Murray 20408x34A Instruction Manual

Instruction Book Push Mower

Model 20408x34A

Manuel de l'utilisateur Tondeuse poussée

modèle 20408x34A

Read and keep this book for future reference.
This book contains important information on

SAFETY, ASSEMBLY, OPERATION, AND
MAINTENANCE.

PRODUCT INFORMATION
The owner must be certain that all the product

information is included with the unit. This
information includes the INSTRUCTION
BOOKS, the REPLACEMENT PARTS and the
WARRANTIES.This information must be
included to make sure state laws and other
laws are followed.

Lisez-le et conservez-le comme futur ouvrage
de référence. Ce manuel contient d'importantes
données sur LA SECURITE, LA PRÉPARATION,
LE FONCTIONNEMENT ET L'ENTRETIEN de ce
modèle.

RENSEIGNEMENTS À L'USAGE DU PROPRIÉTAIRE
Le propriétaire doit être certain que tous les

renseignements sur le produit sont inclus avec
la tondeuse. Ces renseignements comprennent
les livres d'instructions, le livre de pièces de
rechange, les garanties et les certificats de
conformité. Ces renseignements doivent être
inclus pour être certain que les lois nationales et
autres lois sont observées.

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CONTENTS

OWNER’S INFORMA TION 3
SAFE MOWING GUIDE 5
STEPS TO FOLLOW 7
ASSEMBLY 8
OPERATION 8
MAINTENANCE 8
TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART 10
SLOPE GUIDE 11

TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

Murray, Inc. warrants to the original purchaser
that this unit shall be free from defects in
material and workmanship under normal use
and service for a period of Two (2) Years from
the date of purchase; however, this warranty
does not cover engines, accessories (such as
snow blowers, snow blades, grass baggers and
ploughs), transmissions, batteries and Normal
Wear Parts (except as noted below) or
transaxles as the companies that manufacture
these items furnish their own warranties and
provide service through their authorized field
service facilities. For additional information, see
the warranties covering these particular parts. If
you are uncertain whether your unit contains or
is equipped with one or more of these parts,
consult your dealer prior to purchase. Subject to
the terms and conditions noted in this Limited

Warranty, we shall, at our option, repair or
replace at no cost to the original purchaser any
part covered by this Limited Warranty during the
applicable warranty period.
In the event the battery proves defective within
ninety (90) days from the date of purchase, we
will replace it without charge. If the battery
proves defective after (90) days but within one
hundred twenty (120) days from the date of
purchase, we will replace it for a charge of one
half (1/2) of the retail price of the battery in effect
at the time of return.
Normal Wear Parts are defined as belts, blades,
blade adapters, pneumatic tires, headlights and
seat covers. These parts are warranted to be
free from defects in material and workmanship
as delivered with the product. Any claim for
repair or replacement of Normal Wear Parts
must be made within thirty (30) days of the date
of purchase. No claims involving damage
caused from material use, abuse or misuse will
be honored.
This Murray, Inc. Two (2) Year Limited
Warranty is your exclusive remedy; however,
this warranty is void or does not apply to any
unit that has been tampered with, altered,
misused, abused or used for rental or other
commercial and/or professional
(non–homeowner) uses. Your warranty does not
cover minor mechanical adjustments which are
not due to any defect in material or
workmanship. For assistance in making such

adjustments, consult your Instruction Book.
To make a claim under this Murray, Inc. Two (2)
Year Limited Warranty, return the unit (or if
authorized in advance, the defective part) along
with your proof of purchase to an Authorized
Service Center near you. To locate the nearest
Authorized Service Center, call the Central Parts
Distributor for your area shown in the list
provided with your unit or check the Yellow Page
listings in your local telephone directory. If you
return the entire unit, we will repair the unit. If we
authorize the return of the defective part only, we
will either replace or repair the part. In the case
of a defect in a transmission or differential (as
distinguished from a transaxle), the entire
transmission or differential must be returned
since they do not include user serviceable parts.

This Murray, Inc. Two (2) Year Limited
Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and
you may also have other rights which vary from

state to state. This Limited Warranty is given

in lieu of all other expressed and implied
warranties including the implied warranty of
merchantability and warranty of fitness for a
particular purpose. If you need additional

information on this written warranty or
assistance in obtaining service, write:

MURRAY CANADA, INC., Factory Customer
Service, 1195 Coutneypark Drive East, Missis­sauga, Ont. L5T–1R1 (1–800–661–6662)

OWNER’S INFORMATION

This instruction book is written for a person with
some mechanical ability. Like most service
books, not all the steps are described. Steps on
how to loosen or tighten fasteners are steps
anyone can follow with some mechanical ability.
Read and follow these instructions before you
use the unit.

Know your product: If you understand the unit
and how the unit operates, you will get the best
performance. As you read this manual, compare
the illustrations to the unit. Learn the location
and the function of the controls. To help prevent
an accident, follow the operating instructions
and the safety rules. Keep this manual for future
reference.

IMPORTANT: Many units are not assembled

and are sold in cartons. It is the responsibility of
the owner to make sure the assembly instruc­tions in this manual are exactly followed. Other
units are purchased in an assembled condition.
On assembled units, it is the responsibility of the
owner to make sure the unit is correctly as­sembled. The owner must carefully check the
unit according to the instructions in this manual
before it is first used.

WARNING: Look for this symbol to indicate
important safety precautions. This symbol
indicates: “Attention! Become Alert! Your
Safety Is At Risk.”

Responsibility Of The Owner
The responsibility of the owner is to

follow the instructions below.

1. Carefully read and follow the rules for safe
operation.

2. Follow all the assembly and preparation
instructions.

3. Inspect the unit.

4. Make sure that the operator of the unit
knows how to correctly use all standard
and accessory equipment.

5. Operate the unit only with guards, shields,
and other safety items in place and working
correctly.

6. Correctly adjust the unit.

7. Service the unit only with authorized or ap­proved replacement parts.

8. Complete all maintenance on the unit.

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3

Safe Operation Practices for Walk–Behind Mowers.

This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious
injury or death.

I. General Operation

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions
on the machine and in the manual(s). Be
thoroughly familiar with the controls and the
proper use of the mower before starting.

2. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotat­ing parts. Keep clear of the discharge open­ing at all times.

3. Only allow responsible individuals, who are
familiar with the instructions, to operate the
mower.

4. Thoroughly inspect the mower and area
where the equipment is to be used. Clear the
area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
bones, sticks etc., which could be picked up
and thrown by the blade.

5. Be sure the area is clear of other people be­fore mowing. Stop mower if anyone enters
the area.

6. Do not operate the mower when barefoot or
wearing open sandals. Always wear substan­tial foot wear.

7. Do not pull mower backwards unless abso­lutely necessary. Look down and behind be­fore and while moving backwards.

8. Do not operate the mower without proper
guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety
protective devices in place.

9. See manufacturer’s instructions for proper
operation and installation of accessories.
Only use accessories approved by the
manufacturer.

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

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

12. Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the
blade comes to complete stop before remov­ing grass catcher.

13. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

14. Do not operate the mower while under the
influence of alcohol, drugs or other medica­tion which can cause drowsiness or affect
your ability to operate this machine safely.

15. Never operate mower in wet grass. Always
be sure of your footing; keep a firm hold on
the handle and walk; never run.

16. Disengage the self–propelled mechanism or
drive clutch on mowers so equipped before
starting the engine (motor).

17. If the equipment should start to vibrate ab­normally, stop the engine (motor) and check
immediately for the cause. Vibration is gener­ally a warning of trouble such as a blade that
is damaged, a loose blade, or the engine
mounting bolts are loose.

18. Always wear safety goggles or safety

glasses with side shields when operating
mower to protect your eyes from foreign ob­jects which can be thrown from the unit.

19. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge
of material toward roads, sidewalks, bystand­ers and the like.

20. After striking a foreign object, stop the en­gine. Remove the wire from the spark plug.
Inspect the blade and mower for damage. If
damaged, repair before starting and operat­ing the mower.

21. Keep any washout ports and other mower
housing service openings closed when mow­ing.

II. Slope Operation

Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall
accidents which can result in severe injury. 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. Do not mow excessively steep slopes
(maximum 15 degrees) or areas where the
ground is very rough. See the “Guide” in the
back of this manual to check a slope. Exercise
extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes.

Remove objects such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. T all grass can

hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

Do not

mow near drop–offs, ditches, or em­bankments. The operator could lose footing or
balance.

Do not

mow excessively steep slopes.

Do not

mow on wet grass. Reduced footing
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 mower and the mowing
activity.

Never

where you last saw them.

1. Keep children out of the mowing area and
under the watchful care of a responsible
adult.

2. Be alert and turn mower oft if children enter
the area.

3. Before and while moving backwards, look
behind and down for small children.

4. Never allow children to operate the mower.

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

* Asterisked items do not apply to electric mowers.

assume that children will remain

IV. Service

*1. Use extra care in handling gasoline and oth-

er fuels. They are flammable and vapors are
explosive.

a. Use only an approved container.
b. Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the

engine running. Allow engine to cool before

refueling. Do not smoke.
c. Never refuel the machine indoors.
d. Never store the machine or fuel container

inside where there is an open flame, such

as a water heater.

*2. Never run an engine indoors or inside a

closed area.

3. Never make adjustments or repairs to items
such as the height adjusters or grass catcher
with the engine (motor) running. Disconnect
the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away
from the plug to prevent accidental starting.
Always wear eye protection when you make
adjustments or repairs.

4. Keep all nuts and bolts, especially blade at­tachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in
good condition.

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

6. To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of
grass, leaves, or other debris build–up.
Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow mower to
cool before storing.

7. Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike
an object. Repair, if necessary, before re­starting.

8. Never attempt to make wheel height adjust­ments while the engine (motor) is running.

9. Always disconnect electric mowers (live op­erated) before cleaning, repairing, or adjust­ing.

10. Grass catcher components are subject to
wear, damage, and deterioration, which
could expose moving parts or allow objects
to be thrown. Frequently check components
and replace with manufacturer’s recom­mended parts, when necessary. For storage,
always make sure grass catcher is empty.

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

12. Do not change the engine governor setting or
over–speed the engine.

13. Frequently check the blade for wear or dam­ages such as cracks and nicks. A blade that
is bent or damaged must be immediately re­placed with a factory replacement blade. For
safety and good cutting performance, replace
the blade every two years. Frequently check
the blade bolt and the engine mounting bolts.
Replace damaged bolts and tighten loose
bolts.

14. Use only original equipment or authorized
replacement parts.

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4

SAFE MOWING GUIDE

Every person who uses power equipment must
learn the difference between proper and
improper use, safe and unsafe mowing
practices. Read the next few pages carefully.
They can help you learn. Too often the mower
user is inexperienced, not properly instructed, or
has not read the Instruction Book and
instructions on the unit before using it for the first
time. This can result in unsafe use endangering
the operator, bystanders, and the equipment.
Another result can be a poor appearance of the
area mowed.

Read this Instruction Book. Read the
instructions on the unit. Operate the mower
according to the Safe Mowing Guide and other
safety rules and recommendations in this
Instruction Book and on the unit. Make sure
anyone who uses the unit has read the
instructions and has been told how to operate
the mower safely.

Your mower is designed to provide good service
and durability in normal residential cutting. If the
mower is not properly serviced and maintained
or used on unsuitable terrain or in conditions not
suitable for mowing, product performance and
safety will be reduced.

Proper attire is an important part of safe
mowing. Safety glasses protect the eyes from
thrown objects. Safety shoes with steel toes can
protect a foot from being cut by the blade. Shirts
and pants that cover the arms and legs can stop
or deflect a thrown object.

Practice using the mower before you actually
begin cutting grass. Select a large open level
area. Learn the location and function of the
controls and how they work. It is important that
the blade can be stopped quickly in an
emergency. Learn how to cut and how to keep
control of the mower at all times.

Many mowers are started manually. When using
a pull start or rope start, place your feet firmly
and away from the blade. Hold the rope handle
securely, but never wrap the rope around your
arm or fingers for a “better grip”.

The mower is designed for use by one person.
Always mow alone. Never carry passengers.
Carrying a passenger is dangerous for the

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passenger and the operator. A mower is not for
amusement or for carrying objects.

Is the area you are planning to mow wet? Never
cut a wet lawn. Cutting wet grass can cause an
accident. It can affect mower performance and
also cause problems with future lawn growth
and appearance. Wet grass is slippery and
might cause the operator to fall or the mower to
slip. Someone could be hurt by touching the
blade. Wet grass tends to clog the mower,
causing poor discharge. Wet clippings bunch up
on the lawn retarding the growth of grass. A wet
mower can cause parts to rust and reduce the
useful life of the unit.

When you look over the lawn, refresh your
memory about hard, immovable obstacles such
as pipes, stumps, and rocks and avoid them.
They can cause damage to the mower or an
accident injuring the operator or a bystander.
Take a litter bag along and walk over the area to
be cut. Pick up any stones, toys, wire, bones, or
other loose objects. These items can damage
the mower or they can become dangerous flying
objects if the mower blade hits them. The blade
of a power mower travels very fast. It can throw
rocks and other objects with force over long
distances. Objects thrown by mowers can break
windows, cause bruises, or even put out an eye.
Often the person hurt by a thrown object is a
bystander such as a child, another family
member or a neighbor. Keep people and pets
completely away from the mowing area. Direct
the mower’s discharge away from areas where
people can be. Planning your mowing pattern
has a double benefit. It can reduce chances of
an injury and make the clean up after mowing
easier.

Are there ditches, walls,
or major inclines in the
area to be cut? Plan the
mowing pattern to avoid
such danger areas.
Inclines and rough
terrain must be mowed
carefully and some
areas must not be cut
with a mower at all. With
walk behind equipment,
mow across the incline
so that if you or the
mower slip, you won’t
run into each other.

5

Never mow slopes greater than 15 degrees. See
the “Guide” in the back of this Instruction Book
to check any slopes.

Ready to start cutting? Not yet. Be sure the
mower has been fully assembled according to
directions in the Instruction Book. Even if
assembly was done by a lawn and garden shop
or the store where the unit was purchased, it
must be checked. Are all nuts, bolts and screws
tight? Does the engine have oil? These items
must be checked periodically throughout the life
of the mower.

Your mower has a gasoline engine. Gas is
dangerous. Store fuel only in a approved gas
container. Do not store large amounts of gas.
Put out all cigarettes, pipes and cigars before
working with gasoline. Store fuel and the mower
itself in a well ventilated area away from any
possible source of ignition such a pilot light on a
furnace. If the mower is to be stored for an
extended time, remove the gas from the tank.
This minimizes the chance of a fire and keeps
the tank clear of deposits and old gasoline, thus
improving mower performance. Move the mower
outside before adding gasoline. Use a funnel
and wipe up any spilled fuel before starting.
Remember, gasoline expands when heated so
leave some expansion room. Also, most mower
gas caps are vented to allow for expansion.
Always use the proper cap. People are
needlessly burned by fires, hurt in explosions,
mowers and other property are damaged
because of failure to follow basic safety rules
related to gasoline and fueling.

Never add gasoline to an engine that is running
or that is hot from recent use, this can cause an
accident. Remove dry grass and other debris
from the mower. Keeping the mower clean will
improve the performance, help the engine stay
cooler, extend the life of moving parts, and
minimize the danger of fire. People get burned
working with and around their mowers for other
reasons than fire and explosions. It takes only a
few seconds of operation for the engine and the
muffler to become hot. Do not touch these parts
when the mower is running. Stop the engine and
let it cool down before servicing the mower.
Remember, exhaust fumes can be dangerous.
Never operate the engine indoors or in an
enclosed area.

Getting a new mower can be a big event for a
family. Let family members satisfy their curiosity
about the mower and at the same time, tell them
about its dangers. Remember, a mower is not a
toy and is not for use by children or anyone
lacking in age, strength or experience.

As with any power equipment, a mower can be
dangerous if not assembled, misused, or not
properly maintained. The most important rule is
to always use good judgement and common
sense.

Your mower will cut thick grass and heavy plant
stems with ease. Fingers and toes are no more
resistant to the mower’s blade. Many people are

injured because they “forgot” and reached into
the discharge chute. Always treat your lawn
mower as if the blade is rotating. Never perform
any service or try to make any
adjustment,except carburetor, while the engine
is running.

Use only accessories suited for your mower.
Use of improper accessories can reduce the
safety designed into both the mower and the
accessory, it can even damage the unit. Read
and follow the instructions which come with the
accessory and the mower.

Use only original equipment or approved
substitutions as service parts. If you need
professional service, select a shop that is an
Authorized Service Center for your brand of
mower. If you plan to service the unit yourself,
follow directions in the Instruction Book.

As you mow, remember children and pets are
sometimes attracted to the activity. Be especially
careful when trimming around shrubbery or
when backing up. If at all possible, don’t mow
when moving backwards. It is dangerous
because vision is restricted. Also, blades are
designed to cut while the unit is moving forward
so cutting performance is reduced when mowing
in reverse.

Never leave the mower running and unattended.
Shut off the engine. Put the mower in a position
so that it can not roll. If the unit is self–propelled,
make sure the drive control is disengaged.

When mowing, be aware of your condition and
the weather conditions. After mowing a long
time, you will be tired. This is the time when
reactions slow down, your attention wanders;
the time when you are wide open for an

F–99415

accident. Take a short break. If temperatures are
high, take precautions to avoid becoming
dehydrated. If you are angry, tired, or unable to
give your full attention to mowing, if you have
been consuming alcohol, medicines, or drugs,
do not use your mower or any type of power
equipment.

If weather conditions become worse while you
are cutting, stop and finish later. Cutting grass in
the rain is no fun and it is dangerous. Always
seek shelter in an electrical storm. In extremely
dry mowing conditions, your safety glasses can
serve a dual purpose by protecting your eyes
from dust and thrown objects, also a dust or
pollen mask can be helpful.

Your mower is equipped with a number of safety
features which are important to the safety of the
operator and bystanders and must never be
altered or removed. If a safety feature becomes
inoperable, lost, or damaged, it must be repaired
or replaced before the mower is used.

Engine speed is a key to safe mowing and a
nice looking lawn. The maximum speed of the
engine on your mower has been set at the
factory. Do not change the engine governor in
any way.

Select the maximum engine and ground speed
that is right for the terrain and the height of
grass. You get the best cutting and bagging
performance when using a grass catcher by
operating the engine at maximum speed. Never
walk fast or run just to get the job done sooner.
On inclines, reduce ground speed and exercise
extreme care.

It is best to mow only during daylight hours;
however, if you must mow in the late afternoon
or evening, make sure there is good artificial
light.

Your mower will require maintenance including
service and adjustments before and after use as
with any machine. The frequency of the
maintenance is generally based on hours of use,
however, the frequency can vary because of
mowing conditions. Check the Instruction Book
for more detailed instructions. Proper
maintenance protects your investment in the
mower and helps insure that it will function
safely and reliably.

Never attempt any
service (with the
possible exception of
carburetor adjustment)
with the engine running.
After turning the engine
off, always disconnect
the spark plug wire to
prevent accidental
restarting while the unit
is being serviced.

While mowing, if you hit a foreign object, stop
the engine. Remove the spark plug wire.

6

Carefully and thoroughly inspect the mower for
damage. Make necessary repairs before
restarting. If the unit starts to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine immediately and check for the
cause. Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight.

The blade is the most dangerous part of the
mower and also the most important part in
obtaining a nice lawn appearance. Check the
blade and the blade mounting hardware
frequently. Keep it tight. If the blade hits a solid
object, check it thoroughly for deformation or
cracks and replace if damaged. For
safety,replace the blade every two years. A
sharp blade reduces the work load on the
engine and cuts grass more cleanly, for a better
looking cut with less work. The blade is always
close to the outside of the mower housing. For
best trimming on side discharge mowers, cut
with the left side of the housing toward the area
that needs trimming.

A useful accessory for your mower is a grass
catcher. There are grass catchers available for
most models. For best performance and safety,
be sure the grass catcher is approved for use
with your mower. Assemble as directed and
follow operating and safety instructions with the
catcher and in the Instruction Book.

Before mounting, checking or emptying the
grass catcher, always turn the engine off.
Remember to check the grass catcher before
each use for cracks, wear, or deterioration.
Replace any part that is damaged with the
manufacturer’s recommended replacement part
before using the grass catcher again.

Proper cutting technique is important if you want
your lawn to look good. Avoid the temptation to
cut grass too short. Cutting grass too short can
kill the plant, cause grass to turn yellow, or make
the lawn look brown and thatchy. Use the lower
cutting heights in cool months when the grass is
lush. Use the higher cutting heights in extremely
dry periods. Cutting with a dull blade or low
engine speed bruises, shreds, and can uproot
some grass making the lawn look dull and brown
a few days after cutting. Always put the throttle
control in FAST position when mowing and
bagging. When bagging, slower ground speed
will provide the best results.

Change the mowing pattern slightly each time
you cut. If you always cut the same way, the
grass will develop a “set” and clippings will
accumulate more heavily in some areas more
than in others causing grass to get thinner in
those areas. Do not service your mower over the
grass. Spilled oil and gas can kill the grass. In
tall grass or very heavy grass, do not try to cut it
all at once. Raise the height of cut on the first
cutting and lower it for the next cutting the same
day or within a few days. Another way is to cut
only part of the width of the mower and adjust
your ground speed (not the engine) to move

more slowly so the mower can clear itself as it
moves forward.

When cutting with a walk behind mower, always

push the unit. Do not pull it. Pushing the unit
keeps the operator behind the mower in the
“operator’s zone” for better control. Pushing the
unit also gives you a chance to see exactly
where and what you are mowing. There will be
times while you are mowing that you will have to
pull the mower backwards (such as when the
front of the mower has come up against a wall or
fence). If you must back up, make sure your feet
are in the clear. Stand well back from the mower ,
plant your feet firmly with each step and back up
being careful to look behind you. Resume
normal mowing as soon as possible.
If your unit is self–propelled, remember that the
drive mechanism is not designed to do all the

work, but the unit can move without your help.
Always keep your hands on the handle near the
controls when the engine is running. Remember
too that the self–propelled mechanism can be
dangerous. Keep hands and feet away from
belts and chains. Always turn off the engine
before attempting to remove anything that
becomes entangled in the self–propelled
system.

Remember, your mower is a useful tool, but it
can be dangerous. Follow the instructions in this
Instruction Book. Use the mower properly and
carefully and it will give you many hours of
trouble free, accident free operations.

STEPS TO FOLLOW

Before Mowing

D Be sure to dress correctly. Wear hard shoes,

not sandals or tennis shoes.

D Examine the blade. A blade that is bent,

cracked, or damaged must be replaced with
a factory replacement blade.

D Fill the fuel tank outside. Clean off spilled

fuel.

D Read and follow the Owner’s Manual, the

instructions with the engine, and the instruc­tions with any attachments. Owner’s Manual
instructions are for your safety and the safety
of others.

D Exhaust fumes are dangerous. Start the en-

gine outside.

D Make sure all safety devices are in place and

working correctly.

D Operation of the mower is only for a person

that has experience.

D Wet grass can be dangerous. Let the grass

dry.

D Instruct children and others to keep away

from the work area.

D Never cut the grass without good light.
D Pick up loose objects. Remove them from

the mowing area.

While Mowing

D Watch for fixed objects and avoid them. They

can damage the mower or cause injury.

D A hot engine and muffler will cause a burn.

Do not touch.

D Inclines and slopes must be carefully

mowed. See the “Guide” in the back of this
book to check a slope.

D Lack of daylight or good artificial light is

cause to stop mowing.

D Examine the mower, the blade, and other

parts for damage after hitting a foreign object
or if the unit vibrates excessively.

D Do not make adjustments or repairs without

stopping the engine (except for carburetor).
Disconnect the spark plug wire.

D On or near roads, watch out for traffic. Direct

discharge away from roads.

D When mowing, avoid areas where traction is

unsure. Before and while moving back­wards, look behind and down for small chil­dren.

D In heavy grass, raise the cutting height. Cut

slower. Stop the engine to remove clogged
grass from the mower.

D Never remove any safety related parts.
D Do not pour gasoline into a engine that is hot

or running.

After Mowing

D Always let the mower cool before storing in

an enclosed area.

D Foreign material on the mower is dangerous.

Clean off grass, leaves, grease and oil be­fore storing.

D Tighten all loose nuts, bolts and screws be-

fore you use the unit.

D Empty and clean any grass catcher or other

accessory.

D Remove the key or disconnect the spark plug

wire to prevent unauthorized use.

D Make sure the mower is not kept near a

source of ignition. Gas fumes can cause an
explosion.

D Only original parts or factory approved sub-

stitutes can be used to service the mower.

D When storing the mower for an extended pe-

riod, remove the fuel from the fuel tank.

D Instruct children to leave the mower alone. It

is not a toy.

D Never keep gasoline near a source of igni-

tion. Always use an approved container.
Keep gasoline away from children.

D Lubricate according to the Instruction Book.

See “Lubrication”.

IMPORTANT––Read the Instruction
Book. Keep this book for future use and
reference.

F–99415

7

ASSEMBLY

NOTE: Illustrations and pictorials begin on
page 2.

Unpacking instructions

The mower was fully assembled at the factory.
When the mower was put in the carton, the
handle was put in the storage position. To put
the handle in the operating position, follow the
steps below.

1. Remove the mower from the carton.

2. Put the lower handle (1) in the operating
position.

3. Remove the hair pins (2) from the lower pin.
Attach the hair pins (2) to the upper pins
(5).

4. Put the upper handle (3) in the operating
position. Tighten the knobs (4).

5.

(Figure 14)

(1) to the rope guide (2), twist the rope

through the rope guide (2) mounted on the
right side of the handle.

NOTE: If you cannot attach the
recoil–start grip because the rope is too
short, hold the engine stop lever against
the handle. Slowly pull the recoil–start
grip.

CAUTION: Be careful when you fold or raise
the handle. Do not damage the cables. A
cable that is bent will not work correctly. Be­fore you use the unit, replace a bent or dam­aged cable.

To attach the recoil–start grip

How To Assemble The Grass Bag

1. Slide the frame assembly (4) into the ends
of the support tube (3).

2.

(Figure 3)

assembly (4).

3.

(Figure 4)

operating the mower with the grass bag, the
top cover (6) must be in the closed operat­ing position.

Attach the clips (5) to the frame

Close the top cover (6). When

How To Mount The Grass Bag

1. To mount the grass bag on the mower, raise
the rear door (1). Hold the handle (2) of the
grass bag. Put the grass bag in the operating
position. Lower the rear door (1).

IMPORTANT: Make sure the rods, on each
side of the frame assembly, are mounted in
the notches (3) of the handle brackets (4).

How To Prepare The Engine

Note: Engine does not contain OIL or PET­ROL.

WARNING: Follow the engine
manufacturer’s instructions for the

type of petrol and oil to use. Al­ways use a safety petrol container. Do not
smoke when adding petrol to the engine.
When inside an enclosure, do not fill with
petrol. Before you add petrol, stop the en­gine. Let the engine cool for several min­utes.

See the engine manufacturer’s instructions for
the type of petrol and oil to use. Before you use
the unit, read the information on safety,
operation, maintenance, and storage.

F–99415

(Figure 1)

(Figure 4)

Mulching finely cuts the grass so that the grass
can be easily recycled. Because the nutrients
are returned to the soil, the lawn will need less
fertilizer. To correctly mulch the lawn, follow the
tips below.

S The grass must be dry. If the grass is wet, it will

be difficult to cut and cause heavy clumps of
grass.

S The grass must not be too tall. The maximum

height to effectively cut is 4 1/2 inches. Set the
height adjusters so that only the top third of the
grass is cut.

S If the grass is more than 4 1/2 inches high, two

mowings will be necessary. For the first mow­ing, set the height adjusters in the highest posi­tion. Then, lower the height adjusters for the
second mowing.

S Keep a sharp edge on the blade. A blade that

is not sharp will cause the ends of the grass to
become brown.

S Clean the underside of the mower housing.

Grass and other debris can keep the mower
from working correctly.

If the quality of cut is marginal, try the follow­ing:

S Set the height adjusters at a higher cutting

height.

S Cut the grass more frequently.
S Operate the mower at a slower ground speed.
S Overlap the cutting swaths instead of cutting a

full swath with each pass.

S Mow across the marginal areas a second time.

OPERA TION

NOTE: Illustrations and pictorials begin on
page 2.

Engine Stop Lever

Release the engine stop lever (1) and the
engine and the blade will automatically stop. To
run the engine, hold the engine stop lever (1) in
the Operating position (2)

Before you start the engine, operate the engine
stop lever (1) several times. Make sure the
cable moves easily.

How To Stop The Engine

To stop the engine, release the engine stop
lever (1). Disconnect the wire from the spark

plug to prevent the engine from starting.
If the engine will not stop, hold a screwdriver

against the spark plug and against the engine
cooling fins. The spark will go to ground and the
engine will stop. Before you start the engine,
check the engine stop cable. Make sure the
engine stop cable is assembled correctly. Before
you operate the unit, replace a bent or damaged
engine stop cable.

How To Start The Engine

WARNING: The blade will rotate
when the engine runs.

1. Check the oil.

2. Fill the fuel tank with regular unleaded petrol.
See “How To Prepare The Engine”.

3. Make sure the spark plug wire is connected
to the spark plug.

(Figure 6)

(Figure 6)

8

4.

(Figure 8)

ton (1) on the front or side of the engine.

Push the primer button (1).. Every time you
push the primer button (1), wait two sec­onds. For the number of times required to
push the primer button (1), see the engine
manufacturer’s instructions.

NOTE: Do not use the primer button to
start a warm engine.

5.

(Figure 9)

hand to hold the engine stop lever (1) in the
operating position as shown. Use the other
hand to hold the recoil–start grip (2).

6. Rapidly pull the recoil–start grip (2). Slowly
return the recoil–start grip (2).

7. If the engine does not start in 5 or 6 tries,
See the “Trouble Shooting Chart” Instruc­tions.

Some models have a primer but-

Stand behind the mower. Use one

How To Operate The Mower

WARNING: Check the condition of
the grass bag for wear or deteriora-

tion. If worn or damaged, replace
the parts only with approved factory re­placement parts. For replacement parts,
see the parts list in this book.

To completely fill the grass bag, operate the
engine with the throttle control in the FAST
position.

How To Empty The Grass Bag

WARNING: Before you remove the

grass bag, stop the engine. Before

you remove any grass from the
mower housing, disconnect the wire from
the spark plug.

1.

(Figure 4)

position.

2. Lift the frame assembly (2) over the two

handle notches (3).

3.

(Figure 5)

the grass from the bag.

4.

(Figure 4)

mower, raise the door (1). Put the two rods
of the frame assembly into the two notches

(3).

5. Lower the door (1).

Raise the door (1) to a vertical

Open the top cover (5). Empty

To mount the grass bag on the

(Figure 4)

MAINTENANCE

NOTE: Illustrations and pictorials begin on
page 2.

Use the following maintenance section to keep
your unit in good operating condition. All the
maintenance information for the engine is in the
engine manufacturer’s instructions. Before you
start the engine, read this book.

WARNING: Before you make an in-

spection, adjustment (except

carburettor), or repair, disconnect
the wire from the spark plug.

Lubrication

1. For maximum performance, lubricate the
wheels and all pivot points with engine oil
every 25 hours.

2. To lubricate the engine, refer to the engine
manufacturer’s instructions.

NOTE: Do not lubricate the engine stop
cable. Lubricants will damage the cable and
prevent the cable from moving freely. Re­place the cable if bent or damaged.

How To Clean The Mower Housing

WARNING: The blade will rotate
when the engine runs. Before you

clean the mower housing, stop the
engine and disconnect the wire from the
spark plug.

Grass and other debris can keep the mower
from working correctly. After you mow, clean the
mower housing as follows.

1. Stop the engine.

2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.

3. Clean the top and the bottom of the mower
housing.

How To Adjust The Height Of Cut

WARNING: The blade will rotate
when the engine runs. Before you
change the height of cut, discon-

nect the wire to the spark plug.

Models With Quick Type Adjusters

(Figure 7)

To change the height of cut, move the position of
the adjuster arm (1) at each wheel. Make sure
each adjuster arm (1) is in the same position so
that the mower will cut level.

1. Disengage the adjuster arm (1).

2. Move the adjuster arm (1) to another posi­tion.

Mulching Blade Replacement

A mulching mower is equipped with a special
mulching blade. If the mulching blade becomes
worn or damaged, replace with an original
equipment mulching blade. A standard blade will
not cut correctly and could cause an accident.

Blade Service

WARNING: Before you inspect the
blade or the blade adapter, discon-

nect the wire to the spark plug. If
the blade hits an object, stop the engine.
Disconnect the wire to the spark plug.
Check the unit for damage.

Frequently check the blade for wear or damage
such as cracks. Frequently check the bolt that
holds the blade. Keep the bolt tight. If the blade
hits an object, stop the engine. Disconnect the
wire to the spark plug. Check the blade adapter
for damage. Check for a bent or damaged blade,
a badly worn blade, or other damage. Before
you operate the unit, damaged parts must be
replaced with factory replacement parts. For
safety, replace the blade every two years. Keep
a sharp edge on the blade. A blade that is not
sharp will cause the ends of the grass to
become brown. Remove the blade as follows.

How To Remove The Blade

(Figure 10

and Figure 11)

WARNING: Before you remove the

blade, disconnect the wire to the

spark plug. The blade has sharp
edges. When you hold the blade, use
gloves or cloth material to protect your
hands.

1. Drain the fuel tank.

2. Lift the side of the mower that has the muffler
or spark plug.

3. Use a piece of wood to keep the blade from
rotating.

4. Remove the bolt (1) that holds the blade (2).

5. Check the blade according to the “Blade Ser­vice” instructions. Replace a badly worn or
damaged blade with a factory replacement
blade.

6. Mount the blade with the curved edges to­ward the housing. If the blade is upside
down, the blade will not cut correctly and can
cause an accident.

7. Fasten the blade 2) with the original wash-
ers (3 and 4) and bolt (1). Make sure the
outside rims of the Belleville washers (4)
are toward the blade (2).

8. Tighten the bolt (1) that holds the blade (2)
to a torque of 30 foot pounds.

WARNING: Always keep the bolt
(1) that holds the blade (2) tight. A
loose bolt (1) or blade (2) can

cause an accident.

Check The Level Of Cut

Test the unit in a small area. If the height of cut
is not level or if the cut grass is not discharged,
the cause can be: (1) the blade is bent or
damaged, (2) the blade is not sharp, (3) a worn
blade, (4) or a broken blade adapter. Before you
use the unit, correct the problem.

Folding Handle Storage

(Figure 12 and

Figure 13)

CAUTION: Be careful when you fold or raise
the handle. Do not damage the cables. A
cable that is bent will not work correctly. Be­fore you use the unit, replace a bent or dam­aged cable.

How To Fold The Handle

1.

(Figure 12)

the upper part of the handle to the lower part
of the handle. As you fold the handle, make
sure the cables are not around the loose fas­teners and do not become damaged. Rotate
the upper part of the handle toward the back
of the unit.

2.

(Figure 13)

the lower handle (1). Push in on the ends of
the lower handle (1). Move the ends of the
lower handle (1) past the locking pins (2)
or locking tabs (2).

3. Rotate the handle forward over the engine.
Make sure the cables are not damaged.

Loosen the fasteners that hold

Remove the hair pins (3) from

How To Raise The Handle

1. Pull the handle back until the ends of the
lower handle (1) lock into position.

2. Lift the upper part of the handle into the oper­ator’s position. Tighten the fasteners that
hold the handle.

How To Prepare The Mower For Storage

WARNING: Do not remove petrol
while inside a building, near a fire,
or while you smoke. Petrol fumes

can cause an explosion or a fire.

1. Drain the fuel tank.

2. Let the engine run until it is out of petrol.

3. Drain the oil from the warm engine. Fill the
engine crankcase with new oil.

4. Remove the spark plug from the cylinder.
Pour one ounce of oil into the cylinder. Slow­ly pull the recoil–start grip so that the oil will
protect the cylinder. Install a new spark plug
in the cylinder.

5. Clean the dirt and debris from the cylinder
cooling fins and the engine housing.

6. Clean the bottom of the mower housing.

7. Completely clean the mower to protect the
paint.

8. Put the unit in a building that has good ven­tilation.

9. Make sure the grass bag is empty of grass.
Grass remaining in the bag during storage
will damage the bag.

How To Order Replacement Parts

The replacement parts are shown either on the
back pages of this Instruction Book or in a
separate Parts List Book.

Use only manufacturer’s authorized or approved
replacement parts. The letter placed on the end
of the part number denotes the type of finish for
the part, C for chrome, Z for zinc, a PA for
purchased assembly. It is important that you
include this when ordering a part. Do not use
attachments or accessories not specifically
recommended for this unit. In order to obtain
proper replacement parts you must supply the
model number of your mower (see nameplate).

Replacement parts, except for the engine,
transmission, transaxle or differential, are
available from the store where the mower was
purchased or a service shop recommended by
the store.

If you are unable to obtain parts or service in the
manner outlined above, then contact:
MURRAY CANADA, INC., Factory Customer
Service, 1195 Coutneypark Drive East,
Mississauga, Ont. L5T–1R1 (1–800–661–6662)

Replacement parts for the engine, transaxle, or
transmission, are available from the
manufacturer’s authorized service centre found
in the commercial pages of the telephone
directory. Also, see the individual engine or
transmission warranties to order replacement
parts.

When ordering the following information is
required:

(1) The Model Number
(2) Serial Number
(3) Part Number
(4) Quantity

F–99415

9