Craftsman 917773701 high wheel line trimmer Parts

A gas line trimmer typically lasts 8 to 12 years with normal homeowner use and routine maintenance. For a Craftsman high wheel line trimmer like model 917773701, keeping the engine clean, using the correct cutting line, and following the service schedule in the owner's manual helps you reach the longest service life.

Typical lifespan ranges (what most owners see)

Lifespan depends more on hours of use and maintenance than on calendar age.

• Light use (occasional trimming): 10 to 15 years
• Normal homeowner use: 8 to 12 years
• Heavy use (large lots, frequent thick weeds): 5 to 8 years
• Commercial-style use: often measured in hours; many pros plan around 900 to 1,200+ hours with good care

Maintenance that most affects lifespan

The manual emphasizes cleaning and routine checks that directly extend engine life and reduce vibration.

• Keep the top of the engine and starter area clean to maintain airflow
• Clean the underside of the trimmer to prevent grass buildup
• Check for loose fasteners and address abnormal vibration immediately
• Maintain the engine: oil level, oil changes, air filter, spark plug, muffler inspection
• Replace cutting line when it wears to about half its original length

Correct cutting line matters (and why)

Using the specified line reduces wear on the trimmer head and helps prevent imbalance.

Spec for Craftsman 917773701	What to use
Line diameter	0.155 inch
Cut length (per piece)	about 18-3/4 inches
Balance check	lines should not vary by more than 1 inch

Why it matters

A trimmer that is kept clean and properly serviced runs cooler, vibrates less, and puts less strain on wear parts like the trimmer head and drive components. That translates into fewer breakdowns and a longer overall lifespan.

Parts that commonly wear as the trimmer ages

If performance drops, these are common wear items to inspect and replace as needed:

• High-wheel trimmer driveshaft belt 532185476
• Line trimmer return spring 532173811
• High-wheel line trimmer spindle housing assembly 532174543
• Mow ball assembly 596878501

You can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect if you need additional parts beyond the list shown for 917773701.

Last updated: February 2026

To replace trimmer line on your Craftsman high wheel line trimmer model 917773701, install new 0.155-inch line cut to 18-3/4 inches per piece, then seat each folded line under the retainer clips so all lines match length for smooth, balanced trimming. See the owner's manual for diagrams and safety steps.

Before you start (safety)

• Turn the engine off and let it cool.
• Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away from the plug.
• Wear gloves and eye protection.
• Use only 0.155-inch trimmer line (never wire, rope, or string).
• Work on a flat surface so the trimmer cannot roll.

Steps to replace the trimmer line

1. Cut new trimmer line to 18-3/4 inches.
2. Remove the worn line from the line carrier plate.
3. Fold one new line piece in half.
4. Insert the folded end through the carrier plate opening to the back side of the retainer clip.
5. Pull the line outward until it is fully seated under the retainer clip.
6. Repeat for the other side.
7. Confirm all installed lines are the same length (they should not vary by more than 1 inch).
8. Reconnect the spark plug wire.

Quick specs for model 917773701

Item	What to use	Why
Line diameter	0.155 inch	Correct fit and retention
Line length (each piece)	18-3/4 inches	Proper cutting reach and balance
Length matching	Within 1 inch	Reduces vibration

If the head will not hold the line

• Re-seat the line fully under each retainer clip.
• Confirm you are using 0.155-inch line.
• Replace worn head components if the line keeps slipping; the trimmer head can wear from contact with concrete or asphalt.
• If you are servicing the head area, inspect related wear items like the mow ball assembly 596878501 for damage.

Why it matters

Correct line diameter and equal line length keep the trimmer head balanced. That reduces vibration, improves cutting performance in thick weeds, and helps prevent premature wear of the trimmer head components.

Last updated: February 2026

For the Craftsman high wheel line trimmer model 917773701, neither 0.080 nor 0.095 is the better choice because this model is specified for 0.155-inch trimmer line; using the correct diameter delivers the best cut and helps prevent vibration and premature wear. See the 917773701 owner's manual for the exact line specs and replacement steps.

What to use on model 917773701 (and why)

Our manual lists:

• Trimmer line diameter: 0.155 inch
• Trimmer line length: 18.75 inches (cut pieces)
• Replace line when it wears to about half its original length
• Keep installed line pieces within 1 inch of each other to keep the head balanced
• Avoid letting the head ride on concrete or asphalt to reduce wear on the ball under the head

Quick comparison: 0.080 vs 0.095 vs the specified 0.155

Line diameter	Best for	Fit for Craftsman 917773701
0.080 in	Light edging, thin grass	Undersized; cuts slower and wears faster on heavier growth
0.095 in	General trimming	Still undersized; reduced durability in thick weeds
0.155 in (specified)	Thick weeds, longer life	Correct size; best performance and smoother operation

How to replace the trimmer line safely

Follow the maintenance steps in the manual; the key points are:

• Disconnect the spark plug wire before servicing
• Remove worn line from the carrier plate
• Cut new 0.155-inch line to 18.75 inches
• Fold the line in half, insert through the carrier plate opening, then seat under the retainer clip

Why it matters

Line diameter directly affects cutting power, engine load, and vibration. On a high wheel line trimmer like the Craftsman 917773701, the specified 0.155-inch line keeps the head balanced and cuts heavy weeds more efficiently.

Last updated: February 2026

For Craftsman model 917773701 with a 2-cycle 25cc engine, use fresh unleaded regular gasoline mixed with 2-cycle engine oil at the fuel mix ratio specified in the Owner's manual. This trimmer runs on pre-mixed fuel; it does not use straight gas with a separate crankcase oil fill.

What to use

• Gas: Unleaded regular gasoline (fresh)
• Oil: Air-cooled 2-cycle engine oil (2-stroke oil)
• Mixing: Measure accurately and shake the fuel can to blend before filling
• Storage: Do not keep mixed fuel from one season to the next

Mixing guide (quick table)

What you’re doing	Use this	Result
Fueling the trimmer	Unleaded gas + 2-cycle oil	Correct pre-mix for a 2-cycle engine
Avoiding problems	Fresh fuel, clean can	Easier starting, steadier power
Seasonal storage	Empty or properly store fuel	Less varnish and carburetor issues

Steps we recommend

1. Start with an approved fuel container that is clean and dry.
2. Add the correct amount of 2-cycle oil first.
3. Add unleaded gasoline, then cap and shake to mix thoroughly.
4. Fill the tank; wipe up spills before starting.

Why it matters

A 2-cycle engine depends on oil mixed into the gasoline for lubrication. Running straight gasoline can quickly damage the engine; using old or contaminated fuel commonly causes hard starting and loss of power.

If you’re also servicing the cutting system, worn line components can contribute to vibration; common wear items for this model include the mow ball assembly 596878501.

You can order replacement parts for Craftsman 917773701 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026