Craftsman

All of a sudden the mower is hard to steer – was fine when I parked it last a few days ago. Just purchased this mower last week – it’s a YT3000

How to Identify and Fix Common Gardening Problems ?

We provide a variety of viewpoints on how to identify and fix common gardening problems. Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced gardeners :

Please make sure your tires are properly inflated. Then look along the steering shaft for a grease fitting, and grease the shaft. Check for any worn guides or bushings along the steering shaft.
A clogged fuel filter is most commonly caused by leaving old fuel in the lawn mower. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the fuel filter and make the engine hard to start.
Inspect the steering wheel and shaft for signs of any damage, accumulated debris or corrosion. Spray the shaft with silicon lubricant, and then place the steering wheel, washer and nut back on the shaft. Tighten the nut with the adjustable wrench, and then snap the plastic insert back in place.
The most common cause of a stiff steering wheel is when you are running low on power steering fluid in your system. Often, this happens when there is a leak in the system from the pressurized hose area. Most of the time, it is due to a cracked or loose hose causing the fluid to leak out.
This can be caused by a number of things, such as tyre pressure, lack of fluid oil and tyre alignment. Heavy steering means that it is more difficult to steer your vehicle, and the performance of the car can be compromised by a stiff, unreactive steering wheel.
Try replacing the fuel filter; a clogged one will make the mower run sluggishly. Alternatively, check the spark plug. A spark plug that`s outlived its usefulness can cause a sluggish start. Pull the spark plug out, clean it off and reinstall it in the mower.
The symptoms that indicate a bad solenoid on a riding mower are difficulty starting the engine, engine stalls or shuts off suddenly, reduced engine power and performance. Moreover, it would also go through a decrease in fuel efficiency, and an unsteadiness in idling, lastly, the engine cranks but doesn`t start.
Simply take a few safety precautions (such as disconnecting the spark plug), turn the mower onto its side, and start working. Good luck turning a riding lawn mower onto its side, however. These heavy-duty machines weigh hundreds of pounds. You can seriously injure yourself or damage the mower if you do it incorrectly.
Answered by CarsGuide. The power steering is an electrical system, so a problem with the battery could affect the power assistance. You should still be able to steer the car even without power assistance. It won`t affect the braking.
What is Engine `Hunting`?: This is when the engine revs up and drops back down rapidly on a cycle. It is usually caused by a lean fuel mixture – ie.) not enough fuel in the fuel-air ratio.
Check the Battery

The battery is the next stop when investigating a slow cranking mower. A weak battery cannot sustain enough charge to spin the starter mower and turn the mower`s crankshaft. Mower batteries last around four years, so one that is older may be ready for replacement.

The most common cause of excessive vibration is an unbalanced blade. If you`ve recently had your blade sharpened, it`s possible the blade hasn`t been properly balanced during the sharpening process. To fix this, the blade should be removed, rebalanced and refitted.

Discover Relevant Questions and Answers for Your Specific Issue

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

I have a Crafstman Riding mower model #917.273643. That ran fine one second, I shut it off for five minutes. When I went to start it back up it wouldn’t start. Cranks fine, checked the wires, fuse, and spark plug. The plug was dirty so I cleaned it. But I am not getting any spark. I bought a new plug still no spark. I also checked the plug on another motor and I had spark so the plug wasn’t bad. Any suggestions on how to troubleshoot this or what may be wrong?
ANSWER : Sounds like your coil went bad

Read Full Q/A … : Craftsman

What type of oil for 17.5 42 500 cc – Craftsman 17.5 hp 42 in. Deck Lawn Tractor – CA Model
ANSWER : I use straight 30wt.

Read Full Q/A … : Craftsman

My 42 in Craftsman Tractor will not start. It normally runs great. I went to start it the other day and it ran for about 5 seconds before shutting down. It felt like it was getting no fuel. Any Suggestions?
ANSWER : Try and run it with the gas cap loose the vent could be plugged also see if it cuts out while keeping you foot on the brake and its just a bad safety switch shutting it off

Read Full Q/A … : Craftsman

How do i add transmission oil – Ariens Lawn Tractor 46"" Riding Lawn Mower 936053"
ANSWER : Should a plug or cap on top of transaxle.

Read Full Q/A … : Craftsman

Model # 917.270810 craftsman riding mower…. Is there a way to check the trany fluid or is the trany just bad…..and when i push in the clutch/brake it doen not stot its a slow stop….what could this be also…… Thanks
ANSWER : The brake caliper is frozen up or the brake pad is gone whats going on with the tranny not wanting to move or what

Read Full Q/A … : Craftsman

Craftsman riding mower lt-1000 leaks gas – Craftsman 17.5 hp 42 in. Deck Lawn Tractor – CA Model
ANSWER : Need to fix that. it may be a fire hazard.

Read Full Q/A … : Craftsman

Doesn't start. solenoid clicks – Craftsman 17.5 hp 42 in. Deck Lawn Tractor – CA Model
ANSWER : 1. ( bad solenoid)2. bad cable from solenoid to starter3. connections are loose4. bad starter

Read Full Q/A … : Craftsman

Craftsman Riding Mower burning oil
ANSWER : Hi,,my name is Keith..and i hate to be the bearer of bad news..but im 99% sure you have broken a ring(s) on your piston..and 1% sure that you have a blown head gasket..i hope this will help..if not please write me back

Read Full Q/A … : Craftsman