How to find Craftsman model number?
On a Craftsman gas walk-behind lawn mower like model 917378900, the model number is typically printed on a sticker or tag on the mower deck. On many Craftsman walk-behind mowers, it’s on the back of the deck, often between the lower handle mounts; confirm the exact location in the 917378900 owner's manual.
Where to look on the mower
Check these common spots on Craftsman walk-behind mower decks:
- Back of the deck, between the lower handle mounts (most common)
- Rear discharge area near the flap/deflector
- Side of the deck near a rear wheel height adjuster
- Top of the deck near the engine mounting area
- Under the rear bag door (if equipped)
What the label looks like
The identification label is usually a small sticker or metal tag. Use this quick guide:
| What you see | What it means | What to write down |
|---|---|---|
| “Model” or “M/N” | Model number | Full model number (example: 917378900) |
| “Serial” or “S/N” | Serial number | Full serial number |
| “Product” or “Stock” | Product identifier | Optional, but helpful |
Tips to read a worn or dirty tag
If the sticker is hard to read, these steps usually help:
- Brush off dry grass and dirt first
- Wipe gently with a damp rag and mild soap
- Use a flashlight at a low angle to make faded print stand out
- Take a close-up photo and zoom in
- Copy the number exactly, including any leading zeros
Why it matters
The correct model number ensures we match the right Craftsman parts diagrams and the correct replacement parts (for example, drive components, deck hardware, and controls) for your exact mower configuration.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917378900?
The model number for this Craftsman gas walk-behind lawn mower is 917378900. You’ll find it on the mower’s model tag (often on the rear deck, near the height adjuster area, or on the handle support), and it’s the number we use to match the correct parts and diagrams.
Where to find the model number on the mower
- Check the model tag/label on the mower deck (rear or side)
- Look near the handle mounting brackets
- Inspect around the rear wheel height adjuster area
- Wipe off grass and oil residue; the tag is often hard to read when dirty
Why the model number matters for parts
Using the exact model number helps us match the right Craftsman parts for your mower’s build, including drive and cutting components.
Common part lookups tied to the model number include:
- Drive system parts (belt, pulleys, drive control)
- Cutting system parts (blade adapter, blade hardware)
- Wheel and axle hardware (washers, dust covers, E-rings)
Quick check: model number vs. other numbers
| What you see | What it means | Use it for parts? |
|---|---|---|
| 917378900 | Sears/Craftsman model number | Yes |
| Engine model/type code | Engine identification | Sometimes (engine parts) |
| Part numbers on bags/boxes | Individual replacement part numbers | Yes (when ordering that part) |
Helpful next step
For the exact label location and identification details specific to this mower, use the 917378900 owner’s manual.
Why it matters
A single digit off can route you to the wrong diagrams and parts; confirming 917378900 first prevents ordering the wrong blade adapter, drive belt, or wheel hardware.
Last updated: January 2026
Are gas lawn mowers being phased out?
Gas walk-behind mowers like the Craftsman 917378900 are not being phased out everywhere; rules vary by state and city, and most changes focus on limiting sales of new gasoline-powered outdoor power equipment rather than banning ownership or use. For model-specific operating and maintenance guidance, use the 917378900 owner's manual.
What’s changing (and what is not)
- Some areas are adopting restrictions on new gas-powered lawn equipment sales to reduce emissions and noise.
- Most policies do not require you to stop using a mower you already own.
- Many regions still allow gas mowers with no special requirements.
- Battery mowers are gaining market share, so gas models may have fewer new options over time.
- Parts support typically continues for years; routine wear items (blade adapter, belts, wheels, cables) remain serviceable.
How to plan if your area tightens rules
- Keep your mower running efficiently (clean deck, sharp blade, fresh fuel, correct throttle setting).
- Stock common wear parts you replace periodically.
- If self-propel stops pulling, check the drive system first; the lawn mower wont move troubleshooting video motion drive failure is a good starting point.
Common service parts you may need
| Mower symptom | Likely area to inspect | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Self-propel slips or won’t move | Ground drive belt, pulleys, drive control | Lawn mower ground drive belt, 3/8 x 32-1/2-in 532175436 |
| Height adjustment won’t hold | Adjuster hardware/knob | Selector knob 532701037 |
| Vibration or poor cut | Blade mounting, adapter wear | Lawn mower blade adapter 581547901 |
Why it matters
Knowing whether your local area is restricting sales versus use helps you decide whether to maintain your Craftsman mower, buy a backup gas mower, or plan a future switch to battery without rushing a replacement.
Last updated: January 2026
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a lawn mower?
If your Craftsman gas walk-behind mower model 917378900 needs a repair that costs more than about half the price of a comparable new mower, replacing the mower is usually the cheaper long-term choice. Smaller fixes (belts, wheels, controls) are typically worth repairing.
A practical cost rule we use
- Repair it when the fix is routine maintenance or a single worn part.
- Replace it when the repair is a major drivetrain or engine-level expense.
- Replace it when multiple systems are failing at once (starting, drive, cutting).
- Repair it when the mower deck and engine are solid and you just need common wear parts.
For model-specific maintenance and adjustment guidance, use the 917378900 owner's manual.
Repairs that are usually worth it
These are common, contained repairs that often restore performance quickly:
- Replacing a worn self-propel belt such as the lawn mower ground drive belt, 3/8 x 32-1/2-in 532175436
- Replacing a damaged drive control such as the condrol.driv 583134601
- Replacing a worn drive wheel such as the husqvarna lawn mower drive wheel, 8 x 2-in 532180775
- Fixing cutting issues by replacing a worn blade adapter such as the lawn mower blade adapter 581547901
When replacement usually makes more sense
Major failures can approach the cost of a new mower, especially if labor is involved:
- Engine internal problems (low compression, heavy smoking, knocking)
- Repeated no-start issues after fuel-system and ignition basics are addressed
- Drive system damage that requires multiple major components at once
Quick decision table
| Situation | Best value | Why |
|---|---|---|
| One worn part (belt, wheel, cable, control) | Repair | Low parts cost, fast turnaround |
| Repair estimate is over ~50% of new mower cost | Replace | Better value per dollar |
| Multiple big issues at once | Replace | Costs stack quickly |
| Deck and engine are in good shape | Repair | Extends mower life cheaply |
Why it matters
A walk-behind mower’s value is tied to the engine, deck condition, and drive system. Spending heavily on major failures rarely pays back, but replacing common wear parts can keep your Craftsman mower cutting and driving reliably for seasons.
Last updated: January 2026





