I have a craftsman lawn mower item#28885. I have a bagger model #247.240193. the manual is asking me to mount the brackets to the tractor using four self tapping hew screws. I need help in this step because I don't think I have the right screws for this step.

go to sears of sears parts online. or any lawn mower sales repair shop

Howard, possibly the wrong spring # not matching as parts diagram in links below, do you have the old spring to sort of match it up or are you possibly putting it in the wrong retaining hole. Check the attached links,instruction and guides, Good luck
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http www searspartsdirect com model part 247288851 0247 1509200 1106099p...
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/user-manuals/247288851-craftsman-tractor-manual
http://www.repairclinic.com/Shop-For-Parts/a21b317d1124318/Model-247288851-Craftsman-Lawn-Mower-Parts
No Need to see diagram of the springs that are on the deck of riding mower...

The bagger installs by using the supplied bracket on the rear of the tractor. Mount the frame of the bagger onto the bracket. then connect the discharge tubes using the spring connecters. Flip open the lid and slide the bags into the frame.

first thing you need to do is check and make sure the blades are disengaged set the park brake and try to start it again all newer mowers will not start without parking brake set or depressed and blades or pto in the off position good luck

Make and model are important and would help. Generally they are pretty simple. Some older models you had to bolt a mounting bracket to the rear corner of the frame and then a support slipped into the bracket. Some newer models have a drop in feature (these have rounded ridges on the back of the frame and have horizontal slots cut in them). On these the support bar simply drops into the horizontal slots then a swinging bar slips into 2 holes on the fenders to support the rearward hanging weight. The most important part is getting the right bagger model for your model. If it is a very old model that discharges grass out the back of the deck you may have a hard time finding a bagger at all. If you have a side discharge just make sure you are getting the right version for your tractor. If your tractor has a smooth flat back you need the version that has a bolt on mounting bracket. If it has the rounded vertical humps you need the newer version.

call sears, and ask them to get you the manual.

Hi and welcome to FicYa, I am Kelly.

You will need to make sure that you have items 21 - 29 of this diagram: Scroll way down 75% until you see the deck and belt, then look at item 27 the deflector shield.
http://www.hammerwall.com/Manuals/Craftsman/Description/917.288031/Craftsman%20Lawn%20Tractor%2017.5%20HP%2042%20Inch%20Mower%206%20Speed/L0807249/

It is a matter of sliding the bolt throught bracket on the mower deck and making sure that the shield safety switch is actuated. (Flip up)

I also read the owner's manual (no help!). The only thing about the shield is on page 14 stating to make sure it is in place.

If your missing the hardware to install the deflector shield you can go to http:www.searspartsdirect.com and enter your model number in the search bar. You have to choose model search then click (go).
You will get this diagram if you choose mower deck:
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-model/Craftsman-Parts/Riding-mower-tractor-Parts/Model-917288030/0247/1509200/P0905008/00007?blt=06&prst=&shdMod=

Thanks for choosing FixYa,
Kelly

Hello. here is a link that shows a few craftsman baggers. You need to know your model number in order to get a bagger that will fit properly. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07124019000P?vName=Lawn%20&%20Garden&cName=TractorAttachments&sName=Bagger%20Attachments&psid=FROOGLE01&sid=IDx20070921x00003a

When using a bagger, you need correct blades on mower or Worn blades will cause the deck not to get the vacuum needed for the bagger to pickup.

It attaches the the front of the tractor. Similar to a plow to a truck. If you don't have the brackets, you will need those, or make your own. You can see a picture of the brackets if you go to sears.com. Click on the PartsDirect link at the top, and enter the blade model number.