Are gas lawn mowers being phased out?
Gas walk-behind mowers like the Craftsman 917378481 are not being phased out everywhere at once; the shift is gradual and depends on where you live and what retailers choose to stock. In many areas, you will still be able to buy, maintain, and repair gas mowers for years, especially by replacing wear items and keeping up with routine service using the Craftsman 917378481 owner's manual.
What “phased out” usually means
Most changes focus on new equipment sales, not on banning ownership or repairs of existing gas mowers.
- Some regions restrict or plan to restrict new sales of certain gas-powered outdoor equipment.
- Retailers may reduce shelf space for gas models as battery mowers grow in popularity.
- Parts support typically continues because gas mowers remain widely used.
- Commercial and heavy-duty use cases often keep gas equipment in service longer.
What you can do to keep a gas mower running longer
The manual emphasizes safe servicing and replacing components with manufacturer-recommended parts.
- Keep fresh fuel and use fuel stabilizer for storage.
- Change engine oil on schedule (many walk-behind mowers use SAE 30 in warm weather).
- Inspect and sharpen or replace the blade when cut quality drops.
- Keep the deck clean to prevent grass buildup and corrosion.
- Check fasteners and hardware for tightness after service.
Common wear parts for this model
| Part type | What it affects | Example part for model 917378481 |
|---|---|---|
| Blade | Cut quality, vibration | Premium blade 532406706 |
| Drive belt | Self-propelled movement | Lawn mower ground drive belt, 3/8 x 33-9/16-in 532169778 |
| Wheels | Traction, height consistency | Lawn mower wheel 532150341 |
Why it matters
Even if new gas mower sales decline in some areas, maintenance and repair keep your Craftsman 917378481 dependable and cost-effective. A sharp blade, good fuel practices, and a healthy drive system usually make the biggest difference in performance.
Last updated: January 2026
How to find Craftsman model number?
On the Craftsman gas walk-behind lawn mower model 917378481, the model number is printed on the mower’s identification sticker on the back of the cutting deck, typically between the lower handle mounts. Use the exact model number to match the correct parts and diagrams.
Where to look on the mower
Check these common spots on Craftsman walk-behind mowers first:
- Back of the deck, between the lower handle mounts (most common)
- Rear of the deck near the discharge opening
- Top of the deck near the engine mounting area
- Under the rear flap or near the bagger mounting points
If the sticker is dirty or faded, wipe it with a damp rag and mild soap, then dry it so the numbers are easier to read.
What you should write down
We recommend recording both identifiers if they’re present.
- Model number (used to match parts diagrams and manuals)
- Serial number (helps confirm production run and correct variations)
- Product number (sometimes listed on the same label)
Why it matters
Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong blade, wheel, belt, or control cable. Even small changes between similar Craftsman mower versions can affect fit and mounting.
Quick reference
| Item | What it’s used for | Example for this mower |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Finds correct parts list and diagrams | 917378481 |
| Serial number | Confirms production run details | From the ID sticker |
Helpful documentation
The parts diagrams and identification details for this mower are shown in the 917378481 owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917378481?
The model number for this Craftsman gas walk-behind lawn mower is 917.378481 (often written without the dot as 917378481). You’ll see it printed on the cover page of the 917378481 owner's manual and on the mower’s model tag.
Where to find the model number on the mower
We recommend checking the mower’s model/serial tag first so you match the correct parts list.
- Look on the rear of the deck near the discharge door area
- Check around the handle mounting brackets on the deck
- Look near the engine mounting area on top of the deck
- Wipe off grass and dirt so the full number is readable
Why you may see it written two ways
Both formats refer to the same mower; the dot is just a formatting style used in manuals and tags.
| Format you see | What it means | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| 917.378481 | Same model number with punctuation | Reading the manual and diagrams |
| 917378481 | Same model number without punctuation | Searching parts and ordering |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number helps ensure you get the right Craftsman parts for your mower’s deck, drive system, and controls. For example, common wear items for this model include the premium blade 532406706 and the lawn mower ground drive belt, 3/8 x 33-9/16-in 532169778.
Last updated: January 2026





