Craftsman 502249274 Owner’s Manual

SF/A/RS

owner's

manual

Model No.

502.249274

CAUTION:

Read And Follow

All Safety Rules
And Instructions

Before Operating

This Equipment.

[RRFTSMRN

GRASS BAGGER

FOR 30"
REAR ENGINE RIDER

• Assembly

• Operation

• Customer Responsibilities

• Service And Adjustment

• Repair Parts

F-95900 Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL. 60179 U.S.A. PrintedinUSA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WARRANTY .................................

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..............

GRASS BAGGER FEATURES .................

SAFETY RULES ..............................

ASSEMBLY ..................................

HOW TO MOUNT THE FRAME ASSEMBLY...

HOW TO MOUNT THE COVER ..............

HOW TO MOUNT THE EXTENSION TUBE ....

HOW TO MOUNT THE CONNECTOR TUBE
HOW TO ASSEMBLE THE CONTAINERS ...

HOW TO MOUNT THE CONTAINERS .......

HOW TO INSTALL THE FRONT WEIGHT ....

CONTAINER LININGS .....................

OPERATION ................................

HOW TO USE THE GRASS BAGGER .......

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..............

HOW TO CLEAN THE GRASS BAGGER .....

REPAIR PARTS ..............................

SLOPE GUIDE ...............................

INDEX .......................................

2
3

3
4
6
7
8
9

10

11
12
12
12

13
13
14
14

15
18

19

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY

ON ATTACHMENTS

For one (1) year from the date of purchase, Sears will repair any defect in material or workmanship in this Attachment at no
charge.

This warranty does not cover:

• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as blades and blade adapters.

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, negligence, improper storage or accident or the failure to maintain the
equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manual.

• Equipment used for commercial or rental purposes.

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE ATTACHMENT TO THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE
CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to state.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/871WA, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60684.

F-95900 2

Congratulations on your purchase of a Sears Grass Bagger. It has been designed,
engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and

performance.

If you experience any problems you cannot easily remedy, please see your nearest Sears

Service Department. We have competent, well trained technicians and the proper tools to
service or repair this unit.

Please read and keep this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and
maintain your unit properly. Always observe the "Safety Rules".

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Carefully read and follow the rules for safe operation. Inspect the unit.

• Follow all the assembly instructions. Carefully adjust the unit.

• Know how to operate all standard and accessary equipment on the unit. Make sure
the operator can correctly operate the unit.

• Operate the unit only with guards, shields and other safety items in place and working
correctly.

• Complete all maintenance on the unit. Service the unit only with authorized or
approved replacement parts.

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this unit. See the nearest Sears Store for
information.

GRASS BAGGER FEATURES

See Through Window ......... Lets you know when the containers are full.

Large Capacity Containers ..... Containers are quickly removed and easy to empty.

GRASS BAGGER

Record in the space below the serial number and the date
of purchase of this unit.

The model number and serial number are found on a decal
attached to the unit.

Model Number: 502.249274

Serial Number:

Date of Purchase:

Keep these numbers for future reference.

F-95900 3

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Riding Vehicles

As Recommended by American National Standards Institute

WARNING: 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 to the operator or bystanders.

GENERAL OPERATION:

1. Read, understand and follow all instructions in the Instruction Book, on the machine, the engine and with any attachments before
starting.

2. Only allow responsible adults familiar with the instructions to operate the machine.

3. Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc. which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.

4. Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.

5. Never carry passengers.

6. Disengage power to the mower or any attachments before backing up. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
look down and behind before and while backing.

7. Be aware of the direction the mower discharges. Do not point discharge from the mower at anyone or at places where people may be.
Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass bagger or the mower guard in place.

8. Slow down before turning.

9. Never leave a machine unattended with the engine running. Always disengage the blade(s), set the parking brake, stop the engine and
remove the key before dismounting.

10. Disengage power to attachment(s) when transporting or not in use. Disengage the blade(s) when not mowing.

11. Stop the engine before removing the grass bagger or unclogging the chute.

12. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

13. DO not operate the machine while under the influence of alcehol or drugs or when very tired.

14. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.

15. Use extra caution when loading or unloading the machine when using a trailer or truck for transporting.

16. Disengage all attachment clutches and shift into Neutral before attempting to start the engine.

17. Always wear safety glasses or an eye shield when you operate the unit to protect your eyes from foreign objects that can be thrown
from the unit. Always wear eye protection when you make an adjustment or repair to the machine.

18. 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 counterweights or wheel weights when suggested in the Instruction Book.

19. Do not operate this machine if you are taking drugs or other medication which can cause drowsiness or affect your ability to operate
this machine.

20. Do not use this machine if you are mentally or physically unable to operate this machine safely.

SLOPE OPERATION:

Slopes and rough terrain are major factors related to loss of control and tip over accidents which can result in severe injury or
death. ALL slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on the slope, do not mow it. See the

"Slope Guide" in the back of this book to check for safe operation.

DO

1. Mow up and down slopes, not across.

2. Remove obstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc...

3. Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. "Tall grass can hide obstacles."

4. Use slow speed. Choose a low enough gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.

5. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.

6. Use extra care with grass baggers or other attachments, they can change the stability of the machine.

7. Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.

8. Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.

DO NOT

1. Do not turn on slopes unless absolutely necessary, then only turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

2. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. A wheel over the edge or an edge caving incould cause a sudden overturn and
an injury or death.

3. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

F-95900

4. Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.

5. Do not use a grass bagger or other rear mounted accessories on steep slopes (greater than 10 degrees).

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,

1. Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful care of an adult other than the operator.

2. Be alert and turn the engine off if children enter the area.

3. Before and when backing, look behind end down for small children.

4. Never carry children or any passengers. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with the safe operation of the machine.

5. Never allow children to operate the machine. Instruct children in the dangers of the machine.

6. Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure vision.

SERVICE:

1. Use extra care when handling gasoline and other fuels. Fuels are flammable and the vapors are explosive.
a. Use only an approved container.

b. Never remove the gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before refueling. Do

not smoke.

c. Never refuel the machine indoors.
d. Never store the machine with fuel in the tank or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, such as a water heater.

2. Never start or run the engine inside a closed area.

3. Keep all nuts and bolts, especially the blade attachment nuts tight. Frequently check the blade(s) for wear or damage such as cracks
and nicks. A blade that is bent or damaged must be immediately replaced with an original equipment blade from an authorized service

dealer. For safety, replace the blade every two years. Keep the equipment in good condition.

4. Never tamper with the safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

5. To reduce fire hazards keep the machine free of grass, leaves or other debris buildup. Clean up oil or fuel spills. Allow the machine
to cool before storing.

6. Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

7. Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running. The carburetor can be adjusted with the engine running. Do not change
the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine.

8. Grass bagger components are subject to wear, damage and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be
thrown. For storage, always make sure the grass bag is empty. Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer's recom-

mended parts when necessary.

9. Mower blade(s) are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) orwear gloves and use extra caution when servicing them or the blade housing
area.

10. Check the brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.

11. Wait for all movement to stop before servicing any part of the unit.

RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OWNER

Environmental Awareness

• Do not fill the engine's fuel tank completely full.

• Drain fuel for off season storage.

• Use only unleaded gasoline.

• Servicethe air cleaner regularly.

• Change oil regularly. Use 30W oil in summer.

• Tune-up the engine regularly.

• Keep equipment in efficient operating condition.

• Dispose of used engine oil properly.

precautions. This symbol indicates: "Attention!

Look for this symbol to indicate important safety
Become Alert! Your Safety Is At Risk."

F-95900 5

ASSEMBLY

ASSEMBLY

Read and follow the assembly, operation and maintenance instruc-
tions. All fasteners are in the parts bag. Do not discard any parts or

material until the unit is assembled.

TOOLS REQUIRED

1. Pliers (1)

2. Adjustable open end wrenches (2

3. Blade type screwdriver (1)

4. Phillips screwdriver (1)

5. Short blade type screwdriver (1)

6. Open end wrench, 1/2" 9/16"

7. Open end wrench, 3/8" - 7/16"

GRASS BAGGER PARTS BAG - CONTENTS

The fasteners and other loose parts are shown below. The fasteners are shown at full size. The quantity is shown in brackets ().
On some models, all of the fasteners are not required.

6x93

(5) Special Bolt 15x32

5/16"-24xlS/8" 1 Carriage Bolt (5) Hex Nut 14x86

/4"_20x5/8 "

STD532507 5/16"-24 (2) Wingnut

sxo64t13t n°

544077

(1) Pin

Notshown full size

(5) Hex Bolt

5/16"_18x3/4"

STD523107

Q o shown ,, ize

15x66

(t) Screw (6) Locknut

Y4"x3/4" AB Y4"-20

STD541425

(1) Pin

o o 4o8z

(2) Carriage Bolt #10-24xS/8 " (9) Locknut (5) Lockwesher

STD533107 STD511007 5/16'%18 STD551131

/4"-20xl" Locknut #10-24

STD512510 STD541425 STD541410

1 Screw (2!/4,, 20 (3) Locknut @

1/4"-20x1/2" (8) Fastener (1) Hair Pin (1) Plug, Weight

STD512505 STD624003

Notshown full size Notshown full size Not shownfull size

54563 54537 54695 24862

(1) Pin, Latch (1) Handle (1) Latch (3) Cap, End

(3) Screw 15x76 18xl 5

STD541431

_) Notshown full size

54416E701

15x89 15x81 (1) Handle

31x6 24863

F-95900 6