Craftsman riding mower bagger bracket

[bkenobi]

I picked up a bagger system for my 2001 DLT tractor that is nearly identical to the one I've used on my LT1000 for years. The only difference is in the attachment of the bracket to the back of the tractor. The old one (917.249791) has the bracket welded on with 4 eye hole style points to slide over the 4 bolt heads on the tractor. The new to me unit (917.249491) has the same bracket with around 3/8" bolt holes and the bracket is attached to the reat of the bagger bracket with a retaining pin.

My question is, would i be better off cutting out the holes in the bracket so it can slip on/off like my old unit. Or, do these work fine as is and just get 4 bolts and move on? Im a little nervous i wont be able to find the same type of threads and just ruin the holes so nothing will fit hence modifying the bracket.

I did see i can buy a new arm for around $50 so that's an option. Or maybe the local bone yard has something.

Or maybe just hog out these 4 bolt holes to make the existing bolts work. Just looking for experience with these.

 

[tomplum]

It would work fine bolting as it is intended, though I could see adapting it if it is advantageous for you to remove the bracket from time to time. The rear plate is reasonably thick so it can take a few RnRs.