Craftsman 917249890 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

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42" Mower

GRASS CATCHER

Model No.

917.249890

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

SAFETY RULES

A

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers AI_

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. GENERALOPERATION

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 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

themselves and others from serious iniury.

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 ordeath.
All slopes 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. Taft grass can hide obstacles.

Use slow speed, Choose a lowgear so that 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.
Keep all movement on the slopes s/owand 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.

Donotmow 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.

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. 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, 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 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. 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, 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 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

i

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

TION!!! BECOME ALERT!t! 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 by and comply
with specifications of the manufactu-
rer of your tractor. Use common
sense when towing. Operateonlyat
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 onyour purchase of a new Grass Catcher. Ithasbeen 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".

NOTE: To make debris disposal easier 30 gallon plastic trash bags may be inserted in plastic grass containers. To orde r, see
repair parts section of this manual.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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.

• Check carton contents against list. Besureall parts are

there.

CARTON CONTENTS:

(3) ContainerTops

(3) Container Bottoms

(1) UpperChute

(1) LowerChute

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

PARTS IDENTIFICATION

COVER
ASSEMBLY

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
(t) 9/16" Wrench

SHOULDER

SUPPORT
ASSEMBLY

BOLTS

FULL
BAGGER

INDICATOR

CHUTE LATCH

UPPER CHUTE

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 thetractor,
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,

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,

4

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 & 1B)

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

REMOVE AND DISCARD
UPPER BOLTS AND INSTALL

SHOULDER BOLTS SUPPLIED

DRAWBAR

FIG. 1A

hang assembly over the shoulder bolts.

with retainer spring supplied.

MOUNTING COVER ASSEMBLY TO

SUPPORT ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 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,

COVER
ASSEMBLY

SUPPORT

• _ ASSEMBLY

SUPPORT"**'_

SHOULDER
BOLTS

PIN

FIG. 1B

5 FIG. 2