While leaving grass clippings on the lawn after you mow returns essential nutrients to the soil, doing so can also create a mess. When grass clippings blow onto patios and walkways and are tracked into the house, you may decide you'd prefer to bag them. Although the bagger, referred to as a grass catcher by Craftsman, isn't attached to the machine when you take it out of the box, hooking it up is a straightforward process.
Rear-discharge Models
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Step 1
Remove the spark plug wire from the mower's spark plug to prevent accidental ignition of the mower. Lift the rear door and remove the mulching plate from the grass discharge opening. Store the plate away for later installation should you wish to mulch the grass rather than bag it.
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Step 2
Assemble the bagger by inserting the frame into the collection bag and attaching the vinyl bindings to the frame. Ensure that the stiff part of the bag is on the bottom and that the handle of the frame extends to the exterior of the top of the bag.
Step 3
Open the mower's rear door to expose the bracket hooks located on the handle. Attach the side hooks on the bagger's frame to the bracket hooks. Close the rear door to secure the bag to the mower's housing.
Side-discharge Models
Step 1
Remove the spark plug wire from the mower's spark plug to prevent accidental ignition of the mower. Lift the discharge cover and remove the mulching plate from the grass discharge opening. Store the plate away for later installation should you wish to mulch the grass rather than bag it.
Step 2
Assemble the bagger by inserting the frame into the collection bag and attaching the vinyl bindings to the frame. Ensure that the stiff part of the bag is on the bottom and that the handle of the frame extends to the exterior of the top of the bag.
Step 3
Lift the side-discharge door and attach the grass chute to the hooks that protrude from the side of the mower's housing just in front of the discharge chute. Allow the chute to rest on the body of the mower and lower the side-discharge door to rest on the grass chute.
Step 4
Attach the grass catcher to the mower's handle by clipping into into place. Connect the grass chute that is protruding from the side of the machine to the opening at the bottom of the grass catcher. Secure the clips that attach the bag to the chute to ensure that the two pieces are firmly connected.
Tip
Add grass clippings to your compost pile to increase the output.
Warning
Wear gloves when working on a mower to protect your hands from cuts and scrapes if they come in contact with sharp, metal parts.