A used Craftsman lawn mower with a 917 model prefix typically sells for $100-$900, with many working residential riding mowers listed or sold around $350-$600. Price depends heavily on whether it is a push mower or riding tractor, plus engine condition, cutting-deck size, age, and local demand; 917 identifies a broad product family, not one specific mower.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 917 push mower | $50 | $150 | $350 | Used, running condition; price varies with engine and deck health |
| 917 riding mower | $200 | $500 | $1,200 | Residential tractor, commonly 38-46-inch deck |
| 917 zero-turn mower | $500 | $1,500 | $3,500 | Used, depending on hours, deck, and service history |
| Typical repair visit | $75 | $175 | $450 | Diagnostic and routine repair; major engine or transmission work can cost more |
Assumptions: U.S. private-party used prices for running equipment; taxes, transport, dealer fees, and repairs are not included.
What Buyers Pay for a Running Craftsman 917
For a typical 917 riding tractor in usable condition, a practical budget is $300-$700. A basic, older machine with cosmetic wear may be closer to $200-$400, while a clean, serviced tractor with a sound deck and battery can reach $600-$900. Dealer-refurbished units may cost more because the asking price can include inspection, limited warranty, or delivery.
Push mowers carrying a 917 prefix generally cost less: roughly $50-$200 for ordinary used examples and up to $350 for a well-maintained unit with a reliable engine. Larger 917 zero-turn models are a different price category. Depending on model, age, and condition, they can range from about $500 to more than $3,000.
For most shoppers, $350-$600 is a reasonable starting range for an older, running 917 riding mower, not a guaranteed value for every model. The mower’s complete model number is essential for a closer comparison. It is usually printed on a label under the seat, on the frame, or near the rear fender; the 917 prefix alone does not identify its engine, deck, or year.
Prices in online listings are asking prices, not proof of completed sales. A mower advertised at $800 may need negotiation or repairs, while a low-priced listing may be a nonrunner. Comparing local listings for the same deck width and similar condition gives a better estimate than comparing every mower marked 917.
How the Deck, Engine, and Labor Shape a Quote
A seller’s asking price is only part of the purchase cost. A worn deck, weak battery, or failed drive system can quickly turn a bargain into an expensive project. Repair shops commonly charge a diagnostic or minimum labor fee, then add parts and any pickup or delivery charge.
| Cost item | Typical price | What it covers | Price effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic tune-up parts | $25-$90 | Oil, filter, spark plug, air filter, and fuel-related supplies | Parts only; shop labor may add $75-$175 |
| Battery | $45-$130 | Common riding-mower replacement battery | Size and cold-cranking rating affect price |
| Blade set | $25-$85 | Replacement blades, depending on deck and blade count | Labor or sharpening may be additional |
| Deck belt | $20-$65 | Replacement belt for a compatible deck | Fit and routing differ by exact model |
| Shop labor | $75-$125 per hour | Diagnosis, adjustment, and mechanical repair | Many shops also charge a minimum fee |
| Pickup and delivery | $50-$150 | Local transport to a repair shop | Distance, access, and trailer needs matter |
Example: 2 hours of work at $90 per hour equals $180 in labor, before parts, tax, or transport.
Ask for a written estimate that separates diagnosis, labor, parts, and transport. That makes it easier to compare a repair bill with the price of another running mower. Parts availability and compatibility should be checked using the complete model number, since 917 machines can use different components.
Which 917 Mower Type and Deck Width Costs More?
Body style and cutting width are major price drivers. A push mower is smaller and simpler to transport, while a riding tractor includes a drive system, seat, battery, and larger deck. Zero-turn models typically have more complex controls and a higher replacement value, but their condition and service history matter just as much as their type.
| Mower type | Common specification | Used price range | Price context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Push mower | 21-22-inch cutting width | $50-$350 | Running condition, engine type, and age drive value |
| Riding tractor | 38-42-inch deck | $200-$700 | Older residential models; deck and transmission condition are key |
| Riding tractor | 44-46-inch deck | $350-$1,000 | Clean examples may command more than narrow-deck versions |
| Zero-turn | 42-50-inch deck | $500-$3,500 | Hours, engine, and hydrostatic drive condition create wide variation |
A 46-inch deck does not automatically mean a mower is worth more than a 42-inch model. A bent deck shell, badly rusted underside, damaged spindle mounts, or uneven cut can erase the advantage of additional width. A buyer should inspect the deck while the machine is off and ask whether the blades engage and cut evenly.
Compare matching mower types and deck widths rather than treating all 917 listings as equivalent. A 917 push mower priced at $300 and a 917 riding tractor priced at $300 have very different expected condition and repair risks.
Why Engine Hours, Deck Rust, and Drive Type Change Value
Age alone is an imperfect measure because a mower that was stored indoors and serviced can outlast a newer machine left outside. For riding mowers, engine hours provide useful context when the meter works, but the number should be checked against service records and visible wear. A machine with 300 hours is not automatically a poor buy; neglected maintenance can be more damaging than moderate use.
Deck condition is especially important. Surface rust may be cosmetic, but perforation, cracks, or damaged spindle mounts can require welding or deck replacement. A repair may cost $100-$400 or more, depending on the damage and whether parts are available. A deck with extensive structural rust can make a low purchase price uneconomical.
Transmission type also affects risk. A manual or gear-drive tractor may be simpler to evaluate, while a hydrostatic unit can be costly if it slips, leaks, or loses power. A transmission repair or replacement can run several hundred dollars and may exceed the value of an older mower. Verify forward and reverse operation during a test, ideally after the machine has warmed up.
Deduct the likely repair bill from the value of a comparable working mower before agreeing on a price. For example, if a sound local tractor is worth $500 and the candidate needs a $180 battery and belt repair, paying close to $500 for it leaves little room for other problems.
What Common 917 Repairs Add to the Purchase Price?
Routine service is relatively predictable; engine, deck, and transmission failures are not. A seasonal tune-up at a repair shop may total $125-$300, depending on labor and parts. Carburetor cleaning or replacement can add roughly $100-$300, while a starter, ignition, or charging-system repair may fall around $100-$350. These are broad estimates, and exact parts prices depend on the model and engine.
Blade sharpening is often $10-$25 per blade, while a complete replacement set may cost $25-$85 before installation. A belt replacement can total $75-$200 with shop labor. Spindle or wheel-bearing work may cost $100-$300 per repair, and a damaged deck shell or major drive-system fault can push the bill well above $400.
Parts may be available through mower-parts suppliers, but the 917 prefix is not enough to select the right part. Buyers should record the full product number and engine identification before ordering. Some older or discontinued components may require a compatible substitute, used part, or fabrication, adding time and uncertainty.
Set aside $100-$250 for immediate maintenance on an otherwise functioning used rider. That reserve can cover routine items, but it is not adequate protection against a failed engine, damaged deck, or transmission problem.
How U.S. Location and Mowing Season Affect 917 Prices
Local supply and demand can move prices substantially. In warm-weather states, mowing equipment may sell steadily through much of the year, while northern buyers often see increased demand before spring and summer. Prices may be 10%-20% higher during peak spring demand than during late fall or winter, although weather, local inventory, and seller urgency can outweigh seasonal patterns.
Urban and suburban listings may ask 5%-15% more than comparable rural listings because more buyers compete for ready-to-use equipment. Rural sellers may have more inventory, but distance can add $50-$150 for transport or require a trailer. These are general market tendencies, not fixed regional rules; compare listings within the same metro area and delivery radius.
Online prices also reflect convenience. A running mower with clear photos, a cold-start video, and recent service may command a premium over an untested machine. A buyer should distinguish that premium from dealer charges, sales tax, and delivery, which can raise the out-the-door total beyond the advertised price.
Use local comparable listings from the same season and travel radius to judge whether an asking price is high. A seller’s location matters less than the actual condition, but transportation can erase savings on a distant listing.
When a Repair Costs Less Than Replacing a 917
Repair is often financially sensible when the mower starts, runs, and cuts, and the needed work is limited to service items such as a battery, belt, blades, or carburetor cleaning. A $150-$300 repair can be reasonable for a sound tractor worth $400-$700. It is harder to justify a $600 repair on a mower that would sell for $500 in working condition.
Compare the complete repair estimate with the local replacement price, not with the original retail price from years ago. Include pickup, parts, sales tax, and any work needed immediately after purchase. If the repair requires an uncertain diagnosis, ask the shop to set a diagnostic limit and contact the owner before proceeding beyond it.
A replacement can also bring hidden costs. A different deck width may not fit existing storage or gates, and a trailer may be needed to collect it. A replacement mower with unknown maintenance history may need the same tune-up expenses as the machine being repaired.
Repair makes the most financial sense when the total bill stays below roughly half the cost of a comparable, dependable replacement. That is a practical comparison point rather than a universal rule, especially for unusually clean or hard-to-find models.
Three Realistic Price Scenarios for Craftsman 917 Listings
These examples show how condition and scope change a reasonable budget. They are illustrative U.S. estimates, not appraisals; local sale prices vary, and the precise model number can change parts compatibility and value.
| Scenario | Listed or agreed price | Likely added expense | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 917 push mower, 21-inch deck, starts and cuts | $125 | $25-$75 for blade or tune-up supplies | $150-$200 |
| 917 riding tractor, 42-inch deck, running with weak battery | $425 | $60-$130 battery plus $50-$100 transport | $535-$655 |
| 917 riding tractor, 46-inch deck, needs belt and shop service | $300 | $100-$200 belt repair plus $100-$250 service | $500-$750 |
In the first example, a mower that starts only after repeated attempts may need more than a tune-up, so the buyer should test it from a cold engine. In the second, battery cost is relatively manageable if charging and starting systems are sound. In the third, the final cost can approach the price of a better-condition tractor, making an inspection and firm repair estimate important.
Price the mower as a complete, ready-to-use purchase rather than stopping at the seller’s number. Add immediate parts, repair labor, transport, and applicable tax before deciding whether a listing is truly inexpensive.
How to Lower the Price Without Buying a Problem
Start by narrowing the search to the mower type, deck width, and full model number needed. Comparing a 42-inch riding tractor with another 42-inch tractor produces a more useful negotiation range than comparing it with every listing that begins with 917. Confirm that the engine, deck, and drive system match the seller’s description.
Test the machine under realistic conditions. Ask for a cold start, check that it idles and accelerates, engage the blades, and test forward and reverse. Look for smoke, oil leaks, uneven cutting, cracked tires, weak steering, and deck rust. A short test does not guarantee reliability, but it can reveal issues that support a lower offer or a decision to walk away.
Use documented repairs to negotiate. A specific estimate for a worn belt or battery is more useful than a broad claim that the mower is old. Avoid paying extra for accessories that are not needed, and do not assume a seller’s recent tune-up covers deck, transmission, and charging-system condition. For dealer inventory, request the out-the-door price including delivery, setup, and warranty terms.
The safest savings usually come from matching the mower to the job and avoiding repair surprises, not from choosing the lowest listing. A slightly higher price for a tested machine with a sound deck can be cheaper than a nonrunner that needs multiple parts and shop labor.