Are gas lawn mowers being phased out?
Gas walk-behind mowers like the Husqvarna 917376820 are not being eliminated all at once; the market is shifting toward battery-electric for many new purchases, while gas models remain widely used and supported. You can keep operating and maintaining your mower normally.
What “phased out” usually means for owners
“Phased out” typically affects what is sold new in certain areas, not whether you can keep using a gas mower you already own.
- Some retailers may stock fewer new gas models over time.
- Service and maintenance for existing gas mowers continues.
- Common wear items (belts, wheels, cables, fasteners) remain replaceable.
- Seasonal fuel care becomes more important as equipment ages.
For model-specific operation, maintenance intervals, and safety rules, follow the 917376820 owner's manual.
How we keep a gas mower reliable (high-impact basics)
Most starting and performance problems on walk-behind mowers come from fuel condition, airflow, and ignition maintenance.
- Use fresh unleaded gasoline; avoid storing untreated fuel for long periods.
- Winterize before storage (run the carburetor dry or use fuel stabilizer).
- Keep the air filter clean so the engine can breathe.
- Check the spark plug condition during tune-ups.
- Keep the underside of the deck clean to maintain airflow and cut quality.
Quick comparison: gas vs battery for typical homeowners
| Topic | Gas mower | Battery-electric mower |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | Fuel, oil, spark plug, air filter | Battery care, blade care |
| Noise | Louder | Quieter |
| Run time | Refill and keep going | Limited by battery capacity |
| Storage | Fuel management needed | No fuel storage concerns |
Why it matters
Even as more buyers choose electric, good fuel practices and routine tune-ups prevent hard-start issues, reduce downtime during mowing season, and extend the life of drive and wheel components.
Helpful DIY resource
If you are planning seasonal maintenance, our how to winterize a lawn mower guide helps prevent stale-fuel problems and storage-related issues.
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 remaining inventory and demand drops. For a Husqvarna walk-behind mower like model 917376820, you can often find the deepest markdowns after the mowing season ends.
Best times to shop (price vs. selection)
- Late September through November: end-of-season clearance; strong discounts, fewer choices
- December through February: off-season pricing; limited inventory, but deals can be excellent
- Major holiday events: Black Friday and similar promotions can stack discounts on remaining stock
- March through May: best selection of new models; prices are usually higher
Quick comparison
| Time of year | Typical price level | Typical selection |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (Sep to Nov) | Lowest to low | Medium to low |
| Winter (Dec to Feb) | Low | Low |
| Spring (Mar to May) | Highest | Highest |
What to check before you buy
Even when the price is right, we recommend confirming the mower fits your yard and maintenance comfort level.
- Deck size and cutting height range
- Self-propelled vs. push operation
- Bagging and mulching capability
- Parts support for wear items (blade hardware, wheels, drive components)
- Storage needs and seasonal maintenance requirements
For maintenance expectations and seasonal storage steps, use the 917376820 owner's manual.
Why it matters
Buying in the off-season can save money, but you may have fewer choices and less time to compare features. If you buy in spring, you usually pay more, but you get the widest selection and can start mowing immediately.
Last updated: January 2026
What octane gas should I use in my lawn mower?
For Husqvarna model 917376820, use unleaded regular gasoline; in most areas that means 87 octane. Higher octane does not add power or improve reliability in a typical walk-behind mower engine, so regular fuel is the right everyday choice (see the fuel guidance in the 917376820 owner's manual).
What to use (and what to avoid)
- Use fresh, unleaded regular gasoline (commonly 87 octane).
- Avoid stale fuel; old gas is a top cause of hard starting.
- Keep the gas can clean and rust-free to prevent dirt or rust from getting into the carburetor.
- Do not mix oil into the gas (this mower uses a separate crankcase oil fill).
- If the mower will sit, plan for proper storage so fuel does not degrade.
Quick fuel checklist for better starting
- Buy fuel you will use within 30 days.
- Store gas in an approved container with a tight cap.
- If the mower ran fine last time but will not start now, treat the fuel as suspect first.
- If you see water or debris in the tank, drain and refill with fresh gas.
Common symptoms and the fuel-related fix
| Symptom | Likely fuel issue | What we recommend |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t start after sitting | Stale gas | Drain tank and refill with fresh unleaded regular |
| Starts then dies | Water/contamination | Replace fuel with fresh gas; check for debris |
| Hard cold starts | Old fuel or poor storage | Use fresh fuel; follow storage steps in the manual |
Why it matters
Using the correct fuel (fresh, unleaded regular) helps prevent carburetor varnish, reduces starting problems, and supports consistent engine performance. The manual also calls out that storing gasoline from one season to the next can cause problems, so fuel freshness is as important as octane.
Last updated: January 2026





