Craftsman ZTS 7500 User manual

Operator's Manual
ZTS 7500
2-BI E
Model No.
107.24906
CAUTION: Before using this product, read
the manual and follow all its Safety Rules
and Operating Instructions,
For answers to your questions about this
product, call:
1-800-659-5917
Sears Craftsman Help Line
5 am - 5 pm, Mon - Sat
Nota: Una traducci6n en espa5ol de este Manual
del Operador puede encontrarse en la pagina 11.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman 1732542-01
Revision Date 04/2006
TP 199-4278-01-AT-C

Nota: Una traducci6n en espaRol de este Manual del Operador puede encontrarse en la p_.gina 11.
Warranty Statement ..................................................... 2
Safety Rules & information for Bagger ..................... 3
Operating instructions for Bagger ............................. 4
Initial Assembly & Installation .................................... 5
Normal installation & Removal ................................... 9
Spanish Operator's Manual ...................................... 11
Repair Parts ......................................................... PTS-1
Hardware Identification &
Torque Specifications ................... Inside Back Cover
Service Telephone Numbers .................... Back Cover
ONE YEAR FULL WARRANTY on CRAFTSMAN 2-BIN BAGGER
For one (1) year from the date of purchase, if any parts of this product are defective in material or workmanship,
Sears will repair or replace them free of charge.
THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER:
• Bagger cloth bags which are expendable and wear out with normal use.
• Repairs necessary because of operator negligence, including but not limited to, failure to maintain the equipment
according to the instructions contained in the operator's manual.
• Bagger if used for commercial or rental purposes.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING DEFECTIVE PARTS TO THE NEAREST SEARS PARTS &
REPAIR CENTER IN THE UNITED STATES.
FOR THE NEAREST SEARS PARTS & REPAIR CENTER LOCATION, CALL 1-800-4-MY-HOME ®.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Dept. 817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
HARDWARE BAG
Description Quantity
Carriage Bolt, 5/16-18 x 3/4 2
Push Nut 2
Bracket 1
Pin, Clevis 2
Washer, 1/2 2
Pin, Hair 2
Nut, Hex, 1/2-13 1
Capscrew, Hex, 1/2-13 x 1-1/4 1
Washer, 3/8 4
Locknut, 3/8-16 2
Capscrew, Hex, 3/8-16 x 1-3/8 2
Wing Nut, 5/16-18 1
Knob, Plastic, 5/16-18 1
Washer, 11/32 x 1-3/4 2
TOOLS REQUIRED
Description Quantity
9/16" Wrench 2
3/4" Wrench 2
See Page 25 for Wrench and Fastener Size Guide.

[,_ eadthesesafetyrulesandfollowthemclosely.Failuretoobeytheserulescouldresultinlossofcontrolof
unit,severepersonalinjuryordeathtoyou,orbystanders,ordamagetopropertyorequipment.Thetrian-
gle _ intextsignifiesimportantcautionsorwarningswhichmustbefollowed.
See Rider Operators Manual
r ,GENERAL WARNINGS
• Know the unit's controls and how to stop quickly.
READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUALS.
• Read and obey all safety decals.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with
the instructions, to operate the unit.
Disengage the PTO. Shut off the engine and wait for
all moving parts to stop before attaching, adjusting,
or disconnecting any part of the collection system.
Check the collection system to make sure it isbolted
tightly to the unit.
DO NOT operate the unit without either the entire
grass bagger or the deflector in place.
Turn off the PTO to disengage the blades when not
mowing.
• DO NOT mow in reverse. Always look down and
behind before and while travelling in reverse.
DO NOT turn sharply when travelling alongside a
building or any object. Slow down before turning.
• DO NOT carry passengers.
When collection system is removed from the mower
deck, the deflector must be properly installed.
• Grass bagger 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 neces-
If the mower stalls or the collector chute plugs:
1. Disengage the PTO;
2. Stop the engine and remove the key;
3. Set the parking brake, and wait for all moving
parts to stop.
4. Remove the foreign object or clear the chute
with a piece of wood before restarting the engine.
NEVER place hands into COLLECTOR OR
MOWER housing to clear jammed objects.
MOWER may rotate when object is removed.
• For added stability and to prevent tipping or loss of
control:
a. Use reduced speed on uneven ground and
when turning corners.
b. Reduce loads on hillsides, it is recommended
that the collection system be kept only half full
when negotiating any slopes. Start mowing on
slopes when the collection system is empty.
c. Mow up and down the face of slopes; never
across the face of any slope.
Never operate on slopes greater than 17.6%
(10°).
sary.
SAFETY DECALS
This unit has been designed and manufactured to pro-
vide you with the safety and reliability you would expect
from an industryleader in outdoor power equipment
manufacturing.
Although reading this manual and the safety instructions
itcontains will provide you with the necessary basic
knowledge to operate this equipment safely and effec-
tively, we have placed several safety labels on the unit to
remind you of this important information while you are
operating your unit.
All DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION and instructional
messages on your rider, attachments and mower should
be carefully read and obeyed. Personal bodily injury can
result when these instructions are not followed. The
information is for your safety and it is important! The
safety decals below are on your product.
If any decals are lost or damaged, replace them at once.
See your local dealer for replacements.
TP 600-2562-01-AT-SMA
These labels are easily applied and will act as a constant
visual reminder to you, and others who may use the
equipment, to follow the safety instructions necessary for
safe, effective operation.
ATTACHMENT DECAL
Decal =WARNING
Thrown Objects
Part Number =1732819
Read and obey all operation and warning decals.

BEFORE OPERATION
Clear the lawn of all sticks, stones, wire and other debris
which may be caught or thrown by the mower blades.
Check grass condition. If wet, wait until later in the day.
If grass iswet, the grass catcher is likely to become
plugged.
For efficient bagging, air circulation under the
mower deck, through the chute and into the bag is
very important.
For this reason, BEFORE YOU BEGIN MOWING you
should make certain the underside of the mower and
the underside of the catcher lid are free from grass and
debris.
Make sure that there isa snug fit between mower deck,
blower housing, tubes, and hopper.
MOWING WITH THE BAGGER
Always operate with throttle at full speed when mowing.
Grass should be cut often, but not too short. If grass is
too long or lush it may be necessary to keep ground
speed to a minimum or to cut only half the width of the
mower to prevent clogging. If grass is long, operate with
mower in high cutting position for first pass, cutting again
in a lower position on a second pass.
Do not open the cover with mower engaged.
If a large amount of cut grass is spilling out from under
deck, the tube may be plugged or the bags may be full--
discontinue mowing, stop the rider, disengage the PTO,
shut off the engine and then empty the bagger or clear
the tube.
REQUIRED ACCESSORIES
A front-mounted weight of 32 Ibs. is required when using
this rear-mounted grass catcher. Never operate mower
on slopes greater than 10°.
AFTER OPERATION
Remove any debris from the the screen on the underside
of the hopper lid. Note: The lid screen can be partially
removed for easier cleaning and should be cleaned regu-
larly.
The discharge tubes should be removed for cleaning.
_, WARNING: Inspect the grass bags for wear or
hole damage before and after each use. Debris
can fly through holes during operation.
CAUTION
WARNING
ALWAYS shut off the unit. Disengage the PTO,
and allow all moving parts to stop BEFORE
disconnecting or clearing tube, or emptying
catcher.
Before leaving the operator's position for any
reason, engage the parking brake, disengage the
PTO, stop the engine and remove the key.
To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine, rider and
mower free of grass, leaves and excess grease.
Do not stop or park rider over dry leaves, grass or
combustible materials.
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.
STORING THE GRASS BAGGER
Clean the grass bagger thoroughly using a mild deter-
gent (other products may damage the tube). Remove
any debris from the the screen on the underside of the
lid.
If paint has been scratched on metal parts, touch up with
paint, or apply a thin film of oil to prevent corrosion.
Store in a dry area. Dry thoroughly before storing for a
long period of time. Always store away from moisture.

NOTE: in this manual, "left" and "right" are always defined from
the standpoint of the operator position facing forward from seat.
WARNING
To avoid serious injury, engage parking brake,
disengage PTO, stop engine, remove key and
disconnect spark plug(s) before attempting to
install, remove or work on the mower.
COUNTERWEIGHT INSTALLATION
1. install front counterweight (B, Figure 1) with pin (A)
through mower hitch bracket. Bottom tabs of weight
should contact bottom of mower hitch so weight is
held in position.
2. Secure hitch pin with safety clip.
SAFETY RULES
1. Never operate mower on slopes greater than 10°.
2. Front counter weight is required when ever using rear
mounted grass collection system.
3. Always remove counterweight before removing
mower.
Figure 2. Remove Carriage Bolt
A. Bracket and Mower Deck Housing
B. Locknut, 5/16-18
C. Carriage Bolt, 5/16-18 ×5/8
Figure 1. Install Mounting Plate
A. Pin
B. Front Counter Weight
C. Safety Clip
D. Mower Hitch
INSTALL CARRIAGE BOLTS
1. Remove and discard carriage bolt (C, Figure 2) and
Iocknut (B) from bracket and mower deck housing (A).
2. Secure the 5/16-18 x 3/4 carriage bolts (Figure 3) onto
bracket and mower deck housing (C) using 5/16 push
nuts (B).
Figure 3. Install Carriage Bolts
A. Carriage Bolts, 5/16-18 × 3/4
B. Push Nuts, 5/16
C. Bracket and Mower Deck Housing

Q
©
Figure 4. install Hitch Assembly, without Weights
A. Frame
B. Hitch Assembly
C. Washers, 3/8
D. Locknuts, 3/8
E. Capscrews, Hex, 3/8-16 x1-3/8
F. Locknut, 1/2-13
G. Capscrew, 1/2-13 x1-1/4
H. Drawbar
I. Washers, 11/32 x1-3/4
HITCH & BAG SUPPORT
INSTALLATION
Hitch installation
1. Attach hitch assembly (B, Figure 4) to frame (A).
Secure with 3/8-16 x 1-3/8 capscrews (E), washers
(I), washers (C) and nut (D) as shown. Finger tighten
at this time.
2. Install 1/2-13 x 1-1/4 capscrew (G) through drawbar
(H) and tighten.
3. Tighten all hardware.
Bag Support installation
1. Set bag support tube (B, Figure 5) onto hitch assem-
bly post (D).
2. insert bag support posts (A) into hitch assembly
tubes (C). Make sure that support posts insert com-
pletely into tubes.
Figure 5. Install Bag Support
A. Bag Support Posts
B. Bag Support Tube
C. Hitch Assembly Tubes
D. Hitch Assembly Post

Figure 6. Install Hopper Top
A. Hopper Top
B. Washers, 1/2
C. Hair Pins
D. Bag Support Holes
E. Clevis Pins
F. Bag Support
HOPPER INSTALLATION
1. Attach the hopper top (A, Figure 6) to the bag support
(F) by inserting clevis pins (E) through the bag sup-
port holes (D) and hopper top (A). Secure with wash-
ers (B) and hair pins (C). Make sure hopper brackets
are to left of bag support brackets.
CONNECTING TUBES
Lower Tube Installation
1. Lift discharge deflector up (E, Figure 7).
2. Place the front hole of the lower chute (A) onto car-
riage bolt (C) as shown. Slide front edge of lower
chute (A) under hinge bracket (G).
3. Place the rear hole of the lower chute (A) onto car-
riage bolt (F) as shown.
4. Secure knob (B) onto carriage bolt (C) as shown.
5. Secure wing nut (D) onto carriage bolt (F) as shown.
Connecting Upper & Middle Tube
1. Slide lower tube (A, Figure 8) into upper tube (B).
Figure 7. Install Lower Tube
A. Lower Chute
B. Knob, 5/16-18
C. Front Carriage Bolt, 5/16-18 x 3/4
D. Wing Nut, 5/16
E. Discharge Deflector
F. Rear Carriage Bolt, 5/16-18 x3/4
G. Hinge Bracket
Figure 8. Connecting Upper and Middle Tube
A. Middle Tube
B. Upper Tube

A. Notches in Bag support
B. Rubber Loop Strap
C. Bracket in Upper Tube
Assembly
D. Support
E. Upper Tube
F. Middle Tube
G. Pin
H. Rubber Strap
I. Lower Tube
Figure 9. Upper Tube Assembly installation (Hopper Top Not Shown for Clarity)
Figure 10. Upper Tube to Bag Support installation
A. Notches in Bag support
B. Rubber Loop Strap
C. Bracket in Upper Tube
D. Support
E. Upper Tube Assembly
F. Middle Tube
Tube Installation
1. Set middle tube (F, Figures 9 & 10) and upper tube
(E) into bag support (D) so that bracket (C) rests in
support (D). Pull rubber loop strap (B) over upper
tube and secure into notch (A).
2. Slide middle tube assembly (E, Figure 9) onto lower
tube (F).
3. Slide middle tube (F) over lower tube (I). Pull rubber
strap (H) and place hole completely over pin (G).
Figure 11. Bag Installation
A. Bag Support Hoops
B. Bag Hoops
C. Bag
D. White Bar
Bag Installation
t. Install bag (C, Figure t t) with white bar (C) toward
the rear. Set bag hoops (B) on bag support hoops
(A) as shown. Repeat for other side.
Closing and Opening the Hopper
t. To increase ease of opening and closing hopper
press latch located beneath center of hopper lid.
iMPORTANT: Reconnect spark plug before attempting
to start ZT Rider.

A. Hitch Post
B. Tube
C. Posts
D. Hitch Tubes
E. Bag Support & Hopper
F. Bag
G. Support Hoops
H. White Bar
I. Bag Hoops
J. Rubber Loop Strap
K. Support
L. Upper Tube
M. Lower Tube
N. Rubber Strap
O. Carriage Bolt
P. Carriage Bolt ,,/
Q. Knob
R. Deflector
S. Slot
T. Middle Tube
U. Hinge
V. Pin
W. Wing Nut
Figure 12. Normal Installation & Removal
NORMAL iNSTALLATiON & REMOVAL
Installation
NOTE: See previous pages for more detailed installation
and operation instructions if necessary.
1. Mount the bag support & hopper (E, Figure 12) by
inserting tube (B) over hitch post (A) and inserting
posts (C)into hitch tubes (D).
2. Pivot bag support and hopper (E) up. Install bag (F)
with white bar (H) towards the rear. Set bag hoops
(I) on bag support hoops (G) as shown. Repeat for
other side.
3. Lift discharge deflector up (R). Place the front hole of
the lower tube (M) onto carriage bolt (P). Slide front
edge of lower tube (M) under hinge bracket (G).
Place the rear hole of the lower tube (M) onto car-
riage bolt (0) as shown. Secure knob (Q) onto car-
riage bolt (P). Secure wing nut (W) onto carriage bolt
(0).
4. Slide middle tube (T) into upper tube (L) and sent into
support (K). Secure with rubber loop strap (J) by
hooking it into slot (S).
5. Slide middle tube (T) over lower tube (M). Pull strap
(N) and place hole completely over pin (V).
WARNING
OPERATION WITHOUT BAGGER
For operation without bagger, the mower discharge
deflector MUST be properly installed in the down
position and retained by the spring latch.
Removal
1. Unhook rubber loop strap (J, Figure 12) from slot (S).
2. Disconnect rubber strap (N) from pin (V).
3. Remove upper tube (L) & middle tube (T) from sup-
port (K) and lower tube (M).
4. Remove wing nut (W) from carriage bolt (0).
Remove the knob (Q) from carriage bolt (P).
Remove the lower chute (M) from carriage bolt (P)
and carriage bolt (0). Remove lower tube (M).
iMPORTANT: See that discharge deflector (R) returns to
the DOWN position.
5. Lift and remove bag support and hopper from hitch
tubes (D) and the hitch post (A).

10