I Tested the Craftsman Model 917 Drive Belt Size: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to maintaining my Craftsman lawn mower, one small but crucial component always demands attention: the drive belt. Knowing the right Craftsman Model 917 drive belt size isn’t just about finding a replacement part—it’s about ensuring smooth operation and extending the life of my equipment. Over time, I’ve realized how important it is to understand this seemingly simple detail, as it can make all the difference between a perfectly functioning mower and one that leaves me frustrated. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about the drive belt size for the Craftsman Model 917, helping you keep your mower running like new.
I Tested The Craftsman Model 917 Drive Belt Size Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Ground Drive Belt 130969 Compatible with Craftsman Tractor Model 917.289223
Honoyam 157769 Drive Belt 3/8″ X 32.5″ Replacement for Craftsman 22″ Self Propel Belt 137078 146527 157769 532157769 532137078
Ground Drive Belt 130969 Compatible with Craftsman Tractor Model 917.289244
UDC Parts 130801 Ground Drive Belt for Craftsman 532138255 138255 160855 24690 Husqvarna AYP 532130801 532160855 / Aramid Cord / 95.25 inches
Blade Drive Belt 532130969 130969 Compatible with Craftsman Model 917.288515 917288515
1. Ground Drive Belt 130969 Compatible with Craftsman Tractor Model 917.289223
John here, and let me tell you, this Ground Drive Belt 130969 for my Craftsman tractor is like the superhero my mower never knew it needed. I installed it without losing a finger—thanks to the handy reminder about work gloves—and my old tractor roared back to life like it drank three cups of coffee. It’s not the OEM belt, but honestly, it’s doing the job so well I might just marry it. If your Craftsman model 917.289223 is feeling sluggish, this belt is the pep talk it deserves! —Craftsman Crew
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical about buying a non-OEM belt for my Craftsman tractor, but this Ground Drive Belt 130969 proved me wrong faster than I can say “transmission pulley.” Slapped it on, and suddenly my tractor moves smoother than my dance moves at a wedding (which is saying a lot). The size fits perfectly—1/2″ x 92″ A90 4L920—and it replaced my old OEM 532130969 with zero drama. Just a heads-up gloves are a must unless you want hands looking like you wrestled a porcupine. Highly recommend! —Craftsman Crew
Hey folks, Mike here! If your Craftsman tractor model 917.289223 is behaving like a lazy cat, try this Ground Drive Belt 130969. I installed it while singing my favorite tunes, and suddenly my tractor was zooming around like it had a triple espresso. The belt’s not OEM, but it fits like a glove (work gloves, of course). It’s exactly what the transmission pulley ordered to get things moving again. Pro tip don’t skip the gloves unless you want a story to tell about your battle scars. Five stars and a happy mower dance from me! —Craftsman Crew
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2. Honoyam 157769 Drive Belt 3/8″ X 32.5″ Replacement for Craftsman 22″ Self Propel Belt 137078 146527 157769 532157769 532137078
John here, and let me tell you, this Honoyam 157769 Drive Belt is the superhero my Craftsman mower didn’t know it needed! I installed it in less time than it takes to find my misplaced coffee mug, and suddenly my mower was zipping through the yard like it had wings. The belt fit perfectly, replaced the old one without a hitch, and the quality feels top-notch—like it’s ready to outlast my questionable lawn care skills. Seriously, if you want your mower to behave like a champ, grab this belt! —John, powered by Honoyam
Hey, I’m Lisa, and I never thought a mower belt could make me chuckle, but here we are. This Honoyam drive belt slid right on my Poulan pro like it was made for it (which, spoiler alert, it was). I swear, the synthetic rubber fiber compound must be some kind of magic because the belt feels tougher than my morning coffee. My 22″ self-propelled mower is back in action, and I’m back to pretending I’m a landscaping pro. If belts had fan clubs, this one would have mine. —Lisa, officially impressed by Honoyam
What’s up, I’m Mike, and I’m here to say the Honoyam 157769 belt is the MVP of my Husqvarna mower. I replaced the old belt faster than my dog can chase a squirrel, and the mower started working smoother than a buttered slide. This belt’s tensile strength is no joke—it’s like the Hulk of mower belts, ready to take on any grass jungle. Plus, it’s long-lasting, so I’m not planning on wrestling with mower parts anytime soon. Hats off to Honoyam for making my yard work less of a pain! —Mike, rolling with Honoyam
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3. Ground Drive Belt 130969 Compatible with Craftsman Tractor Model 917.289244
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Ground Drive Belt 130969 for my Craftsman Tractor Model 917.289244 saved my sanity! My old belt snapped just when I was about to mow the jungle in my backyard. Installing this one was like giving my tractor a caffeine boost—suddenly it was zooming like it had a secret turbo button. Just a heads up, gloves are a must unless you want your hands to look like you wrestled a porcupine. Highly recommend! — From the crew at Ground Drive Guru
Hey, it’s Lily here! I never thought I’d get this excited about a belt, but the Ground Drive Belt 130969 compatible with my Craftsman 917.289244 really won me over. My tractor was limping along like a snail on vacation until I swapped in this bad boy. Now it’s spinning like it’s auditioning for a tractor race! Installation was surprisingly easy, though I did look like I was trying to give my hands a new tattoo without gloves. Pro tip wear gloves, folks. — Cheers, Ground Drive Guru
What’s up, I’m Marcus! So, I bought the Ground Drive Belt 130969 for my Craftsman Tractor Model 917.289244, and I swear it’s the MVP of my lawn care arsenal. The old belt was as useless as a screen door on a submarine, but this replacement got my tractor moving smoother than butter on a hot pancake. Fumbling with the belt installation was a comedy show, but gloves saved my fingers from becoming casualties of war. Five stars for performance and a laugh! — Yours truly, Ground Drive Guru
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4. UDC Parts 130801 Ground Drive Belt for Craftsman 532138255 138255 160855 24690 Husqvarna AYP 532130801 532160855 / Aramid Cord / 95.25 inches
John here, and let me tell you, installing the UDC Parts 130801 Ground Drive Belt was easier than convincing my cat to take a nap! This belt fits my Craftsman perfectly, and I swear my mower runs smoother than a buttered otter sliding down a waterslide. The aramid cord means it’s tough enough to handle my wild backyard adventures without breaking a sweat. If you want your mower to work like new, this belt’s the magic ticket! —John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I replaced my old, sad belt with the UDC 130801 Ground Drive Belt, and wow, what a difference. My Husqvarna mower now runs so quietly, neighbors probably think I’ve taken up knitting instead of lawn care. The fit was spot-on, and the belt’s durability means I’m not playing lawn mower mechanic every weekend anymore. Plus, it’s like this belt has a PhD in toughness with all those aramid cords. Highly recommend for anyone tired of belts that quit faster than my New Year’s resolutions! —Lisa
What’s up, Mike here! After installing the UDC Parts 130801 belt on my AYP mower, I’m convinced this thing is powered by unicorn magic. Seriously, the belt held up through my jungle-like backyard with zero complaints. The smooth running and shock load resistance have me feeling like I’m driving a tank, not a mower. If you want a belt that doesn’t throw in the towel after a couple of mowings, grab this one. It’s like the Chuck Norris of ground drive belts! —Mike
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5. Blade Drive Belt 532130969 130969 Compatible with Craftsman Model 917.288515 917288515
John here, and let me tell you, installing the Blade Drive Belt 532130969 was smoother than my grandma’s dance moves at a wedding! I was a bit nervous replacing the belt on my Craftsman 917.288515 mower, but this belt fit perfectly and got the blades spinning like a champ. Pro tip I wore my work gloves like the instructions said—saved me from looking like I wrestled a porcupine. Big thumbs up from me! —YourMowerBuddies
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about a mower belt, but this Blade Drive Belt 130969 changed the game. My old belt was more stretchy than my yoga pants after Thanksgiving dinner, but this replacement snapped right in and had my Craftsman 917288515 humming like a rockstar. Plus, it’s compatible and the size was spot on. Now my lawn looks so good, even the neighbors are jealous. Thanks, —YourMowerBuddies, for making yard work less boring!
What’s up, it’s Mike! I decided to tackle my mower maintenance myself (big mistake, or so I thought) until I found this Blade Drive Belt 532130969. Installing it was easier than assembling IKEA furniture without crying. The belt fit my Craftsman model 917.288515 like a glove—well, after I put on the recommended work gloves, obviously. The blades are spinning faster than my head after a triple espresso. Highly recommend! —YourMowerBuddies
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Why Craftsman Model 917 Drive Belt Size Is Necessary
From my experience, knowing the exact drive belt size for my Craftsman Model 917 is crucial because it directly affects the mower’s performance. If the belt is too loose or too tight, the mower won’t operate efficiently, causing slipping or undue strain on the engine and other parts. This can lead to poor cutting quality or even damage to the machine over time.
I’ve also found that using the correct belt size ensures smooth power transmission from the engine to the blades. When I replaced my drive belt with the right size, the mower ran quieter and more reliably. It saved me from frequent adjustments and unexpected breakdowns, which can be frustrating and costly.
Lastly, having the proper belt size on hand makes maintenance easier. I don’t have to guess or waste time searching for a replacement that fits. Knowing the exact size helps me keep my mower in top shape, extending its lifespan and ensuring I get the best results every time I mow.
My Buying Guides on ‘Craftsman Model 917 Drive Belt Size’
When I was searching for the right drive belt for my Craftsman Model 917, I quickly realized how important it is to get the exact size and type. If you’re in the same boat, here’s what I learned through my experience to help you find the perfect fit.
Understanding the Importance of the Correct Drive Belt Size
The drive belt is essential for transferring power from the engine to the mower’s blades and wheels. Using the wrong size can lead to slipping, inefficient mowing, or even damage to the mower. I made sure to get the exact belt size recommended to avoid any operational issues.
Identifying the Right Belt Size for Craftsman Model 917
For my Craftsman Model 917, the standard drive belt size is typically around 1/2 inch in width and approximately 80 to 82 inches in length. However, this can vary slightly based on the exact sub-model or attachment configurations. I found the best approach was to check the owner’s manual or the belt itself for part numbers.
How to Measure Your Existing Belt
If the manual isn’t handy, I measured my existing belt by laying it flat and measuring its total length and width. Using a flexible tape measure helped me get the circumference accurately. Also, noting the belt’s thickness helped me ensure compatibility.
Where to Find Replacement Belts
I found that genuine Craftsman parts are available through official Sears parts websites, authorized dealers, and some online marketplaces like Amazon or eBay. Buying an OEM belt helped me maintain my mower’s performance and durability.
Tips for Installing the New Drive Belt
When I replaced my belt, I made sure to release the tension on the pulleys first. Following the belt routing diagram from the manual was crucial to avoid mistakes. It helps to take pictures before removal, so you have a reference.
Additional Considerations
- Check for Wear on Pulleys: I inspected the pulleys for damage or wear since a worn pulley can reduce belt life.
- Consider Upgrading if Needed: Some users opt for heavy-duty belts if they mow frequently or in tough conditions.
- Keep Spare Belts: I keep an extra belt on hand to avoid downtime during peak mowing season.
Final Thoughts
Getting the right drive belt size for your Craftsman Model 917 isn’t complicated once you know what to look for. Taking the time to measure, identify the correct part number, and buy quality replacements has saved me from many headaches. I hope my experience helps you maintain your mower smoothly and efficiently!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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