MTD OEM-190-180A User Manual

Op e r a t O r ’s Ma n u a l

Form Number 3362-554 Rev A

Twin Rear Bagger - Model No. OEM-190-180A & 19A30002000

READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

Printed In USA

WARNING

BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

FORM NO. 769-04317A

03/24/2009

To The Owner

Thank You

Thank you for purchasing a double bagging attachment
manufactured by MTD LLC. It was carefully engineered to
provide excellent performance when properly operated and
maintained.

Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.
It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and
maintain this attachment. Please be sure that you, and any
other persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the
recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury or property damage.

All information in this manual is relative to the most recent
product information available at the time of printing. Review this
manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the attachment,
its features and operation. Please be aware that this Operator’s
Manual may cover a range of product specifications for various
models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated
in this manual may not be applicable to all models. MTD LLC
reserves the right to change product specifications, designs and
equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

Table of Contents

Identify The Model of Tractor ................................. 3

Safe Operation Practices ........................................ 4

Carton Contents & Hardware Packs ...................... 7

Assembly & Installation .......................................... 9

Operation ................................................................16

1

If you have any problems or questions concerning this
attachment, phone your local authorized MTD service dealer
or contact us directly. MTD’s Customer Support telephone
numbers, website address and mailing address can be found on
this page. We want to ensure your complete satisfaction at all
times.

Throughout this manual, all references to right and left side of the
machine are observed from the operating position

Parts List ..................................................................18

Warranty ................................................................ 20

Spanish ....................................................................21

French ......................................................................41

Record Product Information

Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please

locate the model plate on the equipment and record the
information in the provided area to the right. From the operator’s
position, locate the model plate in the front, left portion of the
plastic grass catcher cover. This information will be necessary,
should you seek technical support via our web site, Customer
Support Department, or with a local authorized service dealer.

MO d e l nu M b e r

se r i a l nu M b e r

Customer Support

Please do NOT return the machine to the retailer or dealer without first contacting our Customer Support Department.

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of
this machine, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

Visit us on the web at www.mtdproducts.com◊

Call a Customer Support Representative at [phone] or [phone]◊

Write us at MTD LLC • P.O. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019◊

2

Model Plate

Figure 1-1

Identify The Model of Tractor

This manual is designed for installation of this new bagging unit
on several different models of tractors. It is important for you
to determine which model of tractor that you have. Once this is
known, follow the pertinent set of instructions on the following
pages.

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Note: Read and observe all WARNING, NOTES and IMPORTANT
statements. They are included to provide for the protection of
the equipment installer and user, and to ensure the prolonged
service life of the equipment.

Note: References to LEFT and RIGHT indicate the left and

right sides of the tractor when facing forward in the operator’s
position. Reference to the FRONT indicates the grille end; to the
REAR, the rear end of the rider.

To determine which model of rider you have, you will need to
locate the rider’s model plate, located under the seat. Simply flip
the seat up and locate the model plate, which will consist of an
11 digit/letter model number and a serial number. See Fig. 1-1.
For ease in this installation and for future use, copy your rider’s
model number & serial number below now:

Rider Model Number:__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

Rider Serial Number:_________________________

Sample Model Number

1 3 A M 7 9 0 G 0 0 0

Indicates Model Series 700

Figure 1-2

The 5th, 6th & 7th numbers from the left in your model number
determine your rider’s model series. See Fig. 1-2.

When you fill in your model number in the space above, the
actual model series number should fall into the gray shaded area.

Now that you have determined what model rider you are
attaching this grass bag collection system to, follow the
instructions on the following pages according to your model of
rider.

3se c t i O n 1 — tO th e Ow n e r

Important Safe Operation Practices

WARNING! This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed,

could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow
all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply
with these instructions may result in personal injury.
When you see this symbol. HEED ITS WARNING!

DANGER! This attachment was built to be used according to the safe operation practices in
this manual. Carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury.
Mowers are capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe
the following safety instructions as well as the instructions provided with your mower, could
result in serious injury or death.

2

General Operation

Read, understand, and follow all instructions on your 1.
equipment and in their manuals before attempting to
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for
future and regular reference and for ordering replacement
parts.

To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep 2.
bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from
the mower while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.

Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be 3.
used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys, and other
foreign objects which could be picked up and thrown by
the blade(s). Thrown objects can cause serious personal
injury.

Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during 4.
operation and while performing an adjustment or repair
to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can
cause serious injury to the eyes.

Do not operate the mower without the discharge cover 5.
or entire grass catcher in its proper place. A missing
or damaged discharge cover or grass bag attachment
component may result in thrown objects or blade contact
injuries.

Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the 6.
cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate
hands and feet.

Shut off mower’s engine and wait for blades to come to 7.
a complete stop before unclogging mower’s discharge
opening or bagger parts.

Slow down before turning. Operate the machine smoothly. 8.

Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed. Be aware

that a grass catcher attachment can affect the handling
characteristics of your mower.

Disengage blade(s), set parking brake, stop engine and wait 9.
until the blade(s) come to a complete stop before opening
bagger attachment’s top cover, removing grass catcher,
emptying grass, unclogging chute, removing any grass or
debris, or making any adjustments.

Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn 10.
off blade(s), place transmission in neutral, set parking
brake, stop engine and remove key before dismounting.

Your machine is designed to cut normal residential grass of 11.
a height no more than 10”. Do not attempt to mow through
unusually tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture) or piles of dry leaves.
Dry grass or leaves may contact the engine exhaust and/
or build up on the mower deck presenting a potential fire
hazard.

If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use 12.
care and good judgment. Contact your customer service
representative for assistance.

Slope Operation

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over
accidents which can result in severe injury or death. Attachments
can also affect the stability of the machine. All slopes require
extra caution.

For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this
manual to estimate the angle of slopes before operating this
machine on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 10
degrees as shown on the slope gauge, do not operate the mower
with the grass bag attachment installed on that area or serious
injury could result.

Do:

Mow up and down slopes, not across. Exercise extreme 1.
caution when changing direction on slopes.

Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden 2.
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.

4

Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed setting so 3.
that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.
Tires may lose traction on slopes even though the brakes
are functioning properly. Always keep machine in gear
when going down slopes to take advantage of engine
braking action.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel 4.
weights or counterweights to improve stability.

Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do 5.
not make sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid
engagement or braking could cause the front of the
machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards which could
cause serious injury.

Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, 6.
disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly straight down
the slope.

Do Not:

Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn slowly 1.
and gradually downhill, if possible.

Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The 2.
mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge
of a cliff, ditch, or if an edge caves in.

Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on 3.
the ground.

Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes. 4.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause 5.

sliding.

General Service

Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the 1.
blade(s) and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the
spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent
unintended starting.

Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the 2.
equipment is in safe working condition.

Never tamper with your mower’s safety interlock system 3.
or other safety devices. Check their proper operation
regularly.

Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs while the 4.
mower’s engine is running.

Grass catcher components and the discharge cover are 5.
subject to wear and damage which could expose moving
parts or allow objects to be thrown. For safety protection,
frequently check components and replace immediately
with original equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts only,
listed in this manual. Use of parts which do not meet the
original equipment specifications may lead to improper
performance and compromise safety!

Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as 6.
necess ary.

Safety Symbols

This table depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine before attempting to assemble and operate.

Symbol Description

READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate

STOP
Turn off the engine before opening the bagger cover.

WARNING! Your Responsibility—Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and

follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

5se c t i O n 2 — iM p O r t a n t sa f e Op e r a t i O n pr a c t i c e s

Sight and hold this level with a vertical tree...

or a corner of a building...

or a fence post

Fold along dotted line (represents a 10° slope)

10°

6 se c t i O n 2 — iM p O r t a n t sa f e Op e r a t i O n pr a c t i c e s

WARNING! Do not operate your lawn mower with a bagger attachment on such slopes. Do not mow on inclines with a

slope in excess of 10 degrees (a rise of approximately six inches every 10 feet). A riding mower with a bagger attachment

could overturn and cause serious injury. Operate riding mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.

Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely.

Contents of Carton

3

Before beginning installation, remove all parts from the carton to make sure everything is present. Carton contents are listed below
and shown in Fig. 2-1. Hardware part numbers are shown in parentheses.

Hitch Bracket Kit •

700 Series Mount Kit • (2 brackets & hardwa re)
Chute Tube Extension•

Hitch Support•

Discharge Chute Elbow•
Grass Catcher Cover Screen•
Grass Catcher Cover•

(3 brackets & Hardwa re Pack)

Two Grass Bag Assemblies•

Upper Chute Tube•
Upper Chute Support•

Hinge Cover Pin•
Upright Support•
Bag Support Assembly•
Three Hardware Packs •

(Detailed & Pic tured on next pag e)

RH Mount (789-00052)

LH Mount (789-00054)

Rear Attachment Bracket

(789-00053)

Carriage Bolts (4)

(710 -0276)

Flange Lock Nuts

(4) (712-04063)

Chute Tube

Extension

(7 31-0 6610)

Discharge Chute

Elbow

(7 31- 04153 A)

Hitch Bracket Kit

(3 Pcs. & Hardware Pack)

Hitch Support

(783-05887)

Grass Catcher

Cover Screen

(7 31-0 650 4)

700 Series

Mounting Kit

Includes the

following parts:

RH Bracket (783-05889)

LH Bracket (783-05890)

(8) Hex Bolts (710-04484)

(2) Shoulder Bolts (738-04267)

(2) Flange Lock Nuts (712-04065)

(2) Clevis Pins (711-0332)

(2) Click Pins (714-0145)

Grass Catcher

Cover

(631 -0 4292)

Grass Bag

Assemblies

(664- 04096)

Upright Support

(683- 04519)

Hinge Cover Pin

( 711 - 0 4 98 8 )

Upper Chute

Support

(7 31-0 6497)

Upper Chute Tube

(6 31- 04 291)

Bag Support

Assembly

(683-04461)

Figure 2-1

7

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

This grass collector kit is shipped with three loose hardware packs enclosed and one hardware pack included in the mounting bracket kit.
Please check your hardware packs against the illustrations below. The quantities for each item is listed in parenthesis.

Hardware Pack included with 689-00080

Hardware Pack 689-00091

(710-3008)

(1)

(710-3008)

(710-0276)

(2)

(712-04063)

Hardware Pack 689-00087

(1)

(4)

(711-0309A)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(711-05063)

(1)

(736-0204)

(1)

(714-04040)

(2)

(726-3046)

(4)

(712-04063)

8 se c t i O n 3 — cO n t e n t s O f ca r t O n

(714-0117)

(1)

(1)

(711-04069)

(1)

(712-04064)

(723-04008A)

Assembly & Installation

700 Series Tractors Only

If you are assembling this bagger unit for use on any model 700
series tractor you will need to install the two tractor mounting
brackets packed in your bagger kit. If you are installing this
bagger unit on any other tractor, disregard these steps and move

to Assemble Mounting Brackets on the next page.

To install these brackets on a model 700 series tractor, follow
these steps:

Install a shoulder bolt from your hardware pack on each 1.
bracket, securing them with flange lock nuts also included
in the hardware pack. Refer to Fig. 4-1.

Remove and discard the two screws in the lower frame as 2.
seen in Fig. 4-2.

Mount the 700 series tractor mounting brackets to your 3.
tractor using eight self-tapping hex screws included with
your kit by using the pre-drilled holes in your tractor’s
frame for the two top mounting bolts and the holes on the
lower frame where you previously removed and discarded
the screws. See Fig. 4-2.

When attaching the hitch bracket assembly to the tractor, 4.
secure with the clevis pin and clip pins called out in Fig. 4-2,
in addition to the clevis pin used in the hitch plate on the
following page.

4

Figure 4-1

Secure bracket using eight 5/16-18 x .750

hex tap screws

Clevis pin used on all

700 series tractors

to further secure the

mounting assembly

Discard existing bolts and replace

with bolts from hardware pack

Figure 4-2

9

Assemble Mounting Brackets

For all other models

For 700 models

Side View

Side View

To assemble the universal mounting assembly, locate the
mounting assembly pack and follow these steps:

Attach the two hitch side brackets to the universal rear 1.
attachment bracket using four hex bolts and flange lock
nuts. With the hooks on the hitch side brackets pointing
down, the tabs on the universal rear attachment bracket
should be pointing upwards. See Fig. 4-3.

Note: This universal mounting bracket assembly is
designed to work with other available attachments, such
as a weight kit used in conjunction with the snow blade or
snow thrower attachment. Utilize the contact information
on page 2, or contact the retailer in which you purchased
this equipment, to find out more about available
attachments for your specific tractor.

Flip over assembly and mount the hitch support bracket 2.
to the mounting assembly as seen in Fig. 4-4.

Note: It might be easier during the mounting stage to
leave this hardware only finger tight to facilitate lining up
the hitch hole for the clevis pin. You will be instructed to
tighten this later in this manual if you chose to only finger
tighten this hardware now.

Note: The holes closest to the mounting hooks are to be
used for all 700 model series machines, while the two holes
closest to the cross mount are for all other models. The
hitch support bracket will need to be flipped to enable
alignment of the proper holes depending on the model of
machine this bagger is being installed on. See Fig. 4-4.

Hole provided for clevis pins for all 700 series mountings

Figure 4-3

10 se c t i O n 4 — as s e M b l y & in s t a l l a t i O n

Figure 4-4

Assembling The Support Assembly

Align hole on bracket
with hole on tractor

Locate the upright support bracket and the bag support
assembly. Assemble it by following these steps:

Lay the bag support assembly topside down with the 1.
mounting bracket portion facing upwards.

Insert the notched end of the vertical support bracket into 2.
the bag support assembly, as in Fig. 4-5, and secure with a
5/16-18 carriage bolt and 5/16-18 flange lock nut. See Fig.
4-6.

Figure 4-5

Figure 4-7

Install the clevis pin from hardware pack 689-00087 into the 2.
tractor’s hitch and secure with a hairpin clip. See Fig. 4-8.

Note: The clevis pin can be fed down through the hitch
plate and secured underneath with the hairpin clip, or it
may be easier to feed the clevis pin up through the hitch
plate hole and secure with the hairpin clip on the topside.
The latter method may be preferred since it can be easier
to insert the hairpin clip. Either way will work, the decision
should be based on operator preference.

Figure 4-6

Mount Assembly on Tractor

Install mounting assembly on tractor as follows:

Place the hooked ends of the mounting assembly over 1.
the shoulder bolts, as in Fig. 4-7, on the tractor and line up
the hitch support bracket center hole with the hole on the
tractor’s hitch.

Figure 4-8

Note: If you decided to leave the hitch support only
finger tight during the assembly process, tighten all of the
hardware securely at this time.

If Mounting Assembly onto 700 Series Tractors

Note: Install two clevis pins through the mounting assembly and
secure to the 700 series mounting brackets installed earlier with
click pins provided in the hardware pack. Refer back to Fig. 4-3.

11se c t i O n 4 — as s e M b l y & in s t a l l a t i O n

Install the bagger hanger assembly onto the mounting 3.

Tabs

Top View

1

2

assembly on the tractor by hooking it over the hitch plate

between the two tabs. See Fig. 4-9.

Figure 4-9

Secure the hanger assembly to the mounting assembly 4.
using a 5/16” bolt and flange nut provided. See Fig. 4-10.

Assembling Remaining Bagger Components

Now that the mounting brackets are assembled and are in place
on the tractor, follow these steps to assemble the remaining
bagger components.

Snap the plastic upper chute support in place by first 1.
clipping the side portion onto the bagger support rail with
the edge of the snap feature aligned with the red line, as
seen in Fig. 4-11.

Snap the front side of the chute support to the rail, as 2.
shown in the inset of Fig. 4-11.

Figure 4-11

Figure 4-10

12 se c t i O n 4 — as s e M b l y & in s t a l l a t i O n

Install the bagger screen into the bagger cover by first 3.
inserting the end closest to the side with the cutout into
the mounting hole, as in Fig. 4-12. Make sure to feed the
screen under the lip, as in Fig. 4-13.

Figure 4-12

Clip in the other side by pushing the screen into the 4.
provided cutout. See Fig. 4-13.

Figure 4-14

Make sure screen sits

under the cover’s lip

Figure 4-13

Install the bagger cover onto the bag support assembly, as 5.
seen in Fig. 4-14. The plastic cover goes inside of the two
mounting tabs.

Slide the hinge pin into the hole located on the mounting 6.
tab, as in Fig. 4-15. Use the cut-out window (See inset in
Fig. 4-15) to line up the hinge pin on the other side and
push pin all the way in until it reaches the end-stop. At this
point the pin clips into place and is secured by a tab in the
bagger cover. See Fig. 4-16.

Figure 4-15

Figure 4-16

13se c t i O n 4 — as s e M b l y & in s t a l l a t i O n

Open Hood by pushing in on the rear, right-side tab with 7.

1

2

1

2

your right hand, as seen in 1 of Fig. 4-17, and lifting the cover
with your left hand in the center rear of the bagger cover, 2.

Figure 4-17

Install both bag assemblies with the tight mesh sides facing 8.
forward, onto the bag support brackets by inserting the
front edge in first, as seen in Fig. 4-18, and setting the back
edge down until it fits into the assembly.

Figure 4-19

Figure 4-18

Install the rubber chute strap on the chute elbow using the 9.
supplied clevis pin, washer and Bow-tie cotter pin. See Fig.
4 -19.

Install the ball pin from your hardware pack into the hole in 10.
the front of the mower deck as seen in Fig. 4-20, and secure
with the supplied flange lock nut.

With the tractor’s discharge chute raised up and held open, 11.
install the chute elbow over the chute opening by placing
the top, rear edge of the chute elbow over the rear of the
deck opening, then pivoting the chute elbow down and
over the chute opening. See Fig. 4-21.

14 se c t i O n 4 — as s e M b l y & in s t a l l a t i O n

Figure 4-20

Figure 4-21

Note: For the chute elbow to be properly installed, the
bottom edge must fall over the bottom of the deck
opening. See Fig. 4-22.

Figure 4-22

Secure the chute elbow to the tractor’s deck by hooking 12.
the chute strap onto the ball pin installed earlier on the
deck. See Fig. 4-23.

Install the chute adapter onto the chute elbow by lining up 13.
the tabs and sliding the adapter over the chute elbow, as
in Fig. 4-24. Secure the chute adapter by installing the two
ratchet clips included in the hardware pack in the holes
provided.

Figure 4-24

With the bagger cover open, install the upper chute over 14.
the chute adapter, and rest the top so that the chute
support sits in the upper chute groove. See Fig. 4-25.

Note: Make sure to align the upper chute with the ridges
on the bagger support bracket.

Figure 4-23

Figure 4-25

15se c t i O n 4 — as s e M b l y & in s t a l l a t i O n

Operation

Bagger Usage

NOTE: When both grass bags are full, place the tractor on a firm,
level surface, disengage the PTO, turn the tractor engine off and
set the parking brake.

Flip Seat up.1.
Lift up grass bag cover as instructed on Page 14 in Step 7. 2.

Do not remove the chute tube assembly from the tractor.
Remove the grass bags by lifting these up and moving the 3.

bags away from the bag support assembly.
Empty the grass clippings at a proper disposal sight, use 4.

the handle at the bottom of each grass bag. Holding the

bag firmly, empty the contents
Replace grass bags, close lid, flip down seat, restart your 5.

tractor and resume cutting your grass.

5

16