I did a bit of research a few years ago on reel mowers. Never bought one since I wanted make sure it was going to work before I bought it (probably would have had to buy it via the mail, only a few models are available at stores). The Hudson Star Classic reel mower sells for over $1,100.00! I do a lot of composting, so on some cuts with my gas Sears I bag the grass, other times I mulch it. It is getting harder to find 'clean' grass that neighbors throw out on yard waste collection day. Might I suggest that if the clippings are more of a factor than the exercise, you might work out a deal with a neighborhood kid who cuts grass to find some natural stuff for you. I know a number of neighbors who pay a company to spray their yards. When I ask them what products are sprayed on their lawns, they have no idea. A recent article in Mother Earth News suggested that some of these products can be a problem for up to four years. I would second the previous post asking if you have a tough grass like zoysia. If so, do you have a 7-blade mower that is often suggested for tough grasses?

hi bill, i noticed that the mower was given to you. i'm up in seattle and during spring and fall i buy select mower's that are of no use to their owners, for what ever reason (usually) not starting. if the mower does not have a bag i normally won't purchase or i'll let know how important that is to me and adjust price. reason being, bags are expensive and hard to match. craftsman mowers along with most homeowner type mowers change yearly so it's hard to find a bag that fits properly. now is a good time to maybe check out some of the deals on CL. good luck.

I have found by my experience with fixing Craftsman lawn mowers, that there are several types of baggers on them. One type when looking at the side of it where it fits against the mower deck opening, is straight in the wire frame vertical section. The other type, when viewed from the side, the upper 3 inches is bent back at 45d. All of the ones i have seen have the wire frame made right into the bagger. And there are 2 types of metal cover flaps. One type of bag won't fit where the other type attaches. And, you must make sure the hook tabs are already installed, or made right into the vertical plate, where the bag hangs on. Best bet is to go to a lawn mower repair shop, and see if they might have a used mower deck, and bagger that you can make fit. By that, i mean without anything more than just hanging it on. Its hard to tell you just how to do it, but i think, if you first looked at repair shops, you just might find a pile of old mowers that you could find just what you need. Let me say this: I'd just go out and buy the mower you need. It'll be a lot less trouble that way, than trying to refit something onto your mower!

most grass catchers are lawn or garden tractor accessories and are usually specific not only to the brand but also to the specific model line. Notable exceptions are the "pull-behinds" such as offerings from Brinley and the like. Such usually have supplementary engines and higher price tags. But, trying to mount a typical Craftsman grass catcher to a Deere or Cub riding mower just wont work. Fit at deck exhaust and other mount points won't match up.... :( In your case, the only catcher that will work for sure is that offered for your specific machine... or there may be a private label version of your tractor sold by sears or other outlets that would carry an interchangeable catcher (but prolly for the same cost as from your dealer).