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How to look up Craftsman model number?
To look up your Craftsman model number, find the model number label on the mower and write it down exactly as shown. For this walk-behind mower, the owner documentation identifies the model as 917.370940 (often printed as 917370940). Use the model number to match the correct parts list and diagrams in the 917370940 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on a Craftsman walk-behind mower
Common places to check on walk-behind mowers like model 917370940 include:
- On the rear of the mower deck near the bagging door or discharge area
- On the side of the deck near a rear wheel
- Near the engine mounting area on the deck (top surface)
- On a label plate or sticker with both model and serial information
- In the paperwork that came with the mower (manual cover and parts list pages)
How to use the model number once you find it
After you locate the model number, use it to:
- Confirm you are ordering parts that fit your exact mower
- Match the correct exploded-view diagrams and key numbers
- Identify the correct engine family (this model uses a 160cc Honda engine per the manual)
- Avoid mix-ups with similar Craftsman mowers that use different handles, wheels, or drive parts
Quick check: model number vs. part numbers
| What you’re looking at | Example | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | 917370940 | Identifies the mower and correct parts diagrams |
| Part ID | 532420019 | Identifies a specific replacement part listing |
| Part number | 420019 | Manufacturer number shown in diagrams/manual |
Why it matters
Craftsman walk-behind mowers often share similar frames and engines, but small differences (drive system, wheel adjusters, discharge door hardware) change which parts fit. Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong items, such as the mulching door 532420019 or lawn mower clipping deflector 532426129.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a lawn mower?
For a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 917370940, it’s cheaper to repair when the fix is routine maintenance or a single worn part; it’s smarter to replace when the mower has repeated breakdowns or major drive or engine problems that push repair cost above about half the price of a comparable new mower.
Quick decision checklist
- Repair when the mower starts and runs well, but needs normal wear items (blade service, tune-up, adjustments).
- Repair when the issue is isolated (one broken cable, one damaged deflector, one worn wheel).
- Replace when the engine has low compression, heavy smoking, or persistent starting failures after a tune-up.
- Replace when the self-propel system has multiple worn components (belt, cable, transaxle) and performance is still poor.
- Replace when the deck is badly rusted or cracked (structural damage).
- Replace when you are paying for the same repair repeatedly each season.
Typical cost rule of thumb
| Situation | Usually the better choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance and safety items | Repair | Lowest cost, restores safe operation |
| One drive issue (belt or cable) | Repair first | Often a single-point failure |
| Multiple drive failures or major engine work | Replace | Costs add up fast and downtime increases |
Model-specific notes for 917370940
Your 917370940 owner’s manual emphasizes regular maintenance (spark plug, air filter, blade checks) to keep the engine running better and lasting longer. It also notes that if the rear deflector is damaged, it should be replaced to reduce the chance of thrown objects.
If you’re deciding based on a drive problem, the manual guidance is clear: when drive belt problems are suspected, we treat that as a repair that often belongs with a qualified service center diagnosis, especially if the mower “does not operate properly.”
Parts that often make repair worthwhile
These are common, lower-cost fixes that can extend mower life:
- Replace a damaged discharge shield or door (example: lawn mower clipping deflector 532426129).
- Restore safe discharge action by replacing worn springs (example: lawn mower deflector shield torsion spring 532193000).
- Fix self-propel engagement issues caused by a worn control cable (example: lawn mower zone control cable 532439468).
Why it matters
Repairing a mower that only needs maintenance protects your investment and keeps the mower operating safely. Replacing a mower with major engine or drive-system wear prevents repeated repair bills and reduces the risk of unsafe operation from worn or damaged components.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the common problems with Craftsman lawn mowers?
Common problems on the Craftsman 917370940 walk-behind mower include no-start (stale fuel, dirty air filter, bad spark plug, control bar released), loss of power in heavy grass, uneven cutting from blade or wheel-height issues, vibration from blade damage, and self-propel drive wheels packed with debris. Use the 917370940 owner's manual troubleshooting chart to match symptoms to fixes.
Most common symptoms and likely causes
- Won’t start: stale fuel, dirty air filter, spark plug wire off, bad spark plug, fuel valve OFF (if equipped)
- Loss of power: cutting too much grass, deck packed with clippings, oil level too high, walking speed too fast
- Poor cut (uneven): worn or bent blade, wheel heights uneven, buildup under the mower housing
- Excessive vibration: loose or damaged blade, broken blade adapter, bent crankshaft
- Hard to push or weak drive: rear drive wheels not turning freely because grass and trash are packed in the wheel area
Quick checks we recommend first
- Disconnect the spark plug wire before working near the blade
- Drain old gas and refill with fresh gasoline if it sat over a season
- Clean the underside of the deck to remove grass and leaf buildup
- Set all wheels to the same cutting height; raise height in tall grass
- Check rear drive wheels and clear debris so both spin freely
Problem-to-fix guide
| Problem | What you notice | What usually fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t start | Pulls but won’t fire | Fresh fuel, clean air filter, replace spark plug, hold control bar, fuel valve ON |
| Loses power | Bogging in tall grass | Raise cutting height, slow down, clean deck buildup, verify oil level |
| Uneven cut | Scalping or stragglers | Level wheel heights, sharpen/replace blade, clean underside |
Parts that often solve discharge or door issues
- Mulching door 532420019 (damaged door affects mulching and discharge control)
- Lawn mower clipping deflector 532426129 (broken deflector changes discharge pattern)
Why it matters
Most “common problems” come from fuel quality, airflow, and grass buildup. Fixing those basics first restores starting, cut quality, and drive performance and helps prevent repeat failures.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917370940?
The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind gas lawn mower is 917.370940 (often written without the dot as 917370940). You can confirm it on the product ID label and in the 917370940 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the mower
Check these common locations on Craftsman walk-behind mowers:
- On the rear of the deck near the discharge opening
- On the top of the deck near the engine mounting area
- Near the handle mounting brackets
- In the documentation that came with the mower
Why the dot matters (917.370940 vs 917370940)
Both formats refer to the same mower; the dot is a formatting style used in many manuals and parts lists.
| You might see it as | What it means |
|---|---|
| 917.370940 | Manual and illustrated parts list format |
| 917370940 | Online parts lookup and ordering format |
Related identifiers you may also see
Your mower can also have other identifiers that are not the Sears model number. Use 917370940 when ordering Craftsman parts for this unit.
- Engine model number (on the Honda engine label)
- Product number or serial number (on the mower ID tag)
- Part numbers for specific components (used for ordering)
Why it matters
Using the exact model number 917370940 ensures you get the correct diagrams and compatible parts (for example, the correct handle components, drive parts, and discharge hardware).
Last updated: February 2026
What year is a Craftsman 917370940 riding mower?
Craftsman model 917.370940 is not a riding mower; it is a 22-inch walk-behind rotary mower with a 160cc Honda engine. For the exact manufacturing date, use the identification and specifications information in the 917370940 owner's manual.
Quick identification for model 917.370940
This model is a power-propelled, 22-inch multi-cut walk-behind mower. If you are trying to date a Craftsman riding mower, the model number format and ID label location are different.
- Product type: walk-behind rotary lawn mower
- Deck size: 22-inch
- Engine family: Honda GCV160 series (as listed in the manual)
- Drive type: power-propelled (self-propelled)
- Model number format: 917.370940 (walk-behind)
How to find the year for the mower you actually have
If your machine is truly a riding mower, the model number on the tractor will not match 917.370940. Use these steps to get the correct year information:
- Locate the product ID/model label (commonly under the seat on riders; on walk-behinds it is often on the rear of the deck or near the handle mounting area).
- Write down the full model number and any serial number exactly as shown.
- Compare the model number to the equipment type: riders usually list a tractor model and often a separate engine model.
- Use the parts list and specifications section in the manual to confirm the equipment family.
Common mix-up: riding mower vs walk-behind mower
| Item | Riding mower | Craftsman 917.370940 |
|---|---|---|
| Operator position | Seated | Walking behind |
| Cutting width (typical) | 30 to 54 inches | 22 inches |
| Drive system | Transaxle/hydrostatic | Belt-driven self-propelled system |
| Manual type | Tractor/ride-on manual | Rotary mower manual |
Why it matters
The year affects the correct parts (blade control cable, drive belt, wheels, and hardware) and the right service procedures. Using the wrong equipment type can lead to ordering mismatched parts or following the wrong maintenance steps.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the model number on a Craftsman self-propelled lawn mower?
On a Craftsman self-propelled walk-behind mower like model 917370940, the model number is printed on the mower’s identification label, typically located on the rear of the deck near the wheels or on the frame behind the engine. Use the exact model number to match parts and diagrams in the 917370940 owner's manual.
Common places to check on a walk-behind mower
Look for a sticker or metal tag on the mower housing (deck) or frame. On most Craftsman push and self-propelled mowers, the label is found in one of these spots:
- Rear of the cutting deck, near the rear wheels
- Back of the deck, close to the discharge opening or rear door area
- Frame area behind or below the engine
- Near the handle mounting brackets
- Under the rear flap or near the grass bag opening (if equipped)
What the label usually shows
The ID label often includes more than just the model number. Recording all of it helps ensure correct parts selection.
| What to write down | Example for this mower | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | 917.370940 | Matches the correct parts diagrams |
| Product type | Rotary lawn mower | Confirms you are in the right category |
| Engine info | Honda GCV160 (varies by version) | Helps when ordering engine-related parts |
Why it matters
Craftsman model numbers can look similar across different walk-behind mowers. Using 917370940 prevents ordering the wrong items, especially for fit-critical parts like the mulching door 532420019 or lawn mower clipping deflector 532426129.
Last updated: February 2026
