Craftsman 917374550 lawn mower Parts

A Craftsman “54-inch deck belt” length depends on the exact riding mower model and deck configuration; it is not the same as the belt used on the Craftsman 917374550 walk-behind mower. For model 917374550, the drive belt listed for the self-propel system is lawn mower ground drive belt, 3/8 x 35-3/8-in 532421527.

How to identify the correct 54-inch deck belt length

A 54-inch deck belt is a riding mower deck belt, and the correct length is determined by the mower’s full model number and the deck’s belt routing.

Use these checks before ordering:

• Confirm the product type: riding mower/tractor vs. walk-behind mower.
• Find the full model number from the frame tag (not just “Craftsman”).
• Verify deck size and deck model (some 54-inch decks use different belt paths).
• Compare the belt’s width and outside length to the parts list for your exact model.
• Match the belt to the diagram and part number shown in the owner's manual.

What belt this model uses (Craftsman 917374550)

The Craftsman 917374550 is a gas walk-behind mower. The manual parts breakdown shows a drive system with components like the drive control assembly, drive cable, pulley, and belt keeper; that belt is for propulsion, not a 54-inch cutting deck.

Common drive problems that get mistaken for a “deck belt” issue

• Mower will not self-propel or slips under load
• Belt comes off or squeals
• Drive control cable out of adjustment
• Worn drive pawls or pulley

Quick comparison

Belt type	Used on	What it drives	How it’s sized
54-inch deck belt	Riding mower	Cutting deck blades	Deck routing and pulley layout
Ground drive belt	Walk-behind mower (917374550)	Self-propel wheels	Transmission/drive routing

Why it matters

Ordering by “54-inch deck” alone often leads to the wrong belt because multiple Craftsman decks share the same deck size but use different belt lengths. Matching by model number prevents fit issues and premature belt wear.

To find the correct belt for your riding mower, search your riding mower model number on this page’s parts listings or on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Common problems on the Craftsman 917374550 gas walk-behind mower include no-start conditions (stale fuel, dirty air filter, bad spark plug, control bar not held to the handle), loss of drive or slow self-propel speed (loose drive cable tension), and poor cut or vibration (worn or bent blade, debris buildup under the deck). For model-specific checks and adjustments, use the owner's manual.

Most common symptoms and what they usually point to

• Won’t start: stale fuel, water in fuel, dirty air filter, spark plug wire off, bad spark plug, control bar released
• Loss of power or stalling: dirty air filter, heavy grass load, grass buildup under deck, oil level issues
• Poor cut or uneven cut: blade worn or bent, wheel heights uneven, deck packed with clippings
• Excessive vibration: loose or damaged blade, blade adapter issues, bent crankshaft
• Self-propelled slows or won’t pull: drive control system “loose” (cable needs tension), worn drive components

Quick checks we recommend first (fast, no parts guessing)

1. Shut the mower off and disconnect the spark plug wire before inspecting anything near the blade.
2. Confirm the control bar is held against the handle while starting (a released bar can prevent starting).
3. Drain and refill with fresh gasoline if fuel is old or the mower sat 30+ days.
4. Inspect and clean or replace the air filter.
5. Check the blade area for packed grass and clean the underside of the deck.

Self-propelled drive: the model-specific adjustment that fixes many “slow drive” complaints

On the 917374550, the manual describes a turnbuckle on the drive control housing used to increase tension on the drive cable when the drive feels loose.

Symptom	Likely cause	What to do
Drive is weak or slower than normal	Drive cable tension loosened over time	Adjust the turnbuckle to increase tension
Drive stops intermittently	Worn belt, cable, or gear case wear	Inspect belt and drive parts; replace as needed

If you’re replacing drive parts, common items for this model include the lawn mower drive control assembly 598688301 and the lawn mower ground drive belt, 3/8 x 35-3/8-in 532421527.

Why it matters

These issues are usually connected to basic maintenance and safety systems. Keeping fuel fresh, the deck clean, and the drive cable properly tensioned helps the mower start reliably, cut evenly, and self-propel at the correct speed.

Last updated: February 2026

For your Craftsman walk-behind mower model 917374550, use fresh regular unleaded gasoline; fuel with up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable. Do not use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol because it can cause running problems and can void the product warranty (see the 917374550 owner's manual).

Fuel type to use (and what to avoid)

Use fuel that keeps the carburetor and fuel system clean and stable.

• Use: fresh, clean regular unleaded gasoline
• OK: E10 (up to 10% ethanol)
• Avoid: E15, E20, E85 or any fuel labeled “flex fuel”
• Avoid: old gas (especially gas stored more than 30 days without stabilizer)
• Avoid: mixing oil into the gas (this is a 4-cycle mower; oil goes in the crankcase)

Storage and stale-gas prevention

Alcohol-blended fuels can attract moisture during storage, which can lead to fuel separation and acids that damage the fuel system.

• If you will store the mower 30 days or longer, empty the fuel system: drain the tank, then run the engine until it stops.
• Use fresh fuel next season.
• Wipe up any spilled fuel right away and keep fuel away from flames or sparks.

Quick decision table

Situation	Best choice
Weekly mowing	Fresh regular unleaded (E0 or E10)
Fuel has been sitting a while	Drain and refill with fresh gas
Long-term storage (30+ days)	Empty tank and run carburetor dry

Why it matters

Correct fuel helps your mower start easier, run smoother, and reduces carburetor clogging. Using higher-ethanol fuel is one of the fastest ways to create hard-start and rough-running issues.

Parts that often get checked when fuel problems show up

If the mower won’t start or runs poorly after a fuel issue, these are common maintenance items to inspect or service:

• Air filter
• Spark plug
• Fuel tank and fuel cap venting
• Carburetor (varnish or debris)
• Blade condition (a bent blade can add load and make the engine struggle); see husqvarna lawn mower 22-inch deck 3-in-1 blade 532421825

You can order replacement parts for your 917374550 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

For Craftsman walk-behind mower model 917374550, one of the listed replacement wheels is 8 x 1.75-in; see lawn mower wheel, 8 x 1.75-in 583733801 for the exact size. For other wheel positions (front vs. rear), confirm the correct wheel by matching your diagram in the 917374550 owner's manual.

How to confirm your mower’s wheel size (front vs. rear)

Use these checks before ordering a wheel or tire:

• Read any size marking molded into the tire sidewall
• Measure overall diameter (top to bottom across the tire)
• Measure tire width (sidewall to sidewall)
• Confirm wheel position (front wheels often differ from rear drive wheels)
• Match the axle retention style (bolt, clip, or E-ring)

Known wheel size for this model

The parts list for model 917374550 includes a wheel with a published size.

Model	Part (example)	Published wheel size
917374550	Wheel (ID 583733801)	8 x 1.75-in

Related parts that affect wheel fit and drive

If the mower wobbles, slips, or the self-propel does not pull, these parts are commonly involved:

• Drive pawl 532404845 (engages the drive wheel)
• Lawn mower e-ring 812000058 (retains wheel hardware on some axles)
• Lawn mower drive control cable 583502501 (helps the drive engage consistently)

Why it matters

Using the correct wheel diameter and width keeps the cut height consistent and helps the self-propel system track straight. Matching the wheel to the 917374550 diagrams also prevents axle and retention hardware problems.

You can order the correct wheel and related hardware from the parts list for your model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026