Why is the starter rope hard to pull on my Craftsman lawn mower?

The starter rope may be hard to pull because the engine flywheel brake is on when the control bar is released, the engine crankshaft is bent, the blade adapter is broken, or the blade is dragging in grass. First, depress the control bar to the upper handle before pulling the starter rope. If that doesn't help, move the mower to cut grass or a hard surface, check the blade adapter, or contact a qualified service center if you suspect a bent crankshaft.