Owner’s manual
Are gas lawn mowers being phased out?
Gas walk-behind mowers like the Craftsman 917378442 are being phased down in some areas, mainly through rules that limit the sale of new gas-powered outdoor equipment and through a market shift toward battery-electric models. Existing gas mowers are still widely used and supported with parts and maintenance.
What “phased out” usually means
In most cases, “phased out” refers to new product sales changing over time, not an immediate end to owning, using, or repairing a gas mower.
Common changes we see:
- Some states and cities restrict or plan to restrict new sales of certain gas-powered equipment
- Retailers and manufacturers expand electric lineups because they are quieter and lower-maintenance
- Gas models remain common for tougher mowing conditions (thick grass, larger yards, long run times)
- Parts support continues for many years for popular platforms like Craftsman walk-behind mowers
What to do if you plan to keep your Craftsman 917378442
Keeping a gas mower reliable is mostly about routine service and safe cleaning. Your Craftsman 917378442 owner’s manual covers key safety and maintenance basics, including cleaning under the deck and disconnecting the spark plug wire before service.
Recommended upkeep checklist:
- Change engine oil on schedule; never run the engine low on oil
- Keep the underside of the deck scraped clean (avoid spraying water into the engine area)
- Inspect the blade for damage and sharpness; handle blades with gloves
- Check drive performance and belt condition if the mower is self-propelled
- Replace worn wheels and hardware so cutting height stays consistent
Parts that commonly keep older gas mowers going
If your mower is still cutting well, small wear items often restore performance without replacing the whole machine.
| Symptom | Common area to inspect | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Mower will not self-propel or slips | Ground drive belt, drive cable, drive gears | Lawn mower ground drive belt, 3/8 x 32-1/2-in 532175436 |
| Uneven cut height or wobble | Wheel, axle arm, height adjuster hardware | Lawn mower wheel 532150341 |
| Poor bagging or missing bag | Grass catcher assembly | Walk-behind lawn mower grass catcher 532410677 |
Why it matters
If your area tightens rules on new gas mower sales, a well-maintained Craftsman 917378442 can stay productive for years. Regular cleaning, safe blade handling, and timely replacement of drive and wheel parts help you avoid performance drop-offs that make people think the mower is “done.”
Last updated: January 2026
What gas do I put in my lawn mower?
For the Craftsman gas walk-behind lawn mower model 917378442, use unleaded regular gasoline; the manual lists a 1.6-quart fuel capacity and specifies unleaded regular as the correct fuel type. For best starting and performance, use fresh gas and avoid storing old fuel in the tank. See the 917378442 owner's manual for the full fuel and maintenance specifications.
Fuel type and what to avoid
Use clean, fresh fuel from a sealed container.
- Use unleaded regular gasoline (typical pump regular).
- Use fresh fuel; stale gas is a common no-start cause.
- Avoid using gas that has been sitting for a season.
- Keep dirt and rust out of the fuel can.
- Wipe up spills and keep fuel off tires and plastic parts.
Storage and fuel freshness tips
Old fuel causes hard starting, surging, and poor power. If you are storing the mower between seasons, plan ahead.
- Do not store gasoline from one season to another.
- Replace a rusty gas can; rust and dirt in fuel cause problems.
- Store the mower indoors when possible, and let the engine cool before storing.
Quick guidance table
| Situation | What we recommend | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mowing weekly | Fresh unleaded regular | Reliable starts and steady power |
| Fuel is older or smells “varnished” | Drain and refill with fresh gas | Prevents no-start and rough running |
| Seasonal storage | Run the tank low and follow the manual’s storage steps | Reduces stale-fuel issues |
Why it matters
Fuel quality directly affects starting, idle stability, and engine life. The troubleshooting section in the manual lists stale fuel and water in fuel as common reasons a mower will not start.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the cheapest time of year to buy a lawn mower?
The cheapest time of year to buy a lawn mower is typically late fall through winter, when retailers clear out seasonal inventory and demand drops. For a Craftsman gas walk-behind mower like model 917378442, you usually see the deepest markdowns after the mowing season ends.
Best times to shop (price vs. selection)
- September to November: Clearance pricing starts; good balance of deals and remaining stock.
- Late November (Black Friday/Cyber Monday): Strong promotions, especially on remaining inventory.
- December to February: Often the lowest prices, but selection is usually limited.
- March to May: Best selection of new models; prices are typically higher.
What to buy when you find a deal
If you are buying a mower at end-of-season pricing, plan to pick up common maintenance items at the same time so you are ready for spring.
- Fresh engine oil (match the viscosity guidance in the manual)
- Air filter and spark plug (common tune-up items)
- A spare blade or blade hardware if yours is worn
- A grass catcher if you bag often
Quick comparison table
| When you buy | Typical price level | Typical selection | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep to Nov | Low | Medium | Best overall value |
| Late Nov | Low | Medium | Holiday promotions |
| Dec to Feb | Lowest | Low | Cheapest price |
| Mar to May | Highest | Highest | Best selection |
Why it matters
Buying in the off-season can save money, but limited inventory can make it harder to get the exact features you want. Also, keeping up with routine maintenance (oil, air filter, spark plug, blade condition) helps your mower start easier and last longer; our 917378442 owner's manual lays out the recommended maintenance schedule and key specs.
Last updated: January 2026
