Owner’s manual
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Are gas lawn mowers being phased out?
Gas walk-behind mowers like the Craftsman 917375020 are not being phased out everywhere at once, but new gas mower sales are shrinking in some areas as more rules and market demand favor battery-electric models. Existing gas mowers remain serviceable with routine maintenance and available replacement parts.
What’s changing (and what isn’t)
- Some states and cities are restricting or planning to restrict sales of certain new gas-powered outdoor equipment.
- Many homeowners are choosing electric because it is quieter and has less routine engine maintenance.
- Gas mowers are still widely used, especially where longer run time and quick refueling matter.
- Even where new sales change, you can keep using and repairing a gas mower you already own.
How this affects your Craftsman 917375020
Your best move is to keep the mower reliable and safe so you get full value from it.
- Follow the fuel guidance in the Craftsman 917375020 owner’s manual (including ethanol limits and storage steps).
- Keep the blade sharp and balanced for cleaner cuts and less engine strain.
- Clean the drive wheel area if the self-propelled wheels stop turning freely.
- Store the mower only after the engine cools; store fuel safely.
Maintenance priorities that extend mower life
- Use fresh gasoline; stale fuel is a top cause of no-start problems.
- Keep the air filter clean.
- Check the spark plug connection before troubleshooting deeper.
- Inspect the blade and blade adapter area after impacts.
- Keep the deck clean to prevent heavy grass buildup.
Quick comparison: gas vs. battery walk-behind mowers
| Feature | Gas mower | Battery mower |
|---|---|---|
| Run time | Longer with refueling | Limited by battery capacity |
| Maintenance | Fuel, oil, tune-ups | Mostly blade and cleaning |
| Noise | Louder | Quieter |
| Storage | Fuel storage considerations | Battery storage considerations |
Why it matters
If your area tightens rules on new gas equipment, the biggest impact is usually on purchasing, not on owning. Keeping your Craftsman 917375020 maintained means you can continue mowing reliably and avoid avoidable repairs.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the best gas mower under $300?
For under $300, the best gas mower is the one that fits your yard size and is simple to maintain. If you already own Craftsman model 917375020, you will get the best value by keeping the blade sharp, the deck clean, and the fuel fresh using the Craftsman 917375020 owner's manual.
What to look for in a sub-$300 gas mower
Most budget walk-behind mowers perform well when the basics match your yard and routine.
- 21 to 22 inch deck for small to mid-size yards
- Push drive for simplicity; self-propelled for hills (more wear parts)
- Mulch, bag, and side discharge options
- Easy access to air filter and spark plug
- Common hardware sizes for blade service
Get “best performance” from the mower you already have (917375020)
The manual emphasizes maintenance that directly improves cut quality and engine life.
- Scrape grass buildup from the underside after each use
- Disconnect the spark plug wire before cleaning under the deck
- Avoid spraying with a garden hose unless sensitive components are protected
- Use fresh gasoline; up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable
Quick comparison
| Choice | Best for | What matters most |
|---|---|---|
| Buy a new gas mower under $300 | Light weekly mowing, smaller yards | Easy starting, decent deck, simple blade service |
| Maintain Craftsman 917375020 | Best value if you already own it | Sharp blade, clean deck, fresh fuel |
Parts that often make the biggest difference
- Replace a worn blade with the lawn mower 22-in deck mulching blade 532406713
- If self-propel feels weak, inspect the drive belt and replace if cracked or glazed (common wear item)
Why it matters
In the under-$300 category, maintenance has a bigger impact than small feature differences. A sharp blade and clean deck reduce clumping, improve mulching, and help the engine run cooler.
Last updated: January 2026
What type of gas do I put in my push mower?
For the Craftsman 917375020 gas walk-behind mower, use fresh regular unleaded gasoline; fuel with up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable. Avoid gasoline with more than 10% ethanol because it can cause running problems and can void the warranty (per the Craftsman 917375020 owner's manual).
Recommended fuel for this mower
- Use fresh, clean regular unleaded gasoline.
- E10 (up to 10% ethanol) is OK.
- Do not use E15, E20, or E85 (more than 10% ethanol).
- Buy fuel in small quantities so it stays fresh.
- Use a clean, non-rusting gas can to prevent dirt or rust from getting into the tank.
Quick fuel checklist
| What you’re considering | OK for 917375020? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular unleaded (ethanol-free) | Yes | Great choice when available. |
| Regular unleaded E10 | Yes | Acceptable per the manual. |
| Any fuel over 10% ethanol (E15/E85) | No | Can damage the fuel system and void warranty. |
| Old or stale gas | No | Common cause of no-start and rough running. |
If the mower won’t start after fueling
Stale fuel and fuel contamination are common on walk-behind mowers. We recommend these checks:
- Confirm the tank has fresh gas (drain and refill if it smells sour or looks dark).
- Check the air filter and replace if dirty.
- Make sure the spark plug wire is firmly connected.
- Inspect the blade area for a loose blade (a loose blade can affect starting and operation).
- If the pull cord is hard to pull, follow lawn mower pull cord stuck steps before forcing it.
Why it matters
Using the right gasoline helps protect the carburetor, fuel lines, and engine performance. Fresh E10 or ethanol-free fuel reduces hard-starting, surging, and stalling, especially after storage.
Last updated: January 2026
