown (including letters)
- If there are multiple number strings, use the one labeled Serial (not Model)
Examples (typical date-block interpretation)
| Date block | Interpreted as | Example result |
|---|---|---|
| 072811 | MMDDYY | July 28, 2011 |
| 031524 | MMDDYY | March 15, 2024 |
Why it matters
The serial number helps us match the correct parts and revisions for your Craftsman mower, especially for wear items like the drive system and blade mounting hardware.
Parts that often depend on exact identification
- Drive belt and traction components
- Blade mounting hardware (adapter, washers, nuts)
- Wheel and axle hardware
If you’re servicing the blade area, the lawn mower blade removal tool guide is a safe way to hold the blade while loosening hardware.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917374371?
The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind lawn mower is 917374371. You’ll use 917374371 to look up the correct Craftsman parts diagrams and to match replacement items like belts, blade hardware, and drive components.
Where to find the model number on the mower
On most Craftsman walk-behind mowers, the model number is printed on a model and serial tag. Check these common locations:
- Rear of the mower deck near the discharge opening
- Top of the deck near the engine mounting area
- Back of the mower housing near the handle brackets
- Under the rear flap (near the bagging area)
Why the model number matters for parts
Craftsman uses model numbers to match the exact deck, drive system, and hardware used on your mower. Even small differences can change what fits.
Examples of parts that can vary by model
- Drive belt routing and belt length
- Blade adapter style and mounting pattern
- Wheel and drive gear setup
- Fastener sizes (nuts, washers, E-rings)
Here are a few model-matched examples for 917374371:
| Part type | Example part for this model | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Blade mounting component | Lawn mower blade adapter 581547901 | Connects the blade to the engine crankshaft |
| Drive component | Belt 532157769 | Transfers power for self-propel drive (when equipped) |
| Wheel protection | Husqvarna lawn mower wheel dust cover 581840401 | Helps shield wheel hub area from debris |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number helps prevent ordering the wrong Craftsman lawn mower parts, which saves time and avoids fitment issues during repair.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917374371?
The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind lawn mower is 917374371. You will typically find it on the mower’s model and serial number label; matching that number ensures you get the correct replacement parts and diagrams for your exact mower.
Where to find the model number on the mower
Most Craftsman walk-behind mowers place the model/serial label in one of these spots:
- On the rear of the deck near the discharge opening
- On the top of the deck near the engine mounting area
- Near the rear wheel height-adjuster bracket
- On the handle support or handle bracket area
How to confirm you are using the right parts page
Use the model number 917374371 exactly as shown on the label. Then match parts by description and location on the mower.
- Confirm the model number is 917374371 (not a similar 917-series number)
- Compare the part name to what you are replacing (belt, blade adapter, drive cover, etc.)
- If you are working on the drive system, verify belt routing and pulley locations before ordering
- If you are working under the deck, inspect the blade mounting hardware for wear
| What to match | Why it matters | Example from this model’s parts |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Ensures correct diagrams and fit | Craftsman 917374371 |
| Part ID and part name | Prevents ordering a look-alike | Lawn mower blade adapter 581547901 |
| Hardware size/type | Avoids loosening and vibration | Lock nuts, washers, E-rings |
Why it matters
Craftsman model numbers can look very similar, but small design changes affect belt length, blade mounting, and drive components. Using 917374371 helps you avoid returns and gets your mower back to cutting and self-propelling correctly.
Last updated: January 2026
