Craftsman 917379242 rotary lawn mower Parts

A “42-inch mower” usually refers to cutting width, not the mower’s overall width. For a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 917379242, the sure way to know is to measure your gate opening and compare it to the mower’s widest point (often the wheels or side discharge area).

How to measure it correctly

• Measure the clear opening of the gate (inside-to-inside), not the post-to-post distance.
• Measure the mower at its widest point:
  • Outside edge of one rear wheel to the other
  • Any side discharge chute or guard (if equipped)
  • Handle width only matters if it cannot be narrowed or folded
• Leave at least 1 to 2 inches of clearance so you are not scraping posts or catching the chute.
• If clearance is tight, remove bagger (if used) and set the handle to a position that gives you better control.

Typical fit guidance (what most people run into)

Most walk-behind mowers are narrower than riding mowers, but “42-inch” is a common riding-mower deck size, and those machines are often wider than 42 inches overall.

Mower description	What “42-inch” usually means	What to compare to your gate
Riding mower with 42-in deck	Cutting width	Overall width at tires and discharge chute
Walk-behind mower	Often 21 to 22-in cutting width	Overall wheel-to-wheel width

If you are close on clearance

• Approach the gate straight on; turning increases the effective width.
• Fold or reposition the discharge chute only if it is designed to move safely.
• Check wheel condition; a worn wheel can wobble and catch. If needed, inspect the lawn mower wheel dust cover 581840401 for damage or missing hardware.

Why it matters

Gate clearance prevents bent discharge parts, damaged wheels, and accidental blade-deck contact with posts. A quick measurement avoids buying a mower that is frustrating to move in and out of the yard.

Last updated: January 2026

On a Craftsman rotary lawn mower like model 917379242, the ground drive belt is the belt that transfers engine power to the drive system so the mower’s wheels propel the mower forward when you engage the self-propel/drive control.

What the ground drive belt does

When the drive control is engaged, the belt helps spin the transmission or drive pulley, which then turns the wheels.

Common signs the belt is worn or slipping:

• Mower engine runs but the mower barely moves or won’t move
• Self-propel works only on flat ground, then slips on hills
• Burning rubber smell near the drive cover area
• Belt looks glazed, cracked, stretched, or frayed
• Drive feels intermittent (grabs, then releases)

Where it is and what it connects

On most walk-behind self-propel mowers, the ground drive belt runs under the deck and behind a drive cover, routing between the engine pulley and the transmission/drive pulley.

If you see this symptom	The belt is often the cause	Also check
Wheels don’t pull at all	Belt broken or off pulleys	Drive cable, pulley alignment
Wheels pull weakly	Belt stretched or glazed	Belt tension, debris under cover
Squeal when engaging drive	Belt slipping	Idler/tensioner, pulley wear

What to check before replacing the belt

We recommend these quick checks (with the spark plug wire disconnected):

• Remove the drive cover and look for grass buildup or sticks binding the pulleys
• Inspect belt condition (cracks, glazing, missing chunks)
• Confirm the drive control cable moves the linkage fully
• Spin the wheels by hand to confirm they aren’t seized
• Verify the belt is routed correctly and seated in pulley grooves

If you need the correct replacement for this model, match it by model number and drive system parts list; the belt 532157769 shown for model 917379242 is a common drive belt kit used on this platform.

Why it matters

A slipping ground drive belt reduces traction and strains the drive system; replacing a worn belt restores normal self-propel speed and helps prevent premature pulley or transmission wear.

Last updated: January 2026

A “Craftsman 42-inch mower” is usually a 42-inch riding mower, but model 917379242 is a Craftsman walk-behind rotary lawn mower, so its weight will be much lower than a 42-inch rider. Most walk-behind gas mowers weigh about 60 to 100 lb depending on drive system and deck design.

Make sure you are comparing the right mower type

A 42-inch deck almost always refers to a riding mower (tractor-style). Craftsman 917379242 is a walk-behind mower, which is typically measured by a 21 to 22-inch cutting width.

Quick check:

• If you sit on it and it has a steering wheel, it is a riding mower (often 42-inch deck).
• If you walk behind it and push or self-propel it, it is a walk-behind mower (often 21 to 22-inch deck).

Typical weight ranges (what to expect)

Use these ranges to sanity-check what you are seeing on listings or spec sheets.

Mower type	Typical deck size	Typical weight
Walk-behind gas mower	21 to 22 in	60 to 100 lb
Self-propelled walk-behind gas mower	21 to 22 in	75 to 110 lb
Riding mower (42-inch class)	42 in	350 to 550 lb

Why weight matters

Weight affects how the mower handles and how you service it:

• Heavier walk-behind mowers can be harder to maneuver on slopes.
• Lighter mowers are easier to load into a truck or shed.
• If the mower feels unusually heavy to push, the drive system may be dragging (belt, wheels, or transmission components).

If your Craftsman walk-behind is hard to push

These are common causes we see on self-propelled walk-behind mowers:

• Drive control cable out of adjustment or binding
• Worn or slipping drive belt
• Debris wrapped around wheel hubs
• Drive cover packed with grass and dirt
• Worn wheel components

Helpful next steps:

• Inspect the drive belt and consider replacing the belt 532157769 if it is glazed, cracked, or stretched.
• If the self-propel feature is not engaging correctly, check the husqvarna lawn mower drive control cable 532194653 for kinks or fraying.
• Follow the steps in lawn mower wont move troubleshooting video motion drive failure for a systematic diagnosis.

Last updated: January 2026