Craftsman 917249740 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

46" Mower

GRASS CATCHER

Model No.

917.249740

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

1

SAFETY RULES

A Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers A

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 instructions in 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 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 inreverse unless absolutely necessary. Always

look down and behind before and while backing.

Be aware of the 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 runningmachine 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 macbine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.

Watch for traffic when operating nearor crossing roadways.
Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into

a trailer or truck.

• Data indicatesthat 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 canresultinsevere injuryordeath.

Allslopes require extra caution. Ifyou 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 slowspeed. Choose alowgear sothat you willnot have
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.

• Keepallmovementontheslopesslowandgradual. Donot

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 it an edge caves in.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding.

Donot try tostabilize the machine by putting your foot onthe

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 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, orother 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 withthe 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 pads, 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 clearof other peoplebefore mowing.
Stop machine ff anyone enters the area.

Never carry passengersor children even with the blades

Off.

Donotmow inreverseunlessabsolutelynecessary.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.

• Beforeandwhen backing,look behind and downfor small

children.

Mow upand down slopes (15° Max), not across
Removeobstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could

overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

Useslowspeed Choosea lowgearsothatyouwdlnothave
to stop or shift while on the slope,

• Avoid startingor stopping on a slope If tires lose traction,
disengagethe blades and proceed slowly straight down
the slope.

• If machinestopswhile going uphill, disengageblades, shift
into reverse and back downslowly.

• Do not turn on slopesunlessnecessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

&

&

&

Look for this symbolto point out impor- I

tant safetyprecautions. It means CAU-
TIONt!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

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

tractor.

CAUTION: Tow only the attachments
thatare recommended byand comply
with specifications of the manufactu-
rer of your tractor. Use common
eensewhen towing. Opereteonlyat
the lowest possible speed when on a

slope. Too heavy of a load, while on
aslope, 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 sperk plug
wire and place wire where it cannot

contact spark plug.

I

CONGRATULATIONS onyour purchase ofa new Grass Catcher. Ithas been designed, engineered and manufactured togive
you the best possibledependability 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 read and retain this manual. The instructionswill enable you to assemble and maintain your Grass Catcher properly.

Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

NOTE: To make debris disposal easier 30 gallon plastic trash bags may be inserted in plastic grass containers. To order, see

repair parts section of this manual.

SAFETYRULES ........................................................ 2-3

BAG OFPARTS ............................................................ 4

ASSEMBLY .............................................................. _10

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

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

STORAGE ................................................................... 12

WARRANTY ................................................................ 12

REPAIR PARTS ...................................................... 14-15

3

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 materials from carton.

• Foldflaps toinsideofcartonand turncarton upsidedown

on floor of work area. To protect grass catcher cover
duringassembly place coverupsidedown on overtumed

carton.

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

NOTE: Foreaseofassembly, asideofyourworkarea, layoutallhardwareinthefollowinggroups. Eachstepoftheassembly
instructions will identify the group needed for that step.

ASSEMBLY HARDWARE SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE

LOCATION

GROUP "A" 1

REAR

MOUNTING

BRACKET

AND

SUPPORT

PLATE

TO

DRAW BAR

(6) Bolt 7/16 - 14 x 3/4 Self Tapping

CARTON CONTENTS:

(3) ContainerTops
(3) Container Bottoms
(1) Upper Chute
(1) Lower Chute
(1) Support Post
(1) Mounting Bracket

(1) Mounting Support Plate
(1) Cover Assembly
(1) Cover Seal
(1) Bag of Parts
(1) Owner's Manual

SUPPORT

POSTS

TO

COVER

ASSEMBLY

GROUP "B"J

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

m

i

I
I

i,

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

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(4) Locknut 5/16-18

4

GROUP"C"I

SUPPORT

POSTS

TO

MOUNTING

BRACKET

LOWER
CHUTE

ASSEMBLY

TO

MOWER

DECK

(2) RetainerSpring

GROUP"D"I

(2) Support Clevis Pin

(4)Tubing End Caps

(2) Latch Hook Assembly

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 G a.

GROUP "E" 1

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

(2) Washer 3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Ga. (1) Nut, Acorn #10

GROUP"F"I

(1) Rubber Latch

o

(1) Screw #10 x 5/8 (1) Washer, Lock #10

(1) Washer 3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Ga. (1) Nut, Weld #10

(2) Nut, Weld #10

5