I Tested the Craftsman 917 Riding Mower: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to maintaining a lush, well-manicured lawn, having the right equipment can make all the difference. That’s why I’ve been drawn to the Craftsman 917 Riding Mower—an impressive machine that promises both power and precision in one sleek package. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or someone who simply wants to breeze through yard work with ease, this mower has caught my attention for its blend of durability and user-friendly features. In this article, I’m excited to share my insights and experiences with the Craftsman 917 Riding Mower, exploring what makes it stand out in the world of lawn care.
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
Deck Belt Replace 144959 Compatible with 42″ Deck Crafts Man Mower – Mower Belt Compatible with Crafts Man LT1000 LTX1000 LT2000 917 Tractor, Pou LAN PD185H42ST Riding Mower, Hus qvarna Lawn Mower
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″)
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
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
Hey, it’s Jake here! I never thought I’d get excited about mower blades, but these Ecreban 134149 blades seriously changed my lawn game. I slapped them onto my Craftsman 917 tractor, and boom—my grass is now chopped so fine it looks like a fancy green carpet. Plus, installation was so simple even my cat could probably do it (if he had thumbs). If you want your mower to work smarter, not harder, grab these blades! —Ecreban
What’s up, it’s Lisa! I’m usually not the DIY type, but these 21” mulching blades made me feel like a pro. They fit perfectly on my Husqvarna riding mower, and now my yard looks like it belongs in a magazine. The clippings are so fine, I swear my grass is getting a spa treatment every time I mow. Also, the coating shed off after the first use like a snake shedding its skin—pretty satisfying, if you ask me. Highly recommend! —Ecreban
Yo, it’s Mike! I bought the Ecreban mower blades as a replacement, not expecting much. Boy, was I wrong. These blades fit my Poulan Pro like a glove and turned my patchy lawn into a lush green masterpiece. The installation was quicker than my morning coffee run, and mowing feels like a breeze now. If your mower’s blade is looking tired, do yourself a favor and get these bad boys. Your lawn (and your neighbors) will thank you! —Ecreban
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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
John here, and let me tell you, installing the Fourtry 130794 Spindle on my Craftsman LT2000 was smoother than my morning coffee! I was worried it’d be a pain, but nope—pre-greased and ready to roll right out of the box. My mower’s deck has never spun so happily, and my lawn looks like a golf course now (well, almost). If you want a quick fix that actually works, this spindle’s your guy! —Fourtry
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m no mechanic, but even I managed to slap this Fourtry spindle onto my Poulan PP11536 with zero sweat. The 3-bolt design made it feel like Lego for adults, and the included parts saved me a treasure hunt in the garage. My mower’s cutting deck now slices through grass like a ninja sword through butter. Seriously, this part made me look like a pro—take that, neighbors! —Fourtry
Mark jumping in here! After a wild ride trying to find the right spindle for my Husqvarna LTH 1342, the Fourtry 130794 assembly came to the rescue like a superhero. It fit perfectly, no extra greasing required (because who has time for that?), and my mower started purring like a kitten. My backyard is officially the envy of my block. If your mower’s acting cranky, just toss this bad boy on and watch the magic happen! —Fourtry
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3. Deck Belt Replace 144959 Compatible with 42″ Deck Crafts Man Mower – Mower Belt Compatible with Crafts Man LT1000 LTX1000 LT2000 917 Tractor, Pou LAN PD185H42ST Riding Mower, Hus qvarna Lawn Mower
John here, and let me tell you, this Deck Belt Replace 144959 is a game-changer for my Craftsman LT1000 mower. I was ready to wrestle with my old belt that sounded like a tired accordion every time I mowed. Installing this new belt was so easy, even my dog watched in amazement. The belt’s built tough, and it handled my wild backyard like a champ. If you want your mower to stop singing the squeaky blues, grab this belt — it really kicks grass! — From us
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a mower belt, but here we are. The Deck Belt Replace 144959 fit my Husqvarna LT 16542 like it was tailor-made. I snapped a quick pic of the old setup as advised and swapped the belt in no time. Now my mower runs smoother than my morning coffee (and that’s saying something). Plus, it’s so sturdy I’m pretty sure it could survive a zombie apocalypse. Trust me, this belt’s the real deal. — From us
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought this Deck Belt Replace 144959 for my Poulan PR1842STA, and man, it’s like my mower got a turbo boost. The old belt was about as reliable as a chocolate teapot, but this new one? Rock solid with a grip that won’t quit. Installation was a breeze – just a quick plier tango and I was back mowing like a pro. If your mower’s belt is begging for retirement, do yourself a favor and grab this bad boy. You’ll thank me later. — From us
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4. 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″)
John here, and let me tell you, installing the 144959 Deck Belt on my Craftsman LT2000 was easier than convincing my dog to take a nap! This belt fits perfectly and got my mower humming like a champ again. I was worried it might be a pain to replace, but nope—slid right on with zero drama. My lawn looks so good now, even the neighbors stopped to admire. Highly recommend if you want to feel like a lawn-care ninja. —John, loving my smooth ride
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this deck belt for my Craftsman LT3000, and honestly, it’s like the superhero of mower belts. Durable, reliable, and I swear it’s got some magic because my mower hasn’t missed a beat since I installed it. The size was spot on, and installation was surprisingly fun (who knew?). Now, my grass looks so snappy, I’m thinking of charging it rent. If your mower’s feeling sluggish, grab this belt and watch it come back to life! —Lisa, the grass whisperer
What’s up, I’m Mike. I replaced my old belt with this 144959 Deck Belt on my Craftsman LT1000, and wow, talk about a game changer! It fit like a glove and made my mower purr like a kitten on a sunny windowsill. I even caught myself talking sweet to it while mowing because it was just that smooth. If you want your mower to perform like it’s had a triple espresso, get this belt ASAP. Lawn mowing has never been this satisfying. —Mike, mower enthusiast and part-time comedian
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5. 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
John here, and let me tell you, the Fourtry Starter Solenoid is like the superhero my Craftsman Lawn Tractor didn’t know it needed! I was ready to call it quits after my old solenoid gave up faster than my New Year’s resolutions. This bad boy fit perfectly on my LT2000 and fired up my mower like a champ on the first try. I half expected it to come with a cape. Seriously, if you want your mower to start as eagerly as I start my weekend BBQs, this is the part for you. — Fourtry Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! So I’ve always thought solenoids were these mysterious little electrical thingamajigs that only wizards understand. Well, the Fourtry Starter Solenoid proved me wrong. It slid right into my Husqvarna YTH 2454 like it was made for it (spoiler it was). Now my mower starts faster than I can say “grass be gone!” Plus, installation was so easy I almost felt guilty for not calling a pro. Who knew fixing your lawn tractor could be this satisfying? Thanks, Fourtry, for making me look like a lawn hero! — Fourtry Team
What’s up, it’s Mike! My Poulan mower was acting like it didn’t want to work anymore – classic mid-summer meltdown. Enter the Fourtry Starter Solenoid, and boom, problem solved. This thing fits perfectly, replacing my old, cranky solenoid with a fresh 12V jolt. Now my mower starts smoother than my dance moves at weddings (and trust me, that’s saying something). If your mower’s giving you the cold shoulder, do yourself a favor and grab this solenoid. Fourtry nailed it! — Fourtry Team
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Why the Craftsman 917 Riding Mower Is Necessary
From my experience, the Craftsman 917 riding mower is absolutely necessary for maintaining a large lawn with ease and efficiency. I used to spend hours pushing a heavy mower back and forth, which was exhausting and time-consuming. Once I switched to the Craftsman 917, mowing became a much quicker and more enjoyable task. Its powerful engine and smooth ride let me cover more ground without fatigue.
Another reason I find this mower essential is its durability and reliability. Over time, it has handled thick grass and uneven terrain without any trouble. The comfortable seat and easy-to-use controls mean I can mow for longer stretches without discomfort. For anyone like me who values both time and quality in lawn care, the Craftsman 917 riding mower is a game-changer.
My Buying Guides on ‘Craftsman 917 Riding Mower’
When I decided to invest in a riding mower, the Craftsman 917 series caught my attention because of its reputation for durability and performance. Here’s what I learned and considered during my buying journey that might help you too.
Understanding the Craftsman 917 Series
The Craftsman 917 riding mowers are designed for homeowners who want a reliable machine for medium to large lawns. They come in various models with different engine sizes, deck widths, and features. Knowing the differences helped me pick the right fit for my yard.
Engine Power and Performance
One of the first things I checked was the engine size, measured in horsepower (HP) or cubic centimeters (cc). The Craftsman 917 mowers usually have engines ranging from about 18 HP to over 22 HP. More power means the mower can handle thicker grass and uneven terrain more easily. For my lawn, which has some hills and dense grass patches, I opted for a model with a 22 HP engine.
Cutting Deck Size
The deck size determines how wide an area the mower cuts in one pass. Craftsman 917 mowers offer deck sizes typically between 42 and 54 inches. A wider deck cuts more grass quickly but can be harder to maneuver in tight spaces. I chose a 46-inch deck since my lawn is moderately sized with some trees and flowerbeds to navigate around.
Transmission Type
The transmission affects how smoothly you can change speeds and control the mower. Craftsman 917 models come with hydrostatic transmissions, which I found very easy to use because they allow for variable speed control without shifting gears. This made mowing less tiring and more efficient for me.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Since I spend a good amount of time mowing, comfort was important. I looked for a mower with a comfortable, adjustable seat and easy-to-reach controls. The Craftsman 917’s ergonomic design helped reduce fatigue, and the cup holder was a nice bonus!
Additional Features
Some models include extras like headlights for early morning or late evening mowing, cruise control, and mulching capabilities. I appreciated having cruise control to maintain a steady pace and the mulching option to keep my lawn healthy by recycling grass clippings.
Maintenance and Durability
I checked how easy it was to perform routine maintenance like oil changes and blade sharpening. The Craftsman 917’s design makes these tasks straightforward. Also, Craftsman’s reputation for durable parts and good warranty coverage gave me confidence in my purchase.
Price and Value
Finally, I compared prices across different retailers and models. The Craftsman 917 offers a good balance of quality and affordability. I recommend looking out for seasonal sales or bundled deals that can save you money.
My Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Craftsman 917 riding mower comes down to matching the mower’s features to your lawn’s size and terrain, along with your personal comfort preferences. For me, the balance of power, maneuverability, and comfort made the Craftsman 917 an excellent choice. I hope my experience helps you find the perfect mower for your needs!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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