How to attach grass bag to Craftsman mower?
To attach the grass bagger on your Craftsman 917248920 grass catcher attachment, mount the lower chute at the deck opening, connect and latch the upper chute to the cover, then seat the containers on the rails and latch the cover closed so airflow stays sealed. Use the 917248920 owner's manual for the exact latch locations and alignment marks.
Step-by-step: attach the chute and containers
- Lower the mower deck to the lowest cutting position; remove the mulch cover if your deck has one.
- Raise and hold the deflector shield up.
- Position the lower chute: place the lower rear edge between the gauge wheel bracket tab and mower housing, then hook the rear latch to the deck.
- Push the chute firmly so the extended edge slides under the deflector shield; hook the front latch to the mower deck.
- Assemble the upper chute: insert the curved end into the hole in the back of the cover, then push and turn the chute until it lines up with the lower chute.
- Join upper and lower chutes: align bosses to slots, slide together, then secure the rubber latch over the latch pin.
- Set containers on the tube rails, close the cover, and secure the cover latches.
If it will not stay attached
- Deck has gauge wheels: hook the rear latch into the hole in the right-hand gauge wheel bracket.
- Hold the chute in position while latching; the deflector shield can push it away.
- Replace a broken latch that will not hold tension, such as the lawn tractor bagger attachment chute latch 532109808.
Quick symptom guide
| What you see | What to check first |
|---|---|
| Chute pops off | Rear/front latch engagement, chute fully under deflector shield |
| Clogging or blowout | Chute joints seated, cover latched, screen clear |
| Indicator not moving | Upper chute aligned and sealed, containers seated evenly |
Why it matters
A tight chute connection and latched cover maintain airflow; airflow is what carries clippings into the containers and prevents clogs.
We list model-matched parts for Craftsman 917248920 on this page; for additional parts searches by model number, use Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to find Craftsman parts?
For your Craftsman grass catcher attachment model 917248920, the fastest way to find the right parts is to match your part to the exploded parts diagram and carton contents list in the 917248920 owner's manual, then order the exact replacement from the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Best way to identify the correct part
We recommend using a simple match-up process so you get the correct chute, latch, container, or hardware the first time.
- Confirm the model number is 917248920 (from the label on the attachment)
- Use the parts identification and carton contents section in the manual to name the part
- Compare your part to the diagram (shape, mounting points, left-hand vs right-hand orientation)
- Match common wear items first (chutes, latches, straps, indicator parts)
- Order using the exact part listing for this model to avoid fit issues
Common parts customers replace on this model
The owner’s manual lists key grass catcher components such as containers, upper chute, lower chute, support assembly, cover assembly, shoulder bolts, and a full bag indicator. These are also the parts that most often crack, loosen, or wear from normal use.
| Symptom | Most likely area to check | Example part on this model |
|---|---|---|
| Poor bagging or frequent clogging | Upper/lower chute, latch alignment | Grass catcher upper chute 532126840 |
| Chute won’t stay attached | Chute latch, strap, mounting points | Lawn tractor bagger attachment chute latch 532109808 |
| Bags fill but indicator doesn’t move | Indicator linkage or flag | Indicator 532130933 |
Why it matters
Grass catcher components wear and can deteriorate over time; keeping the chute, latch, and containers in good condition helps prevent clogs, improves airflow, and reduces the chance of debris being thrown while mowing.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the most common issues with 917248920?
The most common issues with the Craftsman 917248920 grass catcher attachment are clogging in the chute, poor bagging pickup, and container cover leaks or fit problems. These problems are usually caused by wet grass, airflow restrictions, or worn latches, straps, and chute components; the fix is typically cleaning, adjusting, or replacing the affected parts.
Common symptoms and what they usually mean
- Chute clogs or grass backs up: airflow is restricted (wet grass, packed debris, or a damaged chute).
- Leaves grass behind: deck is cutting poorly, ground speed is too fast, or the bagger is leaking air.
- Container cover will not seal: gasket is worn or the cover is not latching evenly.
- Chute won’t stay attached: latch or strap is loose, bent, or missing.
- Uneven tracking or rubbing: mounting hardware is loose or a bracket is bent.
Quick checks we recommend first
Use the diagrams and adjustment steps in the 917248920 owner's manual while you inspect these items:
- Clear the upper and lower chute completely; remove packed clippings.
- Confirm the container cover closes flat and latches securely.
- Check for cracks, warping, or missing hardware on the chute and frame.
- Tighten fasteners; replace stripped screws, lock nuts, or washers.
- Bag only when grass is dry; slow down in heavy growth.
Parts that commonly solve these issues
If you’re seeing the symptoms above, these model-matched parts are frequent fixes:
| Symptom | Part to inspect/replace | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Chute falls off or won’t lock | Lawn tractor bagger attachment chute latch 532109808 | Secures the chute connection |
| Frequent clogging or damaged chute | Grass catcher upper chute 532126840 | Carries clippings to the container |
| Cover leaks or won’t seal | Lawn tractor bagger attachment container cover gasket 532192550 | Helps maintain airflow and reduce blowout |
Why it matters
A grass catcher depends on strong airflow from the mower deck through the chute into the container. Any leak (gasket, cover fit) or restriction (wet clippings, damaged chute) reduces suction, which causes clogs and poor pickup.
Last updated: March 2026