How old is my mower by serial number?
On Craftsman rotary lawn mower model 917387242, the serial number is on a decal attached to the rear of the mower housing. The serial number itself does not use a single universal “date code” format, so the most reliable way to determine age is to match that serial number to the manufacturing information and parts listing in the 917387242 owner's manual.
Where to find the serial number on model 917387242
Look for a decal on the rear of the lawn mower housing.
- Tip the handle forward and inspect the rear deck area
- Wipe dirt and grass residue off the decal so all digits are readable
- Record the model number (917387242) and the serial number exactly
- Write down your date of purchase if you know it (helpful for warranty and parts history)
How to estimate the mower’s age (practical methods)
Because serial formats vary by production run and supplier, we recommend these steps.
- Compare your mower’s features and specifications to the manual (engine family, deck size, controls)
- Use the serial number to confirm you are ordering the correct replacement parts (blade, blade adapter, control cable)
- If your engine has its own model and serial tag, use that tag as a second reference point (many walk-behind mowers have separate engine identification)
- If the decal is damaged, use the mower’s parts configuration (handle hardware, wheel style, discharge guard) to narrow the build version
Quick reference: what the manual confirms for this model
| Item | What to check | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | 917387242 | Confirms the correct parts breakdown |
| Serial number location | Rear housing decal | Ensures you are reading the right tag |
| Deck size | 22-inch | Matches the correct blade and adapter |
| Engine type | 4-cycle | Helps align tune-up parts and specs |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct model and serial information helps us match the right Craftsman parts (like the lawn mower blade 532406713 or a control cable) and prevents ordering a blade, fastener, or deck component that fits a different production version.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917387242?
The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind mower is 917.387242 (commonly written without the dot as 917387242). You can also confirm it on the model/serial decal attached to the rear of the mower housing; see the 917387242 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the mower
Look for the identification decal on the mower deck (housing). On this model, it is typically on the rear area of the housing.
- Check the rear of the mower housing for the decal
- Record both the model number and serial number for parts lookup
- Wipe off grass and dirt so the full number is readable
- Use the exact model number when ordering parts like a blade adapter, control cable, or wheel
Model number formats you may see
Both formats refer to the same mower.
| How it may appear | What it means |
|---|---|
| 917.387242 | Standard manual format with a dot |
| 917387242 | Common online/parts format without the dot |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number ensures you get the correct Craftsman rotary lawn mower parts and diagrams, especially for fit-critical items like the blade, blade adapter, and handle hardware.
Last updated: January 2026
Where is Craftsman's model number?
On your Craftsman rotary lawn mower model 917387242, the mower model number is on the product ID decal or tag attached to the mower deck or handle area. Use 917387242 when looking up walk-behind mower parts and diagrams; confirm the exact label location in the 917387242 owner's manual.
Where to look on the mower
Check these common ID-label spots first (clean the area so the print is readable):
- Top of the mower deck near the rear of the housing
- Side of the deck near a wheel height adjuster
- Handle bracket area where the handle bolts to the deck
- Rear of the deck near the discharge opening or guard
- Under the handle crossbar area (on some versions)
Mower model number vs. engine model number
Your mower has two different identifiers that serve different purposes.
| What you are working on | Number to use | Where you find it |
|---|---|---|
| Deck, wheels, handle, blade, discharge parts | 917387242 | Mower deck or handle ID decal/tag |
| Engine parts (carburetor, recoil starter, ignition) | Engine model/type code | Engine shroud, valve cover area, or stamped on the engine |
Quick tips to find it faster
- Scrape off packed grass and wipe with a rag; decals get hidden easily.
- Use a flashlight at a low angle to make faded printing stand out.
- Take a photo, then zoom in; it is often easier to read on your phone.
- If the decal is missing, use the engine ID plus the mower model 917387242 to narrow parts matches.
Why it matters
Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong parts. The mower model 917387242 matches chassis and cutting system parts such as the lawn mower blade 532406713; the engine ID is what matches engine-specific parts.
Last updated: January 2026





