Owner's Manual

CRAFTSMRN°

GRASS CATCHER

54" Mower

q'p

Model No.

917.248940

• 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 pro, Mort - Sat

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

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

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATINGHANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE

TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULTIN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

I_

WARNING: In order to prevent ac- cidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug.

in neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.

Do not coast down a hill I

I

I

• 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 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.

&

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

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.

• 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 stabiliFe 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.

II1. 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 outofthe mowing area and in thewatchful 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.

• Nevercarrychildren, even with the blades shutoff. 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 RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

IV.TOWING

• 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.

V. SERVICE

SAFE HANDLING 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 is an 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 of the 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

• 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 fuelsoaked debris. Allow machine to cool before storing.

&

• If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

• Never make anyadjustments 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.

• 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 carrychildren, even withthe 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 of the 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.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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

CARTON CONTENTS ..............................................................

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

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

2-3

4

5-7

8

MAINTENANCE .......................................................................

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

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

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

10-11

9

9

9

KNOWYOUR GRASS CATCHER

READTHIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR OPERATINGYOU R GRASS CATCHER.

Compare the illustrations with the carton contents to familiarioe 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.

UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS

• Remove all parts and packing materials from carton.

• Check carton contents against list. Be sure all parts are there.

CARTON CONTENTS:

(3) Containers

(1) Upper Chute

(1) Lower Chute

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.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

(1) 9/16" Wrench

SUPPORT

ASSEMBLY

(1) Support Assembly

(1) Cover Assembly

(1) Retainer Spring

##'

PARTS IDENTIFICATION

COVER

ASSEMBLY

FULL

BAG

INDICATOR

CHUTE LATCH

GRASS

CATCHER

CONTAINERS

UPPER CHUTE

LOWER CHUTE

ATTACHING

STRAPS

LOWER CHUTE

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.

&

i Place gearshift/motion control lever in "NEUTRAL" 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.

BAGGER SUPPORT

(See Fig.

1)

ASSEMBLY

1.

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

2.

Be sure support assemblyis seated properlyand secure with retainer spring supplied.

SHOULDER

BOLTS

MOUNTING COVER ASSEMBLYTO

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.

2.

Lift and rotate cover to align cover brackets with support assembly tubes.

3.

Slide cover assembly down onto the support tubes.

SUPPORT

ASSEMBLY

RETAINER

SPRING

FIG. 1 D

COVER

ASSEMBLY

SUPPORT

ASSEMBLY

03024

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.

COVER LATCH

HANDLES

LOWER CHUTE (See Fig. 4)

1.

Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position.

2.

Place slot in lower chute over mounting tab on mower and position lower chute over mower opening as shown.

3.

Hook rear latch into flange hole on back of mower.

4.

Hook front latch into hole in front gauge wheel bracket or under gauge wheel bracket on mower without a hole in the bracket.

A 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

CENTER

SUPPORT

TUBES

\

CONTAINER

HANDLE

FIG. 3

MOUNTING

TAB

REAR LATCH

GAUGE WHEEL

BRACKET

FIG. 4

FRONT

LATCH

UPPER CHUTE (See Figs. 5A& 5B)

1.

Lower mower to its lowest cutting position.

2.

Assemble upper chute by inserting curved 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.

COVER

UPPER

CHUTE

FULL BAGGER

INDICATOR HANDLE

LEVEL MOWER DECK

Be su re deck is properly leveled for best mower performance.

See your tractors owner's manual for instructions.

LOWER

CHUTE

FIG. 5A

ALIGNMENT

SLOT

LATCH PIN

RUBBER

LATCH

BOSSES

FIG. 5B

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.

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.

b,

C,

- Slide out containers and dispose of clippings.

- Replace containers, close cover, and latch.

Unlatch chutes and check for clogging.

- Remove all debris in chutes.

- Reassemble and latch chutes

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

Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.

• 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.

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 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.

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.

CAUTION: Do not leave grass in bagger containers. Emptycontainers after each use and before storing. Failure to do so may result in spontaneous combustion

which could develop into a fire.

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 ITTO 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., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL. 60179

GRASS CATCHER- MODEL NUMBER 917.248940

9

12

\

18

2O

\

15

6

7

/

15

10

11

26

31

35

\

31

GRASS CATCHER- MODEL NUMBER 917.248940

KEY

NO.

PART

NO.

2

3

4

69180

192709

193010

9

10

11

12

7

8

5

6

13

14

15

187299

18021008

130933

87175

19061216

7206J

060867

10071000

109808

2029J

160793

DESCRIPTION

Nut, Crownlock #10-24

Screen, Cover

Cover Assembly

(Includes 34, 37)

Chute, Upper

Screw, Special #10-14xl/2

Full Bag Indicator

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

Washer 3/16x3/4x16 Ca.

Spacer, Split

Nut, Acorn #10-24

Washer, lock

Latch, Chute

Nut, Weld

Latch, Hook

KEY PART

NO.

NO.

18 187300

20 71161010

26 4939M

28 198364

30 165898

31 174083

32 176990

33 192786

34 192550

35 400226

37 192603

38 130895

-402506

DESCRIPTION

Chute, Lower

Screw #10-24 x 5/8

Spring, Retainer

Support Assembly

Spring, Retainer

Plug, Tubing End

Bagger, Frame

Pin, Hinge

Gasket, Cover

Container, Soft

Seal, Cover

Latch Handle, Cover

Owner's Manual

Your Home

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no matterwho made it, no matterwho

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,w ,soors°o,,,

(U.S.A. andCanada)

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::::::::::::::::::::::::::: i:iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii_i

Forrepairofcarry-in lawn equipment,

..............................and electronics, call or go on-line forthe nearest

....................

..............................

1=800=488=1222 Anytime, dayornight(U.S.A, www.sears.com

only)

To purchase a protection agreement (U.S.A.) or maintenance agreement (Canada) on a product serviced by Sears:

...............................

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Para pedir servicio de reparacidn a domicilio, y para ordenar piezas:

1-888-SU-HOGAR ®

(1-888-78.6427)

Au Canada pour service en fran_ais:

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(1-800-533-6937)

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.... .....

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® Registered Trademark / TMTrademark / SMService Mark d Sears Brands, LLC

® Marca Registrada / TMMarca de F_brica / SMMarca de Servicio de Sears Brands, LLC

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403506 01.17.06

rad PRINTED IN U.S.A.