What kind of gas do you put in a Craftsman push mower?
For your Craftsman rotary lawn mower model 917377574, use fresh, regular unleaded gasoline and avoid alcohol-blended fuels when possible. Fuels with higher ethanol content (such as E15 or E85) are not approved for small engines and can cause hard starting and fuel-system damage.
- Use fresh unleaded gasoline from a busy station (reduces the chance of stale fuel).
- Choose the lowest ethanol option available (often labeled E0 or E10).
- Avoid E15 and E85.
- Do not use old gas that has been sitting for weeks, especially in warm weather.
- If the mower will sit for 30 days or more, plan to run the fuel system dry before storage.
The 917377574 owner’s manual warns that alcohol-blended fuels can attract moisture and form acids during storage. For storage of 30 days or longer, we recommend:
- Drain the gas tank.
- Start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty.
- Refill with fresh fuel next season.
For the exact storage procedure and safety notes, follow the owner's manual.
| Fuel type at the pump | Typical label | Use in small engines? | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular unleaded | E0 to E10 | Yes | Best day-to-day choice for mower engines |
| Unleaded with 15% ethanol | E15 | No | Higher ethanol increases moisture and storage issues |
| Flex fuel | E85 | No | Too much ethanol for small engines |
Using the right gasoline helps prevent carburetor varnish, fuel-line corrosion, and no-start problems after storage. It also reduces the chance of expensive fuel-system repairs.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is Craftsman Model 917377574?
Craftsman model 917377574 is a model number, not a date code, so the year is not built into the model itself. To find the year, we use the mower’s serial number (on the decal on the rear of the mower housing) and match it using the date information shown in the owner's manual.
Use this quick process on your Craftsman rotary lawn mower:
- Locate the model and serial number decal on the rear of the mower housing
- Write down the serial number exactly as shown
- Record the date of purchase if you still have it (receipt, warranty paperwork)
- Check the identification and record section in the owner's manual
- Use the serial number to determine the manufacturing date (many Craftsman walk-behind mowers use a serial format that includes a date)
Here is what to look for on the machine:
| Item | Where to find it | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Rear decal | Identifies the mower family (example: 917377574) |
| Serial number | Rear decal | Used to determine build date/year |
| Date of purchase | Your records | Helps confirm the correct year |
The correct year (and full serial number) helps us match the right parts and specs for your exact build, especially for wear items like the blade, drive system, and controls. For example, this model’s parts list includes items such as the lawn mower mulching blade 532406713 and the belt 532157769, and serial-based variations can affect fit.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my self-propelled lawn mower pulling to one side?
If your Craftsman 917377574 self-propelled mower pulls to one side, the most common causes are uneven wheel height or traction side-to-side, or the drive system not engaging evenly. Start with wheel/height checks, then inspect the drive belt and drive components for wear or debris.
- Set all wheels to the same cutting height (one wheel set lower can steer the mower).
- Check that both drive wheels spin freely by hand with the engine off.
- Clean packed grass from the underside of the deck and around the wheels.
- Clean under the drive cover (the manual recommends cleaning under the drive cover at least twice a season).
- Use the turning technique in the manual: when turning corners, push down on the handle and lift the front wheels slightly to reduce drive-wheel scrubbing.
A mower that “tracks” left or right often has one drive wheel getting more pull than the other due to belt slip, debris, or worn drive parts.
- Inspect the drive belt for glazing, cracking, or looseness; replace if worn using the steps in the owner's manual.
- If the belt is worn, use the exact replacement listed for this model: belt 532157769.
- Check the drive control operation; the manual notes self-propelling is controlled by holding the operator presence control bar down and pushing the drive control lever forward until it clicks.
- Look for grass buildup under the drive cover that can interfere with the belt and pulleys.
| Symptom | Most likely cause | What to do first |
|---|---|---|
| Pulls only when self-propel is engaged | Belt slipping or debris under drive cover | Clean under drive cover; inspect/replace belt |
| Pulls even when pushing (self-propel off) | Wheel height mismatch or wheel drag | Match height settings; check wheel for binding |
| Pulls worse in thick grass | Overload and wheel slip | Raise cut height; slow down; overlap passes |
A mower that pulls to one side is harder to control and can cause uneven cutting. Fixing wheel height, cleaning buildup, and restoring proper belt traction helps the drive system pull evenly and reduces wear on the belt, pulleys, and wheels.
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is the Craftsman 917377574?
The Craftsman model number is 917.377574 (often written without the dot as 917377574). You’ll see this exact model number printed in the parts list section of the owner's manual, and it’s the number to use when ordering walk-behind mower parts.
We recommend checking these common locations on Craftsman rotary lawn mowers:
- The model and serial number label on the rear of the deck (near the discharge area)
- The label near the handle mounting brackets
- The label near the engine mounting area (wipe off grass and dirt first)
- Your original purchase paperwork (if available)
Both formats refer to the same mower:
| How it may appear | What it means |
|---|---|
| 917.377574 | Standard printed format in documentation |
| 917377574 | Same model number without punctuation (common online) |
Using the exact model number helps us match the correct blade, drive parts, and hardware for your specific Craftsman walk-behind mower. For example, parts like the lawn mower mulching blade 532406713 and belt 532157769 can vary by deck size, drive system, and handle/control setup.
To avoid wrong-part returns, we suggest:
- Match the model number exactly: 917.377574 / 917377574
- Compare the part name and part ID before ordering
- Use the exploded-view diagrams in the manual to confirm placement
- Replace worn fasteners (lock nuts, washers, E-rings) when removing the blade or drive parts
Last updated: February 2026
How to find Craftsman mower parts?
To find the right parts for your Craftsman rotary lawn mower model 917377574, match the model number from the product label to the parts list, then confirm the part name and ID before ordering. Your owner's manual also lists repair parts and shows where key components are located.
For Craftsman walk-behind mowers like 917377574, the model/serial label is typically on the rear frame area between the wheels. Once you have the model number, use it to filter the correct diagrams and parts list.
Use this quick process to avoid ordering the wrong blade, belt, or hardware:
- Confirm the mower model number is 917377574 (not a similar 917.377xxx model)
- Identify the system you are repairing (blade, drive, wheels, controls)
- Find the part by part name and verify the part ID
- Compare the old part to the listing (shape, mounting points, and size)
- Replace worn fasteners when you replace a moving part (nuts, washers, E-rings)
These are examples of parts available for this model that often come up during maintenance and repairs:
| Repair need | Example part to check | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Poor cut quality or vibration | Lawn mower mulching blade 532406713 | Cutting performance and deck airflow |
| Self-propel not pulling | Belt 532157769 | Drive engagement and ground speed |
| Blade won’t mount tightly | Lawn mower blade adapter 581547901 | Blade fit and crankshaft connection |
| Wheel wobble or debris intrusion | Husqvarna lawn mower wheel dust cover 581840401 | Wheel protection and smoother rolling |
Using the exact model number and matching the correct part ID helps ensure proper fit, safe operation, and reliable performance. It also prevents repeat repairs caused by mismatched blades, stretched belts, or incorrect hardware.
Last updated: February 2026





