Craftsman 917.249391 User manual

OWNERS
MANUAL
MODEL NO.
917.249391
Caution:
Read Rules for
Safe Operation
and instructions
Carefully
CRAFTSMAN
GRAS CATCH #J
Assembly
installation
Operation
Repair Parts
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Chicago, IL 60684 U.S.A.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of aSears Craftsman Grass Catcher Attachment. It has been designed, engineered
and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance. Should you experience any problem
you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Service Department. They have competent, well-trained
technicians and the proper tools to repair this unit.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble, operate, and maintain your Craftsman
Grass Catcher properly. Always observe the "RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION".
FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY
ON CRAFTSMAN GRASS CATCHER ATTACHMENT
(EXCLUDING BLADE(S) AND BLADE ADAPTER(S)
For one year from the date of purchase, when this grass catcher attachment is maintained and
lubricated 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 excludes blade(s) and blade adapter(s), which are expendable and become worn dur-
ing normal use.
This warranty does not cover:
- repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including the failure
to maintain the equipment according to instructions contained in the owner's
manual; and
-grass catcher attachments used for commercial or rental purposes.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING 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 Iegal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from
state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., Dept. 6981731A Sears Tower, Chicago, IL 60684
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARRANTY ............................................... 2
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION ....................................... 3
ASSEMBLY - MOWER .............................................. 4
ASSEMBLY - GRASS CATCHER ........................................ 7
OPERATION .................................................... 11
MAINTENANCE .................................................. 12
STORAGE ...................................................... 12
REPAIR PARTS ........................ :.......................... 14

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATnON
1. Know the controls and how to stop quickly, READ THIS
OPERATOR'S MANUAL and instructions furnished with
your tractor.
2 Do not allow children to operate the machine, Do not allow
adults to operate it without proper instruction.
3 Do not carry passengers. Do not mow when children and
others are around.
4 Always wear substantial footwear. Do not wear loose fit-
ting clothing that could get caught in moving parts,
5 Keep your eyes and mind on your tractor, mower and the
area being cut. Do not let other interests distract you.
6 Do not attempt to operate your tractor or mower when
not [n the drivers seat.
7 Always get on or off your tractor from the operator's left
hand side.
8 Clear the work area of objects (wire, rocks, etc.) which
might be picked up and thrown.
9, Disengage all attachment clutches and return gear shift
control to neutral before attempting to start the engine.
10. Disengage power ,to attachments and stop the engine
before leaving the operator's position.
11. Disengage power to mower, stop the engine and discon-
nect spark plug wire(s) from spark plug(s) before clean-
ing, making an adjustment or repair.
12. Disengage power to attachments when transporting or not
in1Jse.
13, Take all possible precautions when leaving the vehicle un-
attended, Disengage the power-take-off, lower the at-
tachments, return gear shift control lever to neutral, set
the parking brake, stop the engine and remove the key,
14, Do not stop or start suddenly when going uphill or
downhill. Mow up and down the face of slopes (not
greater than 15°); never across the face. Refer to sight
guide in tractor manual.
15, Reduce speed on slopes and make turns gradually to pre-
vent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes.
16. While going up or down slopes choose a speed tow enough
to negotiate the slope without stopping. To reduce speed,
move gear shift control lever to neutral position.
17. Never mow in wet or slippery grass, when traction is un-
sure or at a speed which could cause a skid,
18, Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards.
Keep away from drop-offs.
19. Do not drive too close to creeks, ditches and public
highways.
20. Exercise special care when mowing around fixed objects
in order to prevent the blades from striking them. Never
deliberatefy run tractor or mower into or over any foreign
objects,
2 t, Never shift gears until tractor comes to a stop.
22. Never place hands or feet under the mower, in discharge
chute or near any moving parts whi_e tractor or mower
are running. Always keep clear of discharge chute.
23, Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment.
a, Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
b. Limit loads to those you can safely control.
c. Do not turn sharply. Use care when backing,
d. Use counterweight or wheel weights when suggested
in the owner's manual.
24. Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.
25. When using any attachments, never direct discharge of
material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the
vehicle while in operation.
26. Handle gasoline with care - it is highly flammable.
a. Use approved gasoline containers,
b. Never remove the fuel cap of the fuel tank or add
gasoline to a running or hot engine or an engine that
has not been allowed to cool for several minutes after
running. Never fill tank indoors, always clean up spill-
ed gasoline.
c. Open doors if the engine is run in the garage - exhaust
fumes are dangerous. Do not run theengine indoors,
27. Keep the vehicle and attachments in good operating con--
dition, and keep safety devices in pIace and working.
28. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equip-
ment is in safe working condition.
29, Never store the equipment with gasoline in the tank in-
side a building where fumes may reach an open flame or
spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
30. To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves
or excessive grease. Never attempt to clean product while
engine is running.
31. Except for adjustments; DO NOT operate Engine if air
cleaner or cover directly over carburetor air intake is
removed. Removal of such part could create a fire hazard.
32. Do not operate without a muffler or tamper with exhaust
system. Damaged mufflers or spark arresters could create
a fire hazard. Inspect periodically and replace if necessary,
33. The vehicle and attachments should be stopped and in-
spected for damage after striking a foreign object and the
damage should be repaired before restarting and operating
the equipment.
34. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed
the engine; severe damage or injury may result.
35. When using the vehfcle with mower, proceed as follows;
a. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
b. Shut the engine off when unclogging chute.
c. Check the blade mounting bolts for proper tightness
at frequent intervals.
36. Do not operate the mower without entire grass catch-
er, on mowers so equipped or the deflector shield in place.
37. Disengage power to mower before backing up. Do not
mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary and then on-
ly after careful observation of the entire area behind the
mower.
3 8. Under normal usage the grass catcher bag material is sub-
ject to deterioration and wear. It should be checked fre-
quently for bag replacement. Replacement bags should
be checked to ensure compliance with the original
manufacturer's recommendations or specificatfons.
LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFE-
TY PRECAUTIONS. IT MEANS -- ATTENTION! BECOME
ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

PARTSIDENTIFICATION
COVER
ELBOW
//€'
30 GALLON
CONTAINER
FIGURE 1
"CLUTCH/BRAKE"
POSITION
FIGURE 2
CHUTE
TUBE
ASSEMBLY EXTENSION
CHUTE
ASSEMBLY
MOWER BLADE
CLUTCH LEVER
"DISENGAGED"
POSITION
KEY
BRAKE
"ENGAGED"
GEAR SHIFT
LEVER /"
®
CHUTE LATCH
PIN
To assemble your grass catcher you will need:
(1) 9/16" wrench (1} screwdriver
(2) 1/2" wrenches (t) 3/8" wrench
(2) 7/16" wrenches
(1} 7/8" wrench
NOTE: RIGHT HAND (R.H.) AND LEFT HAND (L.H.) ARE
DETERMINED FROM OPERATOR'S POSITION WHILE
SEATED ON THE TRACTOR.
ASSEMBLY-MOWER
READ THE "RULES FOR SAFE OPERA-
TION" CARFEULLY BEFORE OPERATING
YOUR GRASS CATCHER,
DO NOT OPERATE MOWER WITH GRASS
CATCHER ASSEMBLY PARTIALLY
INSTALLED.
All hardware for mower assembly found in bag labeled
"Mower Deck Hardware".
1. Turn ignition key (Fig. 2) to "OFF" position.
i ill l i i i II'IH'I
REMOVE KEY TO PREVENT UNAUTHOR-
IZED USE,
MAKE ABSOLUTELY SURE THE BLADES
AND ALL MOVING PARTS HAVE COM-
PLETELY STOPPED.
2,Push c/utch-brake peda/ complete/y into "BRAKE"
position (Fig. 2).
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3. Move gear shift lever {Fig. 2) to "NEUTRAL"
position.
4. Place parking brake (Fig. 2) in "ENGAGED" posi-
tion. Raise parking brake lever and hold in "EN-
GAGED" position, Release ctutch-brake pedal.
5, Disengage mower blade clutch lever (Fig. 2 -Inset).
i,
FROM THE SPARK PLUGIS) AND KEEP
WIRE(S) AWAY FROM THE PLUG(S) TO
PREVENT INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL
STARTING.
ii
6. Remove mower from tractor. Refer to "To Remove
Mower" in your tractor owners manual. Turn the
mower upside down.
7. Using a 9/16" wrench remove the bolts,
Iockwashers and washers securing the mower
blades to the mandrel assemblies. Save hardware
for later use when mower is used without grass
catcher.
8. Mount grass catcher blades, lower blade saddles,
upper blade saddles and mower blades to mandrel
assemblies (Fig, 3) using: two 3/8 -24 x 1 -3/4
hex bolts gr. 5, two Iockwashers and two washers
(shown full size below). Grass catcher blades, lower
blade saddles, upper blade saddles and hardware
furnished with grass catcher.
HJlltlltnlnMIHrlIHtnlfD
L_I
a. For ease of assembly, turn mower upside down.
b. Return mower blade (Fig. 3) to original position
against mandrel assembly.
c. Place upper blade saddle and lower blade sad-
dle (Fig. 3) on mower blade. NOTE: Position
flanges as shown in Fig. 3.
d. Place grass catcher blade in lower blade saddle.
NOTE: Be sure pointed edges of grass catcher
blade are facing upward (Fig. 3).
e.Secure grass catcher blade assembly to mandrel
assembly using hex bolt, Iockwasher and
washer (Fig. 3). Tighten securely. NOTE: Lower
blade saddle must be seated inside upper blade
saddle (Fig. 3 -Inset). Repeat procedure for other
blade.
1'lit '_ ii
ALWAYS USE GRADE 5 HEAT TREATED
BOLTS TO ATTACH BLADES. CHECK
BOLTS IN BLADES OCCASIONALLY TO
MAKE SURE BOLTS ARE TIGHT, TORQUE
BOLTS 27 - 35 FT. LBS.
i i, i
A GRADE 5 HEAT TREATED BOLT CAN BE
IDENTIFIED BY THREE LINES INDICATED
ON THE BOLT HEAD AS SHOWN AT LEFT.
9. Using a 1/2" wrench remove hardware "'A'" & "'B'"
(Fig. 4) securing L.H. runner to mower housing.
Hardware may be discarded. .5.
MOWER MANDREL
LOWER
BLADE
FLANGES
•UPPER BLADE
SADDLE
GRASS
CATCHER
BLADE
WASHER
_ LOCKWASH ER
HEX BOLT - GR. 5
FIGURE 3
a.H. L.H. BAFFLE
FIGURE 4

10. Place L.H, baffle (Fig. 4) on lip of mower housing.
Secure L.H. runner to L.H. baffle and mower hous-
ing using: two 5/16 carriage bolts and two 5/16
locknuts (shown full size below). NOTE: Do not
tighten. L.H, baffle and hardware furnished with
bagger.
R.H. FOOTREST
DISCHARGE
GUARD
MOWER
HOUSING
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 6
11. Using a 1/2" wrench remove hardware "'D" (Fig.
5-Inset) securing discharge guard to mower hous-
ing. Hardware may be discarded,
1 2, Using a 1/2"' wrench remove hardware "'A", "'B"
and "'C" (Fig, 6) securing R.H. runner to mower
housing. Hardware may be discarded.
1 3. Place R.H. baffle (Fig. 4) on lip of mower housing.
Secure R.H, runner to R,H. baffle and mower hous-
ing using: one 5/16 carriage bolt and one 5/16
locknut (shown full size below). NOTE: Do not
tighten. R.H, baffle and hardware furnished with
grass catcher.
14. Secure L,H. baffle and R.H. baffle to mower hous-
ing using: four clamps, four 1/4 hex bolts and four
1/4 Iocknuts (shown futl size below). Clamps and
hardware furnished with grass catcher,
I tlll!!lllltllllJi
a. Place clamps (Fig. 7) overholes in L.H. and R, H.
baffles (Fig, 7). Bolt heads to underside of
mower housing, Tighten securely. NOTE:
Tighten hardware assembled in step 10
securely.
1 5. Assemble latch assembly to top of R.H. runner (Fig.
8) using: two 5/16 carriage bolts and two 5/16
Iocknuts (shown full size below). Bolt heads to
underside of mower housing, NOTE: Do not tighten.
Latch assembly and hardware furnished with grass
catcher, ©
CLAMPS
FIGURE 7 - 6-

16. Attach discharge guard to latch assembly and
mower housing (Fig. 8) using two 5/16 carriage
bolts and two 5/15 Iocknuts (shown furl size
below), Bolt heads to underside of mower housing.
Tighten securely, Hardware furnished with grass
catcher. NOTE: Tighten hardware assembled in
steps 13 and 15. ©R.H.
RUNNER
17. Reattach mower to tractor. Refer to "Mower In-
stallation'" in your tractor owners manual.
ASSEMBLY-GRASS CATCHER
All hardware for grass catcher assembly is found in bag
labeled "Mounting Bracket Hardware".
1. Locate u-bolt in parts bag. Place two !/4 hex nuts
and two washers (shown full size below) on u-bolt.
NOTE: Back nuts down the full length of u-bolt. U-
bolt and hardware furnished with grass catcher.
2. Insert u-bolt through slot in drawbar by reaching
from underneath between drawbar and transaxle
(Fig. 9).
3. Place the rear mounting bracket (Fig. 9) on u-bolt
and secure with two washers and two I/4 Iocknuts
(shown full size below). Tighten finger tight, Rear
mounting bracket and hardware furnished with
grass catcher. ©
4. Secure the rear mounting bracket to the drawbar
(Fig. 9) using: one shoulder bolt, one washer and
one 3/8 Iocknut (shown full size below). Tighten
securely. NOTE: Tighten hardware assembled in
step 3. Hardware furnished with grass catcher.
WASHERS
1/4 LOCKNUTS
SHOULDER
BOLT
HEX NUTS
FIGURE 8
U-BO LT
DRAWBAR
WASHER • _
318 LOCKNUT
REAR
'tOUNTING
BRACKET
FIGURE 9
-7-

SUPPORT
POST
f
RETAINER
SPRING
REAR
MOUNTING
BRACKET
FIGURE 10
SUPPORT
BRACKET
PIN
SUPPORT
POST
ELBOW
I
5116 HEX
BOLTS
FORMED WAI
ELBOW I
SUPPORT
TUBE
END PLUG _" _ ELBOW SHIELD
_"_ LOCKNUTS
FIGURE 11
5. Assemble the support post to the rear mounting
bracket (Fig. 10) using support bracket pin and re-
tainer spring. Retainer spring shown furl size below.
Support post, latch pin and retainer spring furnish-
ed with bagger.
6. Mount elbow support tube to support post (Fig. 11)
using: two 5/16 hex bolts and two 5/16 Iocknuts
{shown full size below}. NOTE: Position elbow sup-
port tube as shown in Fig. 11, Tighten securely,
Elbow support tube and hardware furnished with
bagger. ©
7. Install end plug (Fig. 1!) on elbow support tube. End
plug furnished with bagger.
8. Mount the elbow retainer and the elbow shield to
the elbow support tube (Fig. 11) using: two form-
ed washers and two 5/16 Iocknuts {shown full size
below). NOTE: Do not tighten. Elbow retainer,
elbow shield and hardware furnished with bagger.
©
.Slide elbow through elbow'retainer (Fig. t2 -Inset).
Secure elbow to elbow retainer using: two clips,
two screws, two washers and two acorn nuts.
NOTE: Mount clips in holes located 2 -I/2" from
edge of elbow. Hardware shown full size below,
Heads of screws and flat washers mount to the in-
side of elbow. Position clips with closed end of clip
facing tube opening as shown in Fig. 12 -Inset.
Tighten securely. NOTE: Tighten hardware
assembled in step 8. Elbow and hardware furnish-
ed with grass catcher.
10. Flip seat forward.
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-8-

1 1, Mount top cover to support post (Fig. 12) using
hinge pin and retainer spring. Retainer spring shown
full size below, Hinge pin and retainer spring furnish-
ed with grass catcher, TOP
12. Position the grass catcher container assemblies on-
to the support posts through the "'L "slots (Fig. 13
-Inset).
RETAINER
SPRING
SUPPORT POST HINGE
FIGURE 12
BRACKET
'r"L" SLOT
POST SUPPORT
POST
1G_RASS
CATCHER
CONTAINER _.---_
ASSEMBLIES [ FIGURE 13

ANDLE
SHIELD
CHUTE _CHUTE
.EXTENSION E;
ELBOW
LATCH
ASSEMBLY
SPACER
_ASSEMBLY
CHUTE
TUBE LATCH
.__PtN
LATCH
ASSEMBLY
FIGURE 14
\\
CONTA|NEPt _
FIGURE 15
JTE
EXTENSION
TOP
ELBOW
SHIELD
HUTE
EXTENSION
ASSEMBLY
AS£EMBLY
i,n
YOUR SPRING LOADED MOWER DEFLEC-
TOR SHIELD (FIG, 14} MUST NOT BE
REMOVED. SIMPLY ROTATE IT UP AND
HOLD IN UP POSITION WHILE AT-
TACHING CHUTE EXTENSION. THE
MOWER DEFLECTOR SHIELD CAN BE
RELEASED TO REST AGAINST CHUTE EX-
TENSION. THIS WILL ASSURE DEFLEC-
TOR SHIELD IS STILL ON MOWER IF
CHUTE EXTENSION OF GRASS CATCHER
ATTACHMENT IS REMOVED.
13. Assemble chute extension to mower housing.
a. Insert chute extension pin into latch assembly
spacer (Fig. 14 -R.H. Inset).
b. Lift up slightly on L.H. side of chute extension
lining up spacers located on latch assembly and
chute extension.
c. Secure R.H side of chute extension to latch
assembly using: retainer spring (shown full size
below). Chute extension and retainer spring fur-
nished with grass catcher.
-10-