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how to convert lawn mower to rear bagging

16 years ago

Craftsman model 917.378493-- 3-in-one convertible push mower. "Inherited" this mower from my Dad, but did not get an owner's manual. Mower converts for mulching, side discharge and rear bagging. Problem I am having is with rear bagging. I removed mulch plug and attached bag at rear. But most of the grass/leaves I want to pick up are blowing out side discharge area. How do I block side discharge?

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Comments (4)

rustyj14
16 years ago
The ones i have seen usually have a grass blocker that fits under the side discharge chute, and it can be taken off for side discharge, and put back on to avoid your problem! Its an oval plastic plate, sort of L shaped, with a depression molded in it, presumably to give it strength. It is black plastic. Look around the place where the mower is kept, and i'll bet you'll find it, stuffed away in a corner or a box, or even the trash! I suppose you can still buy one, or make something. It covers the hole and the side chute sticks up rather high to accomodate it.
xlindax
16 years ago
Are you sure this model number is correct? A check of the Sears.com parts list does not show the usual door on the side for side discharge, and the illustration shows no side discharge portal.
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rustyj14
16 years ago
I'vce only had one of that type of mower here, with the extra hole cover on it. I don't know what the numbers were on it, but it did have the side grass deflector, a discharge hole on the back, and the side cover i described in the previous message! The side discharge deflector sat above the other cover, when it was installed on the mower.
beserious
Original Author
16 years ago
yes, model # is correct. Model is described as a 3-in-0ne mower (converts for three modes: mulch, rear bag, and side discharge). Makes sense that I'm missing some kind of deflector. I'll follow-up on that. Thanks!

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