Are gas lawn mowers being phased out?
Gas walk-behind mowers like the Craftsman 917377795 are not universally “phased out”; instead, rules vary by state and city, and many restrictions focus on new equipment sales or commercial use rather than banning existing mowers. For safe operation and maintenance details, use the 917377795 owner's manual.
What’s happening (in plain terms)
Most changes are policy-driven (noise and emissions goals), so the impact depends on where you live and whether you’re a homeowner or a pro.
- Some areas restrict new sales of certain gasoline-powered outdoor equipment.
- Some areas set rules for commercial landscaping fleets.
- Many places still allow continued use of existing gas mowers.
- Battery mowers are growing fast, but gas models remain widely supported with parts and service.
How to decide what to do with your current mower
If your Craftsman 917377795 runs well, keeping it maintained is usually the most practical move.
- Keep fresh fuel and consider stabilizer for storage.
- Change engine oil on schedule (this mower ships without oil in the engine when new).
- Keep the blade sharp and replace it if bent.
- Clean grass buildup from the deck and drive wheel areas.
- Store safely: let the engine cool; avoid storing with fuel indoors near ignition sources.
Quick comparison: gas vs battery (typical homeowner use)
| Feature | Gas walk-behind mower | Battery walk-behind mower |
|---|---|---|
| Runtime | As long as you have fuel | Limited by battery capacity |
| Maintenance | Fuel, oil, air filter, spark plug | Mostly blade and cleaning |
| Storage | Fuel handling required | Battery care and charging |
| Noise | Typically louder | Typically quieter |
Why it matters
Local rules can affect future purchasing options and service practices, but your day-to-day reliability still comes down to maintenance. Following the manual’s safety and upkeep guidance helps your mower start easier, cut cleaner, and last longer.
Last updated: January 2026
Should I use 87 or 91 gas for lawn mower?
For Craftsman model 917377795, use unleaded regular gasoline (87 octane). Higher octane (like 91) does not add power or protection in a mower engine; the key is using fresh fuel and the correct type listed in the 917377795 owner's manual.
What fuel to use (and what to avoid)
- Use fresh unleaded regular fuel.
- Avoid stale gas (especially fuel left from last season).
- Keep fuel clean; dirt or rust in the gas can cause running and starting problems.
- Do not store gasoline from one season to the next.
- If your gas can starts to rust, replace it to prevent contamination.
87 vs 91: what changes and what does not
Higher octane fuel mainly resists knock in high-compression engines. Most walk-behind mower engines are designed for regular fuel, so octane above 87 typically provides no benefit.
| Fuel choice | Works in 917377795? | Best use case |
|---|---|---|
| 87 octane (regular) | Yes | Everyday mowing, normal temps |
| 91 octane (premium) | Yes, but unnecessary | Only if it is the only fresh fuel available |
If your mower is hard to start after fueling
Stale fuel is a common cause of “won’t start” symptoms.
- Confirm you have fresh gas in the tank.
- Check the air filter and spark plug connection.
- Make sure the control bar is held in the start/run position.
- If the engine still will not crank or the rope is stuck, follow lawn mower pull cord stuck.
Why it matters
Using the correct fuel (unleaded regular) and keeping it fresh helps prevent carburetor varnish, fuel system contamination, and no-start issues, which reduces downtime and protects the engine.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917377795?
The model number is 917.377795 for this Craftsman rotary lawn mower; it’s the identifier used to match the correct parts diagrams, maintenance specs, and replacement parts for your exact walk-behind mower. You’ll see it printed as MODEL NUMBER 917.377795 in the documentation.
Where to confirm the model number
We recommend confirming the model number in at least one of these places:
- The model label on the mower (typically on the rear of the deck or near the handle mounting area)
- The parts list and exploded-view diagrams in the 917377795 owner's manual
- Your purchase paperwork or service records (if available)
Why the model number matters for parts
Craftsman walk-behind mowers can look similar across years, but parts can differ by model number. Using 917.377795 helps ensure the right fit for items like the blade, drive components, and hardware.
Here are examples of model-matched parts commonly referenced for this mower:
- Lawn mower blade 532180459 (deck blade)
- Lawn mower handle 583716401 (handle assembly)
- Lawn mower bail control bar 532187138 (operator presence/control bar)
Quick ID checklist (before ordering)
Use this checklist to avoid mismatches:
- Confirm the model number reads 917.377795 (including the decimal)
- Match the part name and part ID to the diagram callout
- Compare left-hand vs right-hand parts when applicable (springs, retainers, brackets)
Common formatting you may see
| Where it appears | How it may be shown | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Manual/diagrams | 917.377795 | Same model number with a decimal |
| Model page/ordering | 917377795 | Same model number without the decimal |
Why it matters
The model number is the fastest way to get the correct Craftsman mower parts the first time; it ties your mower to the exact diagrams and component lists used for repairs.
Last updated: January 2026





