McCulloch 960 71 00-23 User manual

• Assembly
• Operation
• Customer Responsibilities
• Repair Parts
03021
OWNER’S MANUAL
Model Number H338HL
Product No. 960 71 00-23
Mfg. ID No. 96071002300
38 Inch Mower
Grass Catcher

2
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under
the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at
all times.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with
the instructions, to operate the machine.
• Cleartheareaofobjectssuchas rocks,toys,wire,etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blades.
• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operat-
ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do notmowinreverse unlessabsolutely necessary. Al-
ways look down and behind before and while backing.
• Neverdirectdischargedmaterialtowardanyone.Avoid
discharging material against a wall or obstruction.
Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop
the blades when crossing gravel surfaces.
• Donotoperatemachinewithouttheentiregrasscatcher,
discharge guard, or other safety devices in place and
working.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always
turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting.
• Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine
andwaitforallparts tocometoa completestopbefore
cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or
unclogging the discharge guard.
• Operate machine 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.
• Useextracarewhenloadingorunloadingthemachine
into a trailer or truck.
• Always wear eye protection when operating machine.
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
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.
WARNING: In order to prevent ac-
cidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making re-
pairs, always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug.
WARNING: Do not coast down a hill
in neutral, you may lose control of the
tractor.
WARNING: Tow only the attachments
that are recommended by and com-
ply with specifications of the manu-
facturer 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 dangerous. Tires can lose
tractionwiththegroundandcauseyou
to lose control of your tractor.
• Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60yearsandabove,
are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-re-
lated injuries. These operators should evaluate their
ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to
protect themselves and others from serious injury.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for wheel
weights or counterweights.
• 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
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If
you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it,
do not mow it.
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction.
Always keep the machine in gear when going down
slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the
tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction,
which could cause the machine to roll over.
• Use extra care while operating machine with grass
catchers or other attachments; they can affect the
stability of the machine. Do no use on steep slopes.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
Themachinecouldsuddenlyrolloverifawheelisover
the edge or if the edge caves in.
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.
• Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandinthewatchful
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the
area.
• Before and while backing, look behind and down for
small children.
• Nevercarrychildren,evenwiththebladesshutoff. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safemachineoperation.Childrenwhohavebeengiven
rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing
area for another ride and be run over or backed over
by the machine.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Useextracarewhenapproachingblindcorners,shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may block your view of a
child.

3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES...............................10
STORAGE....................................................................10
REPAIR PARTS........................................................... 11
SAFETY RULES.........................................................2-3
CARTON CONTENTS ................................................... 4
ASSEMBLY.................................................................5-8
OPERATION ..................................................................9
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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.
Pleasereadandretain thismanual.Theinstructionswillenableyoutoassembleandmaintain yourGrassCatcherproperly.
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operat-
ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhilebacking.
• Nevercarrychildren,evenwiththebladesshutoff. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safemachineoperation.Childrenwhohavebeengiven
rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing
area for another ride and be run over or backed over
by the machine.
• Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandinthewatchful
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.
• Before and while backing, look behind and down for
small children.
• Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across.
• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the
area.
• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the
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.
• Donotturnon slopesunlessnecessary,andthen,turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IV. TOWING
• Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for
towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the
hitch point.
• Followthe manufacturer'srecommendation for weight
limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.
• Neverallowchildrenorothersinorontowedequipment.
• On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may
cause loss of traction and loss of control.
• Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
V. SERVICE
SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme
careinhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable
and the vapors are explosive.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
• Use only approved gasoline container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
• Never fuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel container where there
isanopenflame,spark,orpilotlightsuchasonawater
heater or other appliances.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or
trailer bed with plastic liner. Always place containers
on the ground away from your vehicle when filling.
• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or
trailerandrefuel iton theground.If thisisnot possible,
then refuel such equipment with a portable container,
rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
• Keepthenozzleincontactwiththerimofthefueltankor
containeropening at all timesuntil fueling is complete.
Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
• Iffuelisspilledonclothing,changeclothingimmediately.
• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten
securely.
GENERAL SERVICE
• Never operate machine in a closed are.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment
is in safe working condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Cleanoilorfuelspillageandremoveanyfuel-
soaked debris. Allow machine to cool before storing.
• If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the
machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Nevermakeanyadjustmentsorrepairswiththeengine
running.
• Check grass catcher components and the discharge
guard frequently and replace with manufacturer's rec-
ommended parts, when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear
gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service
as required.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.

4
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
(1) 9/16" Wrench
03021
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.
KNOW YOUR GRASS CATCHER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR OPERATING YOUR GRASS
CATCHER. 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.
CAUTION: BEFORE ASSEMBLING GRASS CATCHER TO TRACTOR:
• Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake.
• Place gearshift/motion control lever in "NEUTRAL" 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 plug and place where it cannot come in contact with plug.
COMPLETE BAGGER MUST BE IN PLACE BEFORE OPERATING MOWER
PARTS IDENTIFICATION:
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
(2) Adapters
SUPPORT
ASSEMBLY
SHOULDER
BOLTS
RETAINER
SPRING
LOWER CHUTE
ATTACHING
STRAPS
UPPER
CHUTE
CHUTE LATCH
FULL
BAG
INDICATOR
LOWER
CHUTE
GRASS
CATCHER
CONTAINERS
COVER
ASSEMBLY
ADAPTER

5
ASSEMBLY
02530
02531
1
DRAWBAR A (See Figs. 1A, 1B & 1C)
1. Remove and discard the upper bolt on both sides of
thedrawbar.Usingthesameholes,installtheshoulder
bolts supplied and tighten securely.
DRAWBAR
SHOULDER
BOLTS
SUPPORT
ASSEMBLY
RETAINER
SPRING
PIN
FIG. 1A
REMOVE AND DISCARD
UPPER BOLTS AND INSTALL
SHOULDER BOLTS SUPPLIED
FIG. 1C
2. Install adapter to both sides of support assembly as
shown.
BAGGER SUPPORT ASSEMBLY
Determine which type drawbar you have on your tractor.
Compare the drawbar illustrations below to the drawbar
located at the rear of your tractor.
Followthesupportassemblyinstructionsthatapplytoyour
type drawbar.
DRAWBAR A DRAWBAR B
3. Align support assembly pin with hole in drawbar and
hang assembly over the shoulder bolts.
4. Besuresupportassemblyisseatedproperlyandsecure
with retainer spring supplied.
DRAWBAR B (See Fig. 1D)
1. Discard adapters provided - not required for drawbar
type B.
2. Align support assembly pin with hole in drawbar and
hang assembly over the shoulder bolts.
3. Besuresupportassemblyisseatedproperlyandsecure
with retainer spring supplied.
3064
SHOULDER
BOLTS
SUPPORT
ASSEMBLY
RETAINER
SPRING
PIN
FIG. 1D
FIG. 1B
ADAPTER

6
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:BEFORELOCKINGTHETABS,HOOKEDEDGES
ON BOTH HALVES MUST OVERLAP TO FORM SEAL AS
SHOWN IN INSET.
4. Repeat for other containers.
PRESS TOGETHER
TO FORM SEAL
WHILE LIFTING
TOP HALF
02089
CONTAINER
BOTTOM
HALF
CONTAINER
TOP HALF
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.
LOCKING
TAB
WARNING
Donotoperatemowerunlessc
ontainerisp
rope
rlyissubjectto wearanddetierioration.Checkbagfrequ
ently.Replacewhencrackedordamaged. Use onlyarecomme
ndedreplacementcontainer.
02097
FIG. 3
3
02739
CONTAINER
BOTTOM HALF
CONTAINER
TOP HALF
2
MOUNTING COVER ASSEMBLY TO
SUPPORT ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 2)
NOTE: For ease of assembly, you may wish to obtain the
assistanceofanotherpersonformountingcoverassembly
to tractor.
1. Position cover assembly on ground behind tractor.
2. Liftandrotatecovertoaligncoverbracketswithsupport
assembly tubes.
3. Slide cover assembly down onto the support tubes.
FIG. 2
03024
COVER
ASSEMBLY
SUPPORT
ASSEMBLY

7
LOWER CHUTE (See Fig. 5A)
1. Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position.
2. Placeslotinlowerchuteovertabonmowerandposition
lower chute over mower opening as shown.
3. Hook rear latch into flange hole on back of mower.
4. Hook front latch into tab hole on front of mower.
• If your tractor is equipped with gauge wheels on the
deck, then it will be necessary to hook the rear latch
into the hole in the R.H. gauge wheel bracket.
5
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.
WARNING
Donotoperate mowerunless containerisproperlyisnstalled.Container is
subjectto wearanddetierioration.Check bagfrequently. Replace when
crackedordamaged. Use only a recommended replacementcontainer.
WARNING
Donotoperatemowerunlesscontainerisproperlyis nstalled.Containeris
subjectto wear anddetierioration. Checkbagfrequently. Replace when
crackedordamaged.Useonly a recommendedreplacement container.
03022
CONTAINER MOUNTING (See Fig. 4)
1. Install one container to left side first with warning to
outside of unit. Install another container to center po-
sition and one in right position.
NOTE:Rightcontainershouldalwaysoverlapleftcontainer
at center supports.
2. Closecoverandlocklatchhandlesovercentersupport
tubes.
4
FIG. 4
COVER LATCH
HANDLES
CONTAINER
WARNING
CONTAINER
HANDLE
CONTAINER
WARNING
CENTER
SUPPORT
TUBES
03058
DEFLECTOR SHIELD
HINGE BRACKET
REAR LATCH
REAR GAUGE
WHEEL
BRACKET
DEFLECTOR
SHIELD
FRONT
LATCH
REAR LATCH
WITHOUT
GAUGE WHEELS
WITH REAR
GAUGE WHEELS
EXTENDED EDGE "B"
Must be under deflector shield
and along side the hinge bracket
FIG. 5A
TAB
FIG. 5A

8
UPPER CHUTE (See Figs. 6A & 6B)
1. Lower mower 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.
6LEVEL MOWER
• Be sure mower is properly leveled for best mower
performance. See your tractors owner's manual for
instructions
7
3. Pushin andturnupper chuteuntil itis inline withlower
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.
UPPER
CHUTE
COVER
FIG. 6A
FIG. 6B
HANDLE
FULL BAG
INDICATOR
LOWER
CHUTE
BOSSES
LATCH PIN
ALIGN-
MENT
SLOT
RUBBER
LATCH
UPPER
CHUTE
COVER

9
TIPS FOR IMPROVED BAGGING
OPERATION:
Follow the mower operation instructions in your tractor
owner's manual.
Whenoperating your grasscatcher on alawn where grass
and leaf bagging equipment has not been used, you are
pickingup thatch anddebris that hasaccumulated 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 per-
formance.
NOTE: It may be necessary to overlap width of cut to suit
your conditions.
• Ifgrassisextremelytall,itshouldbemowedtwice.The
first time relatively high, the second time to desired
height.
• Use left hand side of mower for trimming.
• Plastictrashbagscanbeinsertedinsidegrasscatcher
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. Tipthecontaineronitssideandslidethe filledbag
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. Closecoverandsecurelatchesovercentersupport
tubes.
• Avoidcuttingwetgrassorinthemorningwhilethedew
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. Whenthe wheel stops,it indicatesthatthe
bags are full and the chutes have become clogged.
NOTE: To help prevent clogging of chutes, check/empty
bagswhenthewheelisspinningfast.Experiencewillteach
you the best time to empty the bags.
Careshouldbetakennottodamage thepartsandthat
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.
- 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. Check to insure full bagger indicator has not be-
come clogged.
- The air passage hole must be clear of debris.
Gentlyinsertasmalltwigorwireintopassageway
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.
• Disengagemowerwhen 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.
OPERATION

10
STORAGE
When grass catcher is to be stored for a period of time,
cleanitthoroughly,removealldirt,grass,leaves,etc.Store
in a clean, dry place.
CAUTION: Do not leave grass in bag-
gercontainers. Emptycontainersafter
eachuseandbeforestoring. Failure to
do so may result in spontaneous com-
bustionwhichcoulddevelopintoafire.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Always observe safety rules when performing any main-
tenance.
• Before each use check for loose fasteners.
• Clean unit thoroughly after each use.
BLADE CARE
Forbestresultsmowerbladesmustbekeptsharp. Replace
bent or damaged blades.
• See BLADE CARE instructions in your tractor owner's
manual.
CAUTION:BEFOREPERFORMINGANY
MAINTENANCE,SERVICEORADJUST-
MENTS:
• Depress clutch brake pedal fully and
set parking brake.
• Place gearshift/motion control lever in
"NEUTRAL" position.
• Placeclutchcontrolin"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: Grasscatchercomponents
are subject to wear, damage and
deterioration, which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be
thrown. Frequentlycheckcomponents
and replace with manufacturer's
recommended parts, when necessary.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES