Craftsman 917249980 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
CRAFTSMRN°
GRASS CATC
38" Mower
Model No.
917.249980
E
CAUTION:
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions be-
fore operating this equip-
ment.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman
, Safety
, Assembly
=Operation
=Customer Responsibilities
= Repair Parts
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
SAFETY RULES
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.
,, Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are
involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related injuries.
cidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making re=
WARNING: in order to prevent ac-
pairs, always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug.
I A coastdowna hill
_ in n_se control of the
O tractor.
These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the
riding mower safely enough to protect themselves and others
from serious injury.
,, Follow themanufacturer's recommendation forwheel 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 oc-
cur. Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or
storing the machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
that are recommended by and corn=
ply with specifications of the manu=
WARNING: Tow only the attachments
facturer 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.
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
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 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 backing.
,, 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 work-
ing.
,, 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.
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. Ifthetireslose
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 catch-
ers or other attachments; 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 ifthe operator isnot alert to the pres-
ence 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 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.
Safe Operation Practices for Ride=On Mowers
SAFETY RULES
IV. TOWING
,, Tow onlywith a machine that has ahitch 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 se-
curely.
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 opera-
tion 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 neces-
sary.
®@@@@
• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operat-
ing. 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.
Nevercarrychildren, 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 ofthe mowing area and inthewatchful
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.
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".
SAFETY RULES ......................................................... 2-3 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILiTiES ................................. 9
BAG OF PARTS ............................................................. 4 STORAGE ...................................................................... 9
ASSEMBLY ................................................................. 5-7 WARRANTY ................................................................... 9
OPERATION .................................................................. 8 3 REPAIR PARTS ....................................................... 10=11
Know Your Grass Catcher
READTHIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR OPERATINGYOUR GRASS 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
3revent injury to yourself and others. Save this manual for future reference.
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
The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in
glasses.
UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS
• Remove all parts and packing materials from carton.
• Check carton contents against list. Be sure all parts
are there.
PARTS iDENTiFiCATiON
CARTON CONTENTS:
(2) Container Tops
(2) Container Bottoms
(1) Upper Chute
(1) Lower Chute
COVER
UPPER CHUTE
(1) Cover Assembly
(1) Support Assembly
(1) Owner's Manual
FULL
BAGGER
INDICATOR
CHUTE LATCH
GRASS
CATCHER
CONTAINERS
LOWER CHUTE
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 (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 it cannot come in contact
with plug.
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