Owner's Manual
GRASS CATCHER
FOR ROTARY LAWN MOWERS
Model No
917.330721
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman
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 on the machine and in the
manual(s) before starting. Be thor-
oughly familiar with the controls and
the proper use of the machine before
starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Keep clear of the
discharge opening at all times.
• Only allow responsible individuals,
who are familiar with the instructions, to
operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as
rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, 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.
• Do not operate the mower when
barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Always wear substantial foot wear.
• Do not pull mower backwards unless
absolutely necessary. Always look
down and behind before and while
moving backwards.
• Do not operate the mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
other safety protective devices in place.
• See manufacturer's instructions for
proper operation and installation of
accessories. Only use accessories
approved by the manufacturer.
• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel
drives, walks, or roads.
• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you
leave the equipment, before cleaning
the mower or unclogging the chute.
• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait
until the blade comes to comgtete sto_
before removing grass catcher.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial
light.
• Do not operate the machine while
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Never operate machine in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing: keep a
firm hold on the handle and walk; never
run.
• Disengage the self-prOpelled mecha-
nism or drive clutch on mowers so
equipped before starting the engine
(motor).
• If the equipment should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine (motor)
and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble,
• Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields when
operating mower,
I1. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip
and fall acc'tdents which can result in
severe injury. All slopes require extra
caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do
not mow it.
DO:
• Mow across the face of siopes: never
up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance.
• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
footing could cause slipping.
IlL CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator
is net 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 trimming area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
• Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small
children.
• 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 dosed
area.
• Never make adjustments or repairs
with the engine (motor) running.
Disconnect the spark plug wire, and
keep the wire away from the plug to
prevent accidental starting. For electric
mowers, make sure power source is
unplugged.
• 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 attempt to make wheel height
adjustments while the engine (motor) is
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.
• Do not change the engine governor
setting or overspeed the engine.
_.Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONHI BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
A WARNING: 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.
_,WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.
_WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.
_1,CAUTION: Muffler and other engine
parts become extremely hot during
operation and remain hot after engine
has stopped. To avoid severe burns on
contact, stay away from these areas.
KNOWYOUR GRASS CATCHER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR
OPERATING YOUR GRASS CATCHER. Compare the illustrations with your Grass
Catcher to familiarize yourself with the parts before starting the assembly. Study the
operating instructions and safety precautions thoroughly to ensure proper functioning
of your Grass Catcher and to prevent injury to yourself and others• Save this manual
for future reference•
The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects thrown
into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear
safety glasses or eye shields while operating your lawn mower or
performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision
safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses.
3
CARTON CONTENTS
For future reference and repair parts ordering,
keep this manual with your Lawn Mower manual.
(1) 163213X479
Handle Bracket
(1) 178527
Plastic Chute
(2) 63601 Hex Locknuts
1/4-20
(1) 751399
Chute Mounting Bracket
(2) 74180410 Truss Head
Machine Screws 1/4-20 x
(1) 178532
Grass Catcher
(1) 163212 Hoop Frame (1) 163214
Catcher Frame
TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER
1. Attach catcher handle bracket to lawn
mower handle using handle knob
provided on lawn mower handle.
2. Attach chute mounting bracket to
plastic chute using (2) two 1/4-20 x 1/2
truss head machine screws and
Iocknuts and tighten securely.
3. Insert the short leg of the hoop frame
into the seam sewn in the grass
catcher.
4. Continue pushing the grass catcher
onto the hoop frame until the grass
catcher is completely on the short leg
of the hoop frame. Spread grass
catcher evenly around the hoop
frame.
5. Insed the ends of the hoop frame
through the button holes that are
located under the flip lid, as far as
possible.
6. Attach the grass catcher frame to the
hoop frame as shown.
7, Place the plastic extrusion, located on
the grass catcher, to the first horizontal
bar of the grass catcher frame.
8. Attach grass catcher to the plastic
chute by squeezing the clamp ring
located at the end of the grass
catcher.
9. Slide the grass catcher onto the
plastic chute making sure catcher fits
over the ridge on the plastic chute.
10. Release clamp ring and grass catcher
will fit securely.
Lawn /
mower
handle
Handle
knob
Catcher
handle
bracket
I/4-20 Locknut Ig
bracket
1/4-20 x 1/2
Truss head
machine
screw,_,
Plastic
chute
_Grass catcher seam
t f-'l Sho.,eg.oop
, frame short leg
Grass catcher
frame
Plastic Horizontal bar Plastic
extrusion chute
TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER
1. Hook the chute mounting bracket over
the housing bracket on lawn mower.
NOTE: When the mounting bracket is in
place, the wire provided on the mounting
bracket will hold the discharge guard up.
2. Attach the grass catcher to the upper
handle by sliding the grass catcher
frame into the catcher handle bracket
on the lawn mower handle• Close flip
lid.
NOTE: Flip lid must be closed while
_erating lawn mower.
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without discharge guard, approved grass
catcher or muleher plate in place.
Discharge gl
Chute mounting bracket
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
1. Open flip lid. Squeeze clamp ring and
remove grass catcher from plastic
chute.
2. Hold the mouth of the grass catcher
closed• Using the same hand, grasp
the catcher frame handle•
3. With the other hand, grasp the top of
the grass catcher and lift off the
catcher handle bracket.
• 4. Empty grass catcher through the flip
lid using the catcher handle provided
on the bottom of catcher•
did Catcher
frame
handle
Catcher handle
Grass
:atcher
mouth
chute Housing bracket
Upper Flip lid
handle ----_-"
Grass catcher
Catcher handle bracket
Plastic
Grass
catcher
Clamp ring
_CAUTION: Do not operate your lawn
mower unless the bag is attached to the
plastic chute. If you are not using the
Grass Catcher, the plastic chute must be
removed from mower to allow deflector
shield to return to proper position•
CLEANING
• The grass catcher may be hosed with
water, but must be dry when used,
• Check your grass catcher often for
damage or deterioration. Through
normal use it will wear. If catcher needs
replacing, replace only with a manufac-
turer approved replacement catcher.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
PROBLEM CAUSE
Grass Catcher 1, Cutting height too low.
is not filling 2, Lift on blade worn off.
3. Catcher not venting air.
CORRECI_ION
1. Raise cutting height•
2. Replace blade.
3. Clean grass catcher•
6
SERVICE NOTES
Get it fixed, at your home or ours!
For repair ofmajorbrandappliancesin your own home...
no matter whomade it,nomatterwho soldit!.
1-800-4-MY-HOME _ _rne, dayorn_jht
(1-800-469-4663) (U.S.A.andCanada)
wt_t.._qear_corfl w,llw.se_'lt_ca
Forrepairofcany-inproductslikevacuums,lawnequipment,and
electronics, callforthe nearest Sears Parts and Repair Center.
1-800-488-1222 Ar_, dayorr_ (U.S.A.orgy)
WltPN.SeallLCOITI
Forthereplacementparts,accessoriesand owner'smanuals
that youneed todo-it-yourself,callSears PartsDIrectSM!
1-800-366-PART
(1-80o-,366-7278)
6 aJ'n.- 11 p.m., 7 days a week
(U.S.A.orgy)
To purchaseor inquireabout a SearsServiceAgreement
or Sears MaintenanceAgreement:
1-800-827-6655 (U.S_) 1-800-361-6665 (Canada)
7 am. - 5 p.m., CST, Mo_ - SaL 9 a.m,- 8 p.m. EST, M - F, 4 p.m. Sat
Parape_rsewiciodempa_ a
domiclio, y pata ordenar piezas:
1-888-SU.HOGAR sM
(1-8_-784-e427)
AuCanadapourserviceenfrancois:
1-800*LE-FOYER Mc
(1-8(_0-53_6937)
WWW.S6_zs,ca
® Registered Trademark / TMT ademark / SMServ ce Mark o Seam, Roebuck and Co.
® Marca Registrada / TMMarca de Fdbrica / SMMarca de Servicio de Sears, Roebuck and Co.
MCMarque de commerce / MoMarque d_pos6e de Sears, Roebuck and Co.
178535 Rev. 1 03.16.01 BY Printed in U.S.A.
