How to attach catcher to mower?
To attach the grass catcher on your Craftsman 247240690 two-bin rear bagger, install the bags on the mounting frame, feed the chute tube through the hood, then lower the chute tube onto the deck mounting bolts and secure it with the wing knobs. See the 247240690 owner's manual.
Quick attach steps (most common order)
- Park on a flat surface; disengage blades (PTO), set the parking brake, and shut off the engine.
- Wait for all moving parts to stop; remove the key.
- Install both grass bags onto the mounting frame: set the front edge on the front frame rail, then rock each bag backward and down until it seats.
- Insert the chute tube through the hood opening (it feeds easier upside down, then rotate it right-side up once it is through).
- Lower the chute tube onto the mowing deck mounting bolts.
- Secure the rear mounting bolt with a wing knob first, then secure the front mounting bolt with the second wing knob.
Safety checks before you mow
A bagger changes airflow and handling, so we recommend these checks every time:
- Confirm the discharge area is fully covered by the chute and hood.
- Make sure both bags are fully seated on the frame (not hanging on one lip).
- Verify the chute tube is fully down on both deck mounting bolts.
- Keep hands and feet away from the deck and rotating parts.
- Stop the engine and wait for blades to stop before clearing clogs or opening the top cover.
If the catcher will not stay on (common causes)
| Symptom | Most likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Chute pops off the deck | Wing knobs not tight or chute not fully seated | Reseat chute on both bolts; tighten wing knobs rear first, then front |
| Poor pickup or frequent clogging | Wet grass, overgrown grass, or restricted chute | Mow when dry; slow down; clear packed debris with engine off |
| Bags sag or leak clippings | Bag not rocked fully into place or bag fabric worn | Reinstall bags; replace worn bag if needed |
Why it matters
Running without the discharge cover or the grass catcher properly installed increases the risk of thrown objects and blade-contact injuries. A correctly mounted chute and bag assembly also improves collection performance and reduces clogging.
Last updated: February 2026
Is there a universal grass catcher?
A truly “universal” grass catcher is uncommon because baggers must match the mower deck discharge style, mounting points, and airflow. For the Craftsman 247240690 two-bin rear bagger, the best fit is the model-specific hood, chute tube, mounting bracket, and bags shown in the 247240690 owner's manual.
What “universal” usually means (and why it matters)
Most “universal fit” catchers only cover a range of mower sizes and discharge configurations. If the chute angle or hood seal is off, you get clogs, blowout, or poor fill.
Why it matters: A bagger is part of the mower’s discharge safety system; running without the correct discharge cover or properly installed catcher increases the risk of thrown debris.
How to tell if a grass catcher will fit your tractor
Check these compatibility points before buying any bagger kit:
- Deck discharge type: side discharge vs rear discharge, and the discharge opening shape
- Mounting hardware: rear mounting bracket and support frame locations
- Chute routing: chute tube length, bends, and hood inlet position
- Capacity and airflow: hood design and venting affect how well it fills
- Counterweight needs: some setups require front weights for stability
What’s included with the Craftsman 247240690 bagger kit
The 247240690 kit is designed as a matched system (hood, chute, frame, and bags). Typical carton contents include:
| Component | What it does | Fit impact |
|---|---|---|
| Grass catcher hood | Directs airflow into bags | Must align to frame and chute inlet |
| Chute tube | Carries clippings from deck | Must match deck opening and hood port |
| Bag support assembly | Holds both bags | Must match tractor mounting points |
| Counterweight and bracket | Helps balance tractor | Needed for safe handling on some tractors |
Common fit and performance problems (and quick checks)
- Clogging in chute: shut off engine, wait for blades to stop, then clear packed debris; wet grass clogs fastest
- Poor bag fill: confirm hood is seated and bags are installed correctly on the mounting frame
- Handling feels different: slow down before turning; baggers change tractor balance and turning behavior
If you need replacement components for this system, match by part number from the manual, such as the grass bag 964-04167 or the bagger attachment chute 731-09351.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the average lifespan of 247240690?
The average lifespan of the Craftsman 247240690 two-bin rear bagger is 8 to 12 years with normal residential use and basic care. The frame and mounting hardware typically last the longest; wear items like the grass bags usually need replacement sooner.
What wears out first on this two-bin rear bagger
These parts see the most abrasion, UV exposure, and stress during mowing and emptying:
- Grass bags (fabric can tear, seams can split, airflow can clog)
- Chute and cover components (cracks from impacts or vibration)
- Fasteners and knobs (loosening, stripping, corrosion)
- Brackets and mounts (bending from overloads or backing into obstacles)
If you need a common wear item, the mtd lawn tractor bagger attachment grass bag 964-04167 is the typical replacement for torn or worn bags.
How to get the longest life from model 247240690
We recommend these habits to extend service life and keep bagging performance consistent:
- Empty bins before they are packed tight; overfilling strains the chute and mounts
- Keep the chute clear; wet clippings shorten bag life and cause clogging
- Store the bagger out of sun and rain; UV and moisture break down fabric and plastics
- Re-tighten mounting hardware periodically (especially after the first few uses)
- Clean and dry the bags after mowing damp grass to prevent mildew and stiffness
For model-specific assembly, mounting, and operating steps, follow the 247240690 owner's manual.
Lifespan expectations by component
| Component | Typical lifespan | What shortens it |
|---|---|---|
| Mounting brackets and frame | 8 to 12 years | Impacts, overloading, corrosion |
| Chute and covers | 5 to 10 years | Clogs, vibration, cracking from hits |
| Grass bags | 2 to 5 years | Wet clippings, UV exposure, abrasion |
| Knobs, bolts, nuts, washers | 3 to 8 years | Corrosion, overtightening, vibration |
Why it matters
A bagger that is worn or loosely mounted can clog more often, reduce airflow, and spill clippings. Replacing high-wear parts early (especially bags and chute pieces) keeps your Craftsman rear engine rider bagging cleanly and reduces strain on the attachment.
Last updated: March 2026