Owner's Manual

GRASS CATCHER

Model No.

917.249850

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety

Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment.

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Customer Responsibilities

• Repair Parts

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

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

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers _J_

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. GENERAL OPERATION

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 dding mower safelyenough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.

Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts and burn. Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves or other debris which can cause build-up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or storing the machine. Allow machine to

cool before storage.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover 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.

•

•

•

•

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.

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.

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 straightdown the slope.

DO NOT:

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

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 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.

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 tamperwith safety devices. Checktheir properoperation 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 strikean 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 reanufacturer"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

_lb 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 couldoverturn 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.

_1

&

&

Look for this symbol to point out |

I important safety precautions.

It means

CAUTION!!!

BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

in neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.

dangerous.

Do not coast down a hill

CAUTION: Tow only the attachments that are recommended lose control of your tractor.

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

Tires can lose traction with the ground and cause you to

CAUTION: In order to prevent 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".

I

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

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

2-3

5-7

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

8

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

9

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

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

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

10-11

9

9

KNOW YOUR GRASS CATCHER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR OPERATINGYOU R 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. Be sure all parts are there.

CARTON CONTENTS:

(3) Container Tops

(3) Container Bottoms

(1) Upper Chute

(1) Lower Chute

(1) Support Assembly

(1) Cover Assembly

(2) Shoulder Bolts

(1) Retainer Spring

PARTS IDENTIFICATION

COVER

ASSEMBLY

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

(1) 9/16" Wrench

SHOULDER

BOLTS

SUPPORT

ASSEMBLY

\

RETAINER

SPRING _

FULL

BAGGER

INDICATOR

CHUTE LATCH

UPPER CHUTE

GRASS

CATCHER

CONTAINERS

LOWER CHUTE

LOWER CHUTE

ATrACHING

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 CATCHERTOTRACTOR:

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

_ Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake.

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 & 1B)

1.

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

REMOVE AND DISCARD

UPPER BOLTS ANDINSTALL

SHOULDER BO_SSUPPLIED

MOUNTING COVER ASSEMBLY TO

SUPPORT ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 2)

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

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

SUPPORT

ASSEMBLY

RETAINER

SPRING _d _.I

°

\

PIN

FIG. 1B

FIG. 2

02532

5

CONTAINER ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 3)

1.

Place bottom half inside of top half, as shown.

2.

Place one foot inside bottom half and lift top half to meet bottom half.

3.

Press halves tightly together while lifting top to lock into place as shown.

IMPORTANT:BEFORE LOCKINGTHETABS, HOOKED EDGES

ONBOTHHALVESMUSTOVERLAPTOFORM SEAL AS SHOWN

IN INSET.

4.

Repeat for other containers.

CONTAINER

BOTTOM HALF

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

WARNING

CONTAINER

TOP HALF

TUBES

CONTAINER

TOP HALF

PRESS TOGETHER

TO FORM SEAL

WHILE LIFTING

TOP HALF

CONTAINER

WARNING

CONTAINER

HANDLE

CONTAINER

BOTTOM

HALF

LOCKING

TAB

FIG. 3

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.

6

5

LOWER CHUTE (See Fig. 5)

1.

Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position.

2.

Place slot in lower chute over tab on mower deck and

position lower chute over deck opening as shown.

3.

Hook rear latch into flange hole on back of mower deck.

4.

Hook front latch into tab hole on front of mower deck.

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.

UPPER CHUTE (See Figs.

6A & 6B)

1.

Lower mower deck 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.

FULL BAGGER

INDICATOR HANDLE

\

DEFLECTOR

SHIELD

OP_ONALFRONT

GAUGEWHEEL

COVER

UPPER

CHUTE

TAB

LOWER

CHUTE

FIG. 6A

ALIGNMENT

SLOT

_ / LATCH PIN

FIG. 5

;EAR LATCH

FRONT

LATCH

7

FIG. 6B

LEVEL MOWER DECK

Be sure deck isproperly leveled for best mower performance.

See your tractors owner's manual for instructions.

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 tong 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.

b 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.

8

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

Forbest 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 in contact with plug.

STORAGE

When gra_ catcher is to be stored for a period of time, clean it th: ,-t::ghly, remove all dirt, grass, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, _;y place.

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

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.

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 instructionscontained 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 parts and repair center 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, IL. 60179

9

0

REPAIR PARTS

GRASS CATCHER - - MODEL NUMBER 917.249850

37

20

5

6

• 35

31

31

26

16

22

REPAIR PARTS

GRASS CATCHER - - MODEL NUMBER 917.249850

...=

-"

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

18

20

21

22

4

5

2

3

6

7

8

9

KEY

NO.

PART

NO.

69180

127533

139851

176741

18021008

130933

87175

19061216

7206J

STD541810

STD551110

109808X

2029J

130760

130759

174345

71161010

132796

140809

DESCRIPTION

Nut, Crownlock #10-24

Screen, Cover

Cover Assembly (Includes 3, 37, 38, 39)

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.

37

38

39

40

46

--

33

34

35

36

23

26

28

29

30

31

32

PART

NO.

132983

4939M

179534

176997

165898

174083

176990

128600

127534

183286

129586

134637

130895

186601

71141008

74760536

177860

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

Owner's Manual

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For repair of carry-in products like vacuums, lawn equipment, and electronics, call or go on-line for the nearest

Sears Parts and Repair Center.

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day or night (U.S.A only) www.sears.com

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

1-800-827-6655 (U.S.A.) 1-800-361-6665 (Canada)

Para pedir servicio de reparaci6n a domicilio, y para ordenarpiezas:

1-888-SU-HOGAR sM

(1-888-784-6427)

Au Canada pour service en franc,_is:

1-800-LE-FOYER Mc

(1-800-533-6937) www sears.ca

SEARS

© Sears, Roebud( andCo

® Registered Trademark /

TM

Trademark / SMService Mark of Sears, Roebuck and Co

® Marca Regtstrada / n¢ Marca de F,_bnca / SMMarca de Servlc_o de Sears, Roebuck and Co

MCMarque de commerce / MDMarque d_posee de Sears, Roebuck and Co

177860 Rev 2 3.10.03

rad Printed in U.S.A.