Craftsman 917.24985 User Manual

Owner's Manual

CRRFTSMRN

48” Mower

GRASS CATCHER

Model No.

917.249850

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 .

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers #4

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 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

if 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 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 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 loss-of-control and tipover
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. 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 stow and 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 straight6<mn the

sIqDe.

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. /Vever 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 mnning.

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 attach ment bolts, tight

and keep equipment in good condition.

• Nevertamperwith 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.

• Stopandinspecttheequipmentifyoustrikeanobject. 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.

. SAFETY RULES .

#4 Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers ^4

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. Always
look down and behind before and while backing.

Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with sate machine operation.

Keep children out of the mowing area and underthe 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, orbumps. Uneven teirain 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.
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, if possible.

A

A

A

Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

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

C AUTIO N: Tow on ly 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.

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 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".

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES.........................................................2-3

ASSEMBLY.................................................................5-7

OPERATION
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

..................................................................

................................

8
9

STORAGE.....................................................................9

WARRANTY

REPAIR PARTS....................................................10-11

.................................................................

9

KNOW YOUR GRASS CATCHER

READ THISOWNER'S MANUAL ANDSAFETYRULESBEFOREASSEMBLING OR OPERATINGYOURGRASS 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

FORESIGHT IS BEHER

THAN NO SIGHT

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.

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

CARTON CONTENTS:

(3) Container Tops
(3) Container Bottoms
(1) Upper Chute
(1) Lower Chute

(1) Support Assembly
(1) Cover Assembly
(2) Shoulder Bolts
(1) Retainer Spring

PARTS IDENTIFICATION

COVER
ASSEMBLY

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

{1)9/16" Wrench

SHOULDER

FULL
BAGGER
INDICATOR

CHUTE LATCH

GRASS
CATCHER
CONTAINERS

LOWER CHUTE

LOWER CHUTE
ATTACHING
STRAPS

NOTE: When right hand (R.H.) and left hand (L.H.) are mentioned in this manual, it means 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" position.

• Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position.

A

• 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 in contact

with plug.

ASSEMBLY

BAGGER SUPPORT ASSEMBLY

1

1.

2. Align support assembly pin with hole in drawbar and

3. Be sure support assembly is seated properly and secure

(See Figs. 1A & IB)

Remove and discard the upper bolt on both sides of
the drawbar. Using the same holes, install the shoulder
bolts supplied and tighten securely.

REMOVE AND DISCARD
UPPER BOLTS AND INSTALL

hang assembly over the shoulder bolts.
with retainer spring supplied.

MOUNTING COVER ASSEMBLY TO

2

NOTE: For ease of assembly, you may wish to obtain the

assistance of another person for mounting cover assembly
to tractor.

1. Position cover assembly on ground behind tractor as
shown.

2. Lift and rotate cover to align cover brackets with support
assembly tubes.

3. Slide cover assembly down onto the support tubes.

SUPPORT ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 2)

FIG. 1B

02532

FIG. 2

CONTAINER ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 3)

3

1. Place bottom half inside of top half, as shown.

2. Place one foot inside bottom half and lift top half to
meet bottom half.

3. Press halves tightly together while lifting top to lock
into place as shown.

IMPORTANT: BEFORE LOG KING THE TABS, HOOKED EDGES

ON BOTH HALVES MUSTOVERLAPTO FORM SEAL AS SHOWN
IN INSET.

4. Repeat for other containers.

CONTAINER
BOTTOM HALF

CONTAINER
TOP HALF

CONTAINER MOUNTING (See Fig. 4)

4

1. Install one container to left side first with warning to
outside of unit. Install another container to center

position and one in right position.

NOTE: Right container should always overlap left container
at center supports.

2. Closecoverand lock latch handles over center support

tubes.

PRESS TOGETHER

CONTAINER
TOP HALF

CONTAINER
BOTTOM
HALF

FIG.3

ASSEMBLY CHECK; Squeeze sides of lower half of con
tainer and check that there is no gap between upper and
lower halves. If a gap appears, unlock tabs to separate
container halves and repeat instructions above.

TO FORM SEAL
WHILE LIFTING

TOP HALF

LOCKING
TAB

LOWER CHUTE (See Fig. 5)

5

1. Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position.

2. Place slot in tower chute over tab on mower deck and
position lower chute over deck opening as shown.

3. Hook rear latch into flange hole on back of mower
deck.

4. Hook front latch into tab hole on front of mower deck.

CAUTION: Do not remove deflector
shield from mower. Raise and hold

A

shield when attaching lower chute
and allow it to rest on chute while in
operation.

UPPER CHUTE (See Figs. 6A & 6B)

6

1. Lower mower deck to its lowest cutting position.

2. Assemble upper chute by inserting curved end into
hole in back of cover.

NOTE: Handle carefully so as not to damage full bagger
indicator.

3. Push in and turn upperchute until it is in line with lower
chute.

4. Align the bosses on lower chute with alignment slots
on upper chute and slide together.

5. Secure with rubber latch by hooking hole in latch over

latch pin.

DEFLECTOR
SHIELD

COVER

UPPER

CHUTE

FULL BAGGER
INDICATOR

FIG. 6A

ALIGNMENT
SLOT

HANDLE

LATCH PIN

RUBBER
LATCH

LEVEL MOWER DECK

Be sure deck is properly leveled for best mower performance.
See your tractors owner's manual for instructions.

OPERATION

TIPS FOR IMPROVED BAGGING OPERATION;

Follow the mower operation instructions in your tractor

owner's manual.
When operating your grass catcher on a lawn where grass

and leaf bagging equipment has not been used, you are
picking up thatch and debris that has accumulated for long
periods of time. The amount collected and the total time
of operation may be greater than you will experience with
regular use of your grass catcher.

• Always run throttle at full speed when bagging.

• Select a gear low enough to give good mower cutting
performance, good quality cut and good bagging
performance.

NOTE: It may be necessary to overlap width of cut to suit
your conditions.

• If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice. The

first time relatively high, the second time to desired

height.

• Use left hand side of mower for trimming.

• Plastic trash bags can be inserted inside grass catcher

containers for ease of debris disposal. To remove the
plastic trash bags when full:

a. Disengage blades, shift into neutral, engage the

parking brake and stop the engine.
b. Raise seat. Unlatch and raise cover.
c. Remove one container at a time by grasping

container handles and pulling toward the rear, off

of the tube rails.
d. With the container resting on the ground, close

and secure the top of the plastic lawn bag.
e. Tip the container on its side and slide the filled bag

from the container.

f. Install a new plastic lawn bag with the edges of the

bag draped over upper lip of the container.
g. Repeat for other containers.
h. Reinstall containers making sure right container

overlaps left container at center supports.

j. Close cover and secure latches overcentersupport

tubes.

• Avoid cutting wet grass or in the morning while the dew
is still heavy. Grass clippings collected under these

conditions tend to be sticky and adhere to the walls of
the flow path causing clogging.

• Your bagger is equipped with a full bagger indicator.
Movement of the wheel increases as the bags fill. The

wheel will be spinning fastest just before the bags fill
completely. When the wheel stops, it indicates that the
bags are full and the chutes have become clogged.

NOTE: To help prevent clogging of chutes, check/empty
bags when the wheel is spinning fast. Experience will teach
you the best time to empty the bags.

Care should be taken not to damage the parts and that
the wheel spins freely at the beginning of each use.

• If the grass catcher fails to pick up cut grass or leaves,
it is an indication that clogging has occurred in the
system or that the grass catcher containers are full.
Usually this is indicated by the stopped movement of
the full bagger indicator.

a.

Disengage blades, shift into neutral, engage the
parking brake and stop the engine.

- Raise seat. Unlatch and raise cover.

- Slide out containers and dispose of clippings .

- Replace containers, close cover, and latch.

b.

Unlatch chutes and check for clogging.

- Remove all debris in chutes.

- Reassemble and latch chutes

c.

Check to insure full bagger indicator has not become
clogged.

- The air passage hole must be clear of debris.
Gently insert a small twig or wire into passageway
to clear.

CAUTION

A

• Do not operate mower with grass catcher

partially installed.

• Disengage blades and stop engine before
leaving tractor seat to empty containers,
unclogging chutes, etc.

• Close cover before starting.

• Disengage mower when crossing driveways
or gravel surfaces and other areas where

thrown objects could be a hazard.

• Do not attempt to vacuum up cans or other

potentially hazardous projectiles.

8

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Always observe safety rules when performing any main

tenance.

• Before each use check for loose fasteners.

• Clean unit thoroughly after each use.

BLADE CARE

For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Replace
bent or damaged blades.

• See BLADE CARE instructions in your tractor owner's
manual.

CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY
MAINTENANCE, SERVICE OR ADJUST

A

MENTS:
Depress clutch brake pedal fully and

set parking brake.
Place gearshift/motion control lever in

"NEUTRAL" position.
Place clutch control in "DISENGAGED"

position.

Turn ignition key to "OFF" position.

Make sure blades and all moving parts
have completely stopped.

Disconnect spark plug wire(s) from

spark plug(s) and place wire where it
cannot come in contact with plug.

STORAGE

When gra.s.c catcher is to be stored for a period of time,

clean it there ighly, remove all dirt, grass, leaves, etc. Store

in a clean, c. y place.

CAUTION: Do not leave grass in bagger

A

containers. Empty containers after each
use and before storing. Failure to do so
may result in spontaneous combustion

which could develop into a fire.

CAUTION: Grass catcher components
are subject to wear, damage and

A

deterioration, which could expose
moving parts or ailow objects to be
thrown. Frequently check components
and replace with manufacturer's
recommended parts, when necessary.

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

REPAIR PARTS

GRASS CATCHER - - MODEL NUMBER 917.249850

REPAIR PARTS

GRASS CATCHER - - MODEL NUMBER 917.249850

KEY PART
NO.

2
3 127533
4 139851
5
6
7 130933
8 87175

9
10 7206J Spacer, Split
11 STD541810
12
13
14
15 130760

16 130759 Rubber, Latch

18

20
21 132796 Spring, Cover L.H. (black)
22 140809 Spacer, Cover

NO.

69180

176741
18021008 Screw, Special #10-14x1/2

19061216

STD551110 Washer, lock #10
109808X

2029J Nut, Weld

174345

71161010

DESCRIPTION

Nut, Crownlock #10-24
Screen, Cover
Cover Assembly {Includes 3, 37, 38, 39)
Chute, Upper

Full Bagger Indicator
Screw, #10-24 X 1-1/8

Washer 3/16x3/4x16 Ga.

Nut, Acorn #10-24

Latch, Chute
Latch, Hook
Chute, Lower

Screw #10-24 X 5/8 Truss Head —

KEY PART
NO.

23
26 4939M Spring, Retainer
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39 186601
40
46 74760536

NO. DESCRIPTION

132983
179534

176997 Shoulder Bolt
165898
174083
176990
128600
127534

183286

129586
134637
130895

71141008
177860

Spring, Cover R.H. (gray)
Support Assembly
Spring, Retainer

Plug, Tubing End
Bagger, Frame
Pin, Hinge
Gasket, Cover
Container, Top
Container, Bottom
Seal, Cover
Latch Handle, Cover
Strip, Reinforcement
Screw #10-24x1/2
Bolt, Hex 5/16-18x2-1/4

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177860 Rev 2 3.10.03 rad

Printed in U.S.A.