Owner’s manual
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Are gas lawn mowers being phased out?
Gas walk-behind mowers like the Craftsman 917371620 are not being phased out everywhere at once, but the market is shifting toward battery-electric models as some states and local areas restrict new sales of certain gas-powered outdoor equipment. Your mower can still be used and maintained normally; check local rules for new purchases.
What’s changing (and what isn’t)
- Some regions are limiting new sales of certain gas-powered lawn equipment to reduce emissions and noise.
- Many retailers are expanding electric mower options because they are quieter and need less routine engine maintenance.
- Existing gas mowers are still commonly serviced with standard parts like blades, belts, wheels, and cables.
- Commercial and heavy-duty mowing often keeps gas equipment longer because of runtime and refueling speed.
- Rules vary by location; the biggest changes tend to be at the state or city level.
How to keep a gas mower reliable long-term
Even as electric grows, a well-maintained gas mower stays dependable for years.
- Keep the blade sharp and replace it if bent or damaged.
- Use fresh fuel; stale fuel is a common no-start cause.
- Keep the air filter clean and the spark plug in good condition.
- Clean grass and debris from the drive wheel area so the wheels turn freely.
- Store the mower only after the engine cools; avoid storing fuel indoors where fumes could ignite.
For model-specific safety, operation, and maintenance intervals, follow the 917371620 owner's manual.
Quick comparison: gas vs. battery walk-behind mowers
| Feature | Gas mower (like 917371620) | Battery-electric mower |
|---|---|---|
| Startup/operation | Pull-start, fuel-based | Push-button/lever, battery-based |
| Routine upkeep | Oil, spark plug, air filter, fuel care | Blade care, battery care |
| Noise and exhaust | Louder, exhaust present | Quieter, no exhaust |
| Runtime | Refuel quickly | Limited by battery capacity |
Why it matters
If your area tightens rules on new gas mower sales, parts support and DIY maintenance become even more important for keeping an existing mower running safely. Items like a sharp blade and clean drive wheels directly affect cut quality, traction, and safe operation.
Last updated: January 2026
Should I use 87 or 93 for lawn mower?
For Craftsman walk-behind mower model 917371620, use fresh regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane (AKI). Using 93 octane will not increase power on this type of small engine; fuel freshness and correct storage prevent most starting and running problems.
What to use (and what to avoid)
- Use 87 octane (AKI) or higher regular unleaded.
- Buy fuel you can use within 30 days for best results, or add fuel stabilizer if it will sit longer.
- Store gasoline in a clean, approved container with the cap tightly sealed.
- Keep fuel away from heat sources and avoid leaving the can vented.
- Do not use fuel that is water-contaminated or smells sour or varnish-like.
Quick comparison: 87 vs 93 octane
| Fuel choice | Works in 917371620? | Best use case | What you will notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 87 octane (regular) | Yes | Normal mowing, everyday use | Normal starting and performance |
| 93 octane (premium) | Yes | Only if 87 is unavailable | Typically no performance gain |
Storage guidance (so gas does not go bad)
For seasonal storage or long gaps between mowing, follow the fuel and storage steps in the 917371620 owner's manual. In general, stabilized fuel stays usable longer and helps prevent carburetor varnish.
Why it matters
Octane mainly prevents knock in high-compression engines. Most walk-behind mower engines are designed for 87 octane, so the bigger risks are stale fuel, carburetor deposits, and hard starting after storage.
If the mower runs rough or will not start
- Drain old fuel and refill with fresh 87 octane.
- Use the primer correctly for cold starts; over-priming can flood the engine.
- If the starter rope will not pull smoothly, use lawn mower pull cord stuck.
- For step-by-step no-start checks, use lawn mower wont start troubleshooting video fuel ignition and compression.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the best gas mower under $300?
For most homeowners shopping under $300, the best gas walk-behind mower is the one that fits your yard size and is easy to maintain. If you already own a Craftsman 917371620, keeping it tuned and the blade sharp typically delivers the best cut quality and value without replacing the mower.
What to look for in a sub-$300 gas mower
Focus on features that affect cut quality, reliability, and upkeep.
- Deck size: Most budget gas mowers are around 21 to 22 inches, which is a good all-around size for small to medium lawns.
- Drive type: Self-propelled is easier on slopes; push mowers cost less and have fewer drive parts.
- Cut options: Mulch, bag, and side discharge flexibility helps with seasonal conditions.
- Maintenance access: Easy oil checks, air filter access, and blade service matter long-term.
- Parts availability: Common wear parts like blades, wheels, and belts should be easy to source.
How Craftsman 917371620 compares (practical buying checklist)
If you are comparing a new mower to what you have now, use this as a quick baseline.
| Item | Craftsman 917371620 (from manual) | What to expect under $300 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 1.6 quarts (unleaded regular) | Typically 1 to 2 quarts |
| Oil type guidance | SAE 30 above 32°F; SAE 5W-30 below 32°F | Similar guidance on most gas mowers |
| Blade bolt torque | 35 to 40 ft-lbs | Similar range on many 21 to 22-inch decks |
For model-specific operating and maintenance details, use the 917371620 owner's manual.
If your current mower cuts poorly, fix these first
A “bad mower” is often just a dull blade or a drive issue.
- Sharpen or replace the blade; a bent blade should be replaced.
- Clean grass buildup under the deck (use a scraper, not a pressure washer).
- Check that the drive wheels spin freely; clean debris from the wheel gear area.
- Inspect the drive system if it is self-propelled; a worn belt can cause slipping.
Helpful DIY guidance: how to sharpen a lawn mower blade.
Parts that commonly restore performance on this model
If you are refreshing a Craftsman 917371620, these are common wear items.
- Lawn mower blade 532406713 (cut quality)
- Belt 532157769 (self-propelled drive performance)
- Lawn mower wheel 532433121 (traction and rolling)
Why it matters
A budget mower can be a good buy, but long-term value comes from cut quality and easy upkeep. A sharp blade, clean deck, and properly working drive system usually make a bigger difference than engine size alone.
Last updated: January 2026
