How to find Craftsman model number?
For a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 917378300, the model number is printed on the mower’s model label; once you match that number, you can use it to pull the correct parts list and diagrams in the 917378300 owner's manual.
Where to look on the mower
Check these common label locations first (wipe off grass and dirt so the numbers are readable):
- Rear of the deck near the discharge opening or rear door area
- Top of the deck near the engine mounting area
- Side of the deck near the wheel height adjuster
- Handle bracket area (near where the handle bolts to the deck)
- Under the rear flap or near the bagging/mulching hardware
What you should write down
Use the label to capture the exact identifiers; one wrong digit can pull the wrong blade, belt, or cable.
- Model number (for this mower: 917378300)
- Product number (if shown)
- Serial number (helps confirm production run)
- Engine model/type/code (Honda engines often have their own ID tag)
Quick check: model number vs. engine number
| Number type | What it identifies | Used for ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Mower model number (example: 917378300) | The Craftsman mower and its chassis/deck | Deck parts, wheels, drive system, controls |
| Engine number (Honda) | The engine itself | Engine-specific parts like carburetor or ignition |
Why it matters
The model number ties directly to the illustrated parts breakdown and OEM replacement parts. That prevents ordering a similar-looking item that does not fit, such as the wrong 22-inch blade, drive belt, or control cable.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the common problems with Craftsman lawn mowers?
Common problems on the Craftsman 917378300 walk-behind mower include poor or uneven cutting from a worn/bent blade, excessive vibration, loss of drive from a worn or slipped belt, starter rope that is hard to pull, and power loss from grass buildup or a dirty air filter. See the 917378300 owner's manual for the model’s troubleshooting chart.
Most common symptoms and what usually causes them
- Poor cut or uneven cut: worn, bent, or loose blade; uneven wheel height; debris packed under the deck
- Excessive vibration: blade damage/looseness (stop using the mower until corrected)
- Loss of drive or slowing drive speed (self-propel): drive belt wear, belt off pulley, or a worn/broken drive cable
- Starter rope hard to pull: control bar not held against the handle (brake engaged); blade dragging in grass; blade adapter damage
- Loss of power: cutting too low in heavy grass; dirty air filter; grass/leaves buildup under the mower housing; oil level too high
Quick checks we recommend before buying parts
- Shut off the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire before inspecting the blade or drive system.
- Tip the mower safely and clean the underside of the deck (grass buildup is a top cause of poor cut and power loss).
- Confirm all wheels are set to the same cutting height.
- Inspect the blade for bends, cracks, or a rolled cutting edge; replace if damaged.
- If self-propelled drive is weak, check belt condition and routing.
Parts that commonly fix these issues (when worn or damaged)
| Symptom | Common fix | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Poor cut, uneven cut | Replace blade; tighten blade hardware | Husqvarna lawn mower 22-inch deck 3-in-1 blade 532421825 |
| Excessive vibration | Replace blade; inspect blade adapter | Husqvarna lawn mower blade adapter 581851501 |
| Loss of drive | Replace drive belt | Poulan lawn mower ground drive belt, 3/8 x 35-1/2-in 580364604 |
Why it matters
These problems are more than “annoyances.” A dull or damaged blade can leave ragged grass tips (stressing the lawn), and vibration or drive issues can quickly wear out pulleys, cables, and bearings. Keeping the deck clean and the blade sharp helps the mower cut better and last longer.
Last updated: February 2026
What company makes Craftsman lawn mowers?
For Craftsman walk-behind mowers like model 917.378300, the mower is sold under the Craftsman brand, but the actual manufacturer can vary by model and production era. The most reliable way to identify who built your specific mower is to use the model and parts information in the 917.378300 owner's manual.
What we can confirm for model 917.378300
Your Craftsman 917.378300 is a rotary lawn mower with a 160cc Honda engine, power-propelled drive, and a 22-inch Multi-Cut deck. Those details help narrow the platform and parts family when you are matching replacement parts and service procedures.
How to tell who manufactured a Craftsman mower
Craftsman is a brand name; different manufacturers have built Craftsman mowers over the years. For the most accurate identification, we use the mower’s model number and parts breakdown.
- Check the model tag and confirm the full model number is 917.378300
- Use the parts list and diagrams to match assemblies (handle, drive system, deck)
- Match common service parts (blade, blade adapter, drive belt) to the parts breakdown
- Use the engine brand (Honda) for engine-specific service parts and tune-up items
- Use OEM replacement parts to keep fit and function correct
Common manufacturer patterns (quick reference)
These are common industry patterns that help explain why Craftsman manufacturing varies by model.
| What you see on the mower | What it usually indicates | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Craftsman branding | Retail brand | Branding does not identify the actual builder by itself |
| Honda engine on a Craftsman deck | Shared platform is possible | Engine maker is not always the mower deck maker |
| Model/parts breakdown matches a known parts family | Likely same OEM family | Helps you buy the correct blade, belt, and drive parts |
Parts examples that help confirm the platform
When we match parts to the model’s diagrams, it reinforces you are sourcing the correct OEM-style components.
- Husqvarna lawn mower 22-inch deck 3-in-1 blade 532421825 (cut quality and deck compatibility)
- Husqvarna lawn mower blade adapter 581851501 (proper blade mounting and alignment)
- Poulan lawn mower ground drive belt, 3/8 x 35-1/2-in 580364604 (self-propel drive performance)
Why it matters
Knowing the actual manufacturer is most useful for parts compatibility and service procedures. For repairs, the model-specific parts list and diagrams are what prevent wrong-fit blades, belts, cables, and drive components.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the average lifespan of a lawn mower?
A walk-behind lawn mower like the Craftsman 917378300 typically lasts 8 to 15 years with normal residential use and routine maintenance. Consistent oil changes, clean airflow (air filter and cooling fins), and proper off-season storage are what most often push a gas mower toward the high end of that range.
What most affects mower lifespan
- Maintenance frequency: oil changes, blade care, and cleaning after mowing
- Operating hours and conditions: heavy weekly use, sandy soil, and wet grass shorten life
- Cooling and airflow: a dirty engine area runs hotter and wears faster
- Storage habits: storing dry, clean, and protected from moisture prevents corrosion
- Impact events: hitting rocks, roots, or curbs can bend the blade and stress the crankshaft
Maintenance schedule that extends life (Craftsman 917378300)
Use the intervals in the 917378300 owner's manual as your baseline. From the manual guidance:
| Item | Typical interval | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil | Every 25 hours or at least yearly | Prevents accelerated engine wear |
| Oil level check | Before starting and about every 5 hours of use | Avoids running low and overheating |
| Spark plug | Each season or every 100 hours | Helps reliable starting and smooth running |
| Underside deck cleaning | After each use | Prevents buildup that hurts cut quality and airflow |
Quick signs it is nearing end-of-life
- Hard starting even after fresh fuel and a new spark plug
- Excessive vibration (often after blade strikes)
- Loss of self-propelled drive or slipping under load (belt, pulley, transmission wear)
- Persistent smoking or oil consumption
- Rust-through on the deck or recurring structural failures
Why it matters
A mower that is maintained on schedule cuts cleaner, runs cooler, and avoids expensive failures. Simple habits like changing oil on time and keeping the deck clean often add years of service life.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is Craftsman Model 917378300?
Craftsman model 917378300 is identified in the documentation as a rotary lawn mower model number, but the year of manufacture is not determined by the model number alone. To get the year, we use the mower’s date code (typically on the product ID label) and confirm it against the information in the 917378300 owner’s manual.
Where to find the date code on your mower
Look for a sticker or metal tag on the mower that includes a serial/date code. Common locations on walk-behind mowers include:
- The rear of the deck near the discharge opening
- The top of the deck near the engine mounting area
- The rear skirt area (behind the bagger opening)
- The handle bracket area
- Near the wheel height adjuster hardware
How to read the date code (common Craftsman format)
Many Craftsman walk-behind mowers use a 6-digit date code format that reads as:
- MMDDYY (month, day, year)
Example
| Code | Interprets as | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 072811 | 07/28/11 | Built July 28, 2011 |
| 041915 | 04/19/15 | Built April 19, 2015 |
If your label shows a longer serial number, the date code is often embedded within it; match the 6-digit block that fits the MMDDYY pattern.
Why it matters
Knowing the build year helps us match the correct OEM replacement parts and configurations for your Craftsman mower, especially for wear items like the blade, drive system, and control cables.
Parts that often vary by production run
- Blade and blade adapter fit
- Drive belt length and pulley style
- Zone control cable routing
- Rear door and spring style
- Handle/control bar hardware
If you are replacing cutting parts, the husqvarna lawn mower 22-inch deck 3-in-1 blade 532421825 is a common wear item listed for this model.
Last updated: February 2026





