What are the common problems with Craftsman lawn mowers?
Common problems on the Craftsman 917377610 gas walk-behind mower include no-start conditions (stale fuel, dirty air filter, bad spark plug, disconnected plug wire), loss of power from grass buildup under the deck, and vibration or poor cutting from a loose or worn blade or a damaged blade adapter. See the owner's manual for the model-specific troubleshooting chart and maintenance schedule.
Most common symptoms and what they usually mean
- Won’t start: stale fuel, water in fuel, dirty air filter, bad spark plug, or the control bar not held against the handle
- Loses power: deck packed with wet grass, cutting height too low, walking speed too fast, dirty air filter, oil level incorrect
- Poor cut or uneven cut: blade worn/bent/loose, wheel heights not set evenly, debris buildup under the mower housing
- Excessive vibration: blade damaged/loose, blade adapter damaged, crankshaft bent (often after striking an object)
- Starter rope hard to pull: blade dragging in grass, flywheel brake engaged when the control bar is released, or impact damage
Quick checks we recommend before buying parts
- Drain and refill with fresh gasoline if fuel is old.
- Clean the underside of the mower deck (grass and debris reduce airflow and power).
- Verify all wheels are set to the same cutting height.
- Inspect the blade and hardware; tighten the blade bolt.
- Check the drive system if it is self-propelled and won’t move.
Parts that commonly solve cutting and vibration complaints
If the mower shakes, cuts poorly, or the blade feels loose, these are frequent wear items:
| Symptom | Likely wear item | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Poor cut, uneven cut | Blade worn/bent | Husqvarna lawn mower mulching blade, 21-in 159267 |
| Blade feels loose or won’t stay tight | Blade adapter worn/cracked | Lawn mower blade adapter 581547901 |
| Self-propel won’t move or slips | Ground drive belt worn/stretched | Lawn mower ground drive belt 532160816 |
For ordering, we recommend using the parts list for model 917377610 first; you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Why it matters
Most “big” mower problems start as basic maintenance issues: old fuel, restricted airflow, or grass packed under the deck. Fixing those first prevents repeat failures and helps the engine and drive system last longer.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917377610?
The model number is 917.377610; it’s the Craftsman gas walk-behind lawn mower identified on the data decal and on the cover of the owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the mower
We recommend matching the number on the mower itself to the manual to avoid ordering the wrong parts.
- Check the decal on the rear of the mower housing
- Record both the model and serial number for future parts lookup
- Use the model number when selecting parts like a blade adapter, drive belt, or handle components
- Keep the number with your maintenance notes (oil changes, blade sharpening, tune-ups)
Model number formats you may see
On Craftsman walk-behind mowers, the model can appear with or without a dot.
| You might see it written as | It refers to |
|---|---|
| 917.377610 | Same mower model |
| 917377610 | Same mower model |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number ensures the parts diagrams and repair parts list match your mower’s build. That helps you choose correct fit items such as the lawn mower mulching blade, lawn mower ground drive belt, or upper handle.
Ordering parts
Once you confirm the model number, you can order replacement parts from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is Craftsman Model 917377610?
The Craftsman 917377610 model number identifies the mower series, not the build year. To find the year, use the serial number date code on the mower’s ID decal (typically on the rear of the mower housing) and match it using the identification details in the owner's manual.
Where to find the date information
On Craftsman walk-behind mowers like model 917377610, the model and serial numbers are listed on a decal attached to the mower housing. Once you have the serial number, you can decode the manufacture date.
- Look for the ID decal on the rear of the mower housing
- Write down the serial number exactly as shown
- Check for a date-coded pattern within the serial number
- Record your date of purchase too (helpful for maintenance and parts matching)
How the serial number date code is commonly read
Many Craftsman mower serial numbers use a MMDDYY style date code (month, day, year) within the serial number string. That means the last two digits typically indicate the year.
| Example date code | Interprets as | Year shown |
|---|---|---|
| 072811 | July 28, 2011 | 2011 |
| 041514 | April 15, 2014 | 2014 |
| 092009 | September 20, 2009 | 2009 |
Why it matters
The correct year helps us match the right parts and specs for your mower’s exact configuration (engine components, drive system parts, and blade hardware). For example, if you’re replacing cutting parts, using the correct 21-inch blade and mounting hardware prevents vibration and poor cut quality.
Parts that often depend on correct identification
If you are ordering parts after you confirm the serial/date code, these are common items customers replace on this model:
- Husqvarna lawn mower mulching blade, 21-in 159267 (cut quality and vibration)
- Lawn mower blade adapter 581547901 (blade fit and alignment)
- Lawn mower ground drive belt 532160816 (self-propel drive)
- Lawn mower drive cable 532405995 (drive engagement)
You can order replacement parts from the parts list for model 917377610, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is Craftsman's model number?
On a Craftsman gas walk-behind mower like model 917377610, the model number is typically printed on a model and serial number label attached to the mower deck or handle mounting area. Use that exact number when ordering parts or looking up specifications in the owner's manual.
Common places to check on model 917377610
- Top of the mower deck near the rear discharge opening or height adjuster area
- Side of the deck near a rear wheel bracket
- On the handle support or handle mounting bracket
- Near the engine mounting area on the deck (not on the engine itself)
- Under the grass catcher flap area (rear discharge models)
Mower model number vs. engine model number
Your mower has a mower model number and the engine has its own engine model number. For parts like wheels, belts, and handles, use the mower model number (917377610). For engine-specific items (carburetor, recoil starter, ignition parts), you may need the engine model number listed in the manual.
| What you are identifying | Where to look | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Mower model number (917377610) | Label on deck or handle mount | Ordering Craftsman mower parts and diagrams |
| Engine model number | Stamped/printed on engine shroud or tag | Ordering engine parts and engine tune-up items |
Why it matters
Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong blade, drive belt, or handle hardware. For example, common wear items for this mower include the husqvarna lawn mower mulching blade, 21-in 159267 and drive system parts like the lawn mower ground drive belt 532160816.
Quick tips for reading the label
- Write the model number exactly as shown (include all digits)
- If the label is dirty, wipe it with a damp rag and mild detergent
- If the label is faded, take a photo at an angle under bright light to make the print easier to read
If you need to order parts after you find the model number, you can use the parts list for model 917377610 or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





