OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Other Walk-Behind Rotary Mowers Which Catcher For A Rover Craftsman (Circa 1979)

I have this Rover Craftsman lawn mower, circa 1979 (going off engine date code), that is in good condition and runs well. Unfortunately I don't have a grass catcher for it. The common, modern Victa & Rover etc type catchers do not fit.

Can anyone please post a pic, link or advice on what catcher this mower uses? I don't even know what it would look like. I've tried Googling for a pic but no luck. Many thanks.

Hi Spinifex1000, and welcome back to the forum.
There is a catcher reference guide and does mention the 'Craftsman' ....Click HERE
It is model J00024.
I will try and enlarge the pic for you...

Hoping this is of help.

Thanks very much DeeJay. Very valuable information indeed. I knew there'd be some sort of post on here but I couldn't find anything. Thanks for pointing me to your previous post, and enlarging the pics.

About an hour after I posted, I came across the same mower (Ebay ad) and it fortunately had a catcher. Here are the pics.









After looking at the pics you provided, and comparing them with the pics of the Ebay mower, I'd be leaning towards J00271 - that's if the one in the Ebay ad has the correct catcher. J00354 also looks suitable. Both catchers have a "latch" type arrangement at the top/front which the mowers flap hooks onto. Thanks again so very much DeeJay. Your time and effort is very much appreciated. Regards - Peter.

Hi Peter, and its been my pleasure mate...you have done your homework and now know what one looks like....
Best wishes and good hunting!

Hi Peter,

I have a similar machine here at the moment. Here's some more pics if they're of any help. Regards, Michael

Thanks very much Darryl & Michael. Michael, could I possibly trouble you for one or more pics of the catcher by itself please? In particular, I would like to see what the front opening looks like and how it engages with the mower. No stress mate, if you can't then no probs. Thanks again for the other pics Michael.

Kind regards - Peter.

No probs Peter, I'll take a couple more pics for you later today

Thanks Rolla, this will be good for the archives....any info we can glean on different catchers is a good thing....if we can get enough info, we may be able to start a new thread on 'Catcher Identification'.

Thanks very much Michael. No rush mate. Whenever you get a chance. Thanks again.

regards - Peter.

Gentlemen, some more pictures as requested...

The rear flap on the mower latches up inside the catcher with the striker coming up through the top of the catcher to lock the flap in place - if that makes sense...

Cheers, Michael

Thanks Michael. Yes it makes perfect sense to me...now! Without a catcher it was difficult to envisage how it engaged. I was clumsily trying to use modern Victa & Rover catchers with 0% success. Now, thanks to your pics, all has been revealed and I'll know what to look out for in a catcher. With any luck I'll find one out on the verge

Thanks very much for taking the time to capture & upload the pics Michael. Your efforts are very much appreciated indeed. You've no doubt accumulated some good "Karma Credits" here. Thanks again.

Kind regards - Peter.

Too easy Peter, happy to help

I was given the mower by a mate a couple of weeks ago but I have no use for it. Your post was good timing as I'm about to get rid of it - pity you're on the other side of the country!

Thanks, Michael

Thanks Michael. I've already got about 20 or so mowers filling up the back yard but thanks for the thought anyway. I've got lots of Victa (2 stroke) and Briggs engine/body parts. If there's something you're looking for, let me know and I'll see if I've got one which I'll post to you at no charge. I've got plenty of whipper snipper parts as well if necessary, including (new) spare Walbro D10-WAT carby kits if you need one of them at all. I've also got a Zama carby kit...I think it's GND-12. Also primer bulbs for Zama (on carby type) and Walbro (snap on - remote type). Just let me know. Cheers.

Kind regards - Peter.

Oops...sorry Darryl. That offer is extended to you also

Kind regards - Peter.

There's nothing I need Peter but I certainly appreciate your very kind offer

The same goes for me Peter. Many thanks for your kind offer.