Well 12 hp is enough for a 42" deck but it depends on the drive system of the mower how much hp it takes to run it. A hydro may take a couple hp while gear drive one or less.

I am not really familiar with either of the mowers you mention but in my opinion, they are both box store, entry level machines.

Walt Conner

Unfortunately, $1000 is about all I can go, are all the entry level machines pretty much equal? Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, MTD, Husqvarna, etc.

Here's an opinion, and it's just an OPINION:

Go to Sears and lift up the seat on the Craftsman; if the 3-digit number before the model number is 917 then the machine was manufactured by Husqvarna. If the number is 247, it was made by MTD, who also makes the TroyBilt. Between the two, I would go with the Husqvarna product (assuming the Craftsman has the 917 number, which it might NOT), hands down. (If the Sears number is 247, they might be the same machine, and I'd go with whichever color I liked best).

Yes, 17.5 HP is enough for a 42" mower on flat ground. I'd be more concerned about the engine and transmission manufacturer than about the claimed horsepower. Twelve or more HP would probably be enough. Walt Conner is absolutely correct - these are entry-level machines; however, if you maintain the mower properly you should get your money's worth - particularly the Husqvarna product (if the Craftsman happens to be Husq.).

Maintenance is critical, no matter what the level of the machine's build and makeup.
But, if you buy an entry level machine and maintain it poorly, it will repay you in kind.
Being as it is nigh on to the New Year.........don't you have some unneeded vices you could resolve to give up so you can get a sturdier machine? :^)

Ditto on what twelvegauge said on the Husqvarna. They may even make the Poulan labled ones yet too.