View engine
Will a 42 inch mower fit through my gate?
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).
- 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.
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 |
- 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.
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
What is the ground drive belt on a Craftsman mower?
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.
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)
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 |
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.
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
How much does a Craftsman 42 inch mower weigh?
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.
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).
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 |
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).
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
