Owner's Manual

IC:P,,nFTSMnN+I

42" Mower

GRASS CATCHER

Model No.

917.249890

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety

Rules and Instructions before operating equipment.

this

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Customer Responsibilities

• Repair Parts

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179

Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

SAFETY RULES

A

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers AI_

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.

FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

I. GENERALOPERATION

Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual 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 sure the area is clear of other people before mowing.

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.

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 turning.

Never leave a running machine unattended.

Always turn 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 riding mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious iniury.

Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris buildup 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 tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury ordeath.

All slopes require extra caution.

If you cannot back up the slope or if you 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.

Taft 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 s/owand 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 turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

Donotmow 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.

IlL 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.

Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

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, 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 corners, shrubs, trees, 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 parts, when necessary.

Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

Check brake operation frequently.

Adjust and service as required.

2

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing.

Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

Never carry passengers or children even with the blades off.

Do not mow in reverse 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, look 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 not have 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, if possible.

&

&

& i

Look for this symbol to point out impor- tant safety precautions.

It means CAU-

TION!!!

BECOME ALERT!t!

YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED,

CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill in neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.

CAUTION: Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor.

Use common sense when towing.

Operateonlyat 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.

A 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 on your purchase of a new Grass Catcher. It has 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 instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your Grass Catcher properly.

Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

NOTE: To make debris disposal easier 30 gallon plastic trash bags may be inserted in plastic grass containers. To orde r, see repair parts section of this manual.

SAFETY RULES ........................................................

ASSEMBLY ................................................................

OPERATION ..................................................................

2-3

5-8

9

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..............................

10

STORAGE ...................................................................

WARRANTY ................................................................

REPAIR PARTS ......................................................

10

10

12-13

3

KNOW YOUR GRASS CATCHER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR OPERATING YOUR GRASS

CATCH ER. 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.

UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS

Remove all parts and packing materials from carton.

• Check carton contents against list. Besureall parts are there.

CARTON CONTENTS:

(3) ContainerTops

(3) Container Bottoms

(1) Upper Chute

(1) LowerChute

(1) Support Assembly

(1) Cover Assembly

(2) Shoulder Bolts

(1) Retainer Spring

PARTS IDENTIFICATION

COVER

ASSEMBLY

TOOLS REQUIRED

(t) 9/16" Wrench

FOR ASSEMBLY

SHOULDER

BOLTS

SUPPORT

ASSEMBLY

FULL

BAGGER

INDICATOR

CHUTE LATCH

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 control lever in "NEUTRAL" 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,

4

1

BAGGER SUPPORT ASSEMBLY

(See Figs. 1A & 1 B)

1.

Remove and discard the upper bolt on both sides of the drawbar. Using the same holes, installthe shoulder bolts supplied and tighten securely.

REMOVE AND DISCARD

UPPER BOLTS AND INSTALL

SHOULDER BOLTS SUPPLIED

COVER ASSEMBLY TO

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 brackets with support assembly tubes.

3.

Slide cover assembly down onto the support tubes,

COVER

ASSEMBLY

DRAWBAR

FIG. 1A

2.

Align support assembly pin with hole in drawbar and hang assembly over the shoulder bolts.

3.

Be sure support assembly is seated properly and secure with retainer spring supplied.

SHOULDER

BOLTS

• _

SUPPORT

ASSEMBLY

SU PPORT"**'_

PIN

FIG. 1B

5 FIG. 2

CONTAINER ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 3)

1.

Place bottom half inside of top half, as shown.

2.

Place one foot inside bottom half and lifttop half to meet bottom half.

3.

Press halves tightlytogether while liftingtop 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 other containers.

CONTAINER MOUNTING (See Fig. 4)

1.

Install one container to left side first with warning to outside of unit. Install another container to center

position and one in right position.

NOTE: Right container should always overlap left container at center supports.

2.

Close cover and lock latch handles over center support tubes.

COVER LATCH

HANDLES

CONTAINER

BOTTOM

HALF i,' ,

CONTAINER

WARNING

CENTER

TUBES

CONTAINER

BOTTOM

HALF

TOP

NER

CONTAINER

WARNING

PRESS TOGETHER

TO FORM SEAL

WHILE LIFTING

TOP HALF

LOCKING

TAB

ASSEMBLY CHECK: Squeeze sides of lower half of container 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.

CONTAINER

HANDLE

FIG. 4

FIG. 3

OPTIONAL

LOWER CHUTE (See Fig. 5)

1.

Lower mower deck to its lowest cutting position.

2.

With your right hand, raise and hold deflector shield in upright position.

3.

With your left hand, hold lower chute as shown and

position lower rear edge of chute between gauge wheel

bracket tab and mower housing• Align "B" on lower chute

extended edge with "B" on mower housing.

4.

With your right hand, push firmly on the lower chute until the extended edge slides underthe deflector shield and along side the hinge bracket as shown.

5.

Withchuteinproperposition, holdthechutesecurely, so

itdoes not move, while hooking the rear and front latches to the mower deck.

NOTE: While hooking the latches, the deflector shield may try to push the chute away from the mower deck opening. It is important to hold the chute in position while hooking the latches to the mower deck.

• If your tractor is equipped with gage wheels on the deck, then it will be necessary to hook the rear latch into the hole in the R.H. gage wheel bracket.

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

I

I

AND

BRACKET

LOWER REAR EDGE

BETWEEN GAUGE WHEEL

BRACKET TAB AND

MOWER HOUSING

ALIGN CHUTE"B"

WITH MOWER"B"

\ \ PUSHIN

EXTENDED EDGE "B"

Must be under deflector shield and along side the hinge bracket

DEFLECTOR SHIELD

HINGE BRACKET

FIG. 5

DEFLECTOR

SHIELD

R.H. GAGE

WHEEL

BRACKET

WITH

GAGE WHEELS

REAR LATCH

7

WITHOUT

GAGEWHEELS

REAR LATCH

FRONT

LATCH

UPPER CHUTE (See Figs. 6A & 6B)

1.

Lower mower deck to its lowest cutting position.

2.

Assemble upperchute by inserting curved end intohole in back of cover.

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

3.

4.

5.

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

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.

FULL BAGGER

UPPER INDICATOR HANDLE

COVER

CHUTE _ _

,_,

_2_.

LEVEL MOWER DECK

Be sure deck is properly leveled for best mower perfor-

mance. See your tractors owner's manual for instructions.

/

LOWER

CHUTE

FIG. 6A

ALIGNMENT

LATCH PIN

FIG. 6B

8

TIPS FOR IMPROVED BAGGING OPERATION:

Follow the mower operation instructions in your tractor owner's manual.

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.

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.

Raise seat. Unlatch and raise cover.

b.

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

c.

With the container resting on the g round, close and secure the top of the plastic lawn bag.

d.

Tip the container on its side and slide the filled bag from the container.

e.

Install a new plastic lawn bag with the edges of the bag draped over upper lip of the Container (for replacement bags refer to REPLACEMENT

PARTS).

f.

Repeat for other containers.

g.

Reinstall containers making sure right container overlaps left container at center supports.

h.

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. As the bags become full, movement of the wheel will slow down and/or stop, indicating that the bags are full or the chutes have become clogged. 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.

Checktoinsure 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.

9

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte- 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.

A 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 "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 ,n 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.

STORAGE

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.

A 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.

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 rights which vary from state to state.

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS. 60179

10

NOTES

11

REPAIR PARTS

37

2O

\

\

\

GRASS CATCHER - - MODEL NUMBER 917.249890

2

35

9

12

18

6

7

10

15

2O

26

16

22

31

31

31

36

REPAIR PARTS

GRASS CATCHER - - MODEL NUMBER 917.249890

¢o

KEY

NO.

13

14

15

16

9

10

11

12

18

20

21

22

6

7

8

4

5

2

3

PART

NO.

69180

127533

139906

126840

18021008

130933

87175

19061216

7206J

STD541810

STD551110

109808X

2029J

130760

130759

162803

71161010

132796

140809

DESCRIPTION

Nut, Crownlock#10-24

Screen, Cover

Cover

Chute, Upper

Screw, Special #10-14xl/2

Full Bagger Indicator

Screw, #10-24 x 1-1/8

Washer 3/16x3/4x16 Ga.

Spacer, Split

Nut, Acorn #10-24

Washer, lock #10

Latch, Chute

Nut, Weld

Latch, Hook

Rubber, Latch

Chute, Lower

Screw #10-24 x 5/8 Truss Head

Spring, Cover L.H. (black)

Spacer, Cover

KEY

NO.

23

26

28

29

30

31

32

37

38

39

40

33

34

35

36

46

--

--

PART

NO.

132983

4939M

179534

176997

165898

174083

176990

128600

127534

129584

129586

134637

130895

155857X500

71141008

74760536

104419X

178269

DESCRIPTION

Spring, Cover R.H. (gray)

Spring, Retainer

Support Assembly

Shoulder Bolt

Spring, Retainer

Plug, Tubing End

Bagger, Frame

Pin, Hinge

Gasket, Cover

Container, Top

Container, Bottom

Seal, Cover

Latch Handle, Cover

Strip, Reinforcement

Screw #10-24 x 1/2

Bolt, Hex 5/16-18 x 2-1/4

Bag, 3.0 mil. 30 Gallon

Trash (not included with bagger)

Owner's Manual

NOTES

14

NOTES

15

Get it fixed, at your home or ours!

For repair of major brand appliances in your own home... no matter who made it, no matter who sold it!

1-800-4-MY-HOME _ AnyOne,

(1-800-469-4663) (U.S.A.and Canada) www.sears.com

_,_,vw.seal_.ca

For repair of carry-in products like vacuums, lawn equipment, and electronics, call for the nearest Sears Parts and Repair Center.

1-800-488-1222 AnyOne, on;y)

w.sears.cOlll

For the replacement parts, accessories and owlqer'smanuals that you need to do-it-yourself, call Seam PartsDirectSM!

1-800-366-PART

(1-800-366-7278)

6a.m.11 p.m., 7days aweek

(U.S.A.only) www.sears.com/_irect

To purchase or inquire about a Sears Service Agreement or Sears Maintenance Agreement:

1-800-827-6655 (u.s._)

7 a.m.- 5 p.m., CST, Mort.- Sat.

1-800-361-6685 (Canada)

9 a,m. - 8 p.m.EST, M- F, 4 p.m. Sat.

Para pedirsewicio de reparaci6na domidlio, y para ordenar piezas:

1-888-SU-HOGARsM

(1-888-784-6427)

Au Canada pourserviceen _:

1-800-LE-FOYER Mc

(1-800-533-6937)

_NWV.seals.ca

H°meCentral® J

© Sears, Roebuck and Co.

® Registered Trademark / TMTrademark / SM Serwce Mark of Sears, Roebuck and Co.

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178269 Rev. 3 08.06.01

rad Printed in U.S.A.