Craftsman 917249790 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
ICRRFTSMRN°I
42" Mower
GRASS CATCHER
Model No.
917.249790
CAUTION:
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions
before operating this
equipment.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Customer Responsibilities
• Repair Parts
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Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman
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, 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 peopIe before mowing Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
Never carry passengers.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
took 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 Ieave 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
invoIved in a targe 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.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up
which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts and burn. Do not
allow the mower deck to plow leaves or other debris which
can cause build-up to occur. Clean any oiI 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 loss-of-control and tipover
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. AII slopes
require extra caution. Ifyou cannot back upthe slope or ifyou feel
uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Remove obstacIes 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 sIope.
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 alI movement on the slopes stowand gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope, tf 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.
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 wilI remain
where you Iast saw them.
Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful
care of another responsible adult.
Be aIert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
Before and when backing, took behind and down for small
children.
Never carry children. They may fail 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, especiaIly 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 deterioration, which could expose moving parts or aIIow
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
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
off.
Do not mow inreverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
took down and behind before and while backing.
Never carry children. They may falI 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 sIope.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope, tf 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 sIopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
A
A
Lookfor this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions. It means CAU-
TION!U BECOME ALERT!!! 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 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.
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 operating
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 owneCs manual.
Grass catcher attachments used for commercial or rental purposes.
WARRANTY SERVICE ISAVAILABLE 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, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS. 60179
CONGRATULATIONSonyourpurchaseofanewGrassCatcher.Ithasbeendesigned,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 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 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 inplastic grass containers. To order, see
repair parts section of this manual.
SAFETY RULES ........................................................ 2_
WARRANTY .................................................................. 3
BAG OFPARTS ............................................................ 4
ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 58
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
3revent 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 awide vision safety mask for over the spectacles or standard safety
glasses.
UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS
Remove all parts and packing materials from carton.
Check carton contents against list. Besure all parts are
there.
OPERATION ................................................................ 10
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES .............................. 11
STORAGE ................................................................... 11
REPAIR PARTS ...................................................... 14-15
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ....................... Back Page
CARTON CONTENTS:
(2) ContainerTops
(2) Container Bottoms
(1) Upper Chute
(1) Lower Chute
(1) Mounting Bracket
(I) Support Post and
Cover Assembly
(I) Bag of Parts
(1)Owner's Manual
ASSEMBLY HARDWARE SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE
LOCATION
oup 'w'l \
REAR
MOUNTING
BRACKET
TO
DRAW BAR
SUPPORT
POST
TO
MOUNTING
BRACKET
(4) Shoulder Bolts 5/16 - 18 Self Tapping N
GROUP "B" I
l°
_ (4) Bolts 5/16 18 x
(1) Bracket Support Pin
Sprng
4
3/4
©
(4) Locknuts 5/16-18
PARTS IDENTIFICATION
GRASS
CATCHER
CONTAINERS
COVER
UPPER CHUTE
FULL
BAG
INDICATOR
CHUTE LATCH
LOWER CHUTE
LOWER CHUTE
ATTACHING
STRAPS
NOTE: When right hand (R.H.) and left hand (L.H.) are mentioned inthis man uaI, itmeans when you are seated on the tractor,
in the operator's position.
CAUTION: BEFORE ASSEMBLING GRASS CATCHER TO TRACTOR:
Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake,
Place gearshift/motion control lever in neutral (N) position,
Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" 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 itcan not come in contact with
plug.
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