Craftsman 917.24991 User Manual
Owner’s Man u al
GRASS CATCHER
26" RIDING MOWER
Model No.
917.249910
WARNING
Do not operate mower unless container is properlyissubject
.
to wear and detierioration. Check bag frequently. Replace whencracked or damaged. Use only a recommended replacement container
• Español, p. 13
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions before
op er at ing this equipment.
WARNING
For answers to your questions
about this product, Call:
1-800-659-5917
Sears Craftsman Help Line
5 am - 5 pm, Mon - Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/crafts man
436772
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROW ING OBJECTS. FAILURE
TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above,
WARNING: In order to prevent ac ci den tal starting when setting up,
trans port ing, ad just ing or making
repairs, al ways dis con nect spark plug
wire and place wire where it can not
contact spark plug.
WARNING: Do not coast down a hill
in neutral, you may lose control of
the tractor.
WARNING: Tow only the attachments
that are rec om mend ed by and comply
with spec i fi ca tions of the man u fac tur er
of your tractor. Use common sense
when towing. Operate only at the low est possible speed when on a slope.
Too heavy of a load, while on a slope,
is dan ger ous. Tires can lose trac tion
with the ground and cause you to lose
control of your tractor.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under
the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at
all times.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with
the in struc tions, to operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blades.
• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating. 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 back ing.
• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid
discharging material against a wall or obstruction.
Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop
the blades when crossing gravel surfaces.
• Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher,
discharge guard, or other safety devices in place and
working.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always
turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting.
• Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine
and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before
cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or
unclogging the discharge guard.
• Operate machine 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
road ways.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
• Always wear eye protection when operating machine.
2
are involved in a large percentage of riding mowerrelated injuries. These operators should evaluate their
ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to
protect them selves and others from serious injury.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for wheel
weights or counterweights.
• 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
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If
you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it,
do not mow it.
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction.
Always keep the machine in gear when going down
slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the
tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction,
which could cause the machine to roll over.
• Use extra care while operating machine with grass
catchers or other at tach ments; they can affect the
stability of the machine. Do no use on steep slopes.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel is over
the edge or if the edge caves in.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the ma chine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the
area.
• Before and while backing, look behind and down for
small children.
• Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation. Children who have been given
rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing
area for another ride and be run over or backed over
by the machine.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may block your view of a
child.
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IV. TOWING
• Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for
towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the
hitch point.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for weight
limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.
• Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
• On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may
cause loss of traction and loss of control.
• Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
V. SERVICE
SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
• Use only approved gasoline container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
• Never fuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel container where there
is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water
heater or other appliances.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or
trailer bed with plastic liner. Always place containers
on the ground away from your vehicle when filling.
• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible,
then refuel such equipment with a portable container,
rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is complete.
Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten
securely.
GENERAL SERVICE
• Never operate machine in a closed are.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment
is in safe working 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 and remove any
fuel-soaked debris. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
• If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the
machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine
run ning.
• Check grass catcher components and the discharge
guard frequently and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear
gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service
as required.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Al ways look down and behind before and while backing.
• Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation. Children who have been given
rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing
area for another ride and be run over or backed over
by the machine.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the
area.
• Before and while backing, look behind and down for
small children.
• Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across.
• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the
area.
• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the
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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ................................................................... 2-3
CARTON CONTENTS ............................................................. 4
ASSEMBLY ........................................................................... 5-9
OPERATION .......................................................................... 10
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
MAINTENANCE ..................................................................... 11
STORAGE .............................................................................. 11
WARRANTY ........................................................................... 11
REPAIR PARTS ..................................................................... 12
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 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 op er a tion of any riding mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which
can result in severe eye dam age. Al ways wear safety glass es or eye shields while op er at ing
your riding mower or per form ing any ad just ments or repairs. We rec om mend a wide vi sion
safe ty mask over spec ta cles or stan dard safety glass es.
COMPLETE BAGGER MUST BE IN PLACE BEFORE OPERATING MOWER
UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS
• Remove all parts and packing materials
from carton.
• Check carton contents against list.
Be sure all parts are there.
PARTS IDENTIFICATION
COVER
ed. Use only a recommended replacement container.
to wear and detierioration. Check bag frequently. Replace whencracked or damag
WARNING
Do not operate mower unless container is properlyissubject
WARNING
GRASS
CATCHER
CONTAINERS
DEFLECTOR
GUARD
CARTON CONTENTS:
(2) Containers
(1) Upper Chute
(1) Lower Chute
(1) Blade
SUPPORT
ASSEMBLY
FULL
BAG
INDICATOR
UPPER
CHUTE
CHUTE
LATCH
LOWER
CHUTE
(1) Support Assembly
(1) Cover Assembly
(1) Counterweight
(1) Counterweight
hardware
BLADE
DRAWBAR
ATTACHING
STRAPS
COUNTERWEIGHT
HARDWARE
(1) Drawbar
(1) Deflector Guard
(1) Deflector Guard
Hardware
(1) #7 Drill Bit
LOWER
CHUTE
COUNTERWEIGHT
NOTE: When right hand (R.H.) and left hand (L.H.) are mentioned in this manual, it means when you are seated on the
riding mower, in the operator's position.
CAUTION: BEFORE ASSEMBLING GRASS CATCHER TO RIDING MOWER:
• 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 plug and place where it cannot come in contact with plug.
4
ASSEMBLY
REAR DRAWBAR
(See Fig. 1A, 1B)
1. Remove existing drawbar by removing four screws.
Insert flat screwdriver to remove bumper from engine
plate. Lift up and pull rearward.
DRAWBAR
ENGINE PLATE
REAR MOUNTING BRACKET
21
NOTE: Your new drawbar already has four (4) shoulder bolts
installed. Simply hang the mounting bracket on the bolts.
TO REMOVE THE SUPPORT ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 2B)
1. Pull outward on the stop bracket enough to allow support
(See Fig. 2A and 2B)
SHOULDER
BOLTS
SUPPORT
ASSEMBLY
Fig. 2A
assembly to be lifted up and away from drawbar.
Fig. 1A
2. Install new drawbar by replacing screws removed in
step 1.
DRAWBAR
Fig. 1B
PULL OUT ON STOP
BRACKET TO REMOVE
SUPPORT ASSEMBLY
Fig. 2B
5
MOUNTING COVER ASSEMBLY TO
3
NOTE: For ease of assembly, you may wish to obtain the
as sis tance of another person for mounting cover assembly
to riding mower.
1. Lift and rotate cover to align cover bracket with support
2. Slide cover assembly down onto the support assem-
COVER
ASSEMBLY
SUPPORT ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 3)
assembly.
bly.
SUPPORT
ASSEMBLY
CONTAINER MOUNTING (See Fig. 4)
4
1. Install one container to left side first. Install other
container to right side.
NOTE: Left edge of right con tain er should always over lap
right edge of left con tain er at center sup port.
2. Close cover and lock latch over center support tube.
To lock and release latch, pull back on latch handle.
COVER
LATCH
HANDLE
CENTER
CONTAINER
HANDLE
SUPPORT
TUBE
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
6
INSTALL DEFLECTOR GUARD
5
(See Fig. 5)
1. Using the deflector guard as a template, hold deflector
guard on the top of the deflector aligning edge with the
holes with bottom of writing and angled end with the
rear of the deflector as pictured.
2. Mark locations of (4) holes and drill using supplied #7
drill bit.
3. Insert screws from bottom through deflector and guard,
place washer and then acorn nut on top of guard.
Tighten with a screw driver and 3/8 wrench.
CAUTION: When using mower with out
bagging attachment and with the blade
supplied with this kit, the deflector
guard must be installed.
DEFLECTOR
SHIELD
ACORN NUT
WASHER
LOWER CHUTE (See Fig. 6)
6
1. Raise and hold deflector and metal shield in upright
position.
2. Place slot in lower chute over mounting tab on mower
and position lower chute over mower opening as
shown.
3. Hook rear latch into flange hole on back of mower.
4. Hook front latch into tab hole on front of mower.
CAUTION: Do not remove deflector
shield from mower. Raise and hold
shield when attaching lower chute
and allow it to rest on chute while in
operation.
DEFLECTOR
SHIELD
TAB
SCREW
DEFLECTOR
GUARD
Fig. 5
FRONT
LATCH
REAR LATCH
Fig. 6
7
UPPER CHUTE (See Fig. 7A and 7B)
7
1. Lower mower to its lowest cutting position.
2. Assemble upper chute by inserting curved end into
hole in back of cover.
TIP: Holding upper chute as shown and twisting while installing in cover will help keep the rubber seal in place.
NOTE: Handle carefully so as not to damage full bag
in di ca tor.
UPPER
CHUTE
COVER
t container.
hencracked or damaged. Use only a recommended replacemen
Check bag frequently. Replace w
bject to wear and detierioration.
er unless container is properlyissu
WARNING
Do not operate mow
BLADE REMOVAL/REPLACEMENT
8
(See Fig. 8)
1. Raise mower to highest position to allow access to
blade.
NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade
with heavy cloth.
2. Remove blade bolt by turning coun ter clock wise.
3. Install new blade with stamped "GRASS SIDE" facing
downward.
MANDREL ASSEMBLY
BLADE
BLADE BOLT
(SPECIAL)
STAR
WARNING
Fig. 7A
3. Push in and turn upper chute 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.
COVER
FULL BAG
INDICATOR
WARNING
Do not operate mower unless container is properlyissubject to wear and detierioration. Check bag frequently. Replace whencracke
d or damaged. Use only a recommended replacement container.
WARNING
UPPER
CHUTE
HANDLE
LATCH PIN
RUBBER
LATCH
CENTER HOLE
Fig. 8
IMPORTANT: To ensure proper as sem bly, center hole in
blade must align with star on mandrel assembly.
4. Install and tighten blade bolt securely (45-55 Ft. Lbs.).
IMPORTANT: Special blade bolt is heat treated.
ALIGNMENT
SLOT
Fig. 7B
LOWER
CHUTE
BOSSES
8
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