Owner’s manual
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Are gas lawn mowers being phased out?
Gas walk-behind mowers like the Craftsman 917377042 are still widely used, but new gas mower sales are gradually shifting toward battery-electric in some areas due to emissions and noise rules plus consumer demand for easier maintenance. Parts and service support remain common for existing gas mowers.
What “phased out” usually means
Most changes happen in new equipment sales, not in owning or repairing a mower you already have.
- Some states and cities restrict or plan to restrict new gas-powered outdoor equipment sales.
- Many retailers are expanding battery mower selections.
- Gas mowers remain popular for longer run times and refueling convenience.
- Repair parts (blades, cables, wheels, springs) are still available for many models.
For model-specific operation and maintenance basics (oil, fuel, controls, safety), use the 917377042 owner's manual.
What to expect over the next few years
Availability varies by location, but this is the typical pattern we see for residential walk-behind mowers:
| Topic | Gas walk-behind mower | Battery walk-behind mower |
|---|---|---|
| New model availability | Gradually decreasing in some markets | Increasing quickly |
| Maintenance | More routine service (oil, fuel system) | Less routine service |
| Run time | Long with refueling | Limited by battery capacity |
| Repairs | Many replaceable parts | More electronics and battery-related parts |
How to keep a gas mower viable long-term
Good maintenance matters more as equipment ages and fuel sits longer.
- Use fresh fuel and consider stabilizer for storage.
- Keep the blade sharp and balanced.
- Clean grass buildup under the deck.
- Inspect drive controls and cables for stretching or binding.
- Replace worn wear-items as needed (for example, a damaged blade).
If you need a common wear part for this model, the lawn mower blade 532180459 is one of the key items to check when cut quality drops.
Why it matters
Even if new gas mower sales decline in your area, keeping a Craftsman 917377042 running is usually straightforward because routine service items (blade, control cable, wheels, hardware) are standard maintenance parts and are replaced periodically.
Last updated: January 2026
Should I use 87 or 91 gas for lawn mower?
For the Craftsman 917377042 gas walk-behind mower, we recommend using fresh regular unleaded 87-octane gasoline; 91-octane does not improve performance in typical mower engines and is usually unnecessary for normal mowing.
What to use (and what to avoid)
- Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded (87 octane).
- Avoid stale fuel; old gas is a common reason a mower will not start.
- Keep fuel clean; dirt or rust in the gas can cause running problems.
- Do not store gasoline from one season to the next.
- Let the engine cool before storing the mower, especially if fuel is in the tank.
Quick troubleshooting if fuel seems like the problem
If your mower is hard to start, surges, or loses power, fuel quality is one of the first things we check:
- Drain old fuel and refill with fresh 87-octane.
- Inspect the gas can; replace it if it is rusting.
- Check the air filter and spark plug condition.
- If you struck an object recently, inspect the blade area before restarting.
Fuel choice at a glance
| Fuel choice | When it makes sense | What you will notice |
|---|---|---|
| 87 octane (regular) | Everyday mowing | Normal starting and power |
| 91 octane (premium) | Not required for normal operation | Typically no measurable benefit |
Why it matters
Most “won’t start” and “runs rough” complaints come from stale fuel or contaminated fuel, not octane rating. Using fresh gas and storing it correctly helps protect the carburetor and keeps starting consistent.
For storage and seasonal fuel handling steps specific to this mower, follow the 917377042 owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the model number of my push mower?
On a Craftsman push mower like model 917377042, the mower’s model and serial numbers are typically printed on a decal on the rear of the mower housing. For the engine itself, the engine model number is usually stamped into metal on the engine (sometimes under the engine shroud). See the 917377042 owner's manual for the exact label location and recording fields.
Where to look first (fastest checks)
- Check the rear of the mower deck/housing for a model and serial number decal.
- Look around the engine blower housing/shroud for a stamped model code.
- Wipe off grass and dirt; decals and stampings are often hidden by buildup.
- Record both the model number and serial number before ordering parts.
- If the decal is damaged, use the engine stamping to identify engine-specific parts.
Mower model number vs. engine model number
| What you’re identifying | Where it’s found | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Mower model number (example: 917377042) | Decal on rear of mower housing | Deck, wheels, handle, drive system, blade and hardware |
| Engine model number | Stamped into metal on the engine | Spark plug, air filter, carburetor, recoil starter parts |
Why it matters
Using the correct model number helps us match the right Craftsman walk-behind mower parts (blade, drive components, handle hardware) and avoid ordering look-alike parts that do not fit.
Tip when ordering blade-related parts
If you’re servicing the cutting system, match parts by mower model first, then confirm hardware as needed (for example, the lawn & garden equipment blade bolt 532180460 is a common blade fastener style on many walk-behind mowers).
Last updated: January 2026
