Are gas lawn mowers being phased out?
Gas walk-behind mowers like the Craftsman 917370562 are not being phased out everywhere at once, but new gas mower sales are trending downward as more areas restrict small-engine emissions and more homeowners switch to battery-electric models. Your mower remains serviceable and repairable using the maintenance and safety guidance in the Craftsman 917370562 owner's manual.
What this means for owners of a Craftsman 917370562
You can keep using and maintaining your gas mower normally. The biggest practical change is that electric options are becoming more common at retailers, while gas models may be limited in some locations.
- Keep up with routine maintenance (oil, air filter, spark plug, blade condition).
- Use fresh fuel and store fuel properly to avoid hard-start issues.
- Follow safety rules; blades are sharp and the mower can throw objects.
- If you operate on brush or unimproved land, use a spark arrester when required by local or state rules.
- Plan ahead for wear items; blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners, and spark plugs are normal replacement parts.
Common “phase-out” drivers (what’s changing)
| Driver | What you may notice | Impact on your mower |
|---|---|---|
| Local emissions rules | Some areas limit new gas equipment sales | Existing mowers are still used and maintained |
| Consumer preference | More battery models on shelves | Gas parts and service still widely available |
| Noise and maintenance | Electric is quieter and simpler | Gas remains strong for longer run times |
Parts and upkeep that keep a gas mower running strong
A sharp, balanced blade and a solid drive system make the biggest difference in cut quality and usability.
- Replace a damaged or severely worn blade with the correct deck blade, such as the lawn mower 21-in deck mulching blade 532406706 when it matches your setup.
- If self-propel feels weak, inspect the drive system and belt condition; a worn belt can reduce ground speed.
- Keep controls operating smoothly; a stretched or binding cable can affect drive engagement.
Why it matters
Even if new gas mower sales decline in some regions, your Craftsman 917370562 can deliver years of reliable mowing when you follow the manual’s operating and safety instructions and replace normal wear parts on schedule.
Last updated: January 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917370562?
The model number is 917.370562 (often written without the dot as 917370562) for this Craftsman rotary, power-propelled 21-inch multi-cut gas walk-behind mower. You can confirm it on the cover and parts list in the 917370562 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the mower
Most Craftsman walk-behind mowers list the model number on the mower’s ID label and in the documentation.
- Check the mower’s ID label on the deck (top or rear area) or near the rear discharge door
- Look for a number formatted like 917.370562
- Match the model number exactly when ordering parts (handles, cables, blade, belt)
- Use the manual’s illustrated parts list to verify component names and locations
Why the dot matters (917.370562 vs 917370562)
Both formats refer to the same mower; the dot is just a formatting style used in some manuals and labels.
| You might see it as | What it means | Use this when ordering parts |
|---|---|---|
| 917.370562 | Manual/label formatting | 917370562 |
| 917370562 | Online/model lookup formatting | 917370562 |
Related model identifiers you may also see
Some owners confuse the mower model number with an engine model number or a part number.
- Mower model number: 917.370562 (this is the Craftsman mower model)
- Engine model number: Listed separately for the Briggs & Stratton engine (not used to identify the mower’s chassis parts)
- Part numbers/IDs: Used to order specific items like the lawn mower zone control cable 532191221
Why it matters
Using the exact mower model number ensures you get the correct fit for critical items like the 21-inch blade, blade adapter, drive belt, and control cables. It also helps you match the correct diagrams when troubleshooting drive or cutting issues.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the average lifespan of 917370562?
A Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 917370562 typically lasts 8 to 12 years with normal residential use and routine maintenance (oil changes, blade care, clean fuel practices). Lifespan is driven more by maintenance and storage than by hours alone.
What most affects lifespan
- Engine maintenance: regular oil changes and correct oil level
- Fuel care: fresh gas, clean carburetor, proper off-season storage
- Blade and deck condition: sharp blade reduces engine strain
- Drive system wear (power-propelled models): belt, cable, and pulleys
- Storage: dry storage prevents rust and cable corrosion
Quick maintenance schedule (practical baseline)
Use this as a simple guide; match exact intervals and procedures in the owner's manual.
| Task | Typical interval | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Check engine oil | Every mow | Prevents accelerated engine wear |
| Change engine oil | Every season or ~25 hours | Extends engine life |
| Sharpen/replace blade | 1 to 3 times per season | Cleaner cut, less vibration |
| Clean under deck | Every few mows | Prevents corrosion, improves airflow |
| Inspect drive components | Each season | Avoids loss of self-propel function |
Parts that commonly wear on this model
If cutting quality drops or vibration increases, these model-matched parts are common fixes:
- Lawn mower 21-in deck mulching blade 532406706 (dull or bent blade)
- Lawn mower blade adapter 532421176 (wobble, vibration, blade fit issues)
- Belt.rgd.vs 532406580 (self-propel slipping or not pulling)
Why it matters
Replacing wear parts on time protects the engine and drive system. A sharp blade and solid blade adapter reduce vibration, which helps prevent premature bearing, pulley, and fastener wear.
Last updated: March 2026





