Owner’s manual
View engine
How to find Craftsman lawn mower model?
On Craftsman lawn mower model 917370724, the model and serial numbers are printed on a decal on the rear of the lawn mower housing (near the back of the deck). Use that decal to record the model and serial number exactly as shown; it ensures you get the right parts and service information from the owner's manual.
Where to look on the mower
Check these common label locations first (starting with the most likely for this model):
- Rear of the mower deck (rear housing decal)
- Under the rear guard flap (if equipped)
- On the side of the deck near the rear wheels
- On the frame near the handle mounting points
What to write down (and why)
When you find the decal, copy the information exactly:
- Model number (example format: 917.370724)
- Serial number
- Date of purchase (helpful for your records)
Why it matters
The model number narrows your Craftsman walk-behind mower to the correct parts diagrams; the serial number can matter for production changes. That is especially important for wear items like blades, wheels, and control cables.
Quick checklist: decal found but hard to read
Use this process to make the label readable:
- Wipe dirt and grass film off with a damp rag
- Use a flashlight at a low angle to highlight the print
- Take a close-up photo and zoom in
- Copy letters and numbers carefully (avoid swapping 0 and O, 1 and I)
Model number vs. serial number
| Item | What it tells us | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | The exact mower design family | Matching parts diagrams and manuals |
| Serial number | The specific unit build | Confirming version changes |
Last updated: February 2026
Should I use 87 or 89 gas for lawn mower?
For your Craftsman lawn mower model 917370724, use 87-octane unleaded regular gasoline; higher octane (like 89) does not improve performance for this mower. The manual also specifies unleaded regular fuel, and we recommend keeping ethanol at 10% or less (E10) for best starting and storage results (see the owner's manual).
What to use (and what to avoid)
- Use: 87-octane unleaded regular gas
- Best ethanol level: E10 or less
- Avoid: E15, E85, or any fuel labeled “flex fuel”
- Avoid: Old or stale gas (especially fuel left from last season)
- Avoid: Mixing in additives not intended for small engines
Quick fuel comparison
| Fuel choice at the pump | Use it in model 917370724? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 87 octane (regular) | Yes | Matches the mower’s fuel requirement and runs correctly |
| 89 octane (mid-grade) | Not needed | Higher octane does not add power or reliability here |
| 91 to 93 octane (premium) | Not needed | Extra cost with no benefit for this engine |
| Ethanol over 10% (E15/E85) | No | Increases risk of hard starting and fuel system issues |
Why it matters
Using the correct fuel helps prevent hard starting, rough running, and storage problems caused by stale fuel or excess ethanol. The maintenance schedule for this mower also calls out fuel-system prep for storage (empty the fuel system or add stabilizer), which is much easier when you start with fresh regular gas.
Tips that prevent fuel-related no-start issues
- Buy only enough gas to use within about 30 days
- Use a clean, non-rusting gas can; replace it if it starts to rust
- If storing the mower for 30 days or more, prep the fuel system as outlined in the manual
- If the mower won’t start, check basics first: fuel freshness, spark plug connection, and air filter condition
Last updated: February 2026
What are the common problems with Craftsman lawn mowers?
Common problems on the Craftsman 917370724 gas walk-behind mower include loss of power, uneven cutting, excessive vibration, a starter rope that’s hard to pull, hard pushing, and drive issues (slipping or slowing). Most fixes start with cleaning, correct cutting height, and checking wear parts listed in the owner's manual.
Most common symptoms and what they usually mean
- Loss of power: dirty air filter, grass buildup under the deck, cutting too low, or too much oil in the engine
- Poor cut (uneven): worn or loose blade, uneven wheel height settings, or debris packed under the deck
- Excessive vibration: bent/loose blade, damaged blade adapter, or a bent crankshaft (stop using until inspected)
- Starter rope hard to pull: blade dragging in grass, brake engaged when the control bar is released, or blade adapter issues
- Hard to push: grass too high, cutting height too low, grass catcher too full (if equipped), or handle height not set comfortably
- Loss of drive / slow drive: belt wear, belt off the pulley, worn/broken drive cable, or a loose drive control system
Quick checks we recommend first (fast, high-impact)
- Shut off the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire before touching the blade or underside.
- Raise the cutting height if the mower bogs down or feels hard to push.
- Clean packed grass from under the deck (buildup is a top cause of power loss and uneven cutting).
- Check the blade and blade mounting: tighten hardware and replace worn parts.
- Confirm oil level is correct: overfilled oil can cause running problems.
Parts that commonly solve these problems
If you find wear or damage, these model-compatible parts are commonly involved:
| Symptom | Common part to inspect | Example part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| Vibration, poor cut | Blade and blade mounting | Husqvarna lawn mower 21-in deck 3-in-1 blade 532189028, lawn mower blade adapter 532421176 |
| Hard to push, uneven cut | Wheels and height hardware | Lawn mower wheel and tire, 8 x 1.75-in 583719501, husqvarna lawn mower height adjuster knob 532701037 |
| Loss of drive / slow drive | Drive pulleys and control linkage | Lawn mower drive pulley 532193443, husqvarna lawn mower idler pulley 532166043 |
Why it matters
These symptoms often share the same root causes: cutting too low in heavy grass, airflow restriction from debris, or worn rotating parts. Fixing the basics first prevents bigger damage (especially vibration-related issues).
Last updated: February 2026
What year is Craftsman Model 917370724?
The Craftsman lawn mower model 917.370724 does not have a single built-in “model year” like a car; the year is determined from the serial number and purchase date recorded for your specific mower. Use the date/serial information section in the owner's manual to identify and document when your unit was made or bought.
How to find the year for your specific mower
We recommend using the mower’s serial number plus your purchase date (receipt, warranty paperwork, or your own records).
- Look for the serial number label on the mower housing (commonly on the rear of the deck/housing).
- Record the serial number exactly as shown.
- Record the date of purchase if you have it.
- Compare what you find to the identification guidance in the owner's manual.
- If you are ordering parts, match parts by model number 917370724 first, then confirm fit by your serial number when applicable.
Where the manual points you
The manual for model 917.370724 specifically instructs you to record the serial number and date of purchase; that combination is the most reliable way to tie your mower to a production timeframe.
| What you have | What it tells you | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (917370724) | The design family and parts list | Finding compatible parts diagrams |
| Serial number | Your exact unit’s identity | Dating the unit and confirming revisions |
| Purchase date | When it was sold to you | Warranty and maintenance history |
Why it matters
Craftsman walk-behind mowers can have running changes over time (cables, wheels, blade adapters, drive parts). Using the serial number helps ensure you get the right replacement part the first time, whether you are replacing a wear item like a blade adapter or a control component.
Last updated: February 2026
