Owner’s manual
Are gas lawn mowers being phased out?
Gas walk-behind mowers like the Craftsman 917371720 are being phased down over time in some areas, mainly through rules that limit or stop new gas equipment sales; existing gas mowers can still be used and maintained for years. For safe operation and maintenance basics, use the 917371720 owner's manual.
What “phased out” usually means
Most changes target new sales, not immediate bans on owning or repairing what you already have.
- Some states and cities restrict or plan to restrict new gas-powered outdoor equipment sales.
- Many homeowners are switching to battery mowers because they are quieter and need less routine engine maintenance.
- Gas mowers remain common for larger yards, heavy grass, and situations where long run time matters.
- Parts support typically continues well after sales trends shift, especially for high-volume models.
How to keep a gas mower reliable while the market shifts
If you plan to keep your Craftsman mower running, consistent maintenance matters more than the “gas vs. electric” trend.
- Use fresh fuel; avoid storing gasoline from one season to the next.
- Add fuel stabilizer for storage and follow the storage steps in the manual.
- Keep the blade sharp and the deck clean to reduce engine load.
- Inspect wear items (wheels, belts, cables, grass bag) each season.
- Replace damaged safety labels and worn grass catcher components as needed.
Quick comparison: gas vs. battery for typical homeowners
| Feature | Gas walk-behind mower | Battery walk-behind mower |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | Higher (fuel, oil, tune-up items) | Lower (battery care, blade) |
| Noise | Louder | Quieter |
| Run time | Refill and keep going | Limited by battery capacity |
| Cold storage | Fuel can go stale | Batteries need proper storage |
Why it matters
Even if new gas mower sales decline in your area, the practical question is whether your mower stays safe and dependable. Following the manual’s safety and storage guidance helps prevent hard-starting, fuel issues, and premature wear.
Last updated: January 2026
Should I use 87 or 93 for lawn mower?
For the Craftsman lawn mower model 917371720, use regular unleaded 87 octane (AKI) gas; 93 octane does not improve power or reliability in a typical small mower engine and is unnecessary for normal mowing.
What to use (and what to avoid)
- Use fresh, clean unleaded gasoline (87 AKI minimum).
- Buy fuel in amounts you will use quickly; small-engine fuel can go stale fast.
- Avoid using old fuel that has been sitting in the can or tank for weeks.
- Do not mix oil into the gas unless your engine is specifically a 2-cycle design (most walk-behind mowers like this are 4-cycle).
- If you store fuel, use a stabilizer and follow the storage steps in the 917371720 owner's manual.
Quick comparison: 87 vs 93
| Fuel choice | Works in 917371720? | When it makes sense | What you gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 87 octane (regular) | Yes | Normal mowing, most conditions | Correct performance at lowest cost |
| 93 octane (premium) | Yes, but unnecessary | Only if required by a specific engine label (rare) | Typically no benefit |
When octane matters (and when it does not)
Octane is mainly about preventing knock in high-compression engines. Most walk-behind mower engines are designed to run correctly on 87 AKI. Using higher octane does not “clean” the engine or make it run stronger; fuel freshness and proper maintenance matter more.
Why it matters
Using the right fuel helps prevent hard starting, rough running, and carburetor varnish. Fresh 87 octane gas, correct oil level, and a sharp blade usually solve more mowing problems than switching to premium fuel.
If you are also maintaining cutting performance, our DIY guides on how to sharpen a lawn mower blade and choosing a safe lawn mower blade removal tool help you service the deck correctly.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the most dependable lawn mower brand?
For dependability, we prioritize a mower that starts consistently, cuts evenly, and has easy-to-get replacement parts. For a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 917371720, long-term reliability comes from routine maintenance and timely replacement of wear items more than the brand name alone.
What “dependable” means for a walk-behind mower
A dependable gas mower delivers predictable performance season after season. The biggest drivers are the same wear items listed in the maintenance and service sections of the 917371720 owner's manual.
- Starts on the first few pulls (good fuel, clean air filter, good spark)
- Cuts cleanly without tearing grass (sharp blade, clean deck)
- Self-propels smoothly (belt, pulleys, drive cable in good shape)
- Holds cutting height consistently (wheels and hardware not worn)
How we recommend comparing brands
When you compare Craftsman to other popular brands, focus on ownership factors that directly affect uptime.
- Parts availability for blades, belts, wheels, and cables
- Service options in your area
- Deck features you will actually use (mulch, bag, discharge)
- Drive system design and adjustability
- Total maintenance effort (access to blade, belt, and controls)
Quick comparison checklist
| What you care about most | What to look for | Why it helps dependability |
|---|---|---|
| Fewer breakdowns | Simple drive system, common wear parts | Easier, cheaper repairs |
| Easy DIY maintenance | Clear manual, accessible blade and belt | More consistent upkeep |
| Long service life | Strong parts support and diagrams | Faster fixes when needed |
Maintenance habits that make any brand more reliable
These steps prevent most “unreliable mower” complaints on the Craftsman 917371720 and similar walk-behind mowers.
- Use fresh gasoline and avoid storing old fuel in the tank
- Clean grass buildup from the underside of the deck
- Sharpen or replace the blade when the cut looks ragged (see how to sharpen a lawn mower blade)
- If self-propel is weak or slipping, inspect the belt and drive controls
Example parts that commonly affect reliability on this model
| Symptom | Common cause | Example part |
|---|---|---|
| Poor cut quality | Dull or damaged blade | Lawn mower 21-in deck mulching blade 532406706 |
| Mower will not self-propel | Worn or stretched belt | Lawn mower ground drive belt, 3/8 x 32-3/4-in 532194149 |
| Uneven height or poor traction | Worn wheel/tire | Lawn mower wheel and tire, 8 x 1.75-in 583719501 |
Why it matters
Brand reputation is helpful, but maintenance and parts support determine real-world dependability. Keeping your Craftsman 917371720 tuned, clean, and fitted with the correct wear parts prevents most starting, cutting, and drive problems.
Last updated: January 2026
