Craftsman 917249780 Owner’s Manual

8E/ALR8

OWNER'S

MANUAL

MODEL NO.

917.249780

Caution:
Read and follow

all Safety Rules
and Instruct,ons

Before Operating

This Equipment

£RAFTSMAN°

38 INCH MOWER

GRASS CATCHER

• Assembly

• Operation

• Customer Responsibilities

• Repair Parts

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60169 U.S.A.

A

SAFETY RULES

A

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers _qL

IMPORTANT: THIS CU'I-FING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEETAND 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 not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always

look down and behind before and while backing.
Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point

it at 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

operate the riding mower safely enough to protect them-

selves and others from serious injury.

II. SLOPEOPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes
require extra caution, ifyou cannot back up the slope or ifyou 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 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.

De not try to stabilize the machine by putting yourfoot on the
ground.

Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.

IlL 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 comers, 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, especialty blade attachment belts, 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 deterioration, which could expose moving parts or aUow
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. Al-
ways 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 nothave
to stop or shift while on the slope.

Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. Iftires 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 important
safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!!

BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS IN-
VOLVED,

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

tor.

CAUTION: Tow only the attachments that

are recommended by and comply with

specificationsof the manufacturer of your
tractor. Use common sense when towing.
Operate only at the lowest possible speed
when on a slope. Too heavy of aload, 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, ad-

justing or making repairs, always discon-

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

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 autho-
rized 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 instructions will 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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ......................................................... 2_

BAG OF PARTS ............................................................ 4

ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 5-8

OPERATION .................................................................. 9

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ............................... 10

STORAGE ................................................................... 10

WARRANTY ................................................................ 10

PREPARATION ........................................................... 11

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

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 tofamiliarize 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.

UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS

• Remove all parts and packing materials from carton,

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

BAG OF PARTS CONTENTS

CARTON CONTENTS:

(2) Container Tops
(2) Container Bottoms

(1) Upper Chute
(1) Lower Chute

(1) Mounting Bracket

(1) Support Post and

Cover Assembly

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

._,..._._ ..ROW.RES.OW..CTU."S.ZE

GROUP "A" I--

, ,,, r

I

(4) Shoulder Bolts 5/16 - 18 Self Tapping'_ °

/

GROUP "C" I (1) Bracket Support Pin _ /

suPPORTl_ _ _/

_c,,, b

MC_U:EERITO J (1)Washer13/32xlx16Ga.'(/ _F'_ _\ _ / _\_ (1)WingNut/_,_,I |

°°C'l /

4

ASSEMBLY

BEFORE YOU START TO ASSEMBLE THE GRASS CATCHER

Some tracto r models may need minor modifications before you can mount the grass catcher to the tractor. Look carefully 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 back of this manual.

DECK MANDREL DECK MANDREL

STYLE "A" STYLE "B"

PARTS IDENTIFICATION

G
CATCHER

CONTAINERS

NOTE: When right hand (R.H.) and left hand (L.H.) are mentioned inthis manual, itmeans when you are seated on the tractor,
in the operator's position.

COVER

UPPER CHUTE

FULL
BAGGER
INDICATOR

CHUTE LATCH

LOWER CHUTE

LOWER CHUTE
ATTACHING
WING NUT

CAUTION: BEFORE ASSEMBLING GRASS CATCHER TO TRACTOR:

• 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 incontact with

plug.

5

ASSEMBLY

MOWER DECK BAFFLE (See Fig. 1)
Use Hardware - - GROUP "A"

• Raise your tractor mower deck to its highest position.

• Install the hex bolt, and Iocknut through mower deck

baffle and tighten securely.

HEX BOLT

LOCKNUT

MOWER DECK BAFFLE

Ifyour tractordoes nothave four (4) shoulder bolts installed

on the drawbar, follow the instructions below.

Use Hardware - - GROUP "B"

Only OReset of hardware in GROUP "B"will beusedto mount
the rear mounting bracket. To determine which set is correct

for your tractor, check to see ifthere are (2) two upper comer

ribs on each side of drawbar. If your tractor has the upper
corner ribs, use the (4) four self tapping shoulder bolts. Ifyour
tractor does not have the corner ribs, use the set of (4) four

bolts and Iocknuts.

SELF TAPPING SHOULDER BOLTS (See Fig. 2B)

• Using the four formed holes in the drawbar, installthe

four shoulder boltsas shown and tighten securely.

• Hang the mounting bracket, lanced tabs towards bot-
tom, on the bolts.

UPPER CORNER

RIBS

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 1

instructions•

SHOULDER
BOLTS

LANCED TABS
TOWARD BOTTOM

LANCED TABS
TOWARD BOTTOM

Fig. 2B

BOLTS AND LOCKNUTS (See Fig. 2C)

IMPORTANT: ON TRACTORS WITH FUEL TANK UNDER

THE SEAT, THE DRAWBAR MUST BE REMOVED FOR IN-
STALLATIONOFMOUNTINGBRACKET.TO REMOVEDRAW-

BAR,REMOVE TWO HEXBOLTS ON BOTH SIDES OFDRAW-
BAR.

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

drawbar.

NOTE: Ifyour tractordrawbar does nothavethe fou rcorrect

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

• Install the fourbolts and Iocknutsas shown and tighten
securely.

• If drawbar was removed from tractor, reassemble to
tractor at this time. Tighten securely.

BOLTS

Fig. 2A

6