Craftsman 917249160 User Manual GRASS CATCHER Manuals And Guides L0908161

CRAFTSMAN Grass Catcher Manual L0908161 CRAFTSMAN Grass Catcher Owner's Manual, CRAFTSMAN Grass Catcher installation guides

User Manual: Craftsman 917249160 917249160 CRAFTSMAN GRASS CATCHER - Manuals and Guides View the owners manual for your CRAFTSMAN GRASS CATCHER #917249160. Home:Lawn & Garden Parts:Craftsman Parts:Craftsman GRASS CATCHER Manual

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Owner's Manual

MRN°
G

CATC

48" Mower
Model No.
917.249160

+ Safety
+Assembly
+ Operation
+ Maintenance
+ Repair Parts

CAUTION"
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions before
operating this equipment.

For answers to your questions
about this product, Call:

1-800-659-5917
Sears Craftsman Help Line
5 am - 5 pm, Mon - Sat

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman

website:www.sears.com/craftsman

SAFETY
RULES
Practices for Ride=On

Safe Operation

Mowers

&

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLEOFAMPUTATING HANDS AND FEETAND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE
TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
•
cidental starting
when
WARNING:
in order
to setting
prevent up,
ac=
transporting,
adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug.

•
•

in neutral, you
WARNING:
Domay
not lose
coastcontrol
down of
a the
hill
tractor.

WARNING: Tow only the attachments
that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manu=
facturer of your tractor. Use common
sense when towing. Operate only at
the lowest possible speed when on a
slope. Too heavy of a load, while on
a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose
traction with the ground and cause you
to lose control of your tractor.

I. GENERAL
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•
•
•
•

•
•
•
•
•

Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above,
are involved in a large percentage of riding mowerrelated injuries. These operators should evaluate their
ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to
protect themselves and others from serious injury.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for wheel
weights or counterweights.
Keep machine free of grass , leaves or other debris
build-up which can touch hot exhaust/engine parts
and burn. Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debris which can cause build-up to occur.
Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or
storing the machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.

II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If
you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it,
do not mow it.
•
•
•

OPERATION

Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual before starting.
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under
the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at
all times.
Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with
the instructions, to operate the machine.
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blades.
Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
Never carry passengers.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing.
Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid
discharging material against a wall or obstruction.
Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop
the blades when crossing gravel surfaces.
Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher,
discharge guard, or other safety devices in place and
working.
Slow down before turning.
Never leave a running machine unattended. Always
turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting.
Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine
and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before
cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or
unclogging the discharge guard.
Operate machine only in daylight or good artificial
light.
Do not operate the machine while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
Always wear eye protection when operating machine.

•
•
•
•
•
•

Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction.
Always keep the machine in gear when going down
slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the
tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.
Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction,
which could cause the machine to roll over.
Use extra care while operating machine with grass
catchers or other attachments; they can affect the
stability of the machine. Do no use on steep slopes.
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel is over
the edge or if the edge caves in.

Ill. CHILDREN

2

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.
•
Keep children out ofthe mowing area and in the watchful
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
•
Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the
area.
•
Before and while backing, look behind and down for
small children.
•
Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation. Children who have been given
rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing
area for another ride and be run over or backed over
by the machine.
•
Never allow children to operate the machine.
•
Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may block your view of a
child.

&

SAFETY
Safe Operation

Practices

IV. TOWING
•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•
•

&

If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the
machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.
Check grass catcher components and the discharge
guard frequently and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when necessary.
Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear
gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service
as required.
Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.

OF GASOLINE

To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive.
•
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
•
Use only approved gasoline container.
•
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
•
Never fuel the machine indoors.
•
Never store the machine or fuel container where there
isan open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water
heater or other appliances.
•
Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or
trailer bed with plastic liner. Always place containers
on the ground away from your vehicle when filling.
•
Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible,
then refuel such equipment with a portable container,
rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
•
Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim ofthe fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is complete.
Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
•
If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
•
Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten
securely.
GENERAL SERVICE

•

•

•

V. SERVICE

•
•

for Ride=On Mowers
•

Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for
towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the
hitch point.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for weight
limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.
Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may
cause loss of traction and loss of control.
Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

SAFE HANDLING

RULES

Never operate machine in a closed are.
Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment
is in safe working condition.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage and remove any
fuel-soaked debris. Allow machine to cool before
storing.

•

e

Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
Never carry passengers.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while backing.
Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation. Children who have been given
rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing
area for another ride and be run over or backed over
by the machine.
Keep children out ofthe mowing area and in the watchful
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the
area.
Before and while backing, look behind and down for
small children.

•

,

"

Mow up and down slopes (15 ° Max), not across.
Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the
area.
Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the
tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.
If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades,
shift into reverse and back down slowly.
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS

SAFETY RULES ...................................................................
CARTON CONTENTS .............................................................
ASSEMBLY ...........................................................................
OPERATION ............................................................................

2-3
4
5-8
9

MAINTENANCE .....................................................................
STORAGE ..............................................................................
WARRANTY ...........................................................................
REPAIR PARTS .....................................................................

10
10
10
11

KNOW YOUR GRASS

CATCHER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR OPERATING YOUR GRASS
CATCHER. Compare the illustrations with the carton contents to familiarize yourself with the parts before starting the
assembly. Study the operating instructions and safety precautions thoroughly to insure proper functioning of your Grass
Catcher and to prevent injury to yourself and others. Save this manual for future reference.
The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe
eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields before starting your tractor and while mowing.
We recommend a wide vision safety mask for over the spectacles or standard safety glasses.

COMPLETE
UNPACKING
•

BAGGER

MUST BE iN PLACE

INSTRUCTIONS

CARTON

Remove all parts and packing materials from carton.
Check carton contents against list. Be sure all parts
are there.

TOOLS

REQUIRED

BEFORE

(3)
(1)
(1)
(2)

FOR ASSEMBLY:

(1) 9/16" Wrench

OPERATING

MOWER

CONTENTS:

Containers
Upper Chute
Lower Chute
Support Assemblies

(1)
(2)
(1)
(2)

Cover Assembly
Shoulder Bolts
Retainer Spring
Adapters

PARTS IDENTiFiCATiON

SHOULDER

COVER

RETAINER
SPRING
CHUTE
LATCH

SUPPORT
ASSEMBLY
ADAPTERS

UPPER
CHUTE

GRASS
CATCHER
CONTAINERS

LOWER CHUTE

LOWER CHUTE
ATTACHING STRAPS

NOTE: When right hand (R.H.) and left hand (L.H.) are mentioned in this manual, it means when you are seated on the
tractor, in the operator's position.
CAUTION:

BEFORE ASSEMBLING

GRASS CATCHER TO TRACTOR:

Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake.
Place gearshift/motion
e
e
e

control lever in "NEUTRAL"

Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED"

position.

position.

Turn ignition key "OFF" and remove key.

e

Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped.

e

Disconnect
with plug.

spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact

4

BAGGER

SUPPORT

ASSEMBLY

Determine which type drawbar you have on your tractor.

2.

Compare the drawbar illustrations below to the drawbar
located at the rear of your tractor.

Install adapterto
shown.

both sides of support assembly as

Follow the support assembly instructionsthat apply to your
type drawbar from the four listed below. Please note drawbars A and B are vertical while C and D are angled.
i

Do

0
o

ADAPTER

[?

G

E

DRAWBAR

A

DRAWBAR

B

FIG. 1B
o

O

o

O

o

3.

0O

o
4.

o o/\
©

Align support assembly pin with hole in drawbar and
hang assembly over the shoulder bolts.
Be sure support assembly is seated properly and secure
with retainer spring supplied.
SHOULDER
BOLTS

J_
0

O

0

O
o

DRAWBAR

o

DRAWBAR

C

D

if your tractor is equipped
with this illustration call
1-800-633-3522
for a replacement kit.

DRAWBAR
.

A (See Figs. 1A, 1B & lC)

SEMBLY

Remove and discard the upper bolt on both sides of
the drawbar. Using the same holes, install the shoulder
bolts supplied and tighten securely.
REMOVE AND DISCARD
UPPER BOLTS AND iNSTALL
SHOULDER BOLTS SUPPLIED

PIN

J

_

RETAINER
SPRING

FiG. 1C

FIG. 1A

DRAWBAR

MOUNTING COVER ASSEMBLY
TO
SUPPORT ASSEMBLY
(See Fig. 2)
DRAWBAR
1.
2.
3.

B (See Fig. 1 D)

Discard adapters provided - not required for drawbar
type B.
Align support assembly pin with hole in drawbar and
hang assembly over the shoulder bolts.
Be sure support assembly is seated properly and secure
with retainer spring supplied.

NOTE: For ease of assembly, you may wish to obtain the
assistance of another person for mounting cover assembly
to tractor.
1. Lift and rotate cover to align cover brackets with support
assembly tubes.
2. Slide cover assembly down onto the support tubes.

SHOULDER
BOLTS

COVER
ASSEMBLY

SUF
SEMBLY

oi

SUPPORT
ASSEMBLY

RETAINER
SPRING

FIG. 1D

DRAWBAR
1.

2.

D (See Figs. 1E)

Slide flanges of support assembly into drawbar slots
first, then, pivot backwards inserting pin into drawbar
pin hole.
Be sure support assembly is seated properly, then
secure with retainer spring.
"_

SUPPORT
ASSEMBLY

;

03024

7

DRAWBAR SLOTS
(Drawbar
"A" shown)

INSERT
FLANGES
FIRST INTO
DRAWBAR
SLOTS

J

DRAWBAR
PIN HOLE

FIG. 1E

RETAINER
SPRING

Fig. 2

3

CONTAINER

MOUNTING

(See

Fig. 3)

1.

Install one container to left side first. Install another
container to center position and one in right position.
NOTE: Left edge of right container should always overlap
right edge of left container at center supports.
2.

Close cover and lock latches over center support
tubes. To lock and release latches, pull back on latch
handles.

4

LOWER

2.

Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position.
Place slot in lower chute over mounting tab on mower
and position lower chute over mower opening as
shown.

3.
4.

Hook rear latch into flange hole on back of mower.
Hook front latch into tab hole on front of mower.

.

A

COVER LATCH
HANDLES

CHUTE (See Fig. 4)

CAUTION: Do not remove deflector
shield from mower. Raise and hold
shield when attaching lower chute
and allow it to rest on chute while in
operation.

DEFLECTOR
SHIELD

OPTIONAL
FRONT
GAUGE
WHEEL

CENTER
SUPPORT
TUBES

CONTAINER
HANDLE

TAB

Fig. 3

FRONT
LATCH

"REAR

FIG. 4

LATCH

5
1.
2.

UPPER CHUTE

6

(See Figs. 5A & 5B)

Lower mower to its lowest cutting position.
Assemble upper chute by inserting curved end into
hole in back of cover.

Push in and turn upper chute until it is in line with lower
chute.

4.

Align the bosses on lower chute with alignment slots
on upper chute and slide together.
Secure with rubber latch by hooking hole in latch over
latch pin.

5.

COVER
N

Fig. 5A

FULL BAGGER
INDICATOR

;÷= "

HANDLE
LATCH PIN

LATCH

LOWER
CHUTE

BOSSES
ALIGNMENT

\_

DECK

Be sure mower is properly leveled for best mower performance. See your tractors owner's manual for instructions.

NOTE: Handle carefully so as not to damage full bagger
indicator.
3.

LEVEL MOWER

\

SLOT

Fig. 5B

8

TiPS FOR iMPROVED
OPERATION:
Follow the mower operation
owner's manual.

BAGGING
instructions

•
in your tractor

When operating your grass catcher on a lawn where grass
and leaf bagging equipment has not been used, you are
picking up thatch and debris that has accumulated for long
periods of time. The amount collected and the total time
of operation may be greater than you will experience with
regular use of your grass catcher.
e
e

Always run throttle at full speed when bagging.
Select a gear low enough to give good mower cutting
performance, good quality cut and good bagging performance.

NOTE: It may be necessary to overlap width of cut to suit
your conditions.
•

•
•

If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice. The
first time relatively high, the second time to desired
height.
Use left hand side of mower for trimming.
Plastic trash bags can be inserted inside grass catcher
containers for ease of debris disposal. To remove the
plastic trash bags when full:
a. Disengage blades, shift into neutral, engage the
parking brake and stop the engine.
b. Raise seat. Unlatch and raise cover.
c.

Remove one container at a time by grasping
container handles and pulling toward the rear, off
of the tube rails.

d. With the container resting on the ground, close
and secure the top of the plastic lawn bag.
e. Tip the container on its side and slide the filled bag
from the container.
f.

Install a new plastic lawn bag with the edges of
the bag draped over upper lip of the container.
g. Repeat for other containers.
h. Reinstall containers making sure right container
overlaps left container at center supports.
j. Close cover and secure latches over center support
tubes.

Avoid cutting wet grass or in the morning while the dew
is still heavy. Grass clippings collected under these
conditions tend to be sticky and adhere to the walls of
the flow path causing clogging.
•
Your bagger is equipped with a full bagger indicator.
Movement of the wheel increases as the bags fill. The
wheel will be spinning fastest just before the bags fill
completely. When the wheel stops, it indicates that the
bags are full and the chutes have become clogged.
NOTE: To help prevent clogging of chutes, check/empty
bags when the wheel is spinning fast. Experience will teach
you the best time to empty the bags.
Care should be taken not to damage the parts and that
the wheel spins freely at the beginning of each use.
•
If the grass catcher fails to pick up cut grass or leaves,
it is an indication that clogging has occurred in the
system or that the grass catcher containers are full.
Usually this is indicated by the stopped movement of
the full bagger indicator.
a. Disengage blades, shift into neutral, engage the
parking brake and stop the engine.
- Raise seat. Unlatch and raise cover.
- Slide out containers and dispose of clippings.
- Replace containers, close cover, and latch.
b.

Unlatch chutes and check for clogging.
- Remove all debris in chutes.
- Reassemble and latch chutes

C.

Check to insure full bagger indicator has not become clogged.
- The air passage hole must be clear of debris.
Gently insert a small twig or wire into passageway
to clear.

CAUTION
Do not operate mower with grass catcher
partially installed.
• Disengage blades and stop engine before
leaving tractor seat to empty containers,
unclogging chutes, etc.
• Close cover before starting.
• Disengage mower when crossing driveways
or gravel surfaces and other areas where
thrown objects could be a hazard.
• Do not attempt to vacuum up cans or other
potentially hazardous projectiles.

GENERAL

RECOMMENDATIONS

STORAGE

Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.
•
Before each use check for loose fasteners.
•

When grass catcher is to be stored for a period of time,
clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grass, leaves, etc. Store
in a clean, dry place.

Clean unit thoroughly after each use.

BLADE

A

CARE

For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Replace
bent or damaged blades.
•
See BLADE CARE instructions in your tractor owner's
manual.

A

CAUTION: Do not leave grass in bag=
get containers. Empty containers after
each use and before storing. Failure
to do so may result in spontaneous
combustion which could develop into
a fire.

CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY
MAINTENANCE, SERVICE OR ADJUST=
MENTS:
•

Depress clutch brake pedal fully and
set parking brake.

•

Place gearshift/motion control lever in
"NEUTRAL" position.
Place clutch control in "DISENGAG ED"
position.

•
•

Turn ignition key to "OFF" position.

•

Make sure blades and all moving parts
have completely stopped.

•

Disconnect spark plug wire(s) from
spark plug(s) and place wire where it
cannot come in contact with plug.

A

CAUTION: Grass catcher components
are subject to wear, damage and
deterioration,
which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be
thrown. Frequently check components
and replace with manufacturer's
recommended parts, when necessary.

One Year Full Warranty on Craftsman

Grass Catcher

When assembled, used and maintained according to the owner's manual instructions, if this grass catcher fails due
to a defect in material or workmanship within one year from the date of purchase, RETURN IT TO ANY SEARS
STORE OR SEARS PARTS & REPAIR CENTER OR OTHER CRAFTSMAN OUTLET IN THE UNITED STATES
FOR FREE REPAIR (or replacement if repair proves impossible).
•
•
•

This warranty does not include the bagging blades, which are expendable parts.
This warranty is void if this grass catcher is used for commercial or rental purpose.
This warranty applies only while this product is used in the United States.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL. 60179

10

GRASS CATCHER-

- MODEL NUMBER

917.249160

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