Craftsman 917248921 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

CRRFTSMRH'°

42" Mower

Model No.

917.248921

• EspaEol, p. 14

CATC E

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before

operating this equipment.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

For answers to your questions

about this product, Call:

1=800-659-5917

Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am - 5 pro, Mon- Sat

Safe Operation Practices for Ride=On Mowers

SAFETY RULES

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OFAMPUTATING HANDS AND FEETANDTHROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above,

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.

I _1_ WARNING," Do not_coast dow n a bill

_ in neutral_ you may lose control of the

tractor.

that are recommended by and corn= WARNING: Tow only the attachments

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 traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor.

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.

• Clear the area of objects such as 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 not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Al- ways look down and behind before and while backing.

• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Ma-

terial may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blades when crossing gravel surfaces.

• Donotoperate machine without the entire grass catcher, 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 and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before 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 road- ways.

• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.

• Always wear eye protection when operating machine.

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.

il. 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.

The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel is over the edge or if the edge caves in,

ill. 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.

• Keep children out ofthe mowing area and inthe watchful 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.

• Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with

safe machine operation. Children who have been given 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.

• Use extracare when approaching blind corners, shrubs,

trees, or other objects that may block your view of a

child,

Safe Operation Practices for Ride=On Mowers

SAFETY RULES

iV. TOWING

• Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point.

• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.

• Never allow children or others in or on towed equip- ment.

• 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 GASOMNE

To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme

care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable 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 run- ning. Allow engine to cool before refueling.

• Never fuel the machine indoors.

• Never store the machine or fuel container where there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on awater 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 thetruck ortrailer and refuel it on the ground. Ifthis is not possible, then

refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening atall times until fueling iscomplete.

Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immedi- ately.

• 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. Clean oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-

soaked debris. Allow machine to cool before storing.

• If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

• Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine 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.

®@@@@

• 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. Always look down and behind before and while back- ing.

• Nevercarry children, even withthe blades shut off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. Children who have been given rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing

area for another ride and be run over or backed over by the machine.

• Keepchildren out ofthe mowing areaand inthe watchful 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.

• Ifmachine 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, if possible.

SAFETY RULES ................................................................... 2-3

CARTON CONTENTS ............................................................. 4

ASSEMBLY ........................................................................... 5-9

OPERATmON .......................................................................... 10

SAVE THESE iNSTRUCTiONS

MAINTENANCE ..................................................................... 11

STORAGE .............................................................................. 11

WARRANTY ........................................................................... 11

REPAIR PARTS ................................................................ 12-13

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.

COMPLETE BAGGER MUST BE iN PLACE BEFORE OPERATING MOWER

UNPACKING iNSTRUCTIONS

• Remove all parts and packing materials from carton.

• Check carton contents against list. Be sure all parts are there.

CARTON CONTENTS:

(3) Containers (1) Upper Chute (1) Lower Chute (1) Support Assembly

(1) Cover Assembly (2) Shoulder Bolts (1) Retainer Spring (2) Adapters

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

(1) 9/16" Wrench

SHOULDER

SUPPORT BOLTS

ASSEMBLY

PARTS iDENTiFiCATiON RETAINER

COVER SPRING ASSEMBLY

FULL BAG

INDICATOR

CHUTE LATCH

GRASS UPPER CHUTE LOWER CHUTE CATCHER ATTACHING

CONTAINERS STRAPS

LOWER CHUTE

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.

CAUTION: BEFORE ASSEMBLING GRASS CATCHER TO TRACTOR:

Depress clutch/brake pedaJ fully and set parking brake.

ADAPTER

Place attachment cJutch in "DISENGAGED" position. Place gearshift/motion control lever in "NEUTRAL" position.

Turn ignition key "OFF" and remove key.

Make sure the bJade and aJJmoving parts have compJeteJy stopped. Disconnect spark pJug wire from spark pJug and pJaee wire where it cannot come in contact

with plug.

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, Follow the support assembly instructions that apply to your

type drawbar,

3, Align support assembly pin with hole in drawbar and

hang assembly over the shoulder bolts,

4, Besure support assembly isseated properly and secure

with retainer spring supplied,

SHOULDER

BOLTS

°i

r O "

DRAWBAR A DRAWBAR B

DRAWBAR A (See Figs. 1A, 1B & lC)

Remove and discard the upper bolt on both sides of the drawbar. Using the same holes, install the shoulder bolts supplied and tighten securely,

REMOVE AND DISCARD UPPER BOLTS AND INSTALL

SHOULDER BOLTS SUPPLIED

ASSEMBLY

_*- RETAINER

SPRING

FIG. lC

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, Besure support assembly isseated properly and secure

with retainer spring supplied,

FiG. 1A

Install adapter to both sides of support assembly as

DRAWBAR

shown,

FiG. 1B

SHOULDER BOLTS

SUPPOR'I" ASSEMBLY

RETAINER

SPRING

FiG. 1D

MOUNTING COVER ASSEMBLY TO SUPPORT ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 2)

NOTE: For ease of assembly, you may wish to obtain the assistance of another person for mounting cover as- sembly to tractor.

1. Lift cover and align cover brackets with support assembly tubes.

2. Slide cover assembly down onto the support tubes.

SUPPORT ASSEMBLY

COVER ASSEMBLY

LOWER CHUTE =MOWER WiTH

MOUNTING TAB (See Fig. 4A)

1. Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position.

2. Place slot inlower chute over mounting tab on mower and position 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.

shield from mower, Raise and hold CAUTION: Do not remove deflector shield when attaching lower chute

and allow it to rest on chute while in operation.

DEFLECTOR SHIELD HINGE BRACKET

MOUNTING TAB

03024

FiG. 2

CONTAINER MOUNTING (See Fig. 3)

1. Install one container to left side first. Install another container to center position and one in right position.

NOTE: Left edge of right container should always overlap right edge of left container at center supports.

2. Close cover and lock latches over center support

tubes. To lock and release latches, pull back on latch

handles.

COVER LATCH

HANDLES

CENTER SUPPORT

TUBES

REAR GAUGE WHEEL

BRACKET

REAR LATCH

WiTH REAR GAUGE WHEELS

DEFLECTOR

SHIELD

FRONT LATCH

REAR LATCH

WITHOUT

GAUGE WHEELS

FiG. 4A

CONTAINER HANDLE

LOWER CHUTE =MOWER WITHOUT

MOUNTING TAB (See Fig. 4B)

1, Lower mower to its lowest cutting position, NOTE: If equipped, remove mulch cover from mower and

store in a safe place, 2, With your right hand, raise and hold deflector shield in

upright position,

3, With your left hand, hold lower chute as shown and

position lower rear edge of chute between gauge wheel bracket tab and mower housing, then carefully release

deflector shield and hook rear latch to mower,

4, Raise deflector shield and align "B" on lower chute

extended edge with "B" on mower housing,

5, With your right hand, push firmly on the lower chute

until the extended edge slides under the deflector shield and along side the hinge bracket as shown,

6, With chute in proper position, hold the chute securely,

so it does not move, while hooking the front latch to the mower,

NOTE: While hooking the latches, the deflector shield may

try to push the chute away from the mower opening. It is

important to hold the chute in position while hooking the latches to the mower,

• If your tractor is equipped with gauge wheels on the, then it will be necessary to hook the rear latch into the hole in the R,H, gauge wheel bracket,

OPTIONAL GAUGE

WHEEL AND

BRACKET

PLACE LOWER REAR EDGE BETWEEN GAUGE WHEEL

BRACKET TAB AND MOWER HOUSING, THEN

HOOK REAR LATCH

ALIGN CHUTE "B" WITH MOWER "B"

PUSHIN

guard from mower, Raise and hold guard CAUTION: Do not remove discharge

when attaching lower chute and allow it to rest on chute while in operation.

REAR GAUGE

WHEEL

BRACKET

DEFLECTOR SHIELD

EXTENDED EDGE "B" Must be under deflector shield

and along side the hinge bracket

DEFLECTOR SHIELD

HINGE BRACKET

\\\\\

FRONT LATCH

WiTH REAR

GAUGE WHEELS

REAR LATCH

WITHOUT REAR LATCH

GAUGE WHEELS

LOWER CHUTE REINFORCEMENT

PLATE iNSTALLATiON (See Fig. 40) (For Models without the L Shaped Bracket Only)

1, Align reinforcement plate with slot in lower chute as

shown,

2, Install reinforcement plate as shown; secure with car-

riage bolts and flanged Iocknuts provided in this kit.

3, Install lower chute to mower deck with reinforcement

plate between hinge bracket and spring as shown,

BOLTS

REINFORCEMENT

LOWER

FiG. 40

PLATE

FLANGED LOCKNUTS

UPPER CHUTE (See Figs. 5A & 5B)

LEVEL MOWER

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, 3, Push in and turn upper chute until it is 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,

COVER CHUTE

UPPER

FULL DAGGER

iNDiCATOR HANDLE

LOWER

CHUTE

Be sure mower is properly leveled for best mower

performance, See your tractors owner's manual for instructions

FIG. 5A

ALIGNMENT SLOT

BOSSES

FIG. 5B

LATCH PiN

RUBBER LATCH

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