Operator’s Manual

Triple Rear Bagger

For FastAttach

™

Compatible Garden Tractors

Model

OEM-190-842 (for 54-inch decks)

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FORM NO.

770-10592.fm

(1/02)

FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER

This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new grass collector. It will help you assemble, prepare and maintain it. Please read and understand what it says.

Before you start to assemble this attachment, please locate the model plate and copy the information from it in this

Operator’s Manual for future reference. The information on the model plate is very important if you need help from our Customer Support Department or your authorized dealer.

• You can locate it by looking on the front, left portion of the plastic grass catcher cover.

Model Plate

• The model plate will look like this picture below.

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.

Call 1- (330) 220-4MTD (4683) or 1- (800)-800-7310 to reach a Customer Support representative.

Please have your unit’s model number and serial number ready when you call. See previous section to locate this information. You will be asked to enter the serial number in order to process your call.

For more details about this unit, visit our website at www.mtdproducts.com

2

SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol—heed its warning.

DANGER:

This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This 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.

California Proposition 65 Warning:

WARNING:

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

GENERAL OPERATION

1.

Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.

2.

Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the machine and disengage them quickly.

3.

Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent.

4.

Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper instruction.

5.

To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

6.

Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys, and other foreign objects which could be picked up and thrown by the blade(s). Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.

7.

Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction which may cause discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator.

8.

Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.

9.

Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and closefitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes and jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never operate this machine in bare feet or sandals.

10. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without the discharge cover or entire grass catcher in its proper place.

11. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate hands and feet.

12. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown object injuries.

13. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads and while not cutting grass.

14. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. This machine is not intended for use on any public roadway.

15. Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

16. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

17. Never carry passengers.

18. Disengage blade(s) before shifting into reverse.

Back up slowly. Always look down and behind before and while backing to avoid a back-over accident.

19. Slow down before turning. Operate the machine smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed.

20. Disengage blade(s), set parking brake, stop engine and wait until the blade(s) come to a complete stop before removing grass catcher, emptying grass, unclogging chute, removing any grass or debris, or making any adjustments.

21. Never leave a running machine unattended.

Always turn off blade(s), place transmission in neutral, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key before dismounting.

22. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. This unit should not be driven up or down ramp(s), because the unit could tip over, causing serious personal injury. The unit must be pushed manually on ramp(s) to load or unload properly.

3

23. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.

24. Check overhead clearances carefully before driving under low hanging tree branches, wires, door openings etc., where the operator may be struck or pulled from the unit, which could result in serious injury.

25. Disengage all attachment clutches, depress the brake pedal completely and shift into neutral before attempting to start engine.

26. Your machine is designed to cut normal residential grass of a height no more than 10”. Do not attempt to mow through unusually tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture) or piles of dry leaves. Dry grass or leaves may contact the engine exhaust and/or build up on the mower deck presenting a potential fire hazard.

27. Use only accessories and attachments approved for this machine by the machine manufacturer.

Read, understand and follow all instructions provided with the approved accessory or attachment.

28. 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.

29. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment. Contact an authorized MTD Service Dealer for assistance.

SLOPE OPERATION

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

For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this manual to measure slopes before operating this unit on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees as shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this unit on that area or serious injury could result.

DO:

1.

Mow up and down slopes, not across. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

2.

Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

3.

Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed setting so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. Tires may lose traction on slopes even though the brakes are functioning properly. Always keep machine in gear when going down slopes to take advantage of engine braking action.

4

4.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.

5.

Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine.

6.

Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid engagement or braking could cause the front of the machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards which could cause serious injury.

7.

Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly straight down the slope.

DO NOT:

1.

Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

2.

Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff, ditch, or if an edge caves in.

3.

Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.

4.

Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes.

5.

Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

6.

Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill. Overspeeding may cause the operator to lose control of the machine resulting in serious injury or death.

7.

Do not tow heavy pull behind attachments (e.g. loaded dump cart, lawn roller, etc.) on slopes greater than 5 degrees. When going down hill, the extra weight tends to push the tractor and may cause you to loose control. (e.g. tractor may speed up, braking and steering ability are reduced, attachment may jack-knife and cause tractor to overturn).

CHILDREN

1.

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. They do not understand the dangers.

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

a. Keep children out of the mowing area and in watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

b. Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area. c.

Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children. d. Never carry children, even with the blade(s) shut off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.

e. Use extreme care when approaching blind

corners, doorways, shrubs, trees or other objects that may block your vision of a child who may run into the machine.

f.

Disengage the cutting blade(s) before shifting in reverse. The “No-Cut-In

Reverse” feature is a reminder not to cut in reverse and to help avoid back over accidents. Do not defeat it.

g. Keep children away from hot or running engines. They can suffer burns from a hot muffler. h. Remove key when machine is unattended to prevent unauthorized operation.

9.

Never allow children under 14 years old to operate the machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent.

TOWING

1.

Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point.

2.

Follow the manufacturers recommendation for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.

3.

Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.

4.

On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control.

5.

Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

6.

Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.

GENERAL SERVICE:

1.

Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless, and deadly gas.

2.

Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the blade(s) and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting.

3.

Periodically check to make sure the blades come to complete stop within approximately (5) five seconds after operating the blade disengagement control. If the blades do not stop within the this time frame, your unit should be serviced professionally by an authorized MTD

Service Dealer.

4.

Check brake operation frequently as it is subjected to wear during normal operation.

Adjust and service as required.

5.

Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade(s) for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked).

Replace the blade(s) with the original equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) blade(s) only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!”

6.

Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

7.

Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.

8.

Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

9.

After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the damage before starting and operating.

10. Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the machine while the engine is running.

11. Grass catcher components and the discharge cover are subject to wear and damage which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.

For safety protection, frequently check components and replace immediately with original equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!”

12. Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine.

13. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.

14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil, etc. to protect the environment.

WARNING: YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

NOTE: Safety label found on your unit

D O NOT O PE N TH I S

COVER UNLESS THE

ENGINE IS SHUT OFF

.

5

SECTION 2: TO THE OWNER

Model 842 Triple Rear Bagger Kit is a grass collection system designed for use on FastAttach

™

Compatible Garden

Tractors equipped with a 54-inch cutting deck only.

The instructions in this manual are divided into sections. Carefully read all sections and study the illustrations to ensure proper installation and usage of this attachment. Read and observe all WARNING and CAUTION statements. They are included to provide for the protection of the equipment installer and user, and to ensure the prolonged service life of the equipment.

NOTE: References to LEFT and RIGHT indicate the left and right sides of the tractor when facing forward in the operator’s position. Reference to the FRONT indicates the grille end; to the REAR the drawbar end.

SECTION 3: CONTENTS OF CARTON

Before beginning installation, remove all parts from the carton to make sure everything is present. Carton contents are listed below and shown in Figure 1. Hardware part number are shown in parentheses.

One Chute Tube Three Grass Bag Assemblies

One Discharge Chute Assembly

One Extension Tube

One Set of Blades

One Grass Catcher Cover Assembly

One Bracket Assembly w/ Clevis Pin (711-0309A)

& Hairpin Clip (714-0117) in place

Chute Tube

Cover Assembly Discharge Chute

Assembly

Extension Tube

Bag Assemblies

Bracket Assembly

Support Tube

(attached to cover assembly)

Clevis Pin

Hairpin Clip

Blades

Figure 1

6

SECTION 4: ASSEMBLY

WARNING: Before beginning installation, place the tractor on a firm and level surface. Place the PTO in the disengaged (OFF) position, stop the tractor engine and set the parking brake.

Insert Support Tube Here

Support Tube Rests Here

Bracket

Assembly

Hitch Plate

Clevis Pin

Shoulder Bolt

Hairpin Clip

Figure 2

Mounting The Bracket Assembly

• To ease the following procedures, tilt the seat forward and leave it in that position until the grass collector is fully attached.

• Remove the hairpin clip and clevis pin from the hole in the rear of the bracket assembly.

Refer to Figure 1

• Position the hooked ends of the bracket assembly to the outside of the hitch plate and over the shoulder bolts. See Figure 2.

• Reinsert the clevis pin through the aligned holes in both the bracket assembly and the hitch plate.

Affix with the hairpin clip. See Figure 2.

IMPORTANT: There are two holes found in the clevis pin. Be certain to insert the hairpin clip in the UPPER hole to properly secure the bracket assembly to the hitch plate

• Allow the plastic cover to rest in the “open” position on the back of the tractor’s seat for ease of assembly.

• Attach the grass bags using the slots.

See Figure 3.

Slots Slots Slots

Attaching The Cover And Bags

• Place the cover assembly’s support tube (refer to

Figure 1) in position on the rear of unit by sliding the support tube down through the holes in the center of the bracket assembly. Refer to Figure 2.

• Place the cover assembly in position so that the support tube rests on both sides of the bracket assembly. Refer to Figure 2.

Figure 3

• Close the cover on the grass collector.

Attaching The Cutting Blades

Remove the blades from your tractor’s cutting deck as follows.

7

WARNING: Cutting blades are sharp.

Always protect hands by wearing heavy leather work gloves to grasp blades.

• Remove the cutting deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to DECK REMOVAL in the

MAINTENANCE section of your tractor’s

Operator’s Manual for detailed instructions) then gently flip the deck over to expose its underside.

• Place a block of wood between the center deck housing baffle and the cutting blade to act as a stabilizer. See Figure 4.

• Use a 15/16" wrench to remove the hex flange nut that secures the blade to the spindle assembly.

NOTE: The hex flange nut has a right-handed thread pattern. Do NOT attempt to force the nut in the incorrect direction. Doing so may damage the nut and create a safety hazard.

Hex Flange Nut Wood Block

IMPORTANT: Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade spindle hex flange nut to between 70 foot-pounds and

90 foot-pounds.

Attaching The Discharge Chute

• Raise the deck to its highest position by placing the lift lever in the top notch on the right fender.

• While raising the chute deflector on the deck, angle the front corner of the discharge chute over the stop assembly and then slide the mounting rod into the stop assembly. See Figure 5.

• Then rotate the discharge chute around the deck so the front edge fits snugly around the cutting deck opening.

• Fasten the discharge chute in position by hooking the retainer strap over the retainer clip on the top rear of the deck.

Chute

Deflector

Spindle

Assembly

Discharge

Chute

Figure 4

• Install the new blades packed with the bagger. Be sure to install the blade with the side of the blade marked ‘‘Bottom’’ (or with a part number stamped in it) facing the ground when the mower is in the operating position.

• Remount the cutting deck.

Retainer Clips

Chute Tube

Mounting Rod

Figure 5

Retainer Strap

Retainer Straps

Extension Tube

Discharge Chute

Figure 6

8

• Insert the upper end of the chute tube into the hole in the cover assembly, then insert the extension tube between the discharge chute and the chute tube. See Figure 6.

• Secure by placing the ends of the retainer straps on the discharge chute over the clips on the chute tube.

SECTION 5: OPERATION

Grass Bag Removal

• To open the cover, simply lift up on cover. The chute tube assembly does not have to be removed.

• To remove the grass bags, lift up on bag and unhook the frame of the bag from the support tube assembly. See Figure 7A.

• To empty the grass, use the handle which is provided on the bottom of each bag.

See Figure 7B.

NOTE: Under normal usage, the grass collector is subject to wear and should be checked periodically. Be certain any replacement bag complies with the mower manufacturer’s recommendation. Wash grass bag periodically with water. Allow to air dry. Do not use heat.

A

B

Figure 7

9

Model 842

19

1

15

1

15

8

17

15

17

32

4

3

23

29

11

8

31

2

22

5

12

20

15

14

21

24

9

31

7

28

6

14

18

15

15

16

10

13

25

9

15

15

15

26

27

33

34

30

10

Model 842

Ref.

No.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

Part No.

16606

17200A

17201A

17204

17247

710-0473

710-0604A

710-0751

710-3008

711-0309A

712-0272

712-0431

783-0765

712-3004A

712-3027

714-0117

723-0476

Part Description

Retainer Hook Bracket

Catcher Support Bracket

Bag Frame Hanger Bracket

Cover Assembly Complete

Support Tube Bracket

Screw, #10-24 x .5

Self Tapping Screw, 5/16-18 x .625

Hex Cap Screw, 1/4-20 x .62

Hex Cap Screw, 5/16-18 x .75

Clevis Pin

Hex Sems Nut, 10-24

Hex Flange Lock Nut, 3/8-16

Support Cross Bracket

Hex Flange Lock Nut, 5/16-18

Hex Flange Lock Nut, 1/4-20

Internal Cotter Pin, .148 x 3

Retainer Strap Assembly

Ref.

No.

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.

26.

27.

28.

29.

22.

23.

24.

25.

18.

19.

20.

21.

Part No.

631-0221

731-0926

736-0108

736-0253

736-0270

783-0764

738-0380

783-0673

742-0679

710-0788

749-0745A

749-0750

764-0251

783-0601

731-2299

736-0173

747-2134

Part Description

Discharge Chute

Chute Tube

Flat Washer, .51 x .75 x .033

Belleville Washer

Bell Washer, .265 x .75 x .062

LH Catcher Support Bracket

Shoulder Screw, .50 x .27, 3/8-16

RH Catcher Support Bracket

High Lift Blades 18.50”

Hex Washer Screw 1/4-20 x 1.0

Grassbag Frame Tube

Catcher Support Tube

Grassbag

Catcher Support Bracket

Extension Tube

Flat Washer .28 ID x .74 OD

Mounting Rod

11

MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR:

The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD LLC with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the

United States, its possessions and territories.

MTD LLC warrants this product against defects for a period of two (2) years commencing on the date of original purchase and will, at its option, repair or replace, free of charge, any part found to be defective in materials or workmanship. This limited warranty shall only apply if this product has been operated and maintained in accordance with the Operator’s Manual furnished with the product, and has not been subject to misuse, abuse, commercial use, neglect, accident, improper maintenance, alteration, vandalism, theft, fire, water, or damage because of other peril or natural disaster. Damage resulting from the installation or use of any accessory or attachment not approved by MTD LLC for use with the product(s) covered by this manual will void your warranty as to any resulting damage.

Normal wear parts or components thereof are subject to separate terms as follows: All normal wear parts or component failures will be covered on the product for a period of 90 days regardless of cause. After 90 days, but within the two year period, normal wear part failures will be covered ONLY IF caused by defects in materials or workmanship of OTHER component parts. Normal wear parts and components include, but are not limited to: batteries, belts, blades, blade adapters, grass bags, rider deck wheels, seats, snow thrower skid shoes, shave plates, auger spiral rubber, tires.

HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE: Warranty service is available,

WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE, through your local authorized service dealer. To locate the dealer in your area, check your

Yellow Pages, or contact MTD LLC at P.O. Box 361131,

Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019, 1-800-800-7310, 1-330-220-

4683 or log on to our Web site at www.mtdproducts.com.

This limited warranty does not provide coverage in the following cases: a. The engine or component parts thereof. These items carry a separate manufacturer’s warranty. Refer to the applicable manufacturer’s warranty for terms and conditions.

b. Log splitter pumps, valves, and cylinders have a separate one year warranty.

c. Routine maintenance items such as lubricants, filters, blade sharpening, tune-ups, brake adjustments, clutch adjustments, deck adjustments, and normal deterioration of the exterior finish due to use or exposure.

d.

MTD LLC does not extend any warranty for products sold or exported outside of the United States, its possessions and territories, except those sold through MTD

LLC’s authorized channels of export distribution.

e.

Parts that are not genuine MTD parts are not covered by this warranty.

f.

Service completed by someone other than an authorized service dealer is not covered by this warranty.

g.

Transportation charges and service calls are not covered.

No implied warranty, including any implied warranty of merchantability of fitness for a particular purpose, applies after the applicable period of express written warranty above as to the parts as identified. No other express warranty, whether written or oral, except as mentioned above, given by any person or entity, including a dealer or retailer, with respect to any product, shall bind

MTD LLC. During the period of the warranty, the exclusive remedy is repair or replacement of the product as set forth above.

The provisions as set forth in this warranty provide the sole and exclusive remedy arising from the sale. MTD

LLC shall not be liable for incidental or consequential loss or damage including, without limitation, expenses incurred for substitute or replacement lawn care services or for rental expenses to temporarily replace a warranted product.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above exclusions or limitations may not apply to you.

In no event shall recovery of any kind be greater than the amount of the purchase price of the product sold. Alteration of safety features of the product shall void this warranty.

You assume the risk and liability for loss, damage, or injury to you and your property and/or to others and their property arising out of the misuse or inability to use the product.

This limited warranty shall not extend to anyone other than the original purchaser or to the person for whom it was purchased as a gift.

HOW STATE LAW RELATES TO THIS WARRANTY: This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 1-800-800-7310