Murray 96117000100, 201012X83E Owner’s Manual

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

ECONOMY PUSH ROTARY Lawn Mower

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Service and Adjustments

• Storage

• Troubleshooting

AWARNING: This lawn mower is equipped with an internal combustion engine and

should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.

In the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest

authorized service center.

193747 Rev. 1 02.23.05 BY Printed in U.S.A.

Safety Rules ......................................... 2

Assembly .............................................. 9

Operation .............................................. 16

Maintenance ......................................... 19

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throw- ing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious

injury or death.

Service and Adjustments ...................... 21

Storage ................................................. 22

Troubleshooting .................................... 23

ALook for this symbol to point out impor- tant safety precautions. It means CAU-

TIONN! BECOME ALERTH! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

AWARNING: In order to prevent accidental

starting when setting up, transporting, ad-

justing or making repairs, always disconnect

spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug. _WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its

constituents, and certain vehicle compo-

nents contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and

birth defects or other reproductive harm. AWARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State

of California to cause cancer and birth

defects or other reproductive harm. Wash

hands after handling. A CAUTION: Muffler and other engine

parts become extremely

hot during operation and

remain hot after engine

has stopped. To avoid

severe burns on contact,

stay away from these areas.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all

instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly

familiar with the controls and the proper use of the machine before starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis- charge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals, who

are familiar with the instructions, to oper- ate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,

toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by blade.

• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone

enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when bare-

foot or wearing open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. Always look down

and behind before and while moving backwards.

• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may richo-

chet back toward the operator. Stop the

blade when crossing gravel surfaces.

• Do not operate the mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or

other safety protective devices in place.

• See manufacturer's instructions for proper operation and installation of

accessories. Only use accessories ap- proved by the manufacturer.

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equipment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging the chute.

• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until

the blade comes to complete stop before

removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

• Do not operate the machine while under

the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass.

Always be sure of your footing: keep a firm hold on the handle; walk, never run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mech- anism or drive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starting the engine.

• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and

check immediately for the cause. Vibra- tion is generally a warning of trouble.

• Alwayswearsafetygogglesorsafety glasseswithsideshieldswhenoperating

mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip &

fall accidents which can result in severe in- jury. All slopes require extra caution. If you

feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.

DO:

• Mow across the face of slopes: never up and down. Exercise extreme caution

when changing direction on slopes.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The operator could lose footing or balance.

• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced foot- ing could cause slipping.

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine

and the mowing activity. Never assume

that children will remain where you last

saw them.

• Keep children out of the trimming area and under the watchful care of another

responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.

• Before and while walking backwards, look behind and down for small children.

• Never allow children to operate machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

Use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the

vapors are explosive.

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

• Use only an approved container.

• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.

• Never refuel the machine indoors.

• Never store the machine or fuel contain- er where there is an open flame, spark

or pilot light such as a water heater or on other appliances.

• Never fill containers inside a vehicle, on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.

• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the

ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment with a portable

container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not

use a nozzle lock-open device.

• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.

• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely.

V. GENERAL SERVICE

• Never run machine inside a closed area.

• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine (motor) running. Disconnect

the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental starting.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equip- ment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage.

Allow machine to cool before storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary,

before restarting.

• Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments while the engine is running.

• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects

to be thrown.Frequentlycheckcomponents and replace with manufacturer's recom- mended parts, when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

Do not change the engine governor set- ting or overspeed the engine.

Maintain or replace safety and instruc- tion labels, as necessary.

CONGRATULATIONSonyour purchaseof anew LawnMower.Ithasbeendesigned,

engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and perfor-

mance. Should you experience any problems you cannot easily remedy, please contact your

nearest authorized service center. They have competent, well trained technicians and

the proper tools to service or repair this unit.

• Read the SAFETY RULES and this Operator's Manual in its entirety before you at- tempt to assemble or operate your new lawn mower to insure proper operation and to

prevent injury to yourself and others. Save this manual for future reference.

• Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation

of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

• All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag.

TO REMOVE MOWER FROM CARTON

• Remove all loose parts from carton.

• Remove lawn mower housing with care. Avoid touching blade under housing. Always

wear gloves or other protection when working under or lifting mower.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU ASSEMBLE OR OPERATE YOUR LAWN

MOWER

Do I have a side or rear discharge lawn mower?

Look for the grass discharge opening on

your mower. If the opening is on the right

side of the mower housing, it is a side discharge mower. If the opening is at the

back of the mower housing, it is a rear dis-

charge mower. Only rear discharge lawn

mowers have a grass catcher included with

the mower. Approved grass catchers for

side discharge mowers may be purchased

from your nearest authorized dealer.

Do I have a mulching lawn mower?

Look for the grass discharge opening on

your mower. Raise the discharge guard

(rear door on rear discharge mowers). If

the opening is closed off by a plate, then your lawn mower is mulcher ready. To

convert to a discharging mower, see the

Operation section of this manual.

FRONT

What is the right and left side of the

lawn mower?

When right hand (RH) or left hand (LH) is mentioned in this manual, it means when

you are in the operating position (standing behind the handle).

What kind of engine is on my lawn

mower?

When learning how to operate your new lawn mower, you will need to know what

kind of engine powers the mower. A decal on the engine will indicate the manu- facturer and type or brand name of the

engine.

BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINES

_BRIGGS& STRA'I'rON] _BRIGGS&STRATrON]

C LASS I C4_., _'_,Tt-

LEFT

HAND

SIDE

BACK or REAR

(Operating Position)

RIGHT

HAND

SIDE

TECUMSEH

ENGINES

TEDUMSEIt

QU TUmo

HONDA

ENGINES

HONDA

NOTE: Depending upon the features on the lawn mower model you purchased, all the parts shown may not be included with your mower.

For ease of assembly, aside of your work area, lay out all hardware in the groups shown. Each step of the assembly instructions will identify the group needed for that step.

PARTS PACKED SEPARATELY IN CARTON

NOTE: Some model lawn mowers

already have the wheels

(1) Control Bar

(1) Remote Throttle Control

(If Equipped)

(1) Upper Handle

(1) Engine Zone

Control Cable

preassembled to the mower.

(4) (4) Wheel Height Adjusters

Wheels (If Equipped)

(1) Lower Handle

(1) Grass Catcher Frame

(Rear Discharge mowers only)

(1) Discharge Guard

(Side Discharge models only)

(1) Grass Catcher Bag

(Rear Discharge mowers only)

PARTS BAG CONTENTS NOT SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE

One (1) only of the Starter

Rope Guides shown below:

(1) Upstop

Bracket

(4) Hubcaps Cable

(If Equipped) Ties

s_Ce_nter Mount

ASSEMBLY

LOCATION

PARTS BAG CONTENTS

GROUP"A"

LOWER

HANDLE

MOWER

DECK

GROUP"B"

UPPER

HANDLE

LOWER

HANDLE

F-

b--

(4) Hex Bolts

For models with Bolt-on lower handle only

3/8-16 x 3/4

For models with fixed upper handle

(4) Hex Bolts

3/8-16 x 3/4

(4) Washers 7/8" Dia.

For models with deck handle

brackets only

(2) Hairpin Cotters

only

(2) Locknuts (@

1/4-20

(4) Flange Locknuts 3/8-16

For all

models

(1) Upstop

Bracket

Screw

#10-24 x 1/2

For models with folding upper handle only

(2) Handle Bolts

(2) Wing Nuts

ASSEMBLY

LOCATION

PARTS BAG CONTENTS (continued)

GROUP "C"

WHEELS

MOWER

HOUSING

I I I I

I I I I I I I I

(4) Spacers

For models with bolt-on wheels only

(4) Shoulder Bolts

(4) Locknuts

3/8-16

(2 or 4)

Washers 1-1/4"

Dia.

For models with "Quick Adjust" wheel

(4) Locknuts height adjusters only

3/8-16

(4) Retainer

GROUP "D"

GUARD

MOWER

HOUSING

(Side Discharge

models only)

(4) Flanged

Locknuts

3/8-16

For models with bolt-on discharge guard only

(2) Hex Bolts

1/4-20

Screw Mounted discharge guard only

_(_ (2) Hex Washer Head

(4) Washers 1" Dia.

(2) Spacers

(If equipped)

For models with spring loaded

Self-tapping Screws

1/4-20 x 3/8

(2) Washers

3/4" Dia.

(4) Wheel Adjuster Knobs

(2) Locknuts

1/4-20

Nut Mounted

(2) Locknuts

1/4-20

ASSEMBLY

LOCATION

GROUP"E"

PARTS BAG CONTENTS CON'T

REMOTE

THROTTLE

CONTROL

(If equipped)

TO ENGINE

GROUP "F"

CONTROL

CABLE(S)

UPPER

HANDLE

(1) Diecast Clamp with #10 x 5/8 Hex Head Screw

(For Briggs Engines only)

NOTE: Tecumseh engines have clamp and screw preassembled to engine.

(1) Cable Clip with

#10 x 5/8 Hex Head Screw

(For Briggs Classic & Sprint Engines

only with spark plug to front of mower)

(2) Screw 1/4-20 x 3/8 _/

For models without remote throttle control

(1) Hex Bolt

1/4-20 x 1-1/2

For models with remote throttle control

(1) Locknut

1/4-20

GROUP "G"

STARTER

ROPE GUIDE

TO HANDLE

(1) Locknuts

1/4-20

(1) Keps Locknut

1/4-20

(1) Hex Head Screw

1/4-20 x 2-1/8

+ 16 hidden pages