How much does it cost to repair a hydrostatic transmission on a lawn mower?
Hydrostatic transmission repairs are typically a riding-mower cost category; most Craftsman walk-behind mowers like model 917378932 use a belt-and-pulley self-propel drive instead of a hydrostatic transmission. For hydrostatic units, repairs commonly range from a few hundred dollars for service to well over $1,000 if the transmission is replaced.
On this Craftsman gas walk-behind mower, “won’t move” problems are usually caused by the ground drive system (belt, pulleys, control cable, wheels), not a hydrostatic transmission. Use the exploded views and drive system checks in the 917378932 owner's manual.
Common walk-behind “no drive” causes:
- Worn or stretched ground drive belt
- Belt off the pulley or debris jammed in the pulley area
- Drive control/cable out of adjustment or damaged
- Worn wheel drive components (pinion/gear areas)
- Bent linkage or missing fasteners after service
If you are pricing a hydrostatic transmission repair (usually on a riding mower), costs depend on whether it’s a service, a rebuild, or a full replacement.
| Repair type | What it usually includes | Typical cost range (parts + labor) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic service | Fluid check, purge air, linkage adjustment | $150 to $400 |
| Component repair | Seals, fan, pulley, linkage parts | $250 to $800 |
| Transmission replacement | New transaxle/hydro unit + install | $900 to $2,500 |
These steps help you avoid paying for a transmission diagnosis when the issue is actually a belt, pulley, or control problem.
- Confirm the drive control is engaging fully (handle/cable travel)
- Inspect the belt path for glazing, cracking, or slack
- Check for a seized pulley or debris wrapped around shafts
- Verify wheels spin freely and are not binding
- Look for missing hardware such as a lock nut 532409149 after recent repairs
Hydrostatic transmission replacement is one of the highest-cost mower repairs. On a walk-behind mower like the Craftsman 917378932, solving a “won’t move” issue is often a lower-cost belt, pulley, or control fix, so the right diagnosis saves time and money.
Last updated: January 2026
How to find Craftsman model number?
On the Craftsman gas walk-behind lawn mower model 917378932, the model number is on the mower’s product ID label, typically on the rear of the mower deck near the lower handle mounting area. For the exact label location and how it’s printed, use the 917378932 owner's manual.
Check these common spots first (wipe off grass and dirt so the label is readable):
- Rear of the deck, close to the lower handle mounts
- Back edge of the deck (deck lip) just below the handle
- Near the rear discharge area
- Around the battery box area if your mower has electric start components
Use the model number exactly as a continuous number: 917378932. Some labels and manuals may show punctuation (for example, 917.378932), but parts lookup and ordering works best with the digits only.
| You see on the label/manual | Use for parts lookup | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 917378932 | 917378932 | Best format for parts diagrams and ordering |
| 917.378932 | 917378932 | Same model; ignore the dot |
You can still confirm the correct model by matching a few key components to the diagrams.
- Clean the area gently with a damp rag (avoid solvents that can remove printing)
- Use a flashlight at an angle to make faint text easier to see
- Take a close-up photo and zoom in
- Cross-check a common wear part, such as the husqvarna lawn mower 21-in deck 3-in-1 blade 532189028
Using the exact model number 917378932 ensures we match the correct Craftsman parts for your deck, drive system, and handle hardware; it also helps you pull the right maintenance and adjustment steps.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917378932?
The model number is 917.378932; it’s printed on the Craftsman mower’s identification label and shown on the cover of the owner’s manual for this unit. On Sears PartsDirect, this mower is listed under model 917378932 (same model, different punctuation).
We recommend checking the mower’s model label first, then matching it to the documentation.
- Look for a label on the mower deck (often near the rear or side of the deck)
- Check the handle support area if you do not see it on the deck
- Match the number exactly, including the dot (917.378932)
- Use the same model number when ordering parts like a blade, wheel, or drive belt
Both formats refer to the same Craftsman gas walk-behind mower model.
| Where you see it | Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Owner’s manual and product label | With dot | 917.378932 |
| Parts lookup and ordering | Without dot | 917378932 |
Using the exact model number helps ensure the correct parts diagrams and part matches, especially for common wear items like the drive belt, wheel adjusters, and blade hardware.
For the most reliable confirmation, use the 917378932 owner’s manual.
Last updated: January 2026





