Craftsman 917249660 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
iCRnFTSMnN°I
46" Mower
GRASS CATCHER
Model No.
917.249660
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
A
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 fellow 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.
Donotmow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
look down and behind before and while backing.
Be aware ofthe mower discharge direction and 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
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 a large percentage of riding mower-related
injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to
operatethedding mowersafelyenoughto protectthemselves
and others from serious injury.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipever
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. Taflgrass 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 countenNeights 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 straightdown the
slope.
DO NOT:
Do not turn onslopes 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 ifthe operator is not alert to the pres-
ence 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, leek 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 coolbefore 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.
Nevertamper with safety devices. Checktheir 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.
• Stopand inspect theequipment ifyoustrike anobject. 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 notmow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
lookdown 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 ofthe 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), notacross.
Remove obstacles such as recks, tree limbs, etc.
Watch for holes,ruts,orbumps. Uneventerrain could overfurn
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 andpreeeed slowly straight down the
slope.
If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades, shift
intoreverse and back down slowly.
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowlyand gradually downhill, if possible.
&
&
Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONI!! BECOMEALERT!H YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill
in neutral, you may lose control of
the tractor.
CAUTION: Tow only the attach ments
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.
I
3
CONGRATULATIONSon your purchase of a Sears Craftsman 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 prop-
erly. 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 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 parts and repair center
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., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL. 60179
SAFETY RULES ......................................................... 2-3
WARRANTY ................................................................... 4
BAG OF PARTS .......................................................... 5-6
ASSEMBLY ............................................................... 7-12
OPERATION ................................................................ 13
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ............................... 14
STORAGE .................................................................... 14
PREPARATION ....................................................... 16-17
REPAIR PARTS ....................................................... 18-19
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE .................... SACK PAGE
4
KNOWYOUR GRASS CATCHER
READTHIS OWNER'S MANUAL ANDSAFETY RULES BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR OPERATINGYOUR 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.
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.
Foldflaps to insideofcarton andturncartonupsidedown
on floor of work area. To protect grass catcher cover
duringassembly placecoverupsidedownonoverturned
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 HARDWARE SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE
LOCATION
CARTON CONTENTS:
(2) Container Tops
(2) Container Bottoms
(1) Upper Chute
(1) Lower Chute
(1) Support Post
m
(1) Mounting Bracket
(1) Cover Assembly
(1) Cover Seal
(1) Bag of Parts
(1) Owner's Manual
_IIIIINNIIIIIIIIIH
GROUP"A" _-- _ __
REAR
MOUNTING
BRACKET
AND
SUPPORT
TUBE
TO
DRAW BAR
(4) Shoulder Bolt 5116 - 1
(4) Bolt 5/16 - 18 x 3/4 (4) Locknut 5/16-18
(2) Wing Nut
(1) Support Plate
NOT SHOWN FULL SIZE
SUPPORT
POST
TO
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
.©
12) LockWasher 5/16
©
(3) Locknut 5/16-18
5
SUPPORT
TUBE
TO
COVER
ASSEMBLY
GROUP "C" I
t [111111111LIL!IIIIIL[
r
(_- Bolt 5/16 - 18 x 3/4
I[[LIIILIIIIlIIIII[I!IIIIILIIIIlIIIIIILIIIIIIIL!IIIIMIIIII[
(1) Bolt 5/16 - 18 x 2-1/4
©
(2) Locknut 5116-18
SUPPORT
POST
TO
MOUNTING
BRACKET
LOWER
CHUTE
ASSEMBLY
TO
MOWER
DECK
GROUP "D" I
I©
GROUP "E"J
(1) Bracket Support Pin
....,,,= //
, ,! i i
Sprlng _ I iI [
_ (2) Latch Hook Assembly
(4)Tubing End Caps
CHUTE
LATCH
ASSEMBLY
to
UPPER
CHUTE
CHUTE
LATCH
ASSEMBLY
to
LOWER
CHUTE
(2) Screw #10 x 5/8 (2) Washer, Lock #10 (2) Washer 3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Ga.
GROUP "F" I
(1) Spacer, Split #10
(2) Washer 3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Ga.
GROUP "G '1
(1) Rubber__j
(1) Screw #10 x 518 (1)Washer, Lock #10 (1) Washer 3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Ga.
6
(2) Nut,Weld #10
(1) Nut, Acorn #10
(1) Nut, Weld #10
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