Owner’s manual
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What kind of gas do you put in a Craftsman push mower?
For a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 917370446, we use fresh, clean unleaded gasoline with no more than 10% ethanol (often labeled E10). Avoid E15 and E85 fuels because higher ethanol blends can cause hard starting, rough running, and fuel-system damage in small engines.
What to use (and what to avoid)
- Use fresh unleaded gasoline (regular grade is fine)
- Choose fuel labeled E10 or lower (0% to 10% ethanol)
- Avoid E15 and E85
- Buy only what you will use in about 30 days
- Store fuel in an approved gas can with a tight cap
Quick fuel guide
| Fuel label at pump | Ethanol content | Use in Craftsman 917370446? |
|---|---|---|
| E0 | 0% | Yes |
| E10 | Up to 10% | Yes |
| E15 | Up to 15% | No |
| E85 | 51% to 83% | No |
If the mower has been filled with E15 or old gas
- Move the mower outdoors and let the engine cool completely.
- Drain the tank into an approved container.
- Refill with fresh E0 or E10 fuel.
- If it still runs poorly, the carburetor may need cleaning.
For fuel and storage notes specific to your mower, follow the recommendations in the 917370446 owner's manual.
Why it matters
Higher-ethanol fuel attracts moisture and can separate during storage; that leads to corrosion, clogged carburetor passages, and degraded fuel lines. Using fresh E0 or E10 helps the engine start easier and run more consistently.
Parts that often get attention when fuel issues show up
If fuel problems lead to repeated stalling or poor cutting performance, we often see customers also inspect maintenance and wear items such as:
- Blade condition (dull blades overload the engine)
- Drive system operation (belt and transmission engagement)
- Wheel traction and rolling resistance
You can order common replacement parts for this model from the parts list for Craftsman 917370446, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What size yard is the Craftsman 917370446 good for?
The Craftsman 917370446 is a gas walk-behind mower; it’s the right fit for most small to medium residential lawns. In real-world use, we typically see this style of 22-inch-class mower perform best on lots up to about 1/2 acre, depending on terrain, obstacles, and grass thickness. See the 917370446 owner's manual for the recommended operating conditions.
Practical yard-size guidance
A walk-behind mower like the Craftsman 917370446 is usually a good choice when you want maneuverability around trees, beds, and tight gates.
- Up to 1/4 acre: Fast, efficient mowing for most homeowners
- 1/4 to 1/2 acre: Still practical; plan for longer mow times
- Over 1/2 acre: You can mow it, but it becomes time-consuming; traction and fatigue matter more
- Hilly yards: Self-propel drive condition matters more than deck size
- Thick or wet grass: Expect slower ground speed and more frequent bagging or mulching checks
What changes the “right” yard size most
These factors usually matter more than the model number alone:
- Terrain: slopes, bumps, and soft ground reduce effective speed
- Obstacles: fences, landscaping, and playsets increase trimming passes
- Cutting height: higher cuts in thick grass can require a second pass
- Bagging vs. mulching: bagging can add stops and reduce pace
- Drive system condition: worn belts, wheels, or transmission reduce self-propel performance
Quick comparison: walk-behind vs. riding mower
| If your yard is… | Walk-behind mower (like 917370446) | Riding mower |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1/2 acre | Best balance of cost and control | Usually unnecessary |
| 1/2 to 1 acre | Possible but slow | Better time savings |
| 1 to 2 acres | Not practical for most users | Typical use case |
Why it matters
Sizing the mower to the yard keeps mowing time reasonable and helps the mower last longer. Overworking a walk-behind mower on oversized or steep lawns increases wear on the drive system and cutting components.
Parts that help performance on larger or tougher lawns
If mowing time is creeping up because the mower is not pulling well or the cut quality is dropping, these model-compatible parts are common fixes:
- Replace a worn self-propel belt: lawn mower ground drive belt 532196853
- Improve cut quality with a sharp, correct blade: husqvarna lawn mower 22-inch deck 3-in-1 blade 532421825
- Restore traction with a worn drive wheel: lawn mower wheel and tire, 8 x 1.75-in 583719501
You can order replacement parts from the parts list for Craftsman 917370446, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a lawn mower?
Repairing a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 917370446 is cheaper when the problem is a normal wear item (blade, wheel, cable, belt) and the total repair cost stays under about half the price of a comparable new mower. Replacement makes more sense when the engine or drive system needs major work.
A simple cost rule we use
- Repair when the fix is straightforward and parts are readily available (blade, belt, wheel, cable).
- Replace when the repair involves major assemblies (engine-related issues, repeated drive failures) or multiple big-ticket parts at once.
- Repair when the mower is otherwise solid: deck is not rusted through, height adjusters are intact, and it starts reliably.
Common repairs that usually stay cost-effective
These are typical, high-value fixes on a self-propelled walk-behind mower:
- Replace a worn or bent blade (poor cut, vibration)
- Replace a slipping self-propel belt (mower will not pull well)
- Replace a damaged wheel or tire (uneven tracking, poor traction)
- Replace control cables (drive or zone control not engaging)
If you are pricing out a blade replacement for this model, start with the husqvarna lawn mower 22-inch deck 3-in-1 blade 532421825.
Repair vs replace: quick comparison
| Situation | Usually best choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Blade is dull/bent, mower vibrates | Repair | Low parts cost, fast fix |
| Self-propel will not move but engine runs strong | Repair first | Often belt/cable/pulley related |
| Multiple major issues at once (drive + engine performance) | Replace | Costs stack up quickly |
| Deck is badly rusted or cracked | Replace | Structural issue, not worth rebuilding |
Why it matters
A mower that is repaired at the right time cuts cleaner, runs with less vibration, and avoids secondary damage (for example, a bad blade can stress the crankshaft and deck). For model-specific maintenance intervals and safety steps, follow the 917370446 owner's manual.
Helpful DIY guidance
If the decision comes down to a blade or drive issue, these guides help you estimate effort before you buy parts:
If you decide to repair, you can order replacement parts from the parts list for your Craftsman 917370446, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the common problems with Craftsman lawn mowers?
Common problems on a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 917370446 are no-start or starts-then-stalls issues (fuel, spark, air), poor cutting (dull or bent blade, deck buildup), and self-propelled drive problems (worn belt, stretched cable, wheel drive wear). Use the 917370446 owner's manual for model-specific checks and adjustments.
Quick checks we recommend first
- Use fresh gasoline; drain old fuel if it smells sour or looks dark.
- Confirm the spark plug wire is firmly seated.
- Check the air filter; replace it if it is dirty or oil-soaked.
- Inspect the blade for damage and tightness; a bent blade causes vibration and poor cut.
- Look under the deck for packed grass that blocks airflow and discharge.
- For self-propelled issues, check for a loose or worn drive belt and cable slack.
Most common symptoms and likely causes
| Symptom | Most likely causes | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t start | Old fuel, dirty carburetor, fouled spark plug, clogged air filter | Refresh fuel, service air filter, check spark |
| Starts then dies | Restricted fuel flow, dirty carburetor, clogged vent in fuel cap | Clean fuel path, inspect cap vent |
| Cuts unevenly | Dull/bent blade, wrong height setting, deck packed with grass | Sharpen/replace blade, clean deck |
| Excess vibration | Bent blade, loose blade hardware, debris wrapped on shaft | Stop and inspect blade and underside |
| Won’t self-propel | Worn belt, stretched drive cable, transmission or wheel drive wear | Inspect belt/cable, then drive components |
Parts that commonly fix these problems on 917370446
If you are seeing poor cut quality or heavy vibration, the blade is a frequent fix; for drive issues, the belt is a frequent fix.
- Cutting performance: husqvarna lawn mower 22-inch deck 3-in-1 blade 532421825
- Self-propelled drive: lawn mower ground drive belt 532196853
- Traction and rolling: lawn mower wheel and tire, 8 x 1.75-in 583719501
Why it matters
These problems usually get worse quickly: old fuel and restricted airflow can make starting unreliable, and a damaged blade or packed deck can strain the engine, reduce bagging/mulching performance, and leave an uneven cut.
Ordering the right replacement parts
We list model-matched replacement parts for Craftsman 917370446 on this page; for additional parts and diagrams by model number, use Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is a Craftsman 6.75 lawn mower?
There is no single “Craftsman 6.75” model number; 6.75 is an engine power label used on many different Craftsman walk-behind mowers. The correct model number is the 917.xxxxxx number printed on your mower’s ID tag; for this parts page, the model is Craftsman 917370446 (see the 917370446 owner's manual).
Where to find the model number on the mower
On most Craftsman walk-behind mowers, the ID tag is on the rear of the deck, near the rear discharge opening, or near the handle mounting area.
Check these common spots:
- Rear of the cutting deck (back edge)
- Left or right side of the deck, above the wheel
- Under the rear flap or near the bagger opening
- Handle bracket area (near where the handle bolts to the deck)
What the model number looks like (and what it is not)
Craftsman walk-behind mower model numbers are typically 9 digits and often start with 917.
| Item you see on the mower | What it means | Use it for parts? |
|---|---|---|
| 917370446 | Mower model number | Yes |
| 6.75 (or 6.75 HP) | Engine power label | No |
| Engine model/type code | Engine identification | Sometimes (engine-only parts) |
Why it matters
Parts fit is tied to the mower model number, not the engine power label. For example, the correct blade, drive belt, and wheel parts depend on the exact deck and drive system used on that model.
If you are ordering common wear items for model 917370446, examples include:
- Husqvarna lawn mower 22-inch deck 3-in-1 blade 532421825 (blade fit and lift profile)
- Lawn mower ground drive belt 532196853 (self-propel drive performance)
- Lawn mower wheel and tire, 8 x 1.75-in 583719501 (traction and drive engagement)
Ordering tip
Once you confirm the ID tag reads 917370446 (or your specific 917 number), you can order parts from the list for that model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect to find the exact match.
Last updated: February 2026
