Craftsman 917249650 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

CRAFT.TMAN°I

42" Mower

GRASS CATCHER

Model No.

917.249650

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179

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

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Customer Responsibilities

• Repair Parts

A A

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, andfollow all instructions inthe 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 notmow in reverse gl_es absolutely necessary. Always

look down and behlh-d before _nd while backing. Be aware of the mqwer dis_arge direction and donot point

it at anyone, DO not operate_tbe_mower without either the entire grass catchel:.or _ guard i.nplace.

Slow .down b_ore turning. • Never leavej _fflh"=ng mach D!_.unettended. Al_vaysturn

offblades, set parkingbreke', stop engine, and remove keys

before dismountin_ ..... _

Turn off b_ladeswhen._o_'mowing:_.,,._..

• Stop engine before removing _f_ss 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.

• Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearorcrossingroadways.

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 the riding mower safely enough to protect

themselves and others from serious injury.

II.SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover

accidents, which can result insevere injury or death. Al! slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you

feet 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 slowspeed. Choose alow gear so that you willnothave

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 slowand 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 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.

II1.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. Neverassume 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 detedoration, 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

A Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers A

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

oft.

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, if possible.

Look for this symbol to point out impor-

tant safety precautions. It means CAU- TION!!t BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

CAUTION: Do not coast down a hillin neutral, you may lose control of the

tractor.

CAUTION: Tow only the attachments

that are recommended by andcomply

with specifications of the manufactu- rer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing. Operate onlyat 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.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase ofa Sears Crafts-

man 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 Sears Service Center/

Department. We 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".

SERIAL

NUMBER DATE OF

PURCHASE

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE

FOUND ON THE MODEL PLATE ATTACHED TO

THE INSIDE OF THE MOUNTING BRACKET.

YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

NOTE: To make debrisdisposal easier 30 gallon plastic trash bagsmay be inserted in plastic grass containers. To order, see repair parts section of this manual.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring forand using your Grass Catcher.

• Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibilities" and "Storage" sections of thisOwner's

Manual.

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON

CRAFTSMAN GRASS CATCHER

Forone yearfrom the date of purchase, when thisgrasscatcher attachment is maintained according totheoperating and maintenance instructions in 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, including the 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 SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE THIS PRODUCT 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., Dept. 817 WA, Hoffman Estates, Illinois. 60179

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

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

BAGOFPARTS ......................................................... 5-6

ASSEMBLY .............................................................. _12

OPERATION ................................................................ 13

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES .............................. 14

STORAGE ................................................................... 14

PREPARATION ....................................................... 16-17

REPAIR PARTS ...................................................... 18-19

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

KNOW YOUR GRASS CATCHER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE ASSEMBLING 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 materiats from carton.

• Fold flaps to inside ofcarton and turn carton upsidedown on floor of work area. To protect grass catcher cover during assembly place cover upsidedown on overturned

carton.

• Check carton contents against list. Be sureall parts are there.

NOTE: Foreaseofassembly,asideofyourworkarea, layoutal{hardwareinthetoltowinggroups. Eachstepoftheassemb_y

instructions will identify the group needed for that step.

ASSEMBLY

LOCATION

HARDWARE SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE

CARTON CONTENTS:

(2) ContainerTops (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

REAR

MOUNTING

BRACKET

AND

SUPPORT

TUBE

DRAW BAR

(4) Shoulder Bolt 5/16 - 18 SelfTepping _ (4) Bolt 5/16 - 18 x 3/4

(2) Wing Nut

(1) Support Plate

NOT SHOWNFULLSIZE

(4) Locknut 5/16-18

SUPPORT

POST

COVER

ASSEMBLY

(2) Washer 11/32 x 1-1/2 x 10 Ga.

GROUP"B"I

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

(2) LockWasher 5116

(3) Locknut 5/16-18

SUPPORT

TUBE

COVER

ASSEMBLY

GROUP "C" I

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

!llllllllllllllllLItllllllllllllll!lllllllllllllll[llllllllllll

(1) Bolt 5/16 - 18 x 2-1/4

(2) Locknut 5/16-18

SUPPORT

POST

MOUNTING

BRACKET

LOWER

CHUTE

ASSEMBLY

MOWER

DECK

GROUP "D" I

GROUP "E" I

(1) Bracket Support Pin

(1) Retainer Spring

(4) Tubing End Caps

(2) Latch Hook Assembly

CHUTE LATCH

ASSEMBLY

UPPER CHUTE

CHUTE

LATCH

ASSEMBLY

LOWER

CHUTE

(2) Screw #10 x 5/8

GROUP "F"]

(2)Washer, Lock#10 12)Washer 3/16 x 3/4 x16 Ga. (2)Nut, Weld#10

(1) Screw #10 x 1-118

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

GROUP "G "1

(1) Screw #10 x 518 (1)Washer, Lock #10

(1) Rubber Latch

<2D

(1) Spacer, Split #10

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

(1) Nut, Acorn #10

(1) Nut, Weld #10

+ 14 hidden pages