The RYOBI ACRM015 Bagging Kit is an accessory designed for use with RYOBI Electric Zero Turn Mowers, enabling the collection of grass clippings during mowing. This kit includes specialized components to convert the mower into a bagging system, enhancing lawn care efficiency by collecting debris rather than mulching or side-discharging.

Function Description:

The primary function of the ACRM015 Bagging Kit is to collect grass clippings and leaves into two bags, preventing them from being left on the lawn. This is achieved through a system that includes two bagging blades, an upper and lower bagger tube, a bagger bracket, a bagger cover, and two collection bags. The bagging blades are specifically designed to create an updraft that lifts clippings and propels them through the bagger tubes into the collection bags. The kit integrates with the mower's existing discharge outlet, redirecting the flow of clippings into the collection system. A "bag full indicator" feature helps users monitor the fill level of the bags, signaling when they need to be emptied.

Important Technical Specifications:

While specific numerical technical specifications like dimensions or material composition are not explicitly detailed in the provided manual, the kit's components are designed to be compatible with RYOBI Electric Zero Turn Mowers. Key components include:

Bagging Blades (2): These are specialized blades that replace the standard mower blades. They are designed to create a strong airflow for effective bagging.
Hitch Pin: Used to secure the bagger bracket to the mower.
Bags (2): Collection bags for grass clippings.
Lower Bagger Tube: Connects to the mower's side discharge outlet.
Bagger Bracket: Provides the mounting point for the bagger assembly on the mower.
Bagger Cover: Encloses the collection bags and connects to the upper bagger tube.
Upper Bagger Tube: Connects the lower bagger tube to the bagger cover, directing clippings into the bags.
Blade Nut Torque: The recommended torque for the blade nut is 600-650 in-lbs (67.79 - 73.44 Nm), which is crucial for secure blade attachment and safe operation.

Usage Features:

The installation and use of the bagging kit involve several steps, emphasizing safety and proper assembly.

Installation:

Removing the Cutting Deck (Optional): The manual suggests that the cutting deck can be removed to facilitate easier access to the blades for changing. This involves ensuring drive levers are open, the blade engage knob is down, stopping the motor, removing the start key, setting the parking brake, disconnecting two cables, lowering the deck to its lowest position, removing three hitch pins and washers, and sliding the deck out. Reattachment is the reverse process.
Installing Bagging Blades:
- Safety First: Users are warned to read the operator's manual for their mower, use only authorized replacement blades and bolts, and ensure the mower is properly secured if raised.
- Blade Removal: A block of wood is wedged between the blade and mower deck to prevent rotation. The blade nut is loosened counterclockwise using a 15 mm wrench or socket. The blade nut, spring washer, and old blade are removed.
- New Blade Installation: The new blade is placed on the shaft, ensuring it's properly seated with the shaft through the center hole and blade posts inserted into their respective holes. The curved ends of the blade must point up toward the mower deck. The straight sides should be aligned flat against the blade posts.
- Securing Blades: The spring washer is replaced, the blade nut is finger-tightened, and then torqued clockwise to 600-650 in-lbs (67.79 - 73.44 Nm) using a torque wrench. This process is repeated for the second blade.
Installing the Bagger:
- Bagger Bracket: The bagger bracket is inserted into a hole on the rear right side of the mower and secured with a hitch pin.
- Cover Frame: The cover frame is installed onto frame shafts. An elastic band is released, and a side panel of the fabric cover is unfolded and inserted into a mesh pocket. The cover is placed inside the cover frame.
- Fabric Cover Attachment: Plastic channels of the fabric cover are snapped onto the back side of the cover frame, then the cover frame is lifted, and the remaining three sides of the fabric cover's plastic channels are snapped into place. The cover is then lowered and secured with an elastic cord.
- Tube Installation: If a mulch cover is installed, it must be removed. The upper bagger tube (with the bag full indicator) is installed into a hole at the back of the fabric grass catcher cover. The bottom bagger tube is installed to the side discharge outlet by placing its opening over a tab on the mower frame and hooking fasteners to the frame.
- Connecting Tubes: The top tube is pulled back from the cover just enough to connect to the bottom tube, aligning the latch hole on the bottom tube with the tab on the upper tube. The bottom tube latch is pushed over the top tube tab to secure.
- Final Check: Ensure the inlet sleeve is pulled out and the upper tube is completely inserted inside the bagger top.

Operation:

Bag Full Indicator: The mower is operated as desired, with the user monitoring the bag full indicator. When the ridged wheel on the indicator stops spinning, it signifies that the bags are full and need to be emptied. If the indicator stops spinning but bags are not full, a clog in the tubes should be checked.
Emptying Bags: To empty, ensure drive levers are in neutral, the blade engage knob is down, stop the motor, remove the start key, and set the parking brake. The cover is lifted, clippings are emptied from the bags, bags are replaced, and the cover is closed. The start key is reinstalled, and the mower is restarted.
Operating Tips:
- Avoid cutting wet or dew-heavy grass, as it can be sticky and clog bagger parts.
- If the bagger fails to pick up clippings when bags aren't full, check for clogs after stopping the motor, removing the start key, and setting the parking brake.
- Plastic trash bags can be inserted into the bagger for easier debris disposal.
Safety Warnings:
- Added accessories can affect mower stability on slopes; extra care is needed when mowing on inclines with the bagging kit.
- Never attempt to tow with the bagging kit installed.
- Exercise extreme caution when backing up with the bagging kit installed, as it may limit visibility. Always look behind and down for children, bystanders, and pets, and move the mower slowly to prevent accidents.

Maintenance Features:

Regular Inspection: The bagger assembly is subject to deterioration and wear. It should be checked each time the mower is used.
Replacement: If replacement parts are needed, ensure they meet the original manufacturer's recommendations and specifications.
Storage: Always empty the bags before storing the mower.
Disposal: Grass clippings should be disposed of properly according to all local laws and ordinances.

Ryobi ACRM015 - Table of Contents; Cover Frame

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