Owner’s manual
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How old is my mower by serial number?
On Craftsman walk-behind mower model 917376990, the serial number tells you the mower’s build sequence, but the most reliable way to establish its age is to match the serial number on the rear housing decal with your recorded purchase date and the model’s documentation in the 917376990 owner's manual.
Where to find the serial number on model 917376990
The manual specifies that the model and serial numbers are on a decal on the rear of the lawn mower housing.
- Look at the rear of the mower deck (rear housing area)
- Write down the full serial number exactly as shown
- Record the date of purchase if you still have it
- Keep the info with your maintenance records for oil changes, blade service, and tune-ups
How to estimate the mower’s age from the serial number
Craftsman serial formats vary by production run, so we use a practical approach that works for most walk-behind mowers.
- Check for a date-style code embedded in the serial (often a year and week, or year and month)
- Compare the serial label style and markings to what’s shown in the manual’s identification section
- Use your receipt, warranty paperwork, or service records to confirm the purchase month and year
- If the mower has had major drive work, note that parts like the transmission can be replaced and do not indicate mower age
Quick guide: what you can and cannot date
| Item | Helps date the mower? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Serial number decal | Yes | Best starting point for manufacturing clues |
| Date of purchase | Yes | Often the most accurate “in-service” age |
| Replaced parts (blade, wheels, cable) | No | Wear items get replaced over time |
| Transmission assembly | No | A replacement like lawn mower transmission assembly 532188294 reflects repair history |
Why it matters
Knowing the mower’s age helps us choose the right maintenance plan (oil type, blade service intervals, drive adjustments) and avoid ordering the wrong Craftsman parts for the 917376990 platform.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917376990?
The model number for this Craftsman walk-behind gas lawn mower is 917.376990 (often written without the dot as 917376990). You’ll also see it printed in the parts diagrams and lists in the 917376990 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the mower
Most Craftsman walk-behind mowers place the model/serial tag in one of these spots:
- On the rear of the mower deck near the discharge opening
- On the top of the deck near the engine mounting area
- On the rear skirt area behind the engine
- Near the handle mounting brackets
Why “917.376990” and “917376990” both show up
They refer to the same mower; the dot is just a formatting style used in some manuals and parts lists.
| You might see it as | What it means |
|---|---|
| 917.376990 | Model number with dot formatting |
| 917376990 | Same model number without the dot |
Why it matters when ordering parts
Using the exact model number helps us match the correct diagrams and OEM replacement parts for your mower’s configuration (drive system, handle hardware, grass bag components, and deck parts).
- Prevents ordering the wrong drive control parts
- Ensures the correct wheel and gear case components match
- Helps identify the right fasteners and hardware
Example of a model-matched part
If you’re servicing the self-propel drive controls, the parts list for model 917.376990 includes items like the lawn mower drive control lever 532425662.
Quick tip before you order
Compare the model tag on your mower to the manual and parts list, then match the key number in the diagram to the part description.
Last updated: January 2026
What replacement parts are most commonly needed for the 917376990?
For the Craftsman 917376990 walk-behind mower, the most commonly replaced items are the self-propel drive-control parts, cutting components, and grass-bagging hardware. We use the parts diagrams in the 917376990 owner's manual to match the exact part ID for your mower’s configuration.
Most common replacement parts for this model
These are frequent wear items and “lost hardware” parts shown in the 917.376990 diagrams:
- Drive control cable: husqvarna lawn mower drive control cable 532197011
- Drive control lever (self-propel handle): lawn mower drive control lever 532425662
- Idler pulley (drive system): husqvarna lawn mower idler pulley 532166043
- Transmission (gear case) assembly: lawn mower transmission assembly 532188294
- Blade and blade mounting parts: husqvarna lawn mower mulching blade, 21-in 159267, lawn mower blade adapter 532186766
- Grass bag parts: lawn mower grass bag frame 532188506, lawn mower grass bag door 532188498
Quick “symptom to part” guide
| What you notice | Commonly involved parts | What to check first |
|---|---|---|
| Mower will not self-propel or slips | Drive control cable, idler pulley, transmission | Cable tension and routing, pulley spins freely |
| Poor cut quality or vibration | Blade, blade adapter | Blade damage, adapter wear, tight mounting |
| Bagging is weak or bag won’t stay attached | Grass bag frame, grass bag door | Door hinge/closure, frame fit |
| Height adjustment won’t hold | Height adjuster knob | Knob threads and engagement |
Why it matters
Replacing the correct wear part restores safe operation and performance. The manual also stresses using OEM replacement parts to avoid damage and unsafe operation.
Tips to order the right part the first time
- Match by model number 917376990 and the diagram callout number
- Compare the part name and part ID, not just the description
- Replace missing fasteners with the correct size and type (nuts, E-rings, screws)
- Inspect related wear points (cable plus pulley, blade plus adapter)
Last updated: March 2026
