CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new collection system. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance.

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service center/ department. They have competent, well-trained technicians and the proper tools for service and repairs.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your collection system properly. Always observe the ???SAFETY RULES???.

KNOW YOUR BLOWER SYSTEM

READ THIS OPERATION MANUAL AND SAFETY

RULES BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR OPERATING YOUR BLOWER SYSTEM. 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.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

???Read, understand and follow all instructions in the 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, stones, toys, wire etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blades.

???Be sure the area is clear of all people and pets before mowing. Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.

???Never carry passengers or children even with blades off.

???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 direct it towards anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place.

???Slow down before turning.

???Never leave the machine unattended when the engine is running. Always turn off the blades, set the parking brake, stop the engine and remove the key before leaving the machine.

???Turn off blades when not mowing.

???Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging chute.

???Mow only in daylight or good arti??? cial light.

???Do not operate the machine while under the in??? uence of alcohol or drugs.

???Watch out for traf??? c when operating near or crossing roadways.

???Use extra care when loading and unloading the machine onto 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 injury.

???DO NOT operate mower with grass catcher, unless the front weights are installed.

???Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris buildup which can touch hot exhaust/ engine parts and burn. Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves or other debris which

can cause buildup 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. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

DO

???Mow up and down slopes (10?? 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 speed so that you will not have to stop while on the slope.

???Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine.

???Keep all movement on the slopes slow and 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 turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

???Do not mow near drop-off, 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.

III. 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.

???NEVER allow children to operate the machine.

???Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.

???Be alert and turn off the machine 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.

???Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

???The operation of any 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 mower or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses.

???Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are ??? ammable 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 ??? ame, 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 there proper operation regularly.

???Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris buildup. 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 shown in the Operator???s Manual.

???NEVER allow children to operate the machine.

???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 drive 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.

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.

WARNING

DO NOT tow any trailers, etc. with this mower. They may jackknife or over turn causing damage to the mower and possibly serious injury to the operator.

???Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children.

???Mow up and down slopes (10?? 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 a slow speed while on slope or hill.

???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.

WARNING

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components 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 know to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS

???Remove all parts and packing materials from carton.

TOOLS REQUIRED

???7/16" Wrench or ratchet and socket

?????" Wrench or ratchet and socket

???7/8" Socket

???Torque Wrench

??? Phillips Head Screwdriver

???Hacksaw

???Pliers

???Drill and 3/8" drill bit - 3 bag system only

Bag Dump Indicator

CONTAINER CONTENTS

???Weight (not included in

52" Kit 539 130328 or 61" Kit 539 130329)

Upper Chute

Middle Chute

Belt Cover

Blower Housing

1INSTALLING DRIVE PULLEY

1.Remove the discharge chute from the deck. (Deck con??? guration will vary by size and model)

2.Lower deck to the lowest cutting position.

3.Remove the right hand (discharge side) belt cover from the deck.

4.Relieve the tension from the deck belt and re- move from the center deck pulley.

(See Operator???s Manual if necessary)

2TRIMMING BLOWER

(52" and 61" decks only)

1.Place blower assembly on secure table or stable surface.

2.Remove the bolts securing the rear mount bracket.

3.Using the hacksaw, trim the blower housing along the recessed grooves.

4.Reinstall the rear mount bracket with previously removed bolts.

in collection system kit on top of the current deck pulley.

Drive Pulley

1.Position blower over the discharge tabs on the deck and set blower onto the deck.

2.Be sure the blower is sitting ??? ush against the outside of the deck.

NOTE: The rear mount bracket is designed to ??? t all deck sizes.

Rear Mount Bracket

52/61 Contact Area

42/48 Contact Area

1.Make sure the tension release lever is forward or disengaged.

2.Place the belt over the pulley on the deck. Refer to illustration for proper routing.

3.Move the tension release arm to the rear and engage in the latch.

Rear Of Deck

Twist in Belt

52/61 Contact Area

Idler Pulleys

1.Using the hacksaw, trim the belt cover along the dashed line.

Belt Cover

42/48 Trim Line

Belt Cover Tab

Deck Belt Shield

1.Place the deck belt shield on the deck over the drive pulley and secure with hardware removed from steel belt shield.

2.Place retainer on the outer pulley cover.

3.Align the tab end of the belt cover into the slot on the deck belt shield and the other end over the end of the outer pulley cover.

4.Secure with knob.

Knob

Middle Chute Latch

Retainer

Outer Pulley Cover

1.Using the hacksaw, trim along the dashed line.

2.Locate the middle chute, ??? at washer, hood latch, weld nut, lock washer and machine screw from kit.

3.Install in the appropriate hole at the upper end of the middle chute, according to deck size.

1.Remove the top right mount strap from the rear of the mower and save hardware.

2.Remove the right rear skid plate bolt and the lower right mount strap bolt from the mower and save hardware.

Weld Nut

Lock washer

Flat Washer

52/61 Hole

42/48 Hole

8INSTALLING MIDDLE CHUTE

1.Place middle chute over the top end of the blower assembly.

2.Latch middle chute to blower assembly.

Blower Assembly

Middle Chute

Mount Strap

Remove

3.Place the bagger mount bracket against the rear of the engine guard, reinstall the upper right mount strap and secure with 1" carriage bolts and previously removed nuts.

4.Tighten all hardware.

Carriage Bolts

Bagger Mount Bracket

10INSTALLING BAGGER MOUNT

3 Bin Collector

1.Remove the four carriage bolts indicated from the rear guard.

Remove

2. Install the bagger mount tube from the mount kit.

Nut

Mount Tube

Hex Bolt

3.Remove the front carriage bolts securing the top mount straps to the frame.

4.Install kit mount straps between the mount tube and frame as shown in the illustration. The front side of the kit mount straps should be on the inside of the mower frame.

NOTE: Models with vertically mounted muf??? er will not use the right mount strap.

3. Tighten all hardware.

Nut

Kit Mount

Strap

Kit Mount Strap

Vertical Mount Muf???ers

Nut

Hex Bolt

Flat Washers

Hex Bolt

Exhaust Guard

1.Install exhaust guard to right side of mount as shown.

2.Secure with hex bolts, washers and hex nuts.

NOTE: Models with vertically mounted muf??? er will not use the right mount strap.

11INSTALLING CHUTE SUPPORT

3 Bin System only

1.Position upper chute support against bagger inlet, ??? ush at outer edges. See Illustration.

2.Using support as a template, drill two 3/8 holes into bagger hood.

Upper Chute Support

Bagger Hood

Bagger Inlet

3.Secure upper chute support to hood with hex bolts, washers and nyloc nuts.

Flex Trim

Hex Bolt

12INSTALLING WEIGHT KITS

Units with one weight plate

1.Bolt one (1) weight plate and two (2) weight brackets together using four (4) 1??" bolts and four (4) nuts.

2.Slide both weight brackets over the front tube on the frame. Be sure to position in the center of the frame.

3.Secure with four (4) 2??" bolts and four (4) nuts.

Weight Plate

2?? Bolt

1?? Bolt

Nut

Weight Bracket

Units with two or more weight plates

1.Bolt weight plates to weight brackets using four

(4) 1??" bolts and four (4) nuts.

2.Slide both weight brackets over the front tube on the frame. Be sure to position in the center of the frame.

3.Secure with four (4) 2??" bolts and four (4) nuts.

Front Tube

Weight Plates

2?? Bolt

Nut

Weight Bracket

1?? Bolt

CAUTION

DO NOT operate mower with grass catcher, unless the front weights are installed.

NOTE: The 61 deck does not require weights.

13MOUNTING COVER ASSEMBLY

TO SUPPORT ASSEMBLY

(2 BAG SYSTEM)

NOTE: For ease of assembly, you may wish assistance from another person for mounting the cover assembly to mower.

1.Position cover assembly on ground behind mower.

2.Lift and rotate cover to align the cover bracket with hanger bracket and slide the cover down until secure.

14MOUNTING COVER ASSEMBLY

TO SUPPORT ASSEMBLY

(3 BAG SYSTEM)

NOTE: For ease of assembly, you may wish assistance from another person for mounting the cover assembly to mower.

1.Position cover assembly on ground behind mower.

2.Lift and rotate cover to align the cover brackets with support assembly tubes.

3.Slide the cover down over the support tubes until secure.

TIPS FOR IMPROVED BAGGING

Follow the mower operation instructions in you mower operator???s manual.

When operating your grass catcher on a lawn where grass and leaf bagging equipment has not been used, you are picking up thatch and debris that has accumulated for long periods of time. The amount collected and the total time of operation may be greater than you will experience with regular use of your grass catcher.

???Always run throttle at full speed when bagging.

???Select a speed low enough to give good mower cutting performance, good quality cut and good bagging performance.

NOTE: It may be necessary to overlap width of cut to suit your conditions.

???If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice. The ??? rst time relatively high, the second time to desired height.

???Use left hand side of mower for trimming.

???Plastic trash bags (3.0 mil, 30 gallon) can be inserted inside grass catcher containers for ease of debris disposal. To remove the plastic trash bags when full:

a.Disengage blades, shift into neutral, engage the parking brake and stop the engine.

b.Unlatch and raise cover.

c.Remove one container at a time by grasping container handles and pulling toward the rear, off of the tube rails.

d.With the container resting on the ground, close and secure the top of the plastic lawn bag.

e.Tip the container on its side and slide the ??? lled bag from the container.

f.Install a new plastic lawn bag with the edges of the bag draped over upper lip of the Container (for replacement bags refer to

REPLACEMENT PARTS).

g.Repeat for other container.

h.Reinstall containers making sure right container overlaps left container at center supports.

i.Close cover and secure latches over center support tubes.

???Avoid cutting wet grass or in the morning while the dew is still heavy. Grass clippings collected under these conditions tend to be sticky and adhere to the walls of the ??? ow path causing clogging.

???If the grass catcher fails to pick up cut grass or leaves, it is an indication that clogging has occurred in the system or that the grass catcher containers are full.

a.Disengage blades, place motion control levers in neutral position.

-Unlatch and raise cover.

-Slide out containers and dispose of clippings.

-Replace containers, close cover, and latch.

b.Unlatch chutes and check for clogging.

-Remove all debris in chute.

-Reassemble and latch chutes.

CAUTION

???DO NOT operate mower with grass catcher partially installed.

???Disengage blades and stop engine before leaving mower seat to empty containers, unclogging chutes, etc.

???Close cover before starting.

???Disengage mower blades when crossing driveways or gravel surfaces and other areas where thrown objects could be a hazard.

???DO NOT attempt to vacuum cans or other potentially hazardous projectiles.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.

???Before each use check for loose fasteners.

???Clean unit thoroughly after each use.

BLADE CARE

For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades.

???See BLADE CARE instructions in your mower operator???s manual.

CAUTION

BEFORE PERFORMING MAINTENANCE,

SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS:

???Set parking brake.

???Place motion control levers in ???NEUTRAL??? position.

???Place clutch control in ???DISENGAGED??? position.

???Turn ignition key to ???OFF??? position.

???Make sure blades and all moving parts have completely stopped.

???Disconnect spark plug wire(s) from spark plug(s) and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.

STORAGE

When grass catcher is to be stored for a period of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grass, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry place.

CAUTION

Do not leave grass in bagger containers. Empty containers after each use and before storing. Failure to do so may result in spon- taneous combustion which could develop into a ???re.

CAUTION

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.

12

11

3

5

9

15

12

1

8

10

4

7

6

This side towards bearing

19

Torque to 30 LBs

25

29

46

44

24

47

14

4

15

31 11

55

30 17

45

34

56

40

23

11

10

59

3

20

5

12

21

17

16