Owner’s manual
Which is better, .080 or .095 trimmer line?
For the Craftsman high wheel line trimmer model 917773707, neither .080 nor .095 is the better choice because this model is designed to use .155-inch diameter trimmer line cut to 18-3/4 inches; using smaller line typically wears faster and can cause poor cutting and line-retention issues. See the 917773707 owner's manual.
What to use on model 917773707 (recommended spec)
Our guidance for this model is to match the manual’s line diameter and length so the trimmer head stays balanced and cuts efficiently.
- Use .155-inch diameter trimmer line
- Cut each piece to 18-3/4 inches
- Replace line when it wears to half its original length
- Keep all installed lines within 1 inch of each other in length to reduce vibration
- Do not use wire, rope, or string-type substitutes
If you are choosing between .080 and .095 anyway
If you are trimming with a handheld string trimmer, .095 usually lasts longer and handles thicker weeds better than .080. On a high-wheel trimmer like the 917773707, both sizes are undersized versus the specified .155, so performance and durability drop.
| Line diameter | Best use case | What you will notice |
|---|---|---|
| .080 | Light grass, detail edging | Cleaner feel, but breaks and wears faster |
| .095 | Heavier grass, weeds | More durability, slightly less “fine” trimming |
| .155 (specified for 917773707) | Heavy weeds, high-wheel trimmer cutting | Best cut speed, longest life, proper head balance |
Why it matters
Correct line size affects cutting power, engine load, and vibration. On the 917773707, line pieces that are too short or mismatched in length can make the head feel unbalanced and can contribute to faster wear of cutting-head components.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the model number on a Craftsman Weedwacker?
On a Craftsman wheeled Weedtrimmer like model 917773707, the model number is typically printed on a product ID label on the trimmer itself (not just in the paperwork). Use the label on the machine as your source of truth, then match that exact number when ordering parts.
Where to look on the trimmer
Check these common label locations first (wipe off grass and dirt so you can read it clearly):
- On the chassis/deck housing near the engine mounting area
- Along the rear of the deck near the wheel/axle area
- Near the handle mounting brackets on the frame
- On or near the engine shroud (engine model info may be separate from the trimmer model)
- Under the top cover if your unit has a cover over the belt and pulley area
For diagrams and the exact model identification shown for this unit, use the 917773707 owner's manual.
What numbers matter (and which ones do not)
It is common to find more than one number on a wheeled trimmer. Here is how to use them:
| What you find | Example | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Trimmer model number | 917.773707 | Use this to look up Craftsman parts lists and diagrams |
| Engine model number | Briggs & Stratton model info | Use this for engine-specific parts (carburetor, ignition, recoil, etc.) |
| Part numbers on decals | Warning/cover decals | Not used to identify the machine for parts lookup |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number from the trimmer’s label prevents ordering the wrong belt, cutting head components, or hardware. For example, this model’s parts list includes items like the line trimmer belt 532185476 and specific cutting and drive components that can vary by model.
Last updated: February 2026
How to replace line on Craftsman gas trimmer?
To replace trimmer line on your Craftsman high wheel line trimmer model 917773707, cut new line to the correct length and install it into the carrier plate under the retainer clips. Using the specified .155-inch line and matching lengths prevents vibration and improves cutting.
What you need (correct line and length)
Use the specs from the 917773707 owner's manual.
- Trimmer line diameter: .155 inch
- Cut length per piece: 18-3/4 inches
- Replace when worn to half the original length
- Keep both sides within 1 inch of each other to avoid imbalance
Quick spec check
| Item | Spec for 917773707 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Line diameter | .155 in | Fits the carrier plate and retains correctly |
| Line length | 18-3/4 in | Maintains proper cut and reduces vibration |
| Length match | Within 1 in | Keeps the trimmer head balanced |
Step-by-step: replace the trimmer line
Follow these steps (mirrors the Maintenance procedure in the manual):
- Disconnect the spark plug wire and move it away from the plug.
- Remove the worn line from the carrier plate.
- Fold a new, pre-cut piece of line in half.
- Insert the folded end through the carrier plate opening to the back side of the retainer clip.
- Pull the line outward until it seats fully under the retainer clip.
- Repeat for the other side.
- Confirm both lines are the same length (or within 1 inch).
- Reconnect the spark plug wire.
If the line will not stay in the head
These are the most common causes on this model:
- Line is too short (replace it once it is worn to half length)
- Line was not seated fully under the retainer clip
- Wrong diameter line (must be .155 inch)
- Retainer clip is damaged; the carrier plate may need replacement
If you are servicing the cutting head hardware at the same time, the line trimmer carrier plate 594935003 is the part that holds and retains the line.
Why it matters
Correct line size and equal lengths keep the trimmer head balanced, which reduces excessive vibration and helps the trimmer cut efficiently, especially in thick weeds and along fences.
Last updated: February 2026
Why does my Craftsman trimmer die when I give gas?
When your Craftsman high wheel line trimmer model 917773707 dies as you squeeze the throttle, the engine is usually running too rich or starving for air or fuel under load. The most common quick fix is servicing the air filter and confirming fresh fuel, then checking for basic tune-up issues.
Quick checks that fix most “dies when I give it gas” problems
- Clean or replace the air filter; a dirty filter can cause loss of power and stalling.
- Drain stale fuel and refill with fresh gasoline; old fuel commonly causes bogging and stall.
- Check for water or dirt in fuel; contamination can make the engine die as RPM increases.
- Verify the throttle control is set correctly (FAST for trimming) and the linkage moves freely.
- Inspect the spark plug and wire; a loose wire or worn plug can misfire under acceleration.
For model-specific operating and maintenance steps (including troubleshooting), use the 917773707 owner’s manual.
What to look for (symptom to likely cause)
| What you notice | Most likely cause | What we recommend |
|---|---|---|
| Starts, then dies when you open throttle | Dirty air filter | Service the air filter first |
| Runs only with choke partly on | Fuel delivery restriction or stale fuel | Replace fuel, clean tank/can, then inspect fuel path |
| Surges, then stalls | Water in fuel or carburetor issue | Drain fuel, refill fresh, then tune/clean as needed |
| Dies when engaging drive or heavy cutting | Belt or spindle drag | Inspect belt and cutting head for binding |
If it stalls under load (drive or cutting head)
If the engine sounds fine until the trimmer is actually cutting, check for drag in the drive and cutting system:
- Look for debris wrapped around the spindle area.
- Check belt condition and tension; a worn belt can slip, overheat, and load the engine.
- Spin the cutting head by hand (engine off, spark plug wire disconnected) to feel for binding.
If you find belt wear or glazing, replace the line trimmer belt 532185476.
Why it matters
Stalling on acceleration is often a simple maintenance issue (air filter or fuel quality). Fixing it early prevents hard starting, plug fouling, and extra wear on the engine and drive components.
Last updated: February 2026
What type of oil and gas for Craftsman 2 cycle 25cc 17 trimmer?
For Craftsman high wheel line trimmer model 917773707, use unleaded regular gasoline in the fuel tank and 4-cycle engine oil in the crankcase (do not mix oil into the gas). The spec chart in the 917773707 owner's manual lists SAE 30 above 32°F and SAE 5W-30 below 32°F, with a 1.6-quart fuel capacity and 20-ounce oil capacity.
What to use (model 917773707)
Use these exact specs from the manual:
- Gas type: Unleaded regular gasoline
- Fuel capacity: 1.6 quarts
- Engine oil type (API SG-SL):
- SAE 30 (above 32°F)
- SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)
- Oil capacity: 20 ounces
Quick reference table
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Gasoline | Unleaded regular |
| Engine oil | SAE 30 (above 32°F) or SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) |
| Fuel amount | 1.6 qt |
| Oil amount | 20 oz |
Important clarification about “2-cycle”
Even if your engine label mentions “2-cycle” on other Craftsman trimmers, model 917773707 uses separate oil and gas fills (it has an oil cap with dipstick). That means:
- Put gasoline only in the fuel tank
- Put engine oil only in the crankcase
- Never mix 2-cycle oil into the gasoline for this model
Why it matters
Using a 2-cycle fuel mix in a 4-cycle engine causes heavy smoke, plug fouling, and poor running. Using the correct oil viscosity for the temperature protects the engine during cold starts and hot operation.
Last updated: February 2026
