Common problems with grass catchers
Grass clippings can get heavy and damage the bag or mounting brackets. Emptying the bag regularly during mowing will prevent damage to the bag or attachment system.
Mechanical problems are rare with grass catchers. The most common issues are rusted hardware and fasteners or ripped bags and liners. Occasionally, the frame and other parts could become damaged or bent due to rough handling or improper removal and storage. Most problems can be prevented with regular maintenance and by paying attention to a few particulars.
Troubleshooting and solutions
Three factors can affect mower and bag performance: grass height, weather conditions and mulching. Mulching mowers aren't meant for collecting grass even if you find a bag that fits like a glove. If you like the finer cut you get with a mulching mower, some manufacturers make a hybrid model that mulches and collects clippings.
The other two issues sometimes go hand in hand. Often, tall grass is damper than shorter grass, and that can lead to clogs and blade damage. Make sure that you mow more often in areas that have fast regrowth; don't mow right after rain or in the morning when there may be dew on the grass, and check the height setting on your mower blade.
If your grass bag isn't filling, the causes may be:
- A clogged chute
- A clogged bag
- Improper throttle setting
- A damaged or worn cutting blade
- Poor engine performance
If your mower isn't collecting grass as it should, then check to make sure that there is nothing obstructing the chute or bag, that the bag is sitting properly against the body of the mower and that the catcher and frame aren't damaged or loose. If none of those is an issue, you may need to examine the underside of the deck to ensure that it's smooth and undamaged. An uneven deck or bent blades can misdirect the clippings, keeping them from being routed into the bag.
Grass catcher parts from Sears PartsDirect
Whether you need to replace some hardware, the bag or the framing and support pieces for your grass catcher, Sears PartsDirect has products for almost every make and model. We carry a wide selection of manufacturer-approved replacement parts for trusted names in lawn care like John Deere, Craftsman, Husqvarna and more. Our large inventory is designed to ensure that you have an exact match to complete your equipment repair project.
