Craftsman Bagger Installation - Buyer Beware

I did all the research possible before I purchased this rear bagger for my riding lawnmower so that the Craftsman bagger installation would go smooth. Buyer beware, this product DOES NOT fit all 42" and 46" mower decks 2010 and newer. But if you made the same mistake I did, or do not have any other options available, watch this video to find out how I made it work.
It is a good product for the price, it just was not made for my 2011 Craftsman YT3000
MTD Double Bagger for Riding Lawn Mowers-42-Inch and 46-Inch (2010 and After) Fits Various Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, CRAFTSMAN, and Other Top Models.
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[@BCP07]

I can’t believe I found your video ! I was so stumped because I had no shoulder bolts on the tractor and the holes didn’t line up . Thank you for your video ! I was going crazy !

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

Yeah, I was very frustrated with it all. I am so glad my video helped you. Thanks for the comment and happy mowing. 😊

[@charlesandanaylnw4892]

Thanks for sharing your modifications on your grass catcher👍 Great Job!

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

Sure thing. Thanks 😊

[@villyrivera6856]

I had the same problem with both of my Craftsman's products. The tube doesn't align to my tractor deck even though the bagger is a Craftsman. Now I have to BOOGER mine on. Good video👍

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

I know your frustration 🫤 Thanks for the comment. 👍🏻

[@debbienh9745]

So glad I found your video ! Running into the same issue with the boot. My boyfriend is also handy and McGuyver-ish soooo also nice to see your modification. Thank you. (OHIO)

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

I got the McGuyver-ish gene from my dad. 😏 So greatful for it. Thanks for watching.

[@anthonypensule2518]

Thanks for this great video. I ran into the sames issues with my Craftsman lawn tractor.

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@phillipjohnson5487]

This video was super helpful I ran into the same problem and I bought a craftsman double bagger

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for the comment 👍🏻

[@rickgordon53]

that's for an MTD built craftsman. you have a Husqvarna built craftsman

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

REALLY??? I had no idea. Thanks for that info.

[@mollyjohndro9555]

I always learn something!

[@geoffreyvetuna7722]

Got myself a Rover 439/38 and really wish I have 1 like yours.

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

Huh, I am not familiar with the Rover brand.

[@Egalitarian-bt7kz]

Thanks for the heads up! What a lot of trouble, I would have returned it and got one that worked correctly.

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

I wish we had time and the opportunity to return it. We live so remote, by the time we had it flown out to our home it wasn't worth paying to have it flown back to town. It barely fit in the bush plane as it was...so we made do... Alaska bush problems. Best of luck!

[@wickedsourmainesourdoughsh2781]

We have the exact same problem. Older craftsman mower from Sears that no longer exists. No bagger will fit it. We’ve researched and researched and my eyes feel like they spiral when I talk about it. Lol! We have a farm and NEED the grass clippings for animal bedding and compost. It makes me lose my mind when I see my husband mowing without catching that grass. Gonna sit him down and watch this with him, thank you!

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

Oh boy! I know your frustration. I hope this video helped. Hopefully you can start putting the clippings to good use.

[@bakerfamily808]

Call sears parts - they helped me find the right part (of course they were expensive, but with the part number I could order it elsewhere)

[@zeliop6024]

nice working on improvising to get your bagger connected.. I would of done similar myself... we do what we can, with what we have .. =)

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

Yep, I don't have many options out here, so when something like that happens, it's MacGyver time. Thanks for the comment.

[@timrhodes5263]

I have a triple bagger for my YTS 3000, 46” deck. Have used it for 13years no problems except first section of discharge chute wears fast.

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

Interesting...🤔 Good to know. Thanks for watching 😊

[@haydenleonard4951]

thank you for this

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@elmerkerth3871]

Thank you for the information I have a 54-inch Craftsman I've been wanting to buy a Baggers but I won't get them from Amazon

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

That's probably the safe bet. Thanks for watching 😊

[@bakerfamily808]

It looks identical to the craftsman branded bagger. I have a T2200 (2014 917.203810 42”) and it has the exact same problems. I wouldn’t mind the drilling and tapping, etc. for the bagger support but the chute not lining up is a real pain and that would need to be McGuyvered … at the price I paid at Lowe’s. I think I will return it… I’m currently on hold (31 minutes) with the “help” line of craftsman to see what actual part will fit, if any. EDIT: So I got on the phone with sears parts … (much better help than the craftsman phone line) and that guy was able to help me track down the right part that will fit my model. Important to note that just cause it says craftsman doesn’t mean much.. Husqvarna is the actual manufacturer of the mower, and the bagger I had is for MTD Craftsman not the Husqvarna Craftsman. So off to return this one to Lowe’s and the right one was ordered.

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

Thanks for all the info. That should help others with the same problem. As for me, I am going to stick with my McGuyvered solution, as it has been working well for me.

[@frankiejames650]

Is it possible to just purchase a new chute to fit?

[@bakerfamily808]

@@BRAMANTEBROTHERS the new bagger fit like a glove… I like the look of the MTD better … but the Husqvarna was perfect.

[@bakerfamily808]

@@frankiejames650 no, there are a lot of differences between the MTD and the Husqvarna versions

[@augermage8645]

More duct tape !!! Great job !! It doesn't have to look pretty, it just has to work.

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

Functionality over fashion every time. 😉

[@kenlightfoot2358]

Thanks for the video and information… I have a craftsman LT 3000 42 in will the bagger that comes on a LT 1000 and LT 2000 fit this or an LTD 2000

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

Thats a good question 🤔 I do not know that information, sorry.

[@jewels7832]

Stinks that it didn't fit right, but great job at making it work!

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

Thanks 😊

[@gigal226]

I just bought and installed the same kit from Amazon it fit my Craftsman mower 1997 the only concern I had was trying to tell if I had a 700 series or not nowhere does it tell you how to tell, If I needed the extra metal bolt on parts. Well I did not have a 7 Series even I went to the trouble the call Sears gave them my Model and serial # the said oh yes you do . NO I DO NOT . follow the poor instructions I was smart and to U tube found a guy who installed the kit and that saved me. Good kit works well

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

Glad it worked out.

[@growingoutthebox]

So did you ever find the correct lower chute?

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

I think I found the right one on Amazon, but my setup was working so well I didn't feel like spending the money. 😊

[@mickwolf1077]

im looking for a catcher for mine, ill stay away from that one. What about the catcher option youcan get specifically for that model? Mine has a sticker with all the part numbers on in.

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

Check out Ed Wells comment down just a little ways in the comment section. He has some good info.

[@zyepod]

I have a Craftsman YT3000 01-14-2011 year and my deck opening does not look like yours. I got mine used... Makes me wonder if I have a newer or older deck...

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

Huh, 🤔 That's a good question. I never thought about it having a different deck.

[@russellburton8228]

I have a question, everything I have fits my mower but I’m playing hell trying to get the hose to get to stat in place or to turn counter clockwise enough so it will stay in place! Mostly at the bagging end. Any suggestions

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

Dang! No, sorry. My hose had plenty of threads to screw into the bagger part. Haven't had any problems with it. Maybe someone else on here has had that problem.

[@russellburton8228]

@@BRAMANTEBROTHERS Wonder what I’m doing wrong? Anybody have any tips for this

[@paulburgess8033]

Have you found the correct chute? I have the same tractor.

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

I haven't bought anything, but I found one on Amazon that looks to be right. (Although it is currently unavailable) Here is the link.. HECASA Black 46" Lawn Tractor Bagger Attachment Lower Chute Deck Grass Catcher Bagger Chute for Grass Catcher Replace for 405455 532405455 a.co/fA3RJIq

[@eXeDeeHD]

What is the distance between the two holes you drilled from top to bottom?

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

Sorry for the late reply. I don't know, and my mower is still in winter storage. We don't need to start mowing until about mid June.

[@samueldamewood5273]

If you paid any attention at all, you would have noticed that the bolts provided are "self tapping" The instruction manual even says so.

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

Maybe some sets are that way, mine definitely DID NOT have self tapping bolts, I would have noticed. Thanks. 😏

[@akaichen7352]

So it will fit a 38" deck as well?

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

I am not sure on that. Sorry.

[@jbz]

How did you do the tubing?

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

Do you mean the grass chute? Or are you talking about the tubing that holds the grass bags?

[@lito311]

I know my craftsman doesn't need this attachment since they come already with them. They are locateded on the sides of the Craftsman T-210.

[@salvolkes4154]

What if the sticker is missing how do you tell what year?

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

Shoot! Thats a good question 🤔

[@cindynapoli7530]

I have an 2 old craftsman tractors with bagging set ups but useing murry select 1.75 i want those baggers on it the murry. But holes are not the same.. i didn't even check the hose yet thanks for telling me. I'm going to get it to work so thank you. but my son is the dyi guy., so it will be project for him to help me with. Guess I'll be bagging leaves this year I'll save your video thank you.

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

It sure is frustrating when things don't work out, but I'm glad our video might be of help to you. Thanks for the comment.

[@hopemorrison2367]

Why didn't you go to Fairbanks and buy a mower

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

🤷🏻‍♂️

[@kennethrenock6588]

I would put it on eBay and start all over

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

If I didn't live remote, I would definitely do that.

[@garyhowell486]

Sad thing is it's the same kit that is sold with the craftsman name on it. Costs about $200.00 more. Talk about getting upset.

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

Shoot! That sucks. I almost bought the Craftsman kit thinking it would fit right on. Glad I didn't waste the extra $200. They look identical.

[@garyhowell486]

@@BRAMANTEBROTHERS they are i bought both... traking craftsman back tomorrow

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

$200 back in your pocket. 👍🏻 Hope it works well for ya. Aside from having to completely retro fit mine, I really do like its performance.

[@garyhowell486]

I did forego the two brackets and pulled the back wheels and measured for the books and drilled and mounted the shoulder boots on the sides ... Worked out great for that adapting tube...different story..old scrap gutters and pop rivets

[@BRAMANTEBROTHERS]

😄sounds about right.