Attaching the Grass Catcher .........................13
1
Page 4
Safety Rules
and Information
Read these safety rules and follow them closely. Failure to obey these rules could result in loss of control
of unit, severe personal injury or death to you, or bystanders, or damage to property or equipment. The
triangle in text signifies important cautions or warnings which must be followed.
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 is bolted
tightly to the unit.
• DO NOT operate the unit without either the entire
grass catcher or the deflector in place.
• Turn off the PTO to disengage the blades when not
mowing.
• DO NOT mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. 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.
• Collector bags are subject to deterioration and wear
during normal use. Inspect the bag periodically for
tears, holes, or weak spots and replace with a new
bag that meets manufacturer’s durability standards.
• 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.
Blower OR 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%
SAFETY DECALS
This unit has been designed and manufactured to provide you with the safety and reliability you would expect
from an industry leader in outdoor power equipment
manufacturing.
Although reading this manual and the safety instructions
it contains will provide you with the necessary basic
knowledge to operate this equipment safely and effectively, 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.
TP 100-4785-00AT-SMAN
If any decals are lost or damaged, replace them at once.
See your local dealer for replacements.
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
Attachment Decal
WARNING
Thrown objects hazard
• Objects thrown by the mower can seriously
injure or kill you.
• Do not open the hopper while the mower blades
are turning.
• Do not operate the mower without the complete
catcher in place.
Decal - WARNING
Thrown Objects Hazard
Part Number 1732819
Read and obey all operation and warning decals.
2
1732819
Page 5
General
Operating Instructions
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 is wet, 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 is a snug fit between mower deck,
blower housing, tubes, and grass catcher cover.
Mowing with the Catcher
Always operate with throttle at full speed when mowing.
Grass should be cut often, and 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 unit, disengage the PTO,
shut off the engine and then empty the catcher or clear
the tube.
WARNING
ALWAYS shut off the tractor. 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.
CAUTION
Before you begin operating the unit be certain
you have read all of the safety and operational
information of this instruction sheet, as well as
the Operator’s Manual for the tractor and any
other attachments.
Never operate on slopes greater than 17.6% (10°).
After Operation
Remove any debris from the screen on the underside of
the lid.
The blower housing and tube should be removed for
cleaning.
Inspect the grass bags for wear or damage. Make sure
that there is a snug fit between mower deck, blower
housing, tubes, and grass catcher cover.
CAUTION
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 Catcher
Clean the grass catcher thoroughly using a mild detergent (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.
3
Page 6
Tube Component Assembly
BAFFLE INSTALLATION
1. Determine which baffle to use (See Chart).
2. Lift side discharge chute (H, Figure 1).
3. Insert baffle (F) through discharge opening and position baffle into place.
4. Tighten carriage bolts (A) and locknut(s) (E) on baffle (F).
5. Tighten carriage bolt (B) and locknut(s) (E) on baffle (F).
6. Position baffle (G) into place.
7. Tighten carriage bolts (C) and locknut(s) (E) on baffle (G).
8. Tighten carriage bolts (D) and locknut(s) (E) on baffle (G).
H
E
“A”
44” Mower Deck50” Mower Deck
“A”
“B”
RH side
26-1/4” long
LH side
24-7/8” long
29-3/4” long
27-3/4” long
“B”
RH side
LH side
A
A. Carriage Bolts,
5/16-18 x 5/8
B. Carriage Bolt,
5/16-18 x 5/8
C. Carriage Bolts,
5/16-18 x 5/8
F
D. Carriage Bolts,
5/16-18 x 5/8
E. Locknuts, 5/16-18
F. Right Hand Baffle
G. Left Hand Baffle
H. Discharge Chute
Figure 1. Baffle Assembly
E
E
C
B
G
E
E
D
4
Page 7
Component Installation
A
B
C
Figure 2. Install Mounting Plate
A. Mounting Plate
B. Locknuts, 5/16-18
C. Carriage Bolts, 5/16-18 x 5/8
Component Installation
INSTALL MOUNTING PLATE
1. Install mounting plate (A, Figure 2) to mower deck as
shown. Secure with carriage bolts (C) and locknuts
(B).
LOWER CHUTE ROD AND PIN INSTALLATION
1. Insert the head of latch pin (A, Figure 3) through front
hole of lower chute (D). Secure with carriage bolt (B)
and locknut (C).
2. Install the rod (H) to lower chute (D) using locknuts
(G) for front holes. Tighten hardware.
3. Install the rubber strap (F) onto capscrew (I) securing
with locknut (E).
C
D
G
J
I
B
A
E
G
H
Figure 3. Lower Chute to Boot Installation
A. Latch Pin
B. Carriage Bolt, 1/4-20 x 5/8
C. Locknut, 1/4-20
D. Lower Chute
E. Locknut, Center Lock, 5/16-18
F. Rubber Strap
G. Locknuts, Whiz Lock, 5/16-18
H. Rod, Boot Mount
I.Capscrew, Hex Head, 5/16-18 x 1-1/4
J. Capscrew, Hex Head, Thin, 5/16-18 x 1
F
A
E
B
C
F
HANDLE INSTALLATION
1. Install handle (A, Figure 4) using screw (C) and
locknuts (B) for rear hole. Use screw (D) as shown.
Tighten hardware.
2. Install strap (E) to screw (D) and secure with
locknut (F).
B
D
Figure 4. Handle to Tube Installation
A. Handle
B. Locknuts, KEPS, 1/4-20
C. Screw, Slotted, 1/4-20 x 1/2
D. Screw, Slotted, 1/4-20 x 1
E. Rubber Strap
F. Locknut, Center Lock, 1/4-20
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Page 8
Bag and Cover Support Installation
INSTALL BAG AND COVER SUPPORT
1. Install the bag and cover support (B, Figure 5) to
upright support (A) using the capscrews (C) and the
locknuts (D).
B
D
A
C
Figure 5. Install Bag and Cover Support
A. Upright Support
B. Bag and Cover Support
C. Capscrews, 3/8-16 x 1
D. Locknuts, 3/8-16
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Page 9
Cover and Bag Installation
INSTALL COVER ASSEMBLY
1. Attach cover assembly (B, Figure 6) to bag support
bracket (A) using hinge pivots (E). Secure cover
using cover hinge pins (C) and hair pins (D).
D
E
C
B
E
D
C
INSTALL COLLECTOR BAGS
1. Raise the cover (A, Figure 7).
Note: It may be necessary to fold seat forward to allow
cover to stay in the raised position.
2. Attach collector bags (B) using grass bag hanger (C)
to bag hanger post (D).
A
C
D
B
A
Figure 6. Install Cover Assembly
A. Bag Support Bracket
B. Cover Assembly
C. Cover Hinge Pins
D. Hair Pins
E. Hinge Pivots
Figure 7. Install Collector Bags
A. Cover
B. Collector Bags
C. Grass Bag Hanger
D. Bag Hanger Post
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Page 10
Tube Installation
LOWER TUBE INSTALLATION
1. Lift discharge deflector up (D, Figure 8).
2. Insert lower chute rod (A) into mounting plate (B).
3. Pull rubber strap (C) and secure by placing hole
closest to knob in strap completely over locknut (E).
D
C
B
A
B
Figure 8. Install Lower Tube
A. Lower Chute Rod
B. Mounting Plate
C. Rubber Strap
D. Discharge Deflector
E. Locknut
F. Bolt Carriage 1.25
C
D
A
E
Figure 9. Install Upper Tube to Cover
A. Upper Tube
B. Cover
C. Ridge, Upper Tube
D. Ridge Cutout
44” Frame Hung Mowers
50” Frame Hung Mowers
44” Free Floating Mowers
D
B
E
F
50” Free Floating Mowers
C
A
50” ZT3000 Mowers
44” ZT3000 Mowers
CONNECTING UPPER AND MIDDLE TUBE
1. Slide the upper tube (A, Figure 9) into cover (B) aligning ridge (C) with cutout (D).
2. See Figure 10 for correct hole location and secure
the upper tube (E) to middle tube using screw (F).
3. Slide middle tube (D) into upper tube (E).
4. Slide middle tube (D) over boot (A). Pull strap (B)
and place hole completely over pin (C).
Figure 10. Install Middle Tube
A. Lower Chute
B. Strap, Rubber
C. Pin
D. Middle Tube
E. Upper Tube
F. Screw, 1/4 x 3/4
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Page 11
Collector Installation and Removal
E
F
R
Q
D
C
G
P
O
I
N
M
Figure 11. Collector Installation and Removal
COLLECTOR INSTALLATION
H
J
K
L
Note: See previous pages for more detailed installation
and operation instructions if necessary.
1. Mount the hitch support assembly (A, Figure 11) onto
rear tractor frame.
2. Attach cover (B) to support assembly using pins (C)
and hair pins (D).
3. Pivot cover (B) up. Install bag (E) by attaching grass
bag hanger (F) to support assembly (A).
4. Lift discharge deflector (J) up. Insert lower chute rod
(M) into mounting plate (L). Pull boot strap (I) and
secure by placing hole closest to knob in boot strap
completely over locknut and capscrew (K).
5. Slide the upper tube (G) into cover (B) aligning ridge
(Q) with cutout (R).
6. Slide middle tube (H) into upper tube (G). Slide
middle tube (H) over lower chute (N). Pull strap (P)
and place hole completely over pin (O).
A
A. Hitch Support Assembly J. Deflector
B. CoverK. Nut & Capscrew
C. PinsL. Mounting Plate
D. Hair PinsM. Lower Chute Rod
E. BagN. Lower Chute
F. Grass Bag HangerO. Pin
G. Upper TubeP. Strap, Middle
H. Middle TubeQ. Ridge
I.Strap, BootR. Ridge Cutout
COLLECTOR REMOVAL
D
C
B
WARNING
OPERATION WITHOUT BAGGER
For operation without bagger, the mower
deflector MUST be properly installed in the down
position and retained by the spring latch.
1. Unhook strap (P, Figure 11) from pin (O). Slide middle tube (H) into upper tube (G) and remove middle
tube (H). Remove upper tube (G) from cover (B).
2. Lift up cover (B) remove and empty bags (E).
3. Unhook strap (I) from locknut and capscrew (K).
Remove lower chute (N) from mounting plate (L).
See that the discharge deflector (J) returns to the
DOWN position.
4. Remove hair pins (D) and pins (C) then remove cover
(B).
Note: To prevent loss of parts, reinstall pins (C) and hair
pins (D) in support assembly hinge.
5. Remove hitch support assembly (A).
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Page 12
Carrier Installation
FRONT WEIGHT CARRIER INSTALLATION
1. Install carrier (F, Fgure 12) as shown securing with
capscrews (B), and locknuts (C).
2. Secure required weights using rod (D) and safety
clip (E).
C
A
C
A
F
E
Figure 12. Front Weight Carrier Installation
A. HolesD. Rod
B. Capscrews, E. Clips, Safety
1/2-13 x 1-1/4F. Carrier, Weight
C. Locknuts, 1/2-13
B
D
B
E
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Page 13
Hitch Plate and Back Plate Installation
FLAT STYLE BUMBER
1. Remove and discard hardware holding heat shield
(B, Figure 13) to upper and lower bumper (E).
2. Open existing holes (F) in heat shield (B) and upper
& lower bumper (E) to 17/32”.
3. Install hitch plate (A) to upper and lower bumper (E)
keeping heat shield (B) in between. Secure with
capscrews (C) and locknuts (D).
D
A
C
E
F
F
B
TUBE STYLE BUMBER
1. Center and secure hitch plate (A, Figure 14) to the
bumper (B) with u-bolts (C) and locknuts (D).
2. Set the back plate and support (A, Figure 15) onto
pins of hitch plate (C). Secure with rod (D) and hair
pin (B).
D
A
B
D
C
D
D
C
Figure 13. Install Hitch Plate (Flat Style Bumper)
A. Hitch PlateD. Locknuts, 1/2-13
B. Heat ShieldE. Upper & Lower
C. Capscrews Hex, Bumper
1/2-13 x 1-1/4F. Existing Holes
Figure 14. Install Hitch Plate (Tube Style Bumper)
A. Hitch PlateC. U-Bolts
B. Bumper, TubeD. Locknuts, 3/8-16
A
B
C
D
Figure 15. Install Back Plate (Flat Style Bumper)
A. Back Plate and Support C. Hitch Plate
B. Hair PinD. Rod
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Page 14
Grass Catcher Removal an d Attachment
REMOVING THE GRASS CATCHER
1. Remove the hair pin clips (B, Figure 16) and hinge
pins (D) and remove the cover (A).
A
B
CD
Figure 16. Remove the Cover
A. CoverC. Hinge
B. Hair Pin ClipE. Hinge Pin
2. Remove the bags (A, Figure 17) by tilting them off
their hooks. Empty any grass out of the bags.
Note: Back plate (A, Figure 18) will fall when rod (D)
is removed.
3. Remove the hair pin (B, Figure 18) and rod (D)
while holding back plate (A).
4. Lift the back plate and support (A) off hitch plate
(C).
A
B
C
D
Figure 18 . Install Back Plate (Flat Style Bumper)
A. Back Plate and Support C. Hitch Plate
B. Hair PinD. Rod
A
Figure 17. Bags
A. Bags
B. Back Plate
B
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Page 15
ATTACHING THE GRASS CATCHER
1. Set the back plate and support (A, Figure 19) onto
the pins of the hitch plate (C). Secure with rod (D)
and hair pin (B).
2. Hook the bags on the back plate (Figure 7).
3. Install the catcher cover (A, Figure 7) and secure
with the hinge pins (D, Figure 6) and hair pin clips
(D).
Note: Push the hair pin clips all the way on or they will
be bent by the hinge when the cover is opened.
4. Insert lower chute (A, Figure 10) and middle tube
(D) into upper tube (E) and clip into turbo.
Grass Catcher Removal and Attachment
A
B
C
D
Figure 19 . Install Back Plate (Flat Style Bumper)
A. Back Plate and Support C. Hitch Plate
B. Hair PinD. Rod
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Page 16
MANUFACTURING, INC.
Simplicity Mfg. Inc.500 N Spring
Street / PO Box 997
Port Washington, WI 53074-0997
www.SimplicityMfg.com
Simplicity Mfg. Inc.500 N Spring
Street / PO Box 997
Port Washington, WI 53074-0997
www.AGCOLawn.com
Simplicity Mfg. Inc. - Snapper Products
535 Macon Street
McDonough, GA 30253