Owner’s manual
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Should I use 87 or 91 gas for lawn mower?
For the Craftsman 917373981 gas walk-behind mower, use unleaded regular gasoline, which is 87 octane in most areas. Higher octane (like 91) does not add power or improve reliability in this mower; it is simply not required per the fuel specification in the owner's manual.
What the 917373981 manual specifies
The product specifications for this model call for:
- Fuel type: unleaded regular
- Fuel capacity: about 1.25 quarts
- Engine: 5.5 HP (12.6 cu. in.)
Using the correct fuel type helps the engine start easier, run consistently, and avoid fuel-related driveability issues.
When 91 octane makes sense (and when it does not)
Higher octane fuel is designed for engines that require it (typically higher-compression designs). For this Craftsman mower, it is not a performance upgrade.
- Use 87 octane for normal mowing
- Use fresh fuel (more important than octane)
- Avoid mixing old and new gas when possible
- Clean up spills before starting the engine (per safe fueling guidance)
Quick comparison
| Fuel choice | Works in 917373981? | Best use case |
|---|---|---|
| 87 octane (regular) | Yes (recommended) | Everyday mowing |
| 91 octane (premium) | Yes (but unnecessary) | Only if it is the only fresh fuel available |
| Old/stale gas (any octane) | No (avoid) | Causes hard starting and rough running |
Why it matters
Most “mower won’t start” or “runs rough” complaints trace back to fuel freshness, storage habits, and safe fueling practices, not octane. Using unleaded regular and keeping fuel clean and fresh protects the carburetor and helps prevent starting problems.
If you are stocking up on maintenance items for the season, we recommend keeping common wear parts on hand (for example, a sharp blade and drive components). You can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect to find additional parts and supplies.
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to repair a hydrostatic transmission on a lawn mower?
A hydrostatic transmission repair is typically a riding-mower cost; your Craftsman 917373981 walk-behind mower uses a gear case drive system instead of a hydrostatic transmission. For this model, costs usually center on drive components (belt, gears, bearings) plus labor, not a hydrostatic unit.
What your Craftsman 917373981 uses instead of hydrostatic
This mower’s self-propel system is a gear case assembly with serviceable internal parts (gears, bearings, seals, grease). Use the exploded views and part list in the owner's manual to identify the exact drive components on your unit.
Common repair items for a “won’t move” complaint include:
- Worn or stretched drive belt
- Stripped or worn drive gear/pinion
- Worn bearing or bushing in the gear case
- Loose fasteners or damaged drive cover components
- Debris binding the drive mechanism
Typical cost ranges (parts and labor)
Because this is a walk-behind mower, repairs are usually far less than hydrostatic transmission work on a riding mower.
| Repair type (walk-behind drive) | Typical parts cost | Typical labor time |
|---|---|---|
| Replace drive belt | $20 to $40 | 0.5 to 1.0 hr |
| Replace a gear/pinion in drive system | $10 to $80 | 1.0 to 2.0 hr |
| Rebuild/replace gear case components | $40 to $150 | 1.5 to 3.0 hr |
Model-relevant examples of parts that can apply to drive issues:
- Belt 532157769
- Gear 532137050
- Lawn mower drive pinion gear 532137054
- Lawn & garden equipment bearing 532077881
Quick checks before paying for repairs
We recommend these steps first because they often pinpoint a simple fix:
- Confirm the drive control cable engages fully (no slack at the handle).
- Inspect the drive belt for glazing, cracking, or looseness.
- Tip the mower safely and check for grass buildup around the drive area.
- Spin the drive wheels by hand (engine off) to feel for binding or slipping.
- Check for loose hardware around the drive cover and wheel adjusters.
Why it matters
Hydrostatic transmission pricing (often discussed for riding mowers) can mislead walk-behind owners into expecting a major replacement. On the 917373981, the most cost-effective path is usually diagnosing the belt and gear case parts first, then ordering the exact replacements from the parts list on this model page or through Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to find Craftsman mower parts?
To find the right parts for your Craftsman walk-behind mower model 917373981, match the model number from the ID label on the mower to the parts list and diagrams, then confirm the part name and reference number in the owner's manual. For ordering, use the model parts list first, or search by model at Sears PartsDirect.
Where to find the model number on the mower
On Craftsman walk-behind mowers like 917373981, the model/parts label is typically on the rear frame between the wheels. Once you have the full model number, you can confidently select compatible parts.
How we recommend matching the correct part
Use this process to avoid ordering the wrong blade, belt, or hardware:
- Find the model number: 917373981
- Open the parts diagrams and locate the assembly (deck, drive, handle, wheels)
- Match the diagram key number to the parts list description
- Compare the part description to what you are replacing (size, location, function)
- Replace worn “maintenance” items together when it makes sense (blade adapter with blade, belt with drive wear items)
Common replacement parts for model 917373981
These are frequent wear items shown in the repair parts lists for this mower:
| What you are fixing | Common symptom | Example part on this model |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting system | Poor cut, vibration | Lawn mower blade 532406713 |
| Self-propel drive | Mower will not move | Belt 532157769 |
| Wheel/drive hardware | Clicking, slipping, wobble | Lawn mower drive pinion gear 532137054 |
| Height adjustment | Won’t hold height | Husqvarna lawn mower height adjuster knob 532701037 |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number and diagram key prevents fit issues and repeat repairs. It is especially important on walk-behind mowers because blades, blade adapters, belts, and drive gears vary by deck size and drive design.
Last updated: February 2026
What size belt is a Craftsman 54 inch deck mower?
The Craftsman model 917373981 is a 22-inch walk-behind mower, not a 54-inch deck rider; it uses a self-propel V-belt, not a 54-inch deck belt. For this model, the correct drive belt is part 137078 (listed as a V-belt in the parts list); confirm routing and installation details in the owner's manual.
Make sure you are matching the right mower type
A “54-inch deck” description applies to many riding mowers and lawn tractors. Model 917373981 is a Craftsman 22-inch rotary walk-behind mower, so belt sizing and belt style are completely different.
- Walk-behind self-propel belt: transfers power to the drive wheels
- Riding mower deck belt: drives the cutting deck spindles on a 54-inch deck
- The belt you need depends on the model number, not just the deck size
The belt used on Craftsman 917373981
In the repair parts list for model 917373981, the drive belt is identified as a V-belt (part 137078). On this model page, we list it as the belt 532157769.
Quick part match table
| What you’re working on | Typical belt name | What to use for 917373981 |
|---|---|---|
| Walk-behind self-propel system | Drive belt (V-belt) | V-belt (manual calls it part 137078) |
| 54-inch riding mower cutting deck | Deck belt | Not applicable to this model |
Why the “54-inch deck belt size” answer does not apply here
The common 54-inch deck belt sizes you may see online are for AYP/Craftsman riding mowers with a 54-inch cutting deck. Those belts are much longer and won’t fit a 22-inch walk-behind drive system.
Tips to confirm you have the right belt before ordering
- Verify the mower’s model number on the ID tag: 917373981
- Compare your old belt’s width and profile (V-belt vs flat belt)
- Check belt routing and pulley locations in the owner's manual
- If the mower will not self-propel, inspect the drive system parts commonly involved, such as the walk-behind lawn mower engine pulley 582940301 and lawn mower drive pinion gear 532137054
Ordering help
We recommend ordering the belt and any related drive parts directly from the parts list for model 917373981, or searching by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my self-propelled lawn mower pulling to one side?
If your Craftsman self-propelled mower model 917373981 pulls to one side, the cause is uneven rolling resistance or uneven drive power between the rear wheels. Start by matching wheel height settings, clearing drag (grass buildup), and then inspecting the drive belt and wheel drive parts using the owner's manual.
Quick checks (fastest fixes)
- Set all wheels to the same cutting-height notch on both sides.
- Check for grass, string, or mud wrapped around an axle or wheel.
- Clean packed grass from the underside of the deck (drag can steer the mower).
- Inspect the blade for bends or heavy nicks; replace if damaged.
- Roll the mower forward with the engine off; a wheel that drags points to a wheel or drive issue.
When it only pulls with self-propel engaged
Focus on the drive system because one wheel may be driving harder than the other.
- Inspect the drive belt for glazing, cracking, or looseness; replace with belt 532157769 if worn.
- Check the wheel drive gear teeth for wear or damage; a common wear item is the lawn mower drive pinion gear 532137054.
- Remove debris from under the drive cover so the drive engages smoothly.
Symptom-to-cause guide
| What you notice | Most likely cause | What to do first |
|---|---|---|
| Pulls even when pushing (drive off) | Wheel height mismatch, deck drag, blade issue | Match wheel settings; clean deck; inspect blade |
| Pulls only with drive on | Belt wear, wheel drive gear wear, debris under cover | Inspect belt and gears; clean under cover |
| Pulls and vibrates | Blade damage or loose fasteners | Stop; inspect blade and mounting bolts |
Safety steps before checking underneath
- Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop
- Disconnect the spark plug wire
- Tip the mower with the carburetor and fuel cap up (as directed in the manual)
Why it matters
Correcting a pull prevents uneven cutting, reduces drive wear, and helps avoid abnormal vibration.
You can order replacement parts for model 917373981 from the parts list for this mower, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
