How to find Craftsman model number?
On Craftsman walk-behind mower model 917376091, the model and serial numbers are printed on a decal on the rear of the lawn mower housing. Use those numbers to match the correct parts list and the correct maintenance specs in the 917376091 owner's manual.
Where to look on the mower
Check these common spots in this order:
- Rear of the mower deck or housing (most common on this model)
- Near the discharge chute area on the deck
- On the handle support brackets near the deck
- On the engine shroud (engine model, not the mower model)
- Under heavy grass buildup; clean the area and re-check
What to write down (and why)
Record both numbers exactly as shown:
- Model number (example format: 917.376091 or 917376091)
- Serial number
- Date of purchase (helpful for maintenance tracking)
Quick ID guide
| Number you find | What it identifies | What you use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Mower model number (917376091) | The Craftsman mower | Correct diagrams and parts fit |
| Mower serial number | Your exact unit | Production run details |
| Engine model/type code | The engine only | Engine-specific tune-up parts |
Why it matters
Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong blade, wheel, or drive parts. For example, drive system items like the drive control cable and hardware such as a lock nut 532409149 must match the exact mower configuration to fit and function correctly.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a lawn mower?
For a Craftsman lawn mower model 917376091, it’s cheaper to repair when the fix is routine maintenance or a small wear part; it’s cheaper to replace when the repair cost is more than about 50% of the price of a comparable new mower or when the engine or drive system has major internal damage.
Quick decision checklist
- Choose repair if the mower starts, runs smoothly, and only needs a blade, cable, wheel, or tune-up items.
- Choose replace if the engine has low compression, heavy smoking, or severe crankshaft damage.
- Choose replace if the self-propel drive has multiple worn components and labor adds up fast.
- Choose repair if you can DIY the work safely and parts are readily available.
- Choose replace if the deck is rusted through or cracked (structural damage).
Typical repair cost vs replacement cost
| Situation | What we usually recommend | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Blade is bent or won’t cut cleanly | Repair | Low parts cost, quick fix |
| Drive system slips or won’t pull | Repair first | Often a cable, wheel, or pulley issue |
| Engine runs poorly after storage | Repair first | Fuel, spark plug, air filter, oil service |
| Major engine internal failure | Replace | Repair cost commonly approaches a new mower |
Model-specific notes that affect the decision
Your 917376091 manual calls out regular maintenance (spark plug, air filter, blade checks) as annual items, and it also notes that some items are normal wear parts (blade, blade adapter, belts, air cleaner, spark plug). Use the maintenance schedule in the 917376091 owner’s manual to estimate whether you’re dealing with routine upkeep or a bigger failure.
Parts that often make repair worthwhile
If the mower is otherwise in good shape, these common parts can restore performance at a reasonable cost:
- Husqvarna lawn mower 21-in deck 3-in-1 blade 532189028 (cut quality issues)
- Lawn mower drive control cable 532194653 (self-propel problems)
- Lawn mower blade adapter 532421176 (blade wobble, poor engagement)
Why it matters
Replacing a mower too early costs more than necessary; repairing a mower with major engine or transmission damage can turn into a high-cost project. A quick inspection plus the maintenance guidance in the manual usually makes the right choice obvious.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth it to service a lawn mower?
Yes. For your Craftsman lawn mower model 917376091, regular service is worth it because it prevents no-start and poor-cut problems, keeps the engine running efficiently, and extends mower life; most maintenance is low-cost compared to replacing major wear parts.
What “service” should include (high-impact items)
We recommend following the maintenance schedule in the 917376091 owner's manual. Focus on these items first:
- Change engine oil on schedule (more often in heat, heavy load, or dusty mowing)
- Replace the spark plug at least yearly
- Clean or replace the air filter element at least yearly (more often in dusty conditions)
- Inspect the blade for wear and replace when damaged or excessively worn
- Clean under the deck regularly (scrape buildup after mowing)
- Check for loose fasteners and worn hardware on wheels and handle
When service is a better value than replacement
Service is the better choice when the mower still starts reliably and the deck and wheels are solid.
| Situation | What we recommend | Typical outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Routine tune-up items (oil, spark plug, air filter, blade) | DIY or basic service | Restores power and cut quality |
| Drive system feels weak or mower will not self-propel | Inspect wheels, drive cable, and transmission parts | Often repairable with targeted parts |
| Engine speed seems too fast or too slow | Have a qualified service center adjust it | Prevents engine damage and safety issues |
| Suspected carburetor issue | Service center diagnosis (carburetor is not adjustable) | Avoids guesswork and repeat failures |
Parts that commonly wear (plan for these)
The manual calls out “expendable” items that wear in normal use. On model 917376091, common examples include:
- Blade and blade adapter (impact damage, vibration, poor cut)
- Drive components (wheels, pawls, pinions) if self-propelled performance drops
- Small wheel hardware (nuts, washers, clips) that loosen or corrode
If you are servicing the cutting system, a correct-fit replacement blade like the husqvarna lawn mower 21-in deck 3-in-1 blade 532189028 is a common wear item to check.
Why it matters
Preventive maintenance protects the engine’s air-fuel mixture and reduces strain on the drive and blade system. It also helps you avoid unsafe conditions like a damaged blade, loose wheel hardware, or attempting adjustments while the engine is running.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the common problems with Craftsman lawn mowers?
Common problems we see on the Craftsman 917376091 walk-behind mower are no-start conditions (fuel valve OFF, dirty air filter, bad spark plug), loss of power from grass buildup under the deck, uneven cutting from a worn or loose blade, and drive issues that make the mower hard to push.
Most common symptoms and what usually causes them
- Won’t start: fuel valve OFF, stale gas, dirty air filter, spark plug issues, or the operator presence control bar not held to the handle
- Loss of power: cutting too much grass at once, dirty air filter, grass and debris packed under the mower deck
- Poor cut or uneven cut: worn, bent, or loose blade; uneven wheel height settings; debris under the deck
- Excessive vibration: loose or damaged blade, or a bent crankshaft after striking an object
- Hard to push or drive slows: deck dragging in tall grass, mowing too fast, or drive components worn (on self-propelled setups)
Quick checks we recommend before buying parts
- Set the mower on a flat surface and confirm all wheels are set to the same height.
- Check the fuel valve lever is ON (if equipped) and use fresh gasoline.
- Inspect the underside of the deck for packed grass buildup (disconnect the spark plug wire first).
- Inspect the blade for bends, cracks, or looseness; tighten hardware as needed.
- If the blade area rattles or the blade won’t stay tight, inspect the blade adapter.
Parts that commonly wear on this model
These are normal wear items on Craftsman walk-behind mowers and are often involved in the symptoms above:
| Symptom | Common wear item | Example part for model 917376091 |
|---|---|---|
| Uneven cut, vibration | Blade or blade adapter | Husqvarna lawn mower 21-in deck 3-in-1 blade 532189028 |
| Hard to push, poor drive | Drive cable | Lawn mower drive control cable 532194653 |
| Wheel wobble, rough rolling | Wheel components | Lawn mower wheel dust cover 581840401 |
Why it matters
Catching these issues early prevents bigger damage. For example, mowing with a bent blade can create severe vibration, and running with heavy grass buildup under the deck can overload the engine and reduce cutting performance.
For model-specific operating steps, mowing tips, storage guidance, and the troubleshooting chart, use the Craftsman 917376091 owner’s manual.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917376091?
The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind gas lawn mower is 917.376091 (often written without the dot as 917376091). You can confirm it on the identification label and in the 917376091 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the mower
We typically see the model number in one of these places on Craftsman walk-behind mowers:
- On a sticker or metal tag on the rear of the deck (near the discharge opening)
- On the deck top surface near the engine mounting area
- Near the handle mounting brackets
- Printed on the front or side of the mower housing (less common)
Why you might see it written two different ways
Both formats refer to the same mower; the dot is just a formatting style used in some manuals and parts lists.
| Format you see | What it means | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| 917.376091 | Manual and diagram formatting | Reading parts diagrams and documentation |
| 917376091 | Retail and parts lookup formatting | Ordering parts and searching model pages |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number helps us match the correct parts and diagrams for your mower, especially for common wear items like the blade adapter, drive control cable, wheels, and hardware.
If you are ordering parts for the drive system or blade area, matching by model number helps avoid fit issues.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is Craftsman Model 917376091?
Craftsman walk-behind mower model 917.376091 is identified by its model number, not a built-in “year” code. For this model, the owner’s manual shows it as a Craftsman rotary lawn mower, 5.5 HP, 21-inch Multi-Cut, and it uses a Honda GCV160 engine; use the 917376091 owner's manual to confirm the exact configuration and parts breakdown for your unit.
How to date a Craftsman mower correctly
Many Craftsman mowers do not encode the build date in the model number. Instead, the date is typically found on the product ID/serial tag (often on the rear of the deck, near the handle brackets, or on the engine shroud).
Check these common locations:
- Under the handle crossbar area on the deck
- Rear discharge area near the skirt
- Side of the deck near the height adjuster
- Engine label plate (Honda engine tag)
What we can confirm for model 917.376091
From the documentation for 917.376091, we can confirm the platform and key identifiers you can use to narrow down age and correct parts.
| Item | What to look for | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Mower model | 917.376091 | Identifies the correct Craftsman parts diagrams |
| Engine model | Honda GCV160 | Engine serial/date codes are often on the engine label |
| Deck size | 21-inch Multi-Cut | Confirms blade/deck family when matching parts |
Why “month-day-year” decoding is usually incorrect
The “first two digits month, next two day, next two year” format is commonly shared online, but it does not match how Craftsman model numbers like 917.376091 are structured. The model number is primarily a parts and configuration identifier, not a manufacturing date.
If you need the year for parts or service
Use these steps to get the right result fast:
- Match your mower to the exploded views in the 917376091 owner's manual
- If you are replacing wear items, confirm the exact part by diagram callout
- For blade-related service, use the correct blade and adapter for this model, such as the husqvarna lawn mower 21-in deck 3-in-1 blade 532189028 when it matches your setup
Last updated: February 2026
Where can I get Craftsman replacement parts?
For your Craftsman walk-behind mower model 917376091, we recommend buying replacement parts by searching with the exact model number and matching the part name and part ID to your diagram. Our 917376091 owner's manual also helps you identify the correct assemblies and part descriptions before ordering.
Best ways to get the right part the first time
- Use the full model number 917376091 from the decal on the rear of the mower housing.
- Look up the part in the parts list and diagrams, then match by part name and part ID.
- Replace common wear items as needed (blade, blade adapter, belts, air cleaner, spark plug).
- If you are fixing wheel or drive issues, confirm left vs. right side placement before ordering.
- For hardware, match thread size and type; for example, a lock nut 532409149 is specific to certain assemblies.
Common sources for Craftsman parts
You can typically buy Craftsman replacement parts through:
- Sears PartsDirect (model-based diagrams and part IDs)
- Craftsman official parts/support channels
- Major retailers that carry Craftsman outdoor power equipment parts
- Specialty parts retailers (use the model number and part ID to confirm fit)
Quick comparison: what to use each source for
| What you need | Best approach | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Exact-fit parts for 917376091 | Model lookup + part ID match | Avoids wrong-fit returns |
| Fast hardware replacement | Match by size and type | Nuts, washers, clips vary |
| Routine maintenance items | Stock common wear parts | Keeps mower reliable |
Why it matters
Craftsman mower parts often look similar across models, but small differences in deck, wheel, and drive assemblies can change the correct blade, cable, or fastener. Using 917376091 plus the diagram callouts is the most reliable way to get an exact match.
Last updated: February 2026





