Why is my Craftsman 944.362200 starter rope hard to pull?
- KKayla TaylorAug 2, 2025
The starter rope might be hard to pull because the engine flywheel brake is engaged when the control bar is released. Make sure to depress the control bar to the upper handle before pulling the starter rope. Other potential causes include a bent engine crankshaft, a broken blade adapter (which would need replacement), the blade dragging in grass (move the mower to a clear area), or a defective blade/brake clutch (which would also need replacement).