Craftsman 917773700 high wheel line trimmer Parts

To replace the trimmer line on your Craftsman high wheel line trimmer model 917773700, we install new 0.155-inch line cut to about 18-3/4 inches, then seat each folded piece under the retainer clips so both sides match in length for smooth, low-vibration trimming. See the step-by-step in the owner's manual.

Before you start (safety and setup)

• Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away from the plug.
• Let the engine and muffler cool completely.
• Tip the trimmer only as needed; keep fuel from spilling.
• Wear gloves and eye protection.
• Clear grass and debris from around the trimmer head so you can see the carrier plate openings.

Line size and cutting length for model 917773700

Use the line specs below to prevent poor cutting, vibration, and line retention problems.

Spec	What to use
Line diameter	0.155 inch
Cut length (each piece)	18-3/4 inches
Replace when	Worn to less than half original length

How we replace the trimmer line

1. Disconnect the spark plug wire.
2. Remove the worn line from the line carrier plate.
3. Cut two new pieces of 0.155-inch line to 18-3/4 inches each.
4. Fold one piece in half.
5. Insert the folded end through the carrier plate opening to the back side of the retainer clip.
6. Pull the line outward until it is fully seated under the retainer clip.
7. Repeat for the other side.
8. Check that all line ends are the same length (they should not vary by more than 1 inch).
9. Reconnect the spark plug wire.

Why it matters

Correct line diameter and equal line length keep the trimmer head balanced. That reduces excessive vibration, improves cutting performance, and helps prevent premature wear on the trimmer head (especially if it contacts concrete or asphalt).

Last updated: February 2026

For the Craftsman high wheel line trimmer model 917773700, neither .080 nor .095 is the better choice because this trimmer is designed to use .155-inch line; using the specified diameter gives the best cutting performance and helps prevent vibration and line-retention problems. See the 917773700 owner's manual for the exact line specs and replacement steps.

What to use on model 917773700 (recommended)

The manual specs for this trimmer are:

Spec	What to use
Trimmer line diameter	.155 inch
Cut length (per piece)	About 18-3/4 inches
Replace when	Worn to less than half original length

If you are comparing .080 vs .095 in general

On many handheld string trimmers, the choice comes down to durability vs. finesse:

• .080: lighter cutting load, cleaner edging feel, best for light grass
• .095: tougher and longer-wearing, better for thicker weeds
• Both can struggle if the trimmer head is built for a different diameter

Why the correct diameter matters on this trimmer

Using the wrong line size can create problems that look like “the trimmer is weak” or “the head will not hold line.” We see these issues most often:

• Poor trimming performance because the line is too thin for heavy weeds
• Excess vibration if line lengths are uneven (balance matters)
• Line not staying in place if the diameter does not match the carrier/retainer design
• Faster wear of the trimmer head components when you have to overwork the machine

Quick tips for longer line life

• Cut using the ends of the line, not the middle
• Move slowly through thick, heavy weeds
• Use the left side of the trimmer along fences and walls
• Avoid letting the trimmer head ride on concrete or asphalt (it can wear the ball underneath)

Last updated: February 2026

For the Craftsman 917773700 trimmer, use fresh unleaded regular gasoline and fill the engine crankcase with 4-cycle engine oil (not 2-cycle premix). Use SAE 30 oil above 32°F or SAE 5W-30 below 32°F; oil capacity is 20 oz. Details are listed in the 917773700 owner's manual.

What to use (model 917773700)

• Gasoline: Unleaded regular gasoline
• Engine oil (above 32°F): SAE 30 (API SF-SJ)
• Engine oil (below 32°F): SAE 5W-30
• Oil capacity: 20 oz
• Fuel tank capacity: 1.25 quarts

Quick reference table

Item	Specification	Tip
Gasoline	Unleaded regular	Use fresh fuel for easier starting
Oil for warm weather	SAE 30 (API SF-SJ)	Best protection above 32°F
Oil for cold weather	SAE 5W-30	Helps cold starts below 32°F

How to fuel and oil it correctly

• Add oil before the first start; this trimmer ships without oil in the engine.
• Check oil level before each use with the trimmer on level ground.
• Do not overfill; overfilling can cause smoking on startup.
• Keep dirt out of the fuel tank and oil fill area.
• Drain and replace old gasoline after long storage.

Why it matters

Using the correct oil viscosity and clean unleaded gasoline helps the engine start easier, run cooler, and last longer. This model uses separate gasoline and crankcase oil, so mixing 2-cycle oil into the fuel is unnecessary.

Last updated: February 2026

Your Craftsman 917773700 high wheel line trimmer keeps turning off when the engine overheats from restricted airflow, fuel delivery drops off, or ignition misfires under load. We solve most shut-off problems by cleaning debris buildup first, then checking the spark plug, air filter, and fuel quality.

Quick checks that fix most shut-off issues

• Clean grass and chaff off the top of the engine and around the starter area to restore airflow.
• Scrape built-up grass from the underside after each use; a clogged engine area runs hotter.
• Check the air filter; clean or replace it if dirty or oil-soaked.
• Inspect the spark plug; clean or replace it if fouled.
• Drain old fuel and refill with fresh gasoline; stale fuel causes stalling.
• If the trimmer starts vibrating abnormally, stop the engine and inspect the cutting head area.

Troubleshooting order (fastest to slowest)

1. Airflow and overheating: Clean the engine exterior and underside.
2. Basic tune-up: Air filter and spark plug condition.
3. Fuel quality and venting: Fresh fuel, clean fuel can, tank cap vent clear.
4. Fuel delivery: Fuel line, filter, carburetor varnish.
5. Mechanical drag: Cutting head and drive system binding.

Model-specific specs to confirm

Use the 917773700 owner's manual to match the correct spark plug type and gap, plus the specified trimmer line diameter and cut length; incorrect line size can overload the engine and contribute to stalling.

Check	What it affects	Common symptom
Engine cleaning	Temperature	Runs a few minutes, then quits
Spark plug condition	Ignition under load	Misfire, dies when throttled
Line size and length	Engine load	Bogging, vibration, shutdown

Parts to inspect if the head or drive is dragging

• High-wheel trimmer driveshaft belt 532185476
• High-wheel line trimmer spindle housing assembly 532174543
• Mower ball 532180337

Why it matters

A small engine that runs hot or is overloaded loses RPM and stalls. Keeping the engine clean and using the correct tune-up and line specs prevents overheating, vibration, and unnecessary load.

Last updated: February 2026