Craftsman 917.249781 Owner's Manual

all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment. • Safety • Assembly • Operation • Customer Responsibilities • Repair Parts Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179 U.S.A. Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

and on the machine before starting. 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 blade. Be surethe area is clear of other people before mowing, Stop machine if anyone enters the area. Never carw passengers. • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing. Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place. • Slow down before tuming. • Never leave a running machine unattended, Always tum off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting. Turn off blades when not mowing. • Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging chute. Mow 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. Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the ridingmower safely enough to protectthemselves and others from serious injun!. Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts and bum. 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 Ioss-of-contrel and tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. Ifyou cannot back upthe slope orifyou feel uneasy on it, do not mow it. DO: Mow up and down slopes, not across. Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps, Uneven terrain could overturn the machine, Tail grass can hide obstacles. Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine. Keep all movement on the slopes slowand gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction. Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope. DO NOT: Do not tum on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible. Do notmow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding. Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground. Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes. III. CHILDREN 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. Neverassume that children will remain where you last saw them. Keep children out ofthe mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult. • Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area. Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children. Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. • Never allow children to operate the machine. Use extra care when approaching blind comers, shrubs, frees, or other objects that may obscure vision. IV. SERVICE Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive. Use only an approved container. Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke. Never refuel the machine indoors. Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, such as a water heater. Never run a machine inside a closed area. Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good 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. Allow machine to cool before storing. Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting. Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running. 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 pads, when necessary. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when senlicing them. Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required. 2

Stop machine if anyone enters the area. Never carry passengers or children even with the blades off. Do notmow inreverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing. • Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. • Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult. Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area. • Before and when backing, took behind and down for small children. • Mow up and down slopes (15 ° Max), not across. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will nothave to stop or shift while on the slope. Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If 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, it possible, & & & & Look for this symbol to point out impor- tant safety precautions. It means CAU- TIONH! BECOME ALERTm YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED. CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill in neutral, you may lose control of the tractor. CAUTION: Tow onlythe attachments thatare recommended byand comply with specifications of the manufactu- rer of your tractor. Use common sensewhen towing. Operate onlyat 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. CAUTION: In order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug. CONGRATULATIONS onyour purchase of a new Grass Catcher. Ithas been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance. Should you experience any problems you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service center/ department. They have competent, well trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit. Please read and retain this manual. The instructionswill enable youto assemble and maintain your Grass Catcher properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES". SAFETYRULES ........................................................ 2-3 BAG OFPARTS ............................................................ 4 ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 5-8 OPERATION .................................................................. 9 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES .............................. 10 STORAGE ................................................................... 10 WARRANTY ................................................................ 10 REPAIR PARTS ...................................................... 12-13

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 standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over the spectacles. UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS • Remove all parts and packing materials from carton. • Checkcartoncontentsagainstlist. Besureallpartsars there. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY: (2) 9/16" Wrenches CARTON CONTENTS: (2) ContainerTops (2) Container Bottoms (1) UpperChute (1) Lower Chute (1) Support Assembly (1) Bag of Parts (1) Owner's Manual ASSEMBLY HARDWARE SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE LOCATION MOWER DECK BAFFLE REAR MOUNTING BRACKET TO DRAW BAR GROUP "A" I -- © (1) Bolt 3/8-16 x 1-1/4 (1) Locknut 3/8-16 GROUP "B" I / (4) Shoulder Bolts 5/16 - 18 Self Tapping LOWER CHUTE TO MOWER DECK (1) Washer 13/32 x 1 x 16 Ga. (1) Wing Nut 4

in the operator's position. A CAUTION: BEFORE ASSEMBLING GRASS CATCHER TO TRACTOR: i epress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. Place gearshift/motion control lever in neutral (N) position. Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. Turn ignition key "OFF" and remove key. Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped. • Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug. MOWER DECK BAFFLE (See Fig. 1) Use Hardware - - GROUP "A" 1. Raise your tractor mower deck to its highest position. 2. Install the hex bolt, and Iocknut through mower deck baffle and tighten securely. 5 LOCKNUT_ HEX BOLT MOWER DECK BAFFLE j FIG. 1

NOTE: If your tractor already has four (4) shoulder bolts installed on the rear drawbar, simply hang the support assembly on the bolts. Discard the four (4) shoulder bolts supplied and go on to Step 3 instructions. SHOULDER ,_. BOLTS SUPPORT _ ASSEMBLY FIG. 2A If your tractor does not have four (4) shoulder bolts installed on the drawbar, follow the instructions below. Use Hardware - - GROUP "B" 1. Using the four formed holes in the drawbar, install the four shoulder bolts as shown and tighten securely. 2. Hang the support assembly on the bolts. SUPPORT LF ASSEMBLY _ I _ TAPPING _/I SHOULDER BOLTS FIG. 2B TO REMOVE THE SUPPORT ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 2C) 1. Pulloutward on the stop bracket enough to allow support assembly to be lifted up and away from drawbar. PULL OUT ON STOP BRACKET TO REMOVE SUPPORT ASSEMBLY MOUNTING COVER ASSEMBLY TO SUPPORT ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 3) NOTE: For ease of assembly, you may wish to obtain the assistance of another person for mounting cover assembly to tractor. 1. Position cover assembly on ground behind tractor as shown. 2. Lift and rotate cover to align cover bracket with support assembly. 3. Slide cover assembly down onto the support assembly+ COVER ASSEMBLY SUPPORT ASSEMBLY FIG. 3 FIG. 2C 6

2. Place one foot inside bottom half and lifttop halfto meet bottom half. 3. Press halves tightly together while lifting top to lock into place as shown. IMPORTANT: BEFORE LOCKING THE TABS, HOOKED EDGES ON BOTH HALVES MUST OVERLAP TO FORM SEAL AS SHOWN IN INSET. 4. Repeat for second container. t_N ONTAINER BOTTOM HALF TAINER TOP HALF CONTAINER BOTTOM HALF PRESS TOGETHER TO FORM SEAL WHILE LIFTING TOP HALF LOCKING TAB ASSEMBLY CHECK: Squeeze sides of lower half of con- tainer and check that there is no gap between upper and lower halves. If a gap appears, unlock tabs to separate container halves and repeat instructions above. FIG. 4 CONTAINER MOUNTING (See Fig. 5) No hardware required 1. Install one container to left side first with warning to outside of unit. Install other container to right side. NOTE: Right container should always overlap leffcontainer at center support. 2. Close cover and lock latch handle over center support tube. COVER LATCH HANDLE CONTAINER CONTAINER HANDLE CENTER SUPPORT TUBE CONTAINER WARNING FIG. 5 LOWER CHUTE (See Fig. 6) Use Hardware - - GROUP "C" 1. Raise and holddeflector shield inupright position. 2. Slide back edge ofchuteover rearcomer of mowerdeck and pivot forward. 3. Align slot in lower chute with hex bolt in mower deck baffle and close chute over deck openning. Secure with washer and wing nut. 4, WASHER\ | CAUTION: Do not remove discharge I guard from mower. Raise and hold I guard when attaching lower chute and allow it to rest on chute while in operation. DEFLECTOR SHIELD MOWER DECK WING NUT HEX BOLT 7 FIG. 6

2. Assemble upperchute by insertingcurved end into hole in back of cover. NOTE: Handle carefully so as not to damage full bagger indicator. 3. 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. 5. Secure with rubber latch by hooking hole in latch over latch pin. FULL HANDLE BAGGER COVER UPPER CHUTE LOWER CHUTE FIG. 7A ALIGNMENT SLOTS LATCH PIN RUBBER LATCH BOSSES FIG. 7B LEVEL MOWER DECK No hardware required Be sure deck is properly leveled for best mower perfor- mance. See your tractors owner's manual for instructions. 8

BAGGING OPERATION: Follow the mower operation instructions in your tractor owner'smanual. When operating you r 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. • 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 perfor- mance. NOTE: It may be necessary to ovedap width of cut to suit your conditions. • If grass is extremely tall, itshould 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 onecontainer at atime by grasping contai- ner 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 overcenter support tubes. • Avoid cuttingwet grass or inthe 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 witha full bagger indicator. As the bags become full, movement of the wheel will slow down and/or stop, indicatingthat the bags are full orthe chutes have become clogged. NOTE: To help prevent clogging of chutes, check/empty containers when movement of the indicator begins to slow down. • Care should be taken not to damage the futl bag indicator 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. Checkto insurefun bagger indicatorhas not become clogged. - The air passage hole must be clear of debds. Gently insert a small twig or wire into passage- way 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. 9

nance. • Before each use check for loose fasteners. • Clean unit thoroughly after each use BLADE 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. STORAGE When grass catcher isto be storodfor a period of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grass, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry place. & CAUTION: Do not leave grass in bagger 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 padal fully and set parking brake. • Place gearshift/motion control lever in "NEUTRAL" position. • Place clutch control in "DISENGAGED" 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. & 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. LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN GRASS CATCHER For one year from the date of purchase, when this grass catcher attachment is maintained according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workmanship. This warranty does not cover: • Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as bags or mower blades. • Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including the failure to maintain the equipment according to instructions contained in the owner's manual. Grass catcher attachments used for commercial or rental purposes. WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN GRASS CATCHER TO THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE THIS PRODUCT IS IN USE IN THE UNITED STATES. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other nghts which vary from state to state. SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS. 60179 10

3 20 1; 9 2 20 22 23 15 17 18 lO 31 31 31 24 28 36 25

Nut, Crownlock#10-24 Screen, Cover Cover Asm.(Incl. 3,38,39) Chute, Upper Screw, Special Full Bagger Indicator Screw, #10-24 x 1-1/8 Washer 3/16x3/4x16 Ga. Spacer, Split Nut, Acorn #10-24 Washer, lock Latch, Chute Nut, Weld Bolt, Hex 3/8-16 x 1-1/4 Washer3/8 Locknut 3/8-16 Chute, Lower KEY PART DESCRIPTION NO. NO. 19 135651 Wingnut 3/8-16 20 71161010 Screw #10-24 x 5/8 TrussHead 21 132796 Spring, CoverL.H.(black) 22 133235 Spacer, Cover 23 132983 Spring, Cover R.H. (gray) 24 180923 Support Assembly 25 73800400 Locknut 26 4939M Spring, Retainer 27 72140405 Bolt 28 179745 Bracket, Stop 30 131137 Pin, Support Post 31 174083 Plug, Tubing End 32 179746 Bagger, Frame 33 128600 Pin, Hinge 34 127534 Gasket, Cover 35 129584 Container, Top 36 129586 Container, Bottom 38 130895 Latch Handle, Cover 39 155042X431 Strip, Reinforcement -- 183231 Owner's Manual

For repair of major brand appliances in your own home... no matter who made it,no matter who sold i'd 1-800-4-MY-HOME _ Any_e,dayornight 0_00-4_-4663) (U.SJ_andCanada) wm w_wm For repair of camj4n products like vacuums,lawn equipment, and electronics, call for the nearest Sears Parts and Repair Center. 1-800-488-1222 Anym_dayorright(U.SAorgy) Wlt,RVm Forthe replacementparts,accessoriesand owner'smanuals thatyouneed todo-it-yourself,callSears ParlsDirect_! 1-800-366-PART 6a.r_-11 p.m., 7days aweek (1.-800.-366-7278) (U.S,A.only) _vw_rect To purchase or inquire abouta Sears ServiceAgreement or Sears MaintenanceAgreement: 1-800-827-6655 (U.SA) 1-800-361-6665 (Canada) 7 a.m.- 5 p.m.,CST, Mon.- S,_ 9 a.m.- 8 p.m.EST, M - F,4 p.m.S_ Para pedirservloode reparoddna doradlo, y paraoKlenarpiezas: 1-888-SUa-IOGAR _ (1-888-_ AuCanadapoursewiceen_ 1-800-LE-FOYF_RMc (1-800-533-6937) www.se_/_ca © Sears, Roebu_ and Co TM SM ® Registered Trademark / Trademark / Service Mark of Sears, RoebuskLla_b _o ® Marca Reglstrada / Marca de Fabnca / SMMarca de Servlc=o de Sears. Roebuc& and Co uc Marque de commerce / MOMarque d_posee de Sears Roebuck,ap[d Co. 183231 2 26.02 rad Printed in U S.A.