Craftsman 917249040 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

CRnFTSMAN°

GRASS CATCHER

46" Mower

Model No.

917.249040

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety

Rules and Instructions be-

fore operating this equip-

ment.

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 pm, Mon - Sat

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

SAFETY RULES

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OFAMPUTATING HANDS AND FEETAND THROWING 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& WARNING: Do not coast down a hill I

in neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.

WARNING: Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications ofthe manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing. Operate only at the low- est 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.

• Do notoperate machinewithout 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 ifa wheel isover the edge or if the edge caves in.

III. 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 thewatchful 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 carewhen 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 GASOLINE

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 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, orpilot 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 ortrailer 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 containeropening at alltimes 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 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 back- ing.

• 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 thewatchful 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 ........................................................................... 5-7

OPERATION ............................................................................ 8

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

MAINTENANCE ....................................................................... 9

STORAGE ................................................................................ 9

WARRANTY ............................................................................. 9

REPAIR PARTS ..................................................................... 10

KNOW YOUR GRASS CATCHER

READ THIS OWN ER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFOREASSEMBLING OR OPERATING YOUR GRASS CATCH ER. 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.

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

PARTS IDENTIFICATION

COVER

ASSEMBLY

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

(1) 9/16" Wrench

SUPPORT ASSEMBLY

FULL BAG

INDICATOR

CHUTE LATCH

GRASS CATCHER CONTAINERS

NOTE: When right hand (R.H.) and left hand (LH.) 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 attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position.

i Place gearshift/motion control lever in "NEUTRAL" 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.

UPPER CHUTE

LOWER CHUTE

LOWER CHUTE ATTACHING

STRAPS

+ 8 hidden pages