What model number is the Craftsman 42 riding mower?
The Craftsman model on this page is 917370605, which is a gas walk-behind mower, not a 42-inch riding mower. For a Craftsman 42-inch riding mower, the model number is printed on the mower’s model and serial tag; we use that exact number to match the correct parts and manual.
Where to find the model number on a Craftsman riding mower
Check the model and serial number label (tag) on the tractor. Common locations include:
- Under the seat (lift the seat and look on the frame)
- On the rear fender pan near the seat
- On the frame near the engine
- Near the rear hitch plate area
- On the left or right side of the tractor frame rail
If you are working with the walk-behind mower shown here, use the 917370605 owner's manual to confirm label location and the correct identification format.
Why the exact model number matters
Craftsman 42-inch riding mowers can look similar but use different parts for the deck, drive system, and engine controls. The model number determines the correct fit for items like:
- Mower blades and blade hardware
- Deck belts and idler pulleys
- Spindles and mandrels
- Drive belts and transmission parts
- Cables, springs, and brackets
Quick comparison
| Item | This Sears PartsDirect page | Typical 42-inch riding mower |
|---|---|---|
| Product type | Walk-behind mower | Riding lawn tractor |
| Model number format | 917370605 | Varies by unit (from the model tag) |
| Parts you commonly replace | Blade, cables, wheels | Deck belt, blades, spindles, drive belt |
If you are trying to match a 42-inch mower blade
A 42-inch riding mower typically uses two blades (often around 21 inches each), while many walk-behind mowers use a single 21 to 22-inch blade. For the walk-behind model 917370605, a common blade option is the husqvarna lawn mower 22-inch deck 3-in-1 blade 532421825.
Why it matters
Using the wrong model number can lead to ordering a blade, belt, or cable that does not fit, which can cause poor cutting, vibration, or unsafe operation.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is a Craftsman 917370605 riding mower?
The Craftsman 917370605 on this page is a gas walk-behind mower, not a riding mower; its model number format does not reliably map to a single “model year.” For the most accurate identification, we use the product ID details and diagrams in the 917370605 owner's manual.
Why the “year” is hard to pin down
Craftsman model numbers are often used across multiple production runs, and the same mower can be sold over more than one season with small changes (engine, decals, handle hardware). The most dependable way to date it is by matching the exact configuration shown in the manual and parts diagrams.
How we identify your mower’s production timeframe
Use these checks to confirm you are working from the correct Craftsman walk-behind mower platform:
- Confirm the model number is 917370605 (usually on a sticker on the rear deck or handle support)
- Compare your deck and discharge setup to the manual diagrams (side discharge, mulching door, bagger)
- Match key wear parts to what your mower uses (blade style, deflector, control cables)
- Check for any separate engine model and type numbers stamped on the engine (often the best “date clue”)
- Verify drive system type (self-propelled vs push) by comparing the drive control bar and transmission layout
Quick part-based clues (helps confirm the correct platform)
If your mower uses these common parts, it supports that you are looking at the correct 917370605 walk-behind mower family:
| What you’re checking | Example part for this model | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Blade size/style | 22-inch deck 3-in-1 blade 532421825 | Confirms a 22-inch 3-in-1 cutting system |
| Rear discharge safety | Lawn mower clipping deflector | Confirms the discharge/guard configuration |
| Self-propel drive | Lawn mower transmission assembly | Confirms a drive system is present |
Why it matters
Getting the correct “year” is less important than matching the correct parts breakdown; the right blade, drive cable, and deck hardware must match your exact build to fit and operate safely.
Last updated: February 2026
What replacement parts are most commonly needed for the 917370605?
For the Craftsman 917370605 walk-behind mower, the most commonly replaced items are the cutting and discharge parts (blade, chute/deflector pieces), drive system wear parts (cables, wheels, transmission-related parts), and small hardware that loosens or corrodes. Use the 917370605 owner's manual to confirm the correct configuration for your mower.
Commonly replaced parts for this model
These are frequent wear or damage items we see on the 917370605, and several are available as model-matched parts:
- Blade: husqvarna lawn mower 22-inch deck 3-in-1 blade 532421825 (dull, bent, or damaged)
- Discharge components: lawn mower clipping deflector 532426129 (cracked or missing)
- Drive engagement: lawn mower drive control cable 588479201 (stretched, frayed, or broken)
- Operator safety/stop control: husqvarna lawn mower zone control cable 532420939 (won’t hold, won’t release)
- Wheels and traction: lawn mower wheel and tire, 8 x 1.75-in 583719501 (worn tread, wobble)
- Bagging and rear opening parts: rear skirt, grass bag frame, springs, and fasteners
Quick symptom-to-part checklist
| Symptom | Most likely area | Example part on this model |
|---|---|---|
| Poor cut quality, tearing grass | Cutting system | Blade, blade hardware |
| Clippings blow sideways or chute won’t stay closed | Discharge/deflector | Deflector, chute door springs |
| Self-propel won’t pull or slips | Drive system | Drive control cable, drive pulley, transmission |
| Handle controls feel loose or don’t return | Control linkage | Zone control cable, return spring |
Why it matters
Replacing worn mower parts restores cut quality, improves bagging and mulching performance, and helps the drive system work correctly. It also reduces vibration that can loosen hardware and accelerate deck wear.
Tips before you order
- Match by model number 917370605 and compare the diagram callouts to your mower.
- Inspect related hardware (nuts, washers, screws) when replacing moving parts.
- Replace bent blades immediately; vibration can damage the deck and drive components.
Last updated: March 2026





