I have used this sweeper three times.....first time out of the box the right wheel locked up 15 feet out of the garage. I am a service tech so, I disassembled and found no grease in the ratchets. Lubed and worked fine.
Second use: no problems...thought all was solved.
Third use: the welds on the height adjuster rod broke off on a almost level yard. Where the welds were, the metal was all rusted and only welded half way around on both sides!!
VERY POOR CRAFTSMAN SHIP AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL!!!!
Craftsman 42 in. High Speed Sweeper is not recommended by shoalsboy
Sounds like you got the returned/rejected model as I've seen nothing like that at all on my model. Lubed, welded, connected properly here. Did you return for a refund or exchange?
Make a clean sweep of leaves, grass clippings, lawn debris and more with a Craftsman sweeper. A universal fit attachment with a spring loaded adjustable height hitch pin connects quickly to any brands' tractor hitch plate. The cantilever hitch design (no caster wheels) give maximum traction and weight to the wheels for effective and efficient sweeping action.