Name of Product and Model:
Craftsman, model#917.Date of purchase:
Spring, 2010.My Review
Checked early and often with neighborhood lawn service to find a used lawn mower. He let me try a self-propelled one, and I was immediately ready to buy -- but of course, he had none. Went to the Sears store and not only did I get self-propelled, but key start also. I have one third acre to mow so I was trying to make that chore simpler. Now I don't mind mowing at all. The key start is wonderful. Before the first time you use it, it has to be charged for 24 hours. Other than that I have only charged it one other time all summer (It is now September). The only time it has not worked was when the operator, me, forgot to prime the engine first. It sure beats pulling out the shoulder every time I mowed. The self-propelled is probably only beneficial for those with long expanses of yard to mow. It can't be used when backing up the lawn mower to turn. This feature can be turned on/off as needed by holding the same type of lever as the cutoff switch. The front wheels grip the turf and pull the lawn mower along. It works so well that I actually have to walk at a brisk pace to keep up.
At nearly the end of a season of mowing with this lawn mower, I do not have ANY complaints about the product. It has made mowing just another task, not a dreaded chore. -- (Signed) A Wimpy Female Reviewer
