How do I find out what kind of lawn mower I have?
To identify what kind of lawn mower you have, match the model number on the mower’s ID label to the brand and product type. For Craftsman model 917370604, you have a gas walk-behind lawn mower; the engine itself also has its own separate model information.
Where to find the ID information
Most walk-behind mowers have a product ID label on the mower deck or near the rear housing. Once you find it, write down everything exactly as shown.
- Look for a sticker or metal tag on the deck (top surface) or rear skirt area
- Record the mower model number (for this unit: 917370604)
- Record any product number or serial number listed
- Then locate the engine model/type/code stamped or labeled on the engine shroud
- Use the mower model for chassis parts (blade, wheels, handle parts)
- Use the engine model for engine parts (spark plug, air filter, carburetor parts)
For diagrams and identification notes specific to this mower, use the 917370604 owner's manual.
Mower model vs. engine model (why there are two)
Your Craftsman 917370604 is the mower chassis model. The engine is a separate assembly made by an engine manufacturer, so it uses its own model ID.
| What you’re identifying | Where to look | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Mower model (chassis) | Mower deck or rear housing label | Deck parts, wheels, drive system, handle controls |
| Engine model | Engine shroud or valve cover label/stamp | Tune-up parts, ignition, fuel system |
Why it matters
Using the correct model information prevents ordering the wrong parts and speeds up troubleshooting. For example, a cutting issue points you toward mower-deck parts like the husqvarna lawn mower 22-inch deck 3-in-1 blade 532421825, while a no-start issue often points to engine-specific parts.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a lawn mower?
For a Craftsman 917370604 walk-behind mower, it’s cheaper to repair when the fix is routine maintenance or a common wear part (blade, cable, wheel hardware). Replace the mower when repair costs approach about half the price of a comparable new mower, or when major engine or drive-system failures keep recurring.
Quick rule of thumb
- Repair when the mower still starts reliably and the issue is isolated (cut quality, drive slipping, routine tune-up items).
- Replace when the mower has major internal engine damage, repeated no-start problems after proper tune-ups, or a failing transmission/gear case that makes repairs uneconomical.
- If you’re unsure, compare the estimate to the price of a similar new 22-inch self-propelled mower and use the 50% rule.
Repairs that are usually worth it on this model
These are common, cost-effective fixes that restore performance fast:
- Replace a worn or bent blade (cut quality and vibration issues)
- Clean under the deck and around the drive system (loss of drive, poor bagging)
- Replace a worn drive cable (self-propelled not pulling)
- Annual tune-up items: spark plug and air filter service
- Clean drive wheel gear teeth and dust covers when wheels bind
Helpful parts often involved: Husqvarna lawn mower 22-inch deck 3-in-1 blade 532421825, lawn mower drive control cable 588479201.
What the manual maintenance schedule tells us (cost control)
Staying on schedule prevents the expensive failures that push you toward replacement:
| Maintenance item | Typical interval | Why it affects repair vs. replace |
|---|---|---|
| Check blade for wear | At least yearly | Dull/bent blades strain the engine and cut poorly |
| Clean/replace air filter | Regularly; at least yearly | Dirty filters cause hard starting and power loss |
| Replace spark plug | At least yearly | Helps reliable starting and efficient running |
| Clean under deck/drive area | Ongoing; drive area twice a season | Prevents drag, corrosion, and drive problems |
For the exact intervals and procedures for the 917370604, follow the Craftsman 917370604 owner’s manual.
Why it matters
Repairing early (blade, air filter, spark plug, drive cleaning) keeps your mower cutting and self-propelling correctly and helps the engine last longer. Waiting often turns a small maintenance issue into a bigger, more expensive problem.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917370604?
The model number is 917.370604 (often written without the dot as 917370604) for this Craftsman gas walk-behind mower. You can confirm it on the model tag and in the 917370604 owner's manual, where it appears on the cover page.
Where to find the model number on the mower
Check these common locations on Craftsman walk-behind mowers:
- On a sticker or plate on the rear of the deck near the bagging door
- On the side of the deck near the height adjuster
- Near the engine mounting area on the deck
- In the paperwork that came with the mower (manual and warranty pages)
Model number vs. engine model number (common mix-up)
This mower uses a Honda engine, so you may see an engine model listed separately. That engine model is not the mower model number.
| What you’re looking at | What it identifies | Example you may see |
|---|---|---|
| Mower model number | The Craftsman mower for parts lookup | 917.370604 (917370604) |
| Engine model number | The Honda engine family | GCV160 (varies by spec) |
Why it matters
Using the exact mower model number 917370604 ensures you get the right parts for the 22-inch deck and drive system, such as the correct blade, drive cable, or wheel adjuster components.
Parts examples for this model
- Husqvarna lawn mower 22-inch deck 3-in-1 blade 532421825 for cutting performance
- Drive and control items like a drive control cable and zone control cable
- Wheel and height adjuster parts for consistent cut height
Last updated: February 2026





