Are gas lawn mowers being phased out?
Gas walk-behind mowers like the Craftsman 917375011 are still widely used, but new gas mower sales are gradually shifting toward battery-electric in many areas due to emissions rules, retailer assortment changes, and customer demand for quieter, lower-maintenance equipment. Existing gas mowers remain serviceable with routine maintenance and parts support.
Most changes affect new product sales, not the mower you already own.
- Some states and cities restrict or plan to restrict sales of certain new gas-powered outdoor equipment.
- Many retailers are expanding electric options, so gas models may be less prominent on shelves.
- Your current gas mower can still be maintained, repaired, and used where allowed.
- Parts like blades, belts, wheels, and control cables remain common service items.
- Proper storage and fuel practices keep a gas mower reliable season to season.
Our best results come from treating fuel and wear parts as routine maintenance.
- Use fresh gasoline; avoid storing stale fuel in the tank.
- Let the engine cool before covering or storing the mower.
- Inspect the blade and blade adapter after striking an object; repair before restarting.
- Check safety labels and guards; replace worn or damaged items.
- Keep the drive system maintained; worn wheels, belts, or cables can make the mower hard to propel.
For model-specific operating and maintenance steps, follow the 917375011 owner’s manual.
| What you notice | Likely area to check | Example part for 917375011 |
|---|---|---|
| Mower will not self-propel | Drive belt, drive cable, transmission | Belt 532157769 |
| Poor traction or uneven rolling | Drive wheel or wheel wear | Lawn mower drive wheel 532403111 |
| Drive handle feels loose or won’t engage | Drive control cable | Lawn mower drive control cable 532194653 |
If local rules or store availability change, keeping your Craftsman 917375011 maintained protects your investment and avoids downtime. A simple tune-up and timely replacement of wear parts often restores starting, cutting, and self-propel performance.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the average lifespan of a gas lawn mower?
A gas walk-behind mower like Craftsman model 917375011 typically lasts 8 to 15 years, with about 10 years being a solid average for normal residential use. Consistent oil changes, keeping the engine and deck clean, and replacing wear parts on time are what most often determine whether you land on the low or high end.
- Oil-change routine: Change engine oil every 25 operating hours or at least once a year.
- Oil level checks: Check crankcase oil before starting and after each 5 hours of continuous use.
- Cooling and cleanliness: Keep engine fins and housing clear; a clogged engine runs hotter and shortens engine life.
- Deck cleaning habits: Clean the underside after each use; built-up grass holds moisture and accelerates corrosion.
- Storage and fuel care: Off-season storage and fuel stabilizer use reduce carburetor and starting problems.
| Task | Interval | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Check engine oil level | Before each mow | Prevents low-oil engine damage |
| Change engine oil | Every 25 hours or yearly | Extends engine life and reduces wear |
| Clean underside of deck | After each use | Improves cut quality and reduces rust |
| Clean under drive cover | At least twice a season | Helps self-propel drive parts last longer |
Most “short lifespan” mowers fail from preventable issues: running low on oil, overheating from debris buildup, and corrosion from wet clippings. Following the oil and cleaning guidance in the 917375011 owner's manual keeps the engine and drive system operating cooler, cleaner, and longer.
If the mower still starts and cuts well but performance drops, these wear items are common culprits:
- Drive wheel tread wear or slipping: lawn mower drive wheel 532403111
- Self-propel drive issues from belt wear: belt 532157769
- Poor cut quality from a dull or bent blade (inspect and service as needed)
Last updated: January 2026
What is the best gas mower under $300?
If you are buying new under $300, the best choice is a basic 21 to 22-inch gas walk-behind mower that starts easily, has simple height adjustment, and has widely available wear parts. If you already own Craftsman model 917375011, maintaining it is the best value.
- 21 to 22-inch cutting width for small to mid-size yards
- Stamped steel deck for durability at this price point
- Easy, tool-free height adjustment at the wheels
- Common maintenance items (blade, belt, wheels, cables) that are easy to replace
- Straightforward controls and safety features you will actually use
Your Craftsman 917375011 uses a Briggs & Stratton engine (model 122T02-1027-B1). Following the correct operating and maintenance steps keeps starting, cutting, and self-propel performance strong.
Use the 917375011 owner's manual to confirm control locations (operator presence control bar, drive control bar, primer) and the correct service intervals.
| Symptom | What to check first | Model-matched part example |
|---|---|---|
| Mower will not self-propel | Worn or slipping drive belt | Belt 532157769 |
| Drive feels weak or intermittent | Stretched or binding drive cable | Lawn mower drive control cable 532194653 |
| Poor cut quality or vibration | Dull or bent blade | Lawn mower 22-in deck mulching blade 532406713 |
Under $300, long-term value comes from easy upkeep. A mower with common replacement parts and clear maintenance steps costs less to own, cuts better, and avoids mid-season downtime.
Last updated: January 2026





