Craftsman 917248971 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

MnN°

42" Mower

Model No.

917.248971

CATC

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Repair Parts

CAUTION"

Read and follow

and Instructions this equipment.

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

all Safety Rules

before operating

For answers to your questions

about this product, Call:

1-800-659-5917

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

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

Safe Operation Practices for Ride=On Mowers

SAFETY RULES &

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTINGMACHINEISCAPABLEOFAMPUTATINGHANDSAND FEETANDTHROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

• Data indicates that operators, age 60years 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.

in neutral, you may lose control of the

WARNING: Do not coast down a hill

tractor.

WARNING: Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and corn= 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 isclear of bystanders before operat- ing. Stop machine ifanyone enters the area.

Never carry passengers. Do not mow inreverse 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. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blades when crossing gravel surfaces. Do not operate 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 roadways.

• 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.

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.

The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel isover

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 in the 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 extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your view of a

child.

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.

• 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 GASOLINE

To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme

care in handling gasoline. Gasoline isextremely 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 • running. 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 a water

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 , trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this 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 at all times until fueling is complete.

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 orfuel 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 backing.

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.

Keep children out ofthe mowing area and in the 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. 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, if possible.

SAFETY RULES ......................................................... 2=3

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

ASSEMBLY ............................................................... 5=10

OPERATION ................................................................ 11

SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ............................... 12

STO RAG E.................................................................... 12

WAR RANTY ................................................................. 12

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

SAFETYGLASSES

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 spectacles.

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

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

COVER

SUPPORT

ASSEMBLY

UPPER CHUTE

FULL BAG

INDICATOR

CHUTE LATCH

GRASS /_ CATCHER

CONTAINERS LOWER CHUTE

LOWER CHUTE ATTACHING

STRAPS

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.

Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position.

Turn ignition key "OFF" and remove key.

e e

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.

BAGGER SUPPORT ASSEMBLY

Simply hang the support assembly on the bolts.If your tractor 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.

1. Lift cover and align cover bracket with support assem- bly.

2. Slide cover assembly down onto the support assem- bly.

TO REMOVE THE 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 BRACKET TO REMOVE SUPPORT ASSEMBLY

02643

FIG. 1B

COVER ASSEMBLY

SUPPORT

ASSEMBLY

02646

FIG. 2

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: BEFORE LOCKING THE TABS, HOOKED EDGES ON BOTH HALVES MUST OVERLAP TO FORM SEAL AS

SHOWN IN INSET.

4. Repeat for other containers.

CONTAINER BOTTOM HALF

CONTAINER

TOP HALF

CONTAINER MOUNTING (See Fig. 4)

1. Install one container to left side first with warning to outside of unit. Install other container to right side.

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

2. Close cover and lock latch handle over center support tube.

COVER LATCH HANDLE

CONTAINER WARNING

CONTAINER

PRESS TOGETHER

CONTAINER WHILE LIFTING

TOP HALF TOP HALF

CONTAINER BOTTOM

HALF

TO FORM SEAL

LOCKING

TAB

FIG. 3

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.

HANDLE

CENTER SUPPORT

TUBE

CONTAINER

WARNING

FIG. 4

LOWER CHUTE =MOWER WiTH MOUNTING TAB (See Fig. 5A)

Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position. Place slot in lower chute over mounting tab on mower

and position lower chute over mower opening as shown.

Hook rear latch into flange hole on back of mower.

Hook front latch into tab hole on front of mower.

If your tractor is equipped with gauge wheels on the

mower, then itwill be necessary to hook the rear latch

into the hole in the R.H. gauge wheel bracket.

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.

DEFLECTOR SHIELD HINGE BRACKET

REAR GAUGE WHEEL

BRACKET

WITH REAR GAUGE WHEELS

REAR LATCH

DEFLECTOR

SHIELD

03058

MOUNTING

TAB

FRONT

LATCH

REAR LATCH

WITHOUT GAUGE WHEELS

FIG. 5A

LOWER CHUTE = MOWER WITHOUT

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

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

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

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

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

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

MOUNTING TAB (See Fig. 5B)

upright position. position lower rear edge of chute between gauge wheel

bracket taband mower housing, then carefully release deflector shield and hook rear latch to mower.

extended edge with "B" on mower housing.

untilthe extended edge slides under the deflector shield and along side the hinge bracket as shown.

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

mower, 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"

PUSH IN

REAR GAUGE WHEEL

BRACKET

CAUTION: Do not remove discharge guard from mower. Raiseand hold guard

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

EXTENDED EDGE "B" Must be under deflector shield

and along aide the hinge bracket

DEFLECTOR

SHIELD

DEFLECTOR SHIELD HINGE BRACKET

FRONT

LATCH

WITH REAR GAUGE WHEELS

REAR LATCH

FIG. 5B

WITHOUT

REAR LATCH

GAUGE WHEELS

LOWER CHUTE - REINFORCEMENT

1. Align reinforcement plate with slot in lower chute as

PLATE iNSTALLATiON (See Fig. 50)

(For Models without the L Shaped Bracket Only)

shown.

Install reinforcement plate as shown; secure with car-

riage bolts and flanged Iocknuts provided in this kit.

Install lower chute to mower deck with reinforcement

plate between hinge bracket and spring as shown.

BOLTS

REINFORCEMENT

FIG. 50

PLATE

FLANGED LOCKNUTS

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