Craftsman Lawn Mower Not Bagging

If your Craftsman lawn mower is not bagging grass properly, you’re not alone—and it’s frustrating to stop every pass to clear clogs or scoop up leftover clippings. The quickest fix is often to clear the chute and deck, sharpen the blade, and mow at the right height on a dry lawn. For many, simply cleaning built-up wet grass from the discharge chute and deck underside immediately restores airflow and bagging performance.

In this guide, you’ll learn every proven solution to get your Craftsman bagging again reliably. We’ll cover the most common causes, step-by-step fixes (from simple to advanced), model-specific pointers for both walk-behind and riding Craftsman mowers, and prevention tips to keep clogs from coming back. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to diagnose and solve bagging issues for good.

Common Causes of a Craftsman Lawn Mower Not Bagging

• Dull or incorrect blade type (mulching blade instead of high-lift/bagging blade)
• Clogged discharge chute or mower deck caked with wet grass
• Bag full, wet, or with a clogged mesh letting no air escape
• Yard conditions: wet grass, mowing too low, or too fast
• Low engine speed (throttle not at full) causing weak airflow
• Missing/damaged deck baffle or air deflector
• Grass catcher not seated properly or missing chute adapter
• Drive belt or blade speed issues (riding mowers)
• Wrong deck height setting for your turf density
• Blocked deck vent holes or worn bag frame seals
• For riding mowers with baggers: blower/turbo assist not working, hose leaks, or kinks

How to Fix a Craftsman Lawn Mower Not Bagging

Method 1: Quick Clean and Basic Setup (Fastest Wins)

Time: 10–20 minutes

Diagnosing the Issue

• Are clippings clumping under the deck or clogging the chute?
• Is the bag barely filling or totally empty?
• Is the grass wet, long, or being cut too low?

Fix Steps

1. Safety first:
   – Walk-behind: Turn mower off, remove spark plug wire.
   – Riding: Turn off engine, remove key, set brake, disconnect spark plug or negative battery cable.
2. Empty the bag and shake it out.
3. Clean the bag mesh:
   – Tap it to knock out dust; hose the outside if clogged. Let dry completely.
4. Clear the chute and deck:
   – Tilt walk-behind mower with carburetor/air filter up to avoid flooding (usually tilt spark plug up). Scrape caked grass with a plastic scraper.
   – On riders, remove chute/hose to clear any wad of grass; check blower (if equipped).
5. Set throttle to full/high. Bagging requires maximum airflow.
6. Raise the cutting height one notch; cutting too low loads the deck with heavy clippings.
7. Mow at a slower ground speed to give the deck time to move clippings.

Testing

• Make one pass on a dry section. If the bag starts to inflate and fill, you solved the airflow restriction. If not, continue.

Method 2: Optimize Blade and Deck Airflow

Time: 20–40 minutes

A dull or wrong blade is the number one cause of poor bagging.

Diagnosing the Issue

• Blade edges feel rounded or nicked.
• You’re using a mulching blade on a bagging setup.
• The bag doesn’t inflate even with a clean deck.

Fix Steps

1. Remove the blade:
   – Disconnect spark plug. Use a block of wood to secure blade. Remove bolt (note orientation).
2. Inspect blade type:
   – For best bagging, use a high-lift or “bagging blade” with pronounced upward wings to create strong suction. Craftsman models often specify part numbers in the manual—search your model (e.g., Craftsman 917.xxxxxx) for OEM bagging blade.
3. Sharpen or replace:
   – Sharpen both cutting edges to about a 30-degree angle; ensure balance (a cone balancer helps). If heavily worn, bent, or cracked, replace with the correct high-lift blade.
4. Check deck baffles/deflectors:
   – Ensure internal baffles and discharge deflector are intact and tightly fastened; missing parts ruin airflow.
5. Reinstall blade correctly:
   – Confirm correct orientation (cutting edge facing direction of rotation). Torque to manufacturer spec (commonly 30–60 ft-lbs for walk-behind; check manual).

Testing

• With a sharp high-lift blade and clean deck, the bag should inflate noticeably within a few feet of mowing.

Method 3: Bag, Chute, and Attachment Integrity

Time: 15–30 minutes

Poor bagging often comes from leaks or misfits that collapse airflow.

Diagnosing the Issue

• Bag doesn’t inflate, or clippings blow around the bag mouth.
• Chute keeps clogging at bends or the deck outlet.

Fix Steps

1. Inspect the bag:
   – Check for tears, worn mesh, or a collapsed liner. Wash and fully dry. Replace if mesh is clogged with fine dust and won’t clear.
2. Verify bag frame and deck seal:
   – Ensure the bag frame sits snugly on the deck mount. Replace worn seals or gaskets at the chute/adapter connection.
3. Check chute alignment:
   – For walk-behind: The rear or side discharge chute must seat flush to the bag inlet. Remove debris at junctions.
   – For riding baggers: Ensure the hose is fully seated and clamped at both ends; remove kinks or sags. Inspect for cracks or holes.
4. Add a bagging booster (where available):
   – Some Craftsman decks support a discharge accelerator/booster plug to increase velocity. Install the OEM part if recommended for your model.

Testing

• Watch for a strong, steady airflow into the bag. If the chute still clogs, reduce cutting height only one notch at a time and slow your pace.

Method 4: Address Operating Conditions and Deck Setup

Time: 10–25 minutes

Bagging performance is highly sensitive to turf and timing.

Diagnosing the Issue

• Clippings look wet or stringy.
• Grass is overgrown (more than one-third of blade height being removed).

Fix Steps

1. Mow only when grass is dry.
2. Follow the one-third rule:
   – Never remove more than one-third of the grass height in a single pass. If lawn is tall, do two passes at progressively lower heights.
3. Adjust deck pitch (riding mowers):
   – Aim for front of deck 1/8–1/4 inch lower than the rear for optimal lift and discharge. Check at blade tips, inline with travel.
4. Level the deck:
   – Side-to-side level prevents clumping on the lower side.
5. Ground speed:
   – Use a lower gear or slower hydro setting, especially in dense or damp turf.

Testing

• You should see finer clippings and steady bag fill without plug-ups every pass.

Method 5: Advanced Checks (Riding Mowers and Persistent Issues)

Time: 30–60 minutes

Diagnosing the Issue

• Engine runs but bag never inflates; deck sounds labored.
• Intermittent clogging even with sharp blade and clean deck.
• Bagger system has a powered blower/turbo that isn’t moving air.

Fix Steps

1. Engine and throttle:
   – Confirm engine reaches full RPM at full throttle. If not, check throttle cable adjustment and governor linkage.
2. PTO/belt system:
   – Inspect deck belt for glazing, slipping, or stretch. Replace if worn; slipping belts reduce blade speed and suction.
3. Spindles and pulleys:
   – Spin by hand (engine off). Roughness or wobble indicates bad bearings—replace to restore blade speed.
4. Bagger blower (if equipped):
   – Check impeller for obstructions or damage. Ensure the blower belt is tensioned. Repair/replace worn components.
5. Deck clog prevention:
   – Apply a graphite or PTFE deck spray to reduce buildup (only on clean, dry deck).
6. Carburetion/air filter:
   – A clogged air filter reduces power. Replace if dirty; consider new spark plug and fuel filter as part of a tune-up.

Testing

• Listen for a crisp, steady blade whirr at full throttle and watch the bag inflate. Long, clean runs without choke points indicate success.

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

• Keep blades sharp: every 20–25 mowing hours or once per month in peak season.
• Use the correct blade: high-lift/bagging blade for bagging; avoid mulching blades unless you’re mulching.
• Clean the deck and chute after each mow; let bag dry completely.
• Avoid wet mowing; morning dew alone can clog a chute.
• Don’t scalp: keep the deck one notch higher than you think you need; make a second pass if necessary.
• Check belts and bagger hoses each month for wear, cracks, and alignment.
• Store the bag in a dry place; a mildewed bag loses airflow.

Pro Tips

• Start on the driest, sunniest part of the yard to keep the chute dry as you begin.
• If you must mow damp grass, dust the inside of the chute with dry lawn clippings or graphite spray to reduce sticking.
• Replace the bag if it stays “flat” even with clean mesh—older bags lose permeability and shape.
• Keep a spare sharpened high-lift blade on hand to swap mid-season.
• For thick spring growth, first mow in side-discharge mode to reduce volume, then bag on a second, higher-speed airflow pass.
• Don’t overfill the bag; empty at 3/4 full to maintain airflow and reduce chute packing.
• Verify the deck washout port is clear, but don’t rely solely on it—manual scraping keeps airflow pathways pristine.

When to Call a Professional

• Persistent poor bagging after cleaning, blade replacement, and belt checks
• Noticeably low blade speed or frequent belt throw
• Deck vibration, spindle noise, or visible wobble
• Damaged deck baffles, cracked discharge opening, or bent deck shell
• Bagger blower failure or impeller damage on riding units

What to look for in a service provider:
– Experience with Craftsman models and your deck size
– OEM parts usage and warranty on labor
– Transparent diagnostics and belt/blade RPM verification

Typical costs:
– Blade sharpening: $10–20 per blade; replacement $20–60 each
– Belt replacement: $30–90 parts plus $60–120 labor
– Spindle replacement: $50–120 parts per spindle plus labor
– Bagger blower service: varies, typically $80–200 depending on parts

Warranty notes:
– If your Craftsman mower is under warranty, contact Sears PartsDirect or authorized service. Modifications (non-OEM blades/belts) may void coverage.

FAQ

Q: Why does my Craftsman mower clog the chute constantly?

A: The usual culprits are wet grass, dull or mulching blades, and a dirty deck. Switch to a high-lift blade, clean the deck and chute, mow at full throttle, and raise the deck one notch. Slowing your ground speed also helps.

Q: Can I bag with a mulching blade on my Craftsman?

A: You can, but performance will suffer. Mulching blades are designed to keep clippings in the deck, not eject them. For strong bagging, use a high-lift or dedicated bagging blade approved for your model.

Q: My bag is clean, but it won’t inflate. What else should I check?

A: Verify the bag frame seal, chute seating, and any gaskets at the discharge. Inspect belts and blade speed on riders, and ensure the throttle reaches full RPM. Also check for missing deck baffles or cracked chute adapters.

Q: Does mowing height affect bagging performance?

A: Yes. Cutting too low increases clipping volume and weight, overloading the deck. Raise the deck and follow the one-third rule for best airflow and minimal clogging.

Q: How often should I sharpen the blade for reliable bagging?

A: Every 20–25 hours of mowing, or any time you see tearing instead of clean cuts. Sand, sticks, and mole runs dull blades quickly.

Q: What’s the best time to bag grass?

A: Late afternoon on a dry day is ideal. Avoid early morning dew or post-rain conditions; moisture makes clippings heavy and sticky.

Q: My riding mower’s bagger has a blower but still doesn’t fill. Why?

A: Check the blower belt and impeller for wear, debris, or looseness. Ensure the hose has no kinks or leaks and the deck belt is maintaining blade speed. Replace worn parts.

Alternative Solutions

If bagging still isn’t practical in your conditions, consider these options:

Get Your Craftsman Mower Bagging Again

You now have a complete plan to restore strong bagging on your Craftsman mower:
– Clean the deck, chute, and bag to restore airflow
– Install a sharp, correct high-lift bagging blade
– Mow dry, slow your pace, and raise cut height
– Verify belt, spindle, and throttle performance
– Fix seals, chute alignment, and bagger components

Follow these steps in order and you’ll see immediate improvement—often after the first clean-and-sharpen session. Don’t let clogs derail your mow. Try the quick fixes today, and if problems persist, a pro can dial in belts, spindles, or blower issues.

Have you solved your Craftsman lawn mower not bagging problem? Share what worked for you in the comments so others can benefit. Found this helpful? Bookmark it for your next mowing season.