Owner’s manual
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What are the most common issues with 917376743?
The most common issues we see on the Craftsman 917376743 walk-behind gas mower are drive problems (self-propel not pulling), uneven cutting from a worn blade, and wheel or height-adjustment wear. Use the 917376743 owner's manual to match symptoms to the correct adjustment or replacement part.
Common problems and what they point to
- Self-propelled drive slips or won’t move: worn drive wheel/pawl, stretched or misadjusted drive cable, or a worn pulley.
- Mower cuts unevenly or leaves stragglers: dull or bent blade, deck height set unevenly, or wheel wear.
- Rear door or bagging issues: rear door not closing, bag not sealing, or deflector hardware binding.
- Wheel wobble or poor traction: worn wheel, missing dust cover, or loose hardware.
- Controls feel loose or don’t return: weak return spring or cable routing issues.
Quick checks we recommend before buying parts
- Shut off the engine and remove the spark plug wire.
- Tip the mower only as directed in the manual to avoid fuel and oil spills.
- Inspect for obvious wear, looseness, or missing clips and fasteners.
- Check the blade edge and balance; replace if bent or heavily nicked.
- Squeeze the drive control and watch for cable movement and full engagement.
- Spin the drive wheels by hand; look for slipping, clicking, or binding.
- Verify all four wheels are set to the same cutting height.
- Look for loose nuts, washers, and E-rings on wheel and drive hardware.
Parts that commonly solve these symptoms (examples)
| Symptom | Likely area | Example part on this model |
|---|---|---|
| No self-propel or weak pull | Drive system | Lawn mower drive control cable 532407816 |
| Poor cut quality | Blade | Lawn mower mulching blade 532406707 |
| Wheel traction/wear | Wheel/drive wheel | Lawn mower drive wheel 532403111 |
| Wheel looseness | Wheel hardware | Lawn mower hex flange nut 532409149 |
Why it matters
Catching drive and cutting issues early prevents extra wear on the drive components and helps protect the mower deck and engine from vibration caused by a damaged blade or loose wheels.
Last updated: March 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 42 riding mower?
The model number on this Sears PartsDirect page is Craftsman 917.376743, and the owner’s manual identifies it as a 22-inch, power-propelled rotary walk-behind mower, not a 42-inch riding mower. For model-number location details, use the 917376743 owner's manual.
How to find the model number on a Craftsman 42-inch riding mower
On most Craftsman riding mowers, the model number is printed on a product ID label (sometimes called a model tag). Check these common spots:
- Under the seat (seat pan or frame rail)
- On the rear fender or rear frame area
- Near the engine compartment on the frame
- On the left or right side of the mower frame, behind the front wheel
- Under the hood on the chassis (some models)
What to do once you find the label
Use the full model number exactly as shown on the tag (including dots or dashes). Then match it to parts and manuals.
- Write down the full model number and serial number
- Take a clear photo of the label for reference
- Use the model number to look up the correct deck belt, blades, and filters
- If the label is damaged, check your purchase paperwork for the model
Quick comparison: this model vs a 42-inch riding mower
| Item | This page’s model | Typical 42-inch riding mower |
|---|---|---|
| Model number format | 917.376743 | Often starts with 917.xxxxxxx (varies) |
| Mower type | Walk-behind | Riding lawn tractor |
| Cutting width | 22-inch deck | 42-inch deck |
Why it matters
Parts like blades, belts, pulleys, and ignition components are model-specific. Using the wrong model number can lead to ordering parts that do not fit or installing the wrong deck hardware.
Last updated: January 2026
Where to find model number on Craftsman lawn mower?
On the Craftsman walk-behind mower model 917376743, the model number is printed on the mower’s identification label (often called the model plate). On many walk-behind mowers, you’ll find that label on the mower deck or frame near the rear wheel area, and it will read 917.376743.
Common places to check on model 917376743
Look for a sticker or metal tag on the mower itself (not on the engine shroud). Typical spots include:
- On the mower deck, near the rear discharge door or rear skirt area
- On the frame near the rear wheels (left or right side)
- Near the handle mounting brackets on the deck
- Around the battery box area if your mower has electric start
- Under heavy grass buildup; wipe the deck clean to reveal the label
What the label looks like
The model plate usually includes the model number and other ID details.
| What you’ll see | What it’s used for |
|---|---|
| Model number (example: 917.376743) | Matching the correct parts diagrams and parts |
| Product name/type (rotary lawn mower) | Confirming you’re on the right manual/section |
| Engine series info (example: Briggs & Stratton 650 Series) | Engine tune-up parts and specs |
Why it matters
We use the model number to match the exact parts list for your mower, including the correct blade, drive system parts, and hardware. For example, model 917376743 uses a specific drive control assembly and wheel-drive components, so the model number prevents ordering the wrong part.
Quick tip if you’re replacing parts
If you’re already working near the wheels or drive system, it can help to confirm the model number before ordering common wear items like the lawn mower drive control cable 532407816. For diagrams and the official model identification, use the 917376743 owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026
