Craftsman 917.249781 User manual

Owner's Manual
JCRRFTSMIIN°J
GRASS CATCHER
38" Mower
Model No.
917.249781
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, II 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

SAFETY RULES A
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers m:_
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 ofobjects such as rocks,toys, wire, etc., which
could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
Be surethe area isclear ofother people before mowing, Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
Never carw passengers.
•Do notmow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
look down and behind before and while backing.
Be aware ofthe 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 tuming.
•Never leave a running machine unattended, Always tum 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 fortraffic when operating near or crossing roadways.
•Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into
atrailer 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 ridingmower safely enough to protectthemselves
and others from serious injun!.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up
whichcan touch hot exhaust /engine parts and bum. 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 Ioss-of-contrel and tipover
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes
require extra caution. Ifyou cannot back upthe slope orifyou 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, Tail 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 slowand 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 straight down the
slope.
DO NOT:
Do not tum on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
Do notmow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The
mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge
of acliff 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 ofchildren. Children are often attracted to the machine
and the mowing activity. Neverassume that children will remain
where you last saw them.
Keep children out ofthe 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 comers, shrubs,
frees, 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 tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
Keep machine free ofgrass, leaves, or other debris build-up.
Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an 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 manufacturer's recommended pads, when
necessary.
Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when senlicing them.
Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.
2

SAFETY RULES
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 notmow inreverse 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, took 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 could
overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
•Use slow speed. Choose alow gear so thatyou will nothave
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, it possible,
&
&
&
&
Look for this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions. It means CAU-
TIONH! BECOME ALERTm YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill in
neutral, you may lose control of the
tractor.
CAUTION: Tow onlythe attachments
thatare recommended byand comply
with specifications ofthe manufactu-
rer of your tractor. Use common
sensewhen towing. Operate onlyat
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.
CAUTION: In order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making
repairs, always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug.
CONGRATULATIONS onyour purchase ofa new Grass Catcher. Ithas been designed, engineered and manufactured to give
you the bestpossible 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 toservice or repair this unit.
Please read and retainthis manual. The instructionswillenable youto assemble and maintain your Grass Catcher properly.
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
SAFETYRULES ........................................................ 2-3
BAG OFPARTS ............................................................ 4
ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 5-8
OPERATION .................................................................. 9
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES .............................. 10
STORAGE ................................................................... 10
WARRANTY ................................................................ 10
REPAIR PARTS ...................................................... 12-13

KNOW YOUR GRASS CATCHER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR OPERATING YOUR GRASS
CATCH ER. Compare the illustrations with the carton contents tofamiliarize you rself 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 standard
safety glasses or awide vision safety mask worn over the spectacles.
UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS
•Remove all parts and packing materials from carton.
•Checkcartoncontentsagainstlist. Besureallpartsars
there.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY:
(2) 9/16" Wrenches
CARTON CONTENTS:
(2) ContainerTops
(2) Container Bottoms
(1) UpperChute
(1) Lower Chute
(1) Support Assembly
(1) Bag of Parts
(1) Owner's Manual
ASSEMBLY HARDWARE SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE
LOCATION
MOWER
DECK
BAFFLE
REAR
MOUNTING
BRACKET
TO
DRAW BAR
GROUP "A" I-- ©
(1) Bolt 3/8-16 x 1-1/4 (1) Locknut 3/8-16
GROUP "B" I
/(4) Shoulder Bolts
5/16 -18 Self Tapping
LOWER
CHUTE
TO
MOWER
DECK (1) Washer 13/32 x 1 x 16 Ga. (1) Wing Nut
4

PARTS IDENTIFICATION
COVER
UPPER CHUTE
FULL
BAGGER
INDICATOR
LATCH
GRASS
CATCHER
CONTAINERS
LOWER CHUTE
LOWER CHUTE
ATTACHING
WING NUT
NOTE: When right hand (R.H.) and left hand (L.H.) are mentioned in this manual, itmeans when you are seated on thetractor,
in the operator's position.
A
CAUTION: BEFORE ASSEMBLING GRASS CATCHER TO TRACTOR:
iepress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake.
Place gearshift/motion control lever in neutral (N) position.
Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" 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 itcannot come in contact with
plug.
MOWER DECK BAFFLE (See Fig. 1)
Use Hardware --GROUP "A"
1. Raise your tractor mower deck to itshighest position.
2. Install the hex bolt, and Iocknut through mower deck
baffle and tighten securely.
5
LOCKNUT_
HEX BOLT
MOWER DECK BAFFLE j
FIG. 1

BAGGER SUPPORT ASSEMBLY
(See Figs. 2A & 2B)
NOTE: If your tractor already has four (4) shoulder bolts
installed on the rear drawbar, simply hang the support
assembly on the bolts. Discard the four (4) shoulder bolts
supplied and go on to Step 3 instructions.
SHOULDER
,_. BOLTS
SUPPORT _
ASSEMBLY
FIG. 2A
Ifyour tractor does not have four (4)shoulder bolts installed
on the drawbar, follow the instructions below.
Use Hardware - - GROUP "B"
1. Using the four formed holes in the drawbar, install the
four shoulder bolts as shown and tighten securely.
2. Hang the support assembly on the bolts.
SUPPORT LF
ASSEMBLY _ I _ TAPPING
_/I SHOULDER
BOLTS
FIG. 2B
TO REMOVE THE SUPPORT ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 2C)
1. Pulloutward on thestop bracket enough to allow support
assembly to be lifted up and away from drawbar.
PULL OUT ON STOP BRACKET TO
REMOVE SUPPORT ASSEMBLY
MOUNTING COVER ASSEMBLY TO
SUPPORT ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 3)
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 bracket with support
assembly.
3. Slide cover assembly down onto the support assembly+
COVER
ASSEMBLY
SUPPORT
ASSEMBLY
FIG. 3
FIG. 2C 6

CONTAINER ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 4)
No hardware required
1. Place bottom half inside of top half, as shown.
2. Place one foot inside bottomhalf and lifttop halftomeet
bottom half.
3. Press halves tightly together while lifting top to lock into
place as shown.
IMPORTANT: BEFORE LOCKING THE TABS, HOOKED
EDGES ON BOTH HALVES MUST OVERLAP TO FORM
SEAL AS SHOWN IN INSET.
4. Repeat for second container.
t_N ONTAINER
BOTTOM
HALF
TAINER
TOP HALF
CONTAINER
BOTTOM
HALF
PRESS TOGETHER
TO FORM SEAL
WHILE LIFTING
TOP HALF
LOCKING
TAB
ASSEMBLY CHECK: Squeeze sides of lower half of con-
tainer 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.
FIG. 4
CONTAINER MOUNTING (See Fig. 5)
No hardware required
1. Install one container to left side first with warning to
outside of unit. Install other container to right side.
NOTE: Right containershould always overlap leffcontainer
at center support.
2. Close cover and lock latch handle over center support
tube.
COVER LATCH
HANDLE
CONTAINER
CONTAINER
HANDLE CENTER
SUPPORT
TUBE
CONTAINER
WARNING
FIG. 5
LOWER CHUTE (See Fig. 6)
Use Hardware - - GROUP "C"
1. Raise and holddeflector shield inupright position.
2. Slideback edge ofchuteover rearcomer ofmowerdeck
and pivotforward.
3. Align slot in lower chute with hex bolt in mower deck
baffle and close chute over deck openning.
Secure with washer and wingnut.
4,
WASHER
\
|
CAUTION: Do not remove discharge I
guard from mower. Raise and hold I
guard when attaching lower chute
and allow itto rest on chute while in
operation.
DEFLECTOR SHIELD
MOWER DECK
WING NUT HEX BOLT
7 FIG. 6

UPPER CHUTE (See Figs. 7A & 7B)
No hardware required
1. Lower mower deck to itslowest cutting position.
2. Assemble upperchute byinsertingcurved end intohole
in back of cover.
NOTE: Handle carefully so as not to damage full bagger
indicator.
3. Push in and turn upper chute until itis 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 HANDLE
BAGGER
COVER
UPPER
CHUTE
LOWER
CHUTE
FIG. 7A
ALIGNMENT
SLOTS
LATCH PIN
RUBBER
LATCH
BOSSES
FIG. 7B
LEVEL MOWER DECK
No hardware required
Be sure deck is properly leveled for best mower perfor-
mance. See your tractors owner's manualfor instructions.
8

TIPS FOR IMPROVED BAGGING OPERATION:
Follow the mower operation instructions in your tractor
owner'smanual.
When operating you r 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 perfor-
mance.
NOTE: It may be necessary to ovedap width of cut to suit
your conditions.
• If grass is extremely tall, itshould 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 onecontainer atatime by grasping contai-
ner 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 overcenter support
tubes.
• Avoid cuttingwet grass or inthe 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 isequipped witha full bagger indicator.As
the bags become full, movement ofthe wheel will slow
down and/or stop, indicatingthatthe bags are full orthe
chutes have become clogged.
NOTE: To help prevent clogging of chutes, check/empty
containers when movement of the indicator begins to slow
down.
• Care should be taken notto damage thefutl bag indicator
and that the wheel spins freely at the beginning of each
use.
Ifthe 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 isindicated bythe stopped movement ofthe
full bagger indicator.
a. Disengage blades, shift into neutral, engage the
parking brake and stop the engine.
- Raise seat. Unlatch and raise cover.
- Slide out containers and dispose of clippings.
- Replace containers, close cover, and latch.
b. Unlatch chutes and check for clogging.
- Remove all debris in chutes.
- Reassemble and latch chutes
c. Checkto insurefunbagger indicatorhas not become
clogged.
- The air passage hole must be clear of debds.
Gently insert a small twig or wire into passage-
way 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.
9

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Always observe safety ruleswhen performing any mainte-
nance.
•Before each use check for loose fasteners.
•Clean unitthoroughly after each use
BLADE CARE
Forbestresultsmower blades must bekept sharp Replace
bent or damaged blades.
See BLADE CARE instructionsin your tractor owner's
manual.
STORAGE
When grass catcher isto be storodfor a periodoftime, clean
it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grass, leaves, etc. Store in a
clean, dry 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.
&CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY
MAINTENANCE, SERVICE OR ADJUST-
MENTS:
• Depress clutch brake padal 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.
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON
CRAFTSMAN GRASS CATCHER
For one year from the date of purchase, when this grass catcher attachment ismaintained 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 instructions contained in the owner's manual.
Grass catcher attachments used for commercial or rental purposes.
WARRANTY SERVICE ISAVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN GRASS CATCHER TO 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 legal rights, and you may also have other nghtswhich vary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS. 60179
10

NOTES
11

REPAIR PARTS
39
GRASS CATCHER -MODEL NUMBER 917,249781
3
20 1;
9
220
22 23
15
17 18
lO
31
31
31
24
28
36
25

REPAIR PARTS GRASS CATCHER -MODEL NUMBER 917.249781
KEY PART
NO, NO.
1 STD533107
269180
3127533
4 161312
5 139569
6 18021008
7 130933
8 87175
9 19061216
10 7206J
..= 11 STD541810
12 STD551110
13 109808X
14 2029J
15 STD523712
16 STD551037
17 STD541437
18 131970
DESCRIPTION
Carriage Bolt 5/16-18 x 3/4
Nut, Crownlock#10-24
Screen, Cover
Cover Asm.(Incl. 3,38,39)
Chute, Upper
Screw, Special
Full Bagger Indicator
Screw, #10-24 x 1-1/8
Washer 3/16x3/4x16 Ga.
Spacer, Split
Nut, Acorn #10-24
Washer, lock
Latch, Chute
Nut, Weld
Bolt, Hex 3/8-16 x 1-1/4
Washer3/8
Locknut 3/8-16
Chute, Lower
KEY PART DESCRIPTION
NO. NO.
19 135651 Wingnut 3/8-16
20 71161010 Screw #10-24 x 5/8 TrussHead
21 132796 Spring, CoverL.H.(black)
22 133235 Spacer, Cover
23 132983 Spring, Cover R.H. (gray)
24 180923 Support Assembly
25 73800400 Locknut
26 4939M Spring, Retainer
27 72140405 Bolt
28 179745 Bracket, Stop
30 131137 Pin, Support Post
31 174083 Plug, Tubing End
32 179746 Bagger, Frame
33 128600 Pin, Hinge
34 127534 Gasket, Cover
35 129584 Container, Top
36 129586 Container, Bottom
38 130895 Latch Handle, Cover
39 155042X431 Strip, Reinforcement
-- 183231 Owner's Manual

NOTES
14

NOTES
15

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TM SM
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183231 2 26.02 rad Printed in U S.A.