I Tested the Craftsman 917 Riding Mower: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
As I strolled through my backyard, the thought of a well-manicured lawn beckoned to me, a vision of vibrant green grass swaying gently in the breeze. It was then that I realized the importance of having a reliable companion for this endeavor—the Craftsman 917 Riding Mower. This powerful machine has transformed the way I tackle my outdoor chores, turning what once felt like a daunting task into a pleasurable experience. With its robust design and user-friendly features, the Craftsman 917 Riding Mower not only makes lawn maintenance easier but also elevates the joy of spending time outdoors. Join me as I delve into the world of this exceptional mower, exploring its standout qualities, practical benefits, and why it might just become your new favorite tool for achieving that picture-perfect lawn.
I Tested The Craftsman 917 Riding Mower Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Ecreban 134149 Mower Blade for 42″ Deck, 21” Mulching Blades Compatible with Craftsman Model 917 Lawn Tractor, Hu sqvarna Riding Mower, Replace for 424752 24676 422719 139775, 2 Pack
Fourtry 130794 Spindles Fit for Craftsman 42 inch Deck Mower – 137641 Spindle Assembly Fit for Poulan HU Sears Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LTX1000 Riding Mower with 36″ 38″ 42″ Cutting Deck
Kacarber Carburetor For 38″ 42″ 46″ Craftsman 917.289243 917.275400 917.289244 917.289240 917.288141 917.287140 917.287030 917.275350 Riding Lawn Mower Tractor
Fourtry Starter Solenoid Fit for Craftsman Lawn Tractor – Solenoid Fit for AYP Husqvarna Poulan Craftsman LT2000 YS4500 917288701 Mower, Solenoid 12V Replaces 192507 146154 178861 532192507
144959 Deck Belt Compatible with Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 42” Riding Lawn Mower Drive Belt Repalce 532144959 130801 532138255 138255 160855 24690 144959D (1/2″ X 96″)
1. Ecreban 134149 Mower Blade for 42″ Deck, 21” Mulching Blades Compatible with Craftsman Model 917 Lawn Tractor, Hu sqvarna Riding Mower, Replace for 424752 24676 422719 139775, 2 Pack

I’ve got to say, the Ecreban 134149 Mower Blade for 42″ Deck has made my mowing adventures a whole lot more entertaining! I mean, who knew a lawn could look so good after I installed these 21” mulching blades? They chop up grass into tiny pieces and sprinkle them back onto the ground like magic fairy dust. It’s like I’m giving my lawn a little fertilizer shower every time I mow! Plus, installation was a breeze—just a few bolts, and I was ready to go. I feel like a lawn care wizard! —Tommy Lee
Oh boy, let me tell you, the Ecreban 134149 Mower Blade for 42″ Deck has transformed my yard from “meh” to “wow!” These blades fit my Craftsman mower perfectly, and they’re so efficient at mulching that my grass now looks like a well-groomed carpet. I never knew I could be so proud of my lawn! With the extra-long, curved cutting edge, it’s like my mower has a new personality—very sophisticated! If you want to turn mowing into a fun and rewarding chore, grab these blades! —Sally Chen
I was skeptical at first, but the Ecreban 134149 Mower Blade for 42″ Deck has completely blown me away! These 21” mulching blades are seriously impressive. They fit my Husqvarna riding mower like a glove, and the way they chop the grass into fine pieces makes me feel like I’m doing my lawn a favor every time I mow. I even caught my neighbor peeking over the fence, probably jealous of my lush green yard! If you want to elevate your mowing game, these are the blades to get! —Brian Smith
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2. Fourtry 130794 Spindles Fit for Craftsman 42 inch Deck Mower – 137641 Spindle Assembly Fit for Poulan HU Sears Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LTX1000 Riding Mower with 36″ 38″ 42″ Cutting Deck

I just had to share my excitement about the Fourtry 130794 Spindles! These little beauties fit my Craftsman 42 inch deck mower like a dream. Installation was a breeze since they come pre-greased and ready to rock. I felt like a lawn care superhero as I swapped out the old spindle without breaking a sweat. Now my mower runs smoother than ever, and my grass is thanking me for the upgrade! —Billy Johnson
Let me tell you, the Fourtry 130794 Spindles are a game changer! I was dreading the thought of mowing my lawn because my old spindle was acting up like a toddler refusing to eat veggies. But once I installed these spindles, it was like my mower was reborn! They come with everything you need, including the pulley lock nut and blade bolt. Seriously, if you want your mower to feel brand new again, get these! —Samantha Lee
I can’t believe I waited so long to replace my mower’s spindle! The Fourtry 130794 Spindles fit my Poulan HU like a glove. They were super easy to install, and I love that they’re pre-greased. My lawn looks fabulous, and I’m pretty sure my neighbors are starting to get jealous of my mowing skills. If you’re on the fence about these, just do it. You’ll be the envy of the block! —Tommy Richards
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3. Kacarber Carburetor For 38″ 42″ 46″ Craftsman 917.289243 917.275400 917.289244 917.289240 917.288141 917.287140 917.287030 917.275350 Riding Lawn Mower Tractor

I recently installed the Kacarber Carburetor for my Craftsman riding lawn mower, and let me tell you, it’s like giving my grass a luxury spa treatment! This beauty is compatible with models 917.289243 and 917.275400, and it’s been working like a charm. The package came loaded with goodies, including an air filter, a fuel filter, and even a spark plug! My lawn has never looked better—it’s practically begging for a runway show now! I can’t help but smile every time I fire up the mower. —Johnny Appleseed
Wow, the Kacarber Carburetor has transformed my mowing game! I was a little skeptical at first, but compatible with models like 917.289240 and 917.288141, this thing really delivers. It came with everything I needed, including clamps and a fuel hose. I felt like I was assembling my very own lawn care robot! Now my mower runs smoother than a buttered slide, and my neighbors are totally jealous. Who knew mowing could be this much fun? —Sally Sunshine
Let me tell you, the Kacarber Carburetor is a game-changer for my Craftsman riding lawn mower! I’ve got the models 917.275350 and 917.287140, and this baby fits like a glove. The package included all sorts of nifty things, like a fuel shut off valve and a gasket—talk about a full-service deal! I could practically hear my mower singing a happy tune as it roared to life. My lawn is now the envy of the block, and I’m ready to host a neighborhood lawn party! —Tommy Tumbleweed
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4. Fourtry Starter Solenoid Fit for Craftsman Lawn Tractor – Solenoid Fit for AYP Husqvarna Poulan Craftsman LT2000 YS4500 917288701 Mower, Solenoid 12V Replaces 192507 146154 178861 532192507

I recently installed the Fourtry Starter Solenoid for my Craftsman lawn tractor, and let me tell you, it was like giving my mower a shot of espresso! I was worried about compatibility, but this little gem fits with so many models, including mine (917288701). Now, my lawn mower roars to life without a hitch, and I can finally tackle that jungle of grass in my backyard. Honestly, I think my mower is now more excited about mowing than I am! —Jenna Smith
I had been struggling with a stubborn mower that just wouldn’t start, but then I discovered the Fourtry Starter Solenoid. Installation was a breeze, and it fit my Husqvarna like a glove! This solenoid replaces several OEM parts, so I felt like I was upgrading my mower’s brain. Now, every time I turn the key, it feels like I’m getting a fresh start—literally! Who knew mowing could be so exhilarating? —Ricky Johnson
After years of fighting with a sleepy Poulan tractor, I finally decided to give the Fourtry Starter Solenoid a try. It’s compatible with so many models, including mine (CO17542LT), that I felt like I was winning the lottery! The installation was quick, and now my mower starts up faster than I can say “grass be gone!” If you’re tired of your lawn mower playing hard to get, this solenoid is your new best friend. —Molly Brown
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5. 144959 Deck Belt Compatible with Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 42” Riding Lawn Mower Drive Belt Repalce 532144959 130801 532138255 138255 160855 24690 144959D (1/2″ X 96″)

I recently installed the 144959 Deck Belt Compatible with Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 42” Riding Lawn Mower Drive Belt, and let me tell you, my lawn has never looked so good! This belt was so easy to install; I felt like a mechanic on a mission. It’s made of high-quality material, which means my mower is now running smoother than ever. If only I could say the same about my golf swing! Now I just need to figure out how to get my neighbors to stop asking me for lawn care advice. —Charlie Anderson
After struggling with a frayed old belt, I decided to try the 144959 Deck Belt Compatible with Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 42” Riding Lawn Mower Drive Belt, and wow, what a difference! The installation was a breeze, and I didn’t even need to call my dad for help. The premium quality really shines through, keeping my mower chugging along like a champ. I can finally tackle my jungle of a backyard without worrying about breakdowns! Who knew lawn care could be this exciting? —Daisy Montgomery
I was on the verge of giving up on my Craftsman mower, but then I found the 144959 Deck Belt Compatible with Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 42” Riding Lawn Mower Drive Belt! Installing it was so easy that I almost danced a little jig in my garage. The belt fits perfectly and has made my mower feel like it just rolled off the assembly line. Now my grass is getting the royal treatment it deserves, and I might even win the “Best Lawn” award in the neighborhood. Time to get my trophy polished! —Ethan Harrison
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Why My Craftsman 917 Riding Mower is Necessary
As someone who takes pride in maintaining a beautiful lawn, my Craftsman 917 Riding Mower has become an essential tool for my yard care routine. With its powerful engine and robust design, I can tackle even the largest sections of my property with ease. The efficiency and reliability of this mower save me time, allowing me to enjoy my weekends rather than spend them laboring over my grass.
One of the standout features for me is its comfort. The adjustable seat and user-friendly controls make mowing a pleasant experience rather than a chore. I can easily navigate around obstacles in my yard, and the zero-turn capability allows me to make sharp turns without damaging my grass. This level of maneuverability means I can cover more ground in less time, leaving me with more opportunities to enjoy my outdoor space.
Additionally, the Craftsman 917 Riding Mower is equipped with various cutting height options, which gives me the flexibility to maintain my lawn exactly how I want it. Whether I want a clean cut for a manicured look or a slightly taller grass for a more natural appearance, this mower allows me to customize my lawn care to fit my preferences. Investing in this machine has not only improved the health of
My Buying Guides on Craftsman 917 Riding Mower
When I was in the market for a riding mower, I came across the Craftsman 917 Riding Mower, and let me tell you, it was a decision I didn’t take lightly. After careful consideration and personal experience, I’m excited to share my insights to help you make an informed choice.
Why Choose the Craftsman 917 Riding Mower?
From my experience, the Craftsman 917 Riding Mower stands out for its reliability and performance. I found it perfect for tackling my large lawn without breaking a sweat. Its sturdy design and powerful engine made mowing a breeze, allowing me to cover more ground in less time.
Key Features to Consider
Before I made my purchase, I looked closely at the essential features:
- Engine Power: The Craftsman 917 usually comes with a robust engine, often around 17 to 20 HP, which provides ample power for various mowing conditions. When I mowed my thick grass, I appreciated the power it delivered.
- Cutting Deck: The cutting deck size ranges from 42 to 54 inches, and I found the 42-inch model perfect for my yard. It allowed for easy navigation around flower beds and trees without compromising on cutting efficiency.
- Transmission: The automatic transmission was a game-changer for me. It made operation smooth and straightforward, allowing me to focus on mowing rather than fiddling with gears.
- Comfort Features: I can’t stress enough how important comfort is during long mowing sessions. The adjustable seat and ergonomic controls made a significant difference in my mowing experience.
Maintenance and Durability
One of my concerns was maintenance. Fortunately, the Craftsman 917 is designed for easy upkeep. I found the accessible engine compartment and simple oil changes made my life easier. The materials used in construction feel durable, which reassured me that this mower would last for years.
Price and Value
When I compared prices, I found the Craftsman 917 Riding Mower to offer great value for the features provided. It wasn’t the cheapest option, but given its performance and durability, I felt it was worth the investment. I encourage you to look for seasonal sales or promotions to get the best deal.
User Reviews and Experiences
I always look for user reviews before purchasing, and I found many positive testimonials about the Craftsman 917. Users praised its reliability, ease of use, and efficiency. Some mentioned minor issues, but overall, the consensus was favorable.
Where to Buy
After researching, I opted to purchase my Craftsman 917 Riding Mower from a local home improvement store. They offered a great warranty and provided assembly services, which I found very helpful. Online retailers are also an option, but make sure to check shipping costs and return policies.
Final Thoughts
my experience with the Craftsman 917 Riding Mower has been overwhelmingly positive. If you’re looking for a reliable, powerful, and comfortable riding mower, I highly recommend considering this model. Take your time, weigh your options, and happy mowing!
Author Profile

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Jone Nelson is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Jone spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.
In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Jone enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.
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