Can I leave gas in my lawn mower?
We do not recommend leaving gasoline in your Craftsman walk-behind mower model 917370920 for long storage; fuel can go stale, cause hard starting, and create fuel-system problems. For short gaps between mows, fresh fuel is fine, but for end-of-season storage, drain or treat the fuel.
Best practice for short-term vs. storage
- Short term (days to a couple weeks): Keep the tank sealed and use fresh gasoline.
- Long term (seasonal storage): Do not store gasoline from one season to the next; either run the tank dry or use a fuel stabilizer and follow the storage steps in the 917370920 owner's manual.
- If it already sat: Expect “stale fuel” symptoms like no-start, surging, or rough running.
What to do before storing the mower
- Let the engine cool completely before putting the mower away.
- Decide on a fuel plan: drain the tank or stabilize the fuel.
- If you drain it, run the engine until it stops to help clear fuel from the carburetor.
- Store fuel only in a clean, non-rusting gas can; replace rusty cans.
- Store the mower in a ventilated area away from ignition sources.
Quick decision table
| Situation | Recommended action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mowing again soon | Use fresh fuel; keep cap tight | Prevents moisture and contamination |
| Storing 30+ days | Drain fuel or stabilize and run engine | Reduces stale-fuel and varnish issues |
| Won’t start after sitting | Replace old fuel; check air filter and spark plug | Stale fuel is a common no-start cause |
Why it matters
Old gasoline is a top cause of “does not start” complaints on walk-behind mowers; it can leave deposits that restrict fuel flow and make the engine difficult to start and keep running.
Last updated: February 2026
How to look up Craftsman model number?
For a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 917370920, you can look up the model number by finding the model/serial label on the mower deck or handle area, then matching that number in the parts list and diagrams in the 917370920 owner's manual. Using the exact model number ensures you get the right blade, belt, and drive parts.
Where to find the model number on a walk-behind mower
Check these common label locations first (clean off grass and dirt so the tag is readable):
- On top of the mower deck near the engine
- On the rear of the deck near the bagger door or discharge area
- On the side of the deck near a rear wheel
- On the handle support brackets or handle crossbar area
- Stamped into the deck (less common) if the sticker is missing
How to use the model number once you find it
After you locate the tag, use the full model number exactly as shown (including dots or dashes if present). For this mower, the manual identifies it as 917.370920.
- Confirm the model number matches your tag
- Use the exploded-view diagrams to identify the exact part name
- Match the part name to the part number/part ID before ordering
- Keep the model number handy for future maintenance (blade, belt, wheels)
Quick example: model-specific parts you can match by diagram
These are examples of parts called out in the 917370920 diagrams and parts list:
| What you are replacing | What to match in the diagram/parts list | Example part anchor |
|---|---|---|
| Blade | Deck/blade section | Husqvarna lawn mower 22-inch deck 3-in-1 blade 532421825 |
| Drive belt | Drive system section | Lawn mower ground drive belt, 3/8 x 35-3/8-in 532421527 |
| Zone control cable | Handle/control section | Lawn mower zone control cable 587326602 |
Why it matters
Craftsman model numbers often look similar across different 22-inch, power-propelled mowers. Using the exact model number (and the matching diagram callouts) prevents ordering a blade, belt, or cable that fits a different deck or drive setup.
Last updated: February 2026
What are all the parts on a lawn mower?
On the Craftsman walk-behind mower model 917370920, the main parts include the engine controls, handle and safety controls, cutting deck components (blade and discharge parts), and the drive system (belt, wheels, axle, and gear case). For the complete illustrated list, use the 917370920 owner's manual.
Major lawn mower parts (what they do)
- Handle and controls: upper handle, lower handle, control bar, zone control cable
- Cutting system: mower blade, blade hardware, deck baffles, rear skirt
- Discharge and bagging: discharge deflector, grass bag, grass catcher frame, mulching door
- Self-propel drive (if equipped): drive control assembly, drive belt, drive pulley, gear case (transaxle), rear axle
- Wheels and height adjust: front and rear wheels, wheel adjuster hardware
- Safety and labels: decals, shields, belt retainers, fasteners
Common parts you may replace on this model
These are frequently serviced items on model 917370920:
- Lawn mower zone control cable 587326602 (engine stop and operator presence control)
- Lawn mower ground drive belt, 3/8 x 35-3/8-in 532421527 (self-propel drive)
- Husqvarna lawn mower 22-inch deck 3-in-1 blade 532421825 (cut quality and vibration)
- Lawn mower clipping deflector 532426129 (side discharge safety)
- Mulching door 532420019 (mulch mode sealing)
Quick “system map” of a walk-behind mower
| System | What you see | Typical related parts |
|---|---|---|
| Operator controls | Handle and control bar | Zone control cable, knobs, brackets |
| Cutting deck | Under the mower | Blade, baffle, rear skirt, fasteners |
| Discharge/bagging | Side/rear opening | Deflector, grass bag, mulching door |
| Drive system | Wheels and belt area | Drive belt, pulley, gear case, axle |
Why it matters
Knowing the part groups helps you troubleshoot faster. For example, poor cutting usually points to the blade or deck baffles, while “won’t move” problems usually point to the drive belt, pulley, or gear case.
Safety notes when inspecting parts
- Disconnect the spark plug wire before working near the blade
- Stop and inspect the mower if you strike an object
- Never adjust wheel height with the engine running
- Wear gloves when handling the blade
Last updated: February 2026
What is the best lawn mower for an elderly person?
For an elderly person, the best lawn mower is usually a self-propelled model with easy starting, simple controls, and low push effort; many people prefer battery mowers for this. If you already own a Craftsman 917370920, keeping the drive system and blade in top shape can make it much easier to handle.
What to look for (features that reduce strain)
- Self-propelled drive: reduces pushing effort on flat and sloped lawns.
- Easy start: push-button (battery) or a smooth, reliable pull start (gas).
- Lighter weight and good balance: easier turns and less fatigue.
- Easy height adjustment: never adjust wheel height with the engine running.
- Comfortable handle and controls: easy-to-squeeze zone control bar.
- Good cut quality with fewer passes: a sharp blade and proper mowing height help.
If you already have a Craftsman 917370920: make it “senior-friendly”
A well-maintained mower feels dramatically lighter to use. For this model, we focus on the items that most affect effort and control:
- Keep the blade sharp and balanced; consider replacing it with the husqvarna lawn mower 22-inch deck 3-in-1 blade 532421825 if it is bent, nicked, or worn.
- If the self-propel drive feels weak or inconsistent, inspect the belt and replace the lawn mower ground drive belt, 3/8 x 35-3/8-in 532421527 when glazed, stretched, or cracked.
- If the operator presence (zone control) feels stiff or doesn’t fully engage, check cable routing and condition; replace the lawn mower zone control cable 587326602 if it binds or has broken strands.
- Reduce pushing effort by mowing dry grass and avoiding overgrowth; the manual recommends cutting only the top one-third of the grass.
Quick comparison: battery vs gas for seniors
| Feature | Battery walk-behind | Gas walk-behind (like 917370920) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting | Push-button | Pull start, more upkeep |
| Weight/handling | Often lighter | Often heavier |
| Maintenance | Lower | Higher (fuel, oil, tune-ups) |
| Runtime | Limited by battery | Refill and keep going |
Why it matters
Lower push effort and simpler starting reduce fall risk and fatigue. On a self-propelled mower, a sharp blade and a healthy drive belt also mean fewer passes, less wrestling in turns, and a cleaner cut.
For operating and safety details specific to this mower, follow the 917370920 owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026
What years did they make the Craftsman 917370920?
Craftsman model 917.370920 is a specific rotary lawn mower model number; the most reliable way to pin down its exact production year is to match the model and serial information on the mower to the identification guidance in the 917370920 owner's manual.
How to identify the exact year for model 917.370920
Use these checks to narrow it down quickly:
- Find the model and serial label on the mower (commonly on the rear of the deck, near the handle mounts, or on the housing).
- Confirm the model is written exactly as 917.370920 (sometimes shown without the dot as 917370920).
- Record the serial number and any date code printed on the label.
- Compare major assemblies listed for this model (for example, zone control cable, drive belt, wheels) to ensure you are working with the correct variant.
- If the label is missing or unreadable, use the parts list diagrams in the manual to confirm the configuration.
Model confirmation using common parts for this mower
The 917.370920 manual parts list calls out several assemblies that help confirm you have the right model. Here are a few examples you can cross-check:
| What you check | What it tells you | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Blade and deck setup | Confirms 22-inch walk-behind deck family | Husqvarna lawn mower 22-inch deck 3-in-1 blade 532421825 |
| Drive system | Confirms self-propelled drive layout | Lawn mower ground drive belt, 3/8 x 35-3/8-in 532421527 |
| Operator control | Confirms engine stop/zone control configuration | Lawn mower zone control cable 587326602 |
Why it matters
Craftsman “917” model numbers were produced across many years, and the year can affect which replacement parts (blade, belt, wheel assemblies, deflector hardware) fit correctly. Matching the exact model and serial information prevents ordering the wrong part and speeds up repairs.
Last updated: February 2026





