Craftsman 917378451 gas walk-behind lawn mower Parts

On Craftsman model 917378451, the model and serial numbers are on a decal on the rear of the mower housing. That serial number identifies your exact unit; the build date is typically determined by decoding the engine’s date code or the manufacturer’s serial format shown in the 917378451 owner's manual.

Find and record the correct serial number

The fastest way to avoid a wrong decode is to capture every character exactly.

• Look on the rear of the mower housing for the model/serial decal
• Clean the decal so all digits are readable
• Write down the model number (917378451) and the serial number together
• Record your date of purchase (helpful for service history)
• If the decal is missing, locate the engine model/type/code on the engine shroud

How to determine the mower’s age

Most walk-behind mowers are dated using one of these methods.

What you decode	Where you find it	What it tells you
Engine date code	Engine shroud, valve cover area, or blower housing	Engine manufacture date (best indicator)
Mower serial format	Rear housing decal	Production run info (format varies)
Purchase date	Receipt or records	In-service age

Quick rule that works in practice

Use the engine manufacture date as the mower’s build timeframe; the mower is typically assembled shortly after the engine is built.

Why it matters

Knowing the build timeframe helps us match the correct Craftsman parts and avoid look-alike items that do not fit your exact production run.

If you are also diagnosing a self-propel problem, the lawn mower wont move troubleshooting video motion drive failure guide pairs well with checking wear items like the lawn mower ground drive belt, 3/8 x 32-1/2-in 532175436.

Last updated: February 2026

To look up the model number for your Craftsman mower, we start by finding the model and serial number label on the mower itself, then match that number to parts and diagrams. For Craftsman walk-behind mower model 917378451, the model number is shown in the 917378451 owner's manual.

Where to find the model number on a Craftsman mower

Check these common label locations first (wipe off grass and oil so the tag is readable):

• Rear of the mower deck near the discharge opening
• On top of the deck near the engine mounting area
• On the frame near the rear wheels
• Near the handle mounting brackets
• On a sticker or metal tag riveted to the deck

How to use the model number to look up parts

Once you have the model number, use it to pull the correct parts list and diagrams so you get the right blade, belt, cable, or wheel parts.

• Enter the full model number exactly as printed (include all digits)
• Use the diagrams to identify the part by name and key number
• Match the part to the correct identifier before ordering
• If you are troubleshooting drive issues, confirm the drive system parts shown for your exact model

Example: common parts you might look up by model

What you are fixing	Part type to look up	Example part for this model
Self-propel not pulling	Ground drive belt	Lawn mower ground drive belt, 3/8 x 32-1/2-in 532175436
Engine won’t shut off	Zone control cable	Lawn mower zone control cable 532133107
Height won’t stay set	Height adjuster knob	Husqvarna lawn mower height adjuster knob 532701037

Why it matters

Craftsman model numbers can look similar across different mower builds. Using the exact model number ensures the diagrams, hardware (like lock nuts and E-rings), and drive components match your mower’s deck and drivetrain.

Last updated: February 2026

For a Craftsman mower like model 917378451, the serial number format varies by engine and production run, so we use the model and the product ID labels to identify the correct date code. The fastest, most accurate method is to match the serial number style shown in the 917378451 owner's manual and on the mower’s ID tag.

Where to find the serial number and date code

Check these common locations on a gas walk-behind mower:

• On the rear of the deck near the discharge opening
• On the top of the deck behind the engine
• On the handle bracket area
• On a sticker or stamped plate near the wheels
• On the engine itself (engine model and code are often separate from the mower model)

How to interpret what you see (most common patterns)

Serial numbers are not universal across all Craftsman mowers, so start by identifying the pattern:

What the serial looks like	What it usually means	What to do next
Mostly numbers in groups (example: 6 digits)	Often a date-style code on some builds	Compare the grouping to the manual and ID tag format
Letters + numbers (long string)	Often a manufacturing sequence, not a readable date	Use the engine code or product number for dating
Engine has its own “model/type/code”	Engine date is encoded separately	Use the engine code to determine engine build date

Practical steps we recommend

Use this quick process to get a reliable result:

• Write down the mower model number (917378451) and the full serial number exactly as shown.
• Record the engine identification numbers (model/type/code) from the engine shroud.
• Compare label locations and numbering style to the diagrams and identification info in the 917378451 owner's manual.
• If you are ordering parts, use the mower model number first; then confirm the engine numbers for engine-specific parts.
• If the question is about drive or control issues while you are inspecting labels, check common wear items like the Lawn mower zone control cable 532133107.

Why it matters

Serial and engine codes help ensure you get the correct replacement parts (cables, belts, wheels, and hardware) and avoid mismatches caused by mid-year design changes.

Last updated: February 2026

The model number is 917.378451; it identifies your specific Craftsman gas walk-behind lawn mower for ordering the correct parts and following the right maintenance steps. You will see this model number shown in the parts list and diagrams in the 917378451 owner's manual.

Where to find the model number on the mower

We use the model number to match the correct drive system, handle parts, and hardware for your mower.

• Check the model tag or decal on the mower deck (often near the rear or side of the deck)
• Look for a number formatted like 917.378451 (with a dot)
• Match it to the parts diagrams before ordering items like belts, wheels, or cables
• Use the model number when referencing drive components such as the lawn mower zone control cable 532133107

Model number vs. part numbers (what to enter when ordering)

Use the model number to pull up the correct diagrams; use part IDs to order specific replacement parts.

What you have	Example for this mower	What it’s used for
Model number	917.378451	Identifies the exact mower version
Part ID	532133107	Orders a specific replacement part
Part name	Lawn mower zone control cable	Describes what the part does

Why it matters

Craftsman walk-behind mowers can look similar across years, but small changes (drive belt length, wheel hardware, control cable routing) affect fit. Using 917.378451 keeps your parts selection accurate and prevents returns.

Last updated: February 2026