Craftsman 917248970 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

CRIIFTSMIIN°

GRASS CATC E

42" Mower

Model No.

917.248970

• Safety

Assembly
Operation

, Maintenance
, Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions be-

fore operating this equip-
ment.

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For answers to your questions
about this product, Call:

1=800=659=5917

Sears Craftsman Help Line
5 am - 5 pm, Men - Sat

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

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

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.

L 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 of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,

which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.

,, Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing.

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 backing.

,, Be aware of the 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 turning.
,, Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn

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 for traffic when operating near or crossing

roadways.

,, Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into

a trailer or truck.

,, Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are

involved in alarge percentage of riding mower-related injuries.
These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the
riding mower safely enough to protect themselves and others
from serious injury.

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 tipover

accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes
require extra caution. Ifyou cannot back up the slope or if you
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. Tall 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 slow and 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 turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly
and gradually downhill, if possible.

, Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The

mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge
of a cliff or ditch, or ifan 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 pres-
ence 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 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, 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 corners, shrubs,

trees, 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 of grass, 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 parts, when

necessary.

,, Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or

wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

,, Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as

required.

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 not mow in reverse 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, look 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 a low gear so that you will not

have 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, ifpossible.

important safety precautions, it means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR

Look for this symbol to point out

SAFETY IS iNVOLVED.

I _ CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill I

I in neutral, you may lose control of I

the tractor.

CAUTION: Tow only the attachments
that are recommended by and

the manufacturer of your tractor.
comply with specifications of

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.

accidental starting when setting
up, transporting, adjusting or making

CAUTION: in order to prevent
repairs, always disconnect spark

plug wire and place wire where it
cannot contact spark plug.

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.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your Grass Catcher properly.
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

SAFETY RULES ......................................................... 2=3 STORAGE .................................................................... 11

ASSEMBLY ................................................................. 5=8 WARRANTY ................................................................. 11

OPERATION ................................................................ 10 REPAIR PARTS ....................................................... 12=13

CUSTOMER RESPONSiBiLiTiES ............................... 11

KNOWYOUR GRASS CATCHER

READTHIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR OPERATINGYOU RGRASS 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.

SAFETYGLASSES

UNPACKING iNSTRUCTiONS

• Remove all parts and packing materials from carton.

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

CARTON CONTENTS:

(2) Container Tops
(2) Container Bottoms
(1) Upper Chute

PARTS iDENTiFiCATiON

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 a wide vision safety mask worn over spec-

tacles.

(1) Lower Chute
(1) Support Assembly
(1) Cover Assembly

COVER

SUPPORT
ASSEMBLY

I

UPPER CHUTE

FULL

BAG

INDICATOR

CHUTE LATCH

-%

GRASS
CATCHER

CONTAINERS

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 pedal fully and set parking brake.

= Place gearshift/motion control lever in neutral (N) position.

_h) = 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 it cannot come in contact

with plug.

LOWER CHUTE

ATTACHING
STRAPS

4

BAGGER SUPPORT ASSEMBLY

1

Simply hang the support assembly on the bolts.If your trac-
tor does not have four (4) shoulder bolts installed on the
drawbar, follow the instructions below.

SUPPORT

ASSEMBLY

(See Fig. 1A)

SHOULDER
BOLTS

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 assembly

to tractor.
t. Lift cover and align cover bracket with support

assembly.

2. Slide cover assembly down onto the support
assembly.

TO REMOVETHE SUPPORT ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 1B)

1. Pull outward on the stop bracket enough to allow support
assembly to be lifted up and away from drawbar.

PULL OUT ON STOP BRACKETTO
REMOVE SUPPORT ASSEMBLY

=

02643

FiG. 1B

COVER _"

ASSEMBLY

/

SUPPORT

ASSEMBLY

02646

FiG. 2