Craftsman 917249781 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

JCRRFTSMIIN°J

GRASS CATCHER

38" Mower

Model No.

917.249781

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions

before operating this
equipment.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179 U.S.A.

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 m:_

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 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 ofobjects suchas rocks,toys, wire, etc., which

could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
Be surethe area is clear ofother people before mowing, Stop

machine if anyone enters the area.

Never carw passengers.

• Do notmow inreverse unless absolutely necessary. Always

look down and behind before and while backing.
Be aware ofthe 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 tuming.

• Never leave a running machine unattended, Always tum 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 ridingmower safely enough toprotectthemselves
and others from serious injun!.

Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up
whichcan touch hot exhaust / engine parts and bum. 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. Ifyou cannot back upthe slope orifyou 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, Tail grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose a lowgear so that you will nothave

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 tum on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn

slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

Do notmow 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. Neverassume that children will remain
where you last saw them.

Keep childrenout 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.

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,
frees, 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 ofgrass, 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 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 senlicing 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 inreverse 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, took 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 thatyou will nothave

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, it possible,

&

&

&

&

Look for this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions. It means CAU-

TIONH! BECOME ALERTm YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

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

tractor.

CAUTION: Tow onlythe attachments
thatare recommended byand comply
with specifications of the manufactu-
rer of your tractor. Use common
sensewhen towing. Operate onlyat
the lowest possible speed when ona
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 onyour purchase of a new Grass Catcher. Ithas been designed, engineered and manufactured to give
you the bestpossible 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 repairthis unit.

Please read and retainthis manual. The instructionswillenable youto assemble and maintain your Grass Catcher properly.

Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REPAIR PARTS ...................................................... 12-13

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 you rselfwith 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 standard

safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over the spectacles.

UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS

• Remove all parts and packing materials from carton.

• Checkcartoncontentsagainstlist. Besureallpartsars

there.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY:

(2) 9/16" Wrenches

ASSEMBLY HARDWARE SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE

LOCATION

GROUP "A" I --

MOWER

DECK

BAFFLE

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

GROUP "B" I

REAR

MOUNTING

BRACKET

TO

DRAW BAR

/

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

LOWER

CHUTE

TO

MOWER

DECK

CARTON CONTENTS:

(2) ContainerTops
(2) Container Bottoms
(1) UpperChute
(1) Lower Chute

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

(1) Support Assembly
(1) Bag of Parts

(1) Owner's Manual

©

(1) Locknut 3/8-16

4

PARTS IDENTIFICATION

GRASS
CATCHER

CONTAINERS

COVER

UPPER CHUTE

FULL
BAGGER
INDICATOR

LATCH

LOWER CHUTE

LOWER CHUTE
ATTACHING

WING NUT

NOTE: When right hand (R.H.) and left hand (L.H.) are mentioned in this manual, itmeans when you are seated on thetractor,

in the operator's position.

CAUTION: BEFORE ASSEMBLING GRASS CATCHER TO TRACTOR:

Place gearshift/motion control lever in neutral (N) position.
Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position.

i epress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake.

A

MOWER DECK BAFFLE (See Fig. 1)

1. Raise your tractor mower deck to itshighest position.

2. Install the hex bolt, and Iocknut through mower deck
baffle and tighten securely.

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 itcannot come in contact with
plug.

HEX BOLT

Use Hardware - - GROUP "A"

LOCKNUT_

MOWER DECK BAFFLE j

5

FIG. 1