Owner’s manual
View engine
Should I use 87 or 91 gas for lawn mower?
For the Craftsman 917370563 gas walk-behind mower, use 87-octane (regular) unleaded gasoline for normal operation. Higher octane (like 91) is not required for performance; the bigger priority is using clean, fresh fuel and following the fuel and storage guidance in the 917370563 owner's manual.
What to use (and what to avoid)
- Use fresh 87-octane unleaded from a clean gas can.
- Avoid old fuel (leftover from last season) because it can cause hard starting and rough running.
- Keep dirt and rust out of the tank; a rusty gas can can contaminate fuel.
- Do not store gasoline from one season to the next.
- Let the engine cool before storing the mower, especially if fuel is in the tank.
Quick comparison: 87 vs 91 octane
| Fuel choice | Works in this mower? | Best use case | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 87 octane (regular) | Yes | Everyday mowing | Correct choice for most walk-behind mowers |
| 91 octane (premium) | Yes | No advantage for normal mowing | Higher octane does not equal “more power” in small engines |
Why it matters
Using the right fuel helps prevent common small-engine problems like hard starting, surging, and poor performance. In our experience, fuel freshness and cleanliness matter far more than stepping up from 87 to 91.
Helpful tip for seasonal storage
If you are putting the mower away for a while, follow the storage steps in the 917370563 owner's manual. As a general best practice:
- Run the mower regularly during the season so fuel does not sit too long.
- Use a clean, non-rusting fuel container.
- Store the mower indoors when possible, and do not cover it until the engine and exhaust areas are cool.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the most common issues with 917370563?
For the Craftsman 917370563 gas walk-behind mower, the most common problems we see are drive system issues (won’t self-propel or slips), cutting problems (poor cut quality or vibration), and control/cable problems (engine won’t keep running when the bail is held). Use the owner's manual for model-specific adjustments and safety steps.
Common symptoms and likely causes
- Self-propel won’t move or feels weak: worn drive components, loose drive control, belt or pulley wear
- Uneven cut or ragged grass: dull/bent blade, blade adapter wear, deck buildup
- Excessive vibration: damaged blade, loose blade hardware, worn blade adapter
- Engine stops when you release or hold the bail: misadjusted or damaged zone control cable
- Height won’t stay set: worn height adjuster parts or knob
Quick checks we recommend (before buying parts)
- Tip the mower safely (spark plug wire off) and inspect the blade and adapter for damage.
- Confirm the drive control engages fully and the cable is not stretched or kinked.
- Check wheels for binding and verify the height adjusters lock evenly on both sides.
- Tighten visible fasteners and confirm the discharge chute door returns freely.
Parts that commonly fix these issues (when worn)
| Symptom | Part to inspect/replace | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Poor cut, vibration | Lawn mower 21-in deck mulching blade 532406706 | Cuts grass; damage causes vibration and bad cut |
| Vibration, blade won’t stay tight | Lawn mower blade adapter 532421176 | Couples blade to engine shaft |
| Won’t self-propel | Lawn mower drive pulley 532193443 | Transfers power in the drive system |
| Drive won’t engage smoothly | Lawn mower zone control cable 532191221 | Controls engine run/stop and operator presence |
| Height slips | Husqvarna lawn mower height adjuster knob 532701037 | Locks cutting height setting |
Why it matters
These issues affect safety and performance. A bent blade or worn blade adapter can create strong vibration that damages the crankshaft and deck; a slipping drive system increases wear on the transmission and belt path.
Last updated: March 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917370563?
The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind gas lawn mower is 917.370563 (often written without the dot as 917370563). You can confirm it on the model identification page of the 917370563 owner's manual, where it’s listed as the mower’s “Model No.”
Where to find the model number on the mower
Most Craftsman walk-behind mowers like model 917370563 have the model and serial information on a label or plate attached to the deck or rear housing.
- Check the rear of the mower deck near the bagger door area
- Look along the side of the deck near the wheels
- Wipe off grass and dirt so the full number is readable
- Record the full model number before ordering parts (it prevents mismatches)
Model number vs. engine model number (common mix-up)
This mower uses a Briggs & Stratton engine, which has its own separate engine model number. Use the mower model number for chassis parts (blade, wheels, drive parts), and the engine model number for engine-specific parts.
| What you’re identifying | Example on this mower | Used for ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Mower model number | 917.370563 (917370563) | Craftsman mower parts and diagrams |
| Engine model number | Briggs & Stratton 124T02-3853-B2 | Engine parts (carburetor, recoil starter, ignition) |
Why it matters
Parts are matched to the exact mower model. Even small differences in a Craftsman 21-inch deck, drive system, or control cable routing can change which blade, belt, or drive control parts fit.
Helpful part examples for model 917370563
If you are confirming you have the right model before ordering, these are examples of model-matched parts shown in the manual’s parts list:
- Lawn mower 21-in deck mulching blade 532406706 for cutting and mulching
- Lawn mower zone control cable 532191221 for the operator presence control
- Lawn mower ground drive belt 532406580 for self-propel drive
Last updated: January 2026
