Craftsman 917249483, 917249398 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

JCRIII:TSMIIII°J

38" Mower

GRASS CATCHER

Model No.

917.249483
and

917.249398

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions be-

fore operating this equip-

ment.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Customer Responsibilities

• Repair Parts

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.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

Read, understand, and follow all instructionsin 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 ob ects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,

which could be picked up and thrown bythe bade.
Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing.

Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
Never carry passengers.

Do not mow inreverse unless absolutely necessary. Always

lookdown and behind before and while backing.
Be aware ofthe mower discharge directionand do not point

itat 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

offblades, 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 a large percentage of riding mower-related
injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to
operate theridingmowersafely enough to protectthemselves
and others from serious injury.

Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up
whichcan 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 Ioss-of-contrel and tipover
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 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 shiftwhile 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. Iftires lose traction,

disengage the blades and proceed slowly straightdown the
slope.

DO NOT:

• Donot turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turnslowly
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 if an 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 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 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 oradd 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 wit h 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 ifyou 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.

2

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.

Keepchildren 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.
Watchfor holes,ruts,or bumps. Uneven terraincould 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 downthe
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.

I

&

Look for this symbol to point out

important safety pR=cautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!t YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

in neutral, you may lose control of
CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill

the tractor.

CAUTION: Tow only the attachments
that are recommended by and

comply with specifications of
the manufacturer 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.

CAUTION: In order to prevent

accidental starting when setting
up,transporting,adjusting or making
repairs, always disconnect spark

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

3

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 road and retain this manual. The instructionswill enable you to assemble and maintain your Grass Catcher properly.

Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON

CRAFTSMAN GRASS CATCHER

For one year from the date of purchase, when this grass catcher attachment is maintained according to the oper-
ating and maintenance instructionsin the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or

workmanship.
This warranty does not cover:

• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as bags or mower blades.

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, includingthe failure to maintain the equipment

according to instructions contained in the owner's manual.

• Grass catcher attachments used for commercial or rental purposes.

Warranty service is available by returning the craftsman grass catcher to the nearest Sears parts and repair center

in the United States. This Warranty applies only while thisproduct is in use in the United States.

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

Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL. 60179

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

WARRANTY ................................................................... 4

BAG OF PARTS .......................................................... 5-6

ASSEMBLY ............................................................... 7-11

OPERATION ................................................................ 12

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ............................... 13

STORAGE .................................................................... 13

PREPARATION ....................................................... 14-15

REPAIR PARTS ....................................................... 22-23

PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE .................... BACK PAGE

4

KNOW YOUR GRASS CATCHER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR OPERATING YOUR GRASS CATCHER.
Compare the illustrationswith 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 wide vision safety mask for over the spectacles or standard safety glasses.

UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS

• Remove all parts and packing materials from carton.

• Foldflaps to insideof cartonandturncarton upsidedown
on floor of work area. To protect grass catcher cover
duringassembly place coverupsidedownonoverturned

carton.

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

NOTE: For ease of assembly, aside of your work area, lay out all hardware in the following groups. Each step of the as-

sembly instructions will identify the group needed for that step.

ASSEMBLY

LOCATION HARDWARE SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE

GROUP "A" 1

MOWER

DECK

BAFFLE

(1) Bolt 3/8-16 x 1-1/4

CARTON CONTENTS:

(2) Container Tops

(2) Container Bottoms
(1) Upper Chute

(1) Lower Chute
(1) Support Post

(1) Mounting Bracket
(1) Cover Assembly

(1) Cover Seal

(1) Bag of Parts
(1) Owner's Manual

©

(1) Locknut 3/8-16

REAR

MOUNTING

BRACKET

TO

DRAW BAR

SUPPORT

POST

TO

CONTAINER

SUPPORT

GROUP "B"J

(4) Shoulder Bolt - Self Tapping

GROUP "C"J

(3) Carriage Bolt 5/16-18 x 3/4

©

oo,t6/16.10x3/4

(4) Locknut 5/16-18

©

(3) Locknut 5/16-18

5

SUPPORT

POST

TO

MOUNTING

BRACKET

GROUP "D" I

(1) Bracket Support Pin

LOWER

CHUTE

ASSEMBLY

TO

MOWER

DECK

CHUTE

LATCH

ASSEMBLY

TO
UPPER
CHUTE

(1) Retainer Spring

(3) Tubing End Caps

GROUP "E"J

(1) Washer 13/32 x 1 x 16 Ga.

GROUP "F"]

liltltlElllfllllllltltllltltltliltllltltltill I ]

(1) Screw #10 x 1-1/8 (1) Spacer, Split #10

(2) Washer 3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Ga.

GROUP "G"]

(1) Wing Nut

(1) Nut, Acorn #10

CHUTE

LATCH

ASSEMBLY

TO

LOWER

CHUTE

(1) Rubber Latch

J

(1) Screw #10 x 5/8 (1) Washer, Lock #10 (1) Washer 3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Ga.

6

(1) Nut, Weld #10

BEFOREYOU STARTTO ASSEMBLE THE GRASS CATCHER

Some tractor models may need minor modifications before you can mount the grass catcher to the tractor. Lookcare-
fully at the mower deck on your tractor and compare the deck mandrel to the illustrations below. If your mower deck

mandrel looks like STYLE "A", your tractor is ready - proceed with the grass catcher assembly. If your mower deck

mandrel looks like STYLE "B", go to the PREPARATION section in this manual.

DECK MANDREL

STYLE "A"

DECK MANDREL

STYLE "B"

PARTS IDENTIFICATION

GRASS

CONTAINERS

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.

THESE ARE THE TOOLS YOU WILL NEED TO AS- (1)_1/2" Wrench

SEMBLE YOUR GRASS CATCHER: (2) 9/16" Wrenches

COVER

LOWER CHUTE

(1) 3/8" Wrench

(1) 1/2" Socket

(1) 9/16" Deep well Socket

UPPER CHUTE

FULL
BAGGER
INDICATOR

CHUTE LATCH

LOWER CHUTE

WING NUT

(1) Drive Ratchet
(1) 3" or longer Extension

(J) Short Handle

Phillips Screwdriver

A

CAUTION: BEFORE ASSEMBLING GRASS CATCHERTOTRACTOR:

• Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake.

Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position.

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

7

MOWER DECK BAFFLE (See Fig. 1)

Use Hardware - - GROUP "A"

• Raise your tractor mower deck to its highest position,

• Install the hex bolt, and lecknut through mower deck

baffle and tighten securely.

_._ UPPER CORNER

UPPER CORNER _-._._'_'_,_ RI#BS

RIBS

SELF I" rr_.

TAPPING I (L ">.._'.,_

BOLTS _ I

HEX BOLT

MOWERDECK BAFFLE

FIG. 1

REAR MOUNTING BRACKET
(See Figs. 2A, 2B & 2C)

NOTE: If your tractor already has four (4) shoulder bolts
installed on the rear drawbar, simply hang the mounting

bracket, lanced tabs towards bottom, on the bolts. Discard
hardware group "B" and disregard the remaining Step 2

instructions.

SHOULDER_

LANCEDTABS
TOWARD BOTTOM

FIG. 2B

BOLTS AND LOCKNUTS (See Fig. 2C)
IMPORTANT: ONTRACTORSWITH FUELTANKUNDERTHE

SEAT,THE DRAWBARMUST BE REMOVED FOR INSTALLATION
OF MOUNTING BRACKET.TO REMOVE DRAWBAR, REMOVE

TWO HEX BOLTS ON BOTH SIDES OF DRAWBAR.

• Assemble the mounting bracket, lanced tabs towards
bottom, using the four smaller inside holes on the
drawbar.

NOTE: Ifyour tractor drawbar does not have the four correct

holes for mounting the bracket, refer to the PREPARATION
section of this manual.

• Install the four bolts and Iocknuts as shown and tighten
securely.

• If drawbar was removed from tractor, reassemble to

tractor at this time. Tighten securely.

A BOLTS

I /

LOCKNUTS I _L_ _---,_=_-",-_ _"_-"

BOLTS

LANCED TABS
TOWARD BOTTOM

FIG. 2A

Ifyourtractor does not have four (4) shoulder bolts installed

on the drawbar, follow the instructions below.

Use Hardware - - GROUP "B"

Only one set of hardware in GROUP "B" will be used to

mountthe rear mounting bracket. To determine which set
iscorrect for your tractor, check to see if there are (2) two
upper corner ribs on each side of drawbar. If your tractor

has the upper corner ribs, use the (4) four self tapping
shoulder bolts. If yourtractor does not have the corner ribs,

use the set of (4) four bolts and Iocknuts.

SELFTAPPING SHOULDER BOLTS (See Fig. 2B)

• Using the four formed holes in the drawbar, install the
four shoulder bolts as shown and tighten securely.

Hangthe mounting bracket,lanced tabstowardsbottom,
on the bolts.

,BOT.S,DES,

_.f- - LANCED TABS TOWARD BOTTOM

FIG. 2C

COVER SEAL (See Fig. 3)

No hardware required

• Align mark on seal with mark at cover opening.

• Work seal into opening so cover sits between flanges
of seal.

ALIGNMENT
MARKS

COVERSEAL _ (

8 FIG. 3