Craftsman 917388040 gas walk-behind lawn mower Parts

The model number for this Craftsman gas walk-behind lawn mower is 917.388040 (often written without the dot as 917388040). You can confirm it on the model tag and in the 917388040 owner's manual.

Check these common locations on Craftsman walk-behind mowers:

• On the rear of the mower deck near the discharge opening
• On the top of the deck near the engine mounting area
• On a label near the handle mounting brackets
• In the paperwork that came with the mower (manual and parts list)

Both formats refer to the same mower; the dot is just a formatting style.

Using the exact model number ensures you get the right Craftsman parts and diagrams for your mower, especially for fit-critical items like the drive belt, control cable, and handle hardware.

• Control cable 532168552 (engine zone control cable)
• Belt, 21-in 532406712 (drive belt)
• Handle knob 532185577 (handle hardware)

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman model 917388040 is identified by its model number, not by a built-in “year” code. For this mower, the most reliable way to confirm the production timeframe is to use the model and engine information listed in the 917388040 owner's manual and then match it to the mower’s ID/serial label and parts diagrams.

On Craftsman walk-behind mowers like 917388040, the build date is typically tied to the product ID/serial number label (not the model number itself). Check these common locations:

• Rear of the mower deck near the discharge opening
• Top of the deck near the engine mounting area
• Behind the rear wheels on the deck housing
• On the handle support area (near the height adjusters)

The documentation for Craftsman 917388040 confirms the mower type and the engine model used on this unit, which helps narrow identification when you are cross-checking labels.

Some online videos describe decoding a date from a number string, but that approach often applies to specific label formats and does not reliably convert a Craftsman mower model number into a calendar date. Using the ID/serial label and manual-based identifiers is the accurate method.

Knowing the correct year or production range helps you avoid ordering the wrong blade, control cable, or drive parts when Craftsman used similar-looking decks across multiple seasons.

If you are replacing common hardware while you’re identifying the unit, match parts by diagram callout; for example, a deck or handle fastener like the Lock nut 532409149 must match the exact location and thread size shown for your configuration.

Last updated: February 2026

On the Craftsman gas walk-behind lawn mower model 917388040, the mower model number is on the mower’s product ID label, typically on the deck (mower housing) or in the handle mounting area. Use the mower model number for most non-engine replacement parts; see the 917388040 manual for the exact label location and diagrams.

Check these common ID label locations on walk-behind mowers like 917388040:

• Top of the mower deck near the rear discharge door or bag opening
• Side of the deck near a rear wheel or height adjuster
• Rear of the deck behind the bagger opening
• Handle support area near the lower handle mounting points
• Under the grass bag flap area (if equipped)

This mower uses different identifiers depending on the part you need.

A worn or dirty label is common on outdoor power equipment.

• Clean the area with mild soap and water; dry completely
• Use a flashlight at a low angle to make printing stand out
• Take a close-up photo and zoom in
• Copy the number exactly as shown (including any punctuation)

Using the correct mower model number ensures we match parts to the exact Craftsman deck and handle design. For example, a control cable 532168552 fits specific control and handle setups tied to the mower model, not the engine.

Last updated: February 2026