Murray 22106X9A Owner’s Manual

Model

22106x9A

This InstructionBookcontainsinformationforseveralmodels.

Readandkeepthis bookforfuturereference.

This bookcontainsimportantinformationon

SAFETY,,ASSEMBLY,OPERATION,AND MAINTENANCE.

PRODUCTINFORMATION

Theownermust becertainthatall

the productinformation isincludedwiththe unit.

Thisinformationincludes
theINSTRUCTIONBOOKS,

the REPLACEMENTPARTSandtheWARRANTIES.
Thisinformationmustbe includedto makesurestatelaws

andotherlawsarefollowed.

RECORD THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR UNIT,

THIS INFORMATION IS NECESSARY WHEN ORDERING PARTS

OR IN CASE OF LOSS OR THEFT.

WHEREPURCHASED:

DATEPURCHASB):Month .Day. Year

MODELNO.; DATEOFMANUFACTURE:

F-98524

BUILT IN THE

MURRAY, INC. TwoYearLimitedWarranty

Murray, Inc.warrants to the originalpurchaser that this unitshall be free from defects in ma-
terial and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of Two (2) Years from

the date of purchase; however, thiswarranty does not cover engines, accessories (such as
snow blowers, snow blades, grass baggers and plows), transmissions, batteries and Nor-

mal 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,consultyour dealer priorto purchase.Subject tothe terms and conditionsnoted
in this Limited Warranty, we shall, at our option, repair or replace at no cost to the original

purchaser any part covered by this LimitedWarranty duringthe applicablewarranty period.

In the event the battery proves defective within ninety(90) days from the date of purchase,

we will replace it without charge. Ifthe battery provesdefective after(90) days butwithinone
hundred twenty (120) days from the date of purchase, we willreplace itfora 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 work-
manship as delivered with the product.Any claimfor repair or replacement of Normal Wear

Parts mustbe made withinthirty(30) daysof the date of purchase. No claims involvingdam-
age 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 isvoidor does notapply toany unit thathas been tamperedwith, altered, misused,

abused or used for rental or other commercial and/or professional(non-homeowner) uses.
Your warranty does not cover minor mechanical adjustmentswhich are not due to any de-
fect 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, returnthe unit(or

ifauthorized in advance, the defective part) along with your proof of purchase to an Autho-
rized Service Center near you. To locate the nearest Authorized Service Center, call the
Central Parts Distributorfor your area shown inthe listprovidedwith your unitorcheck 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 willeither replace or
repair the part. In the case of a defect in a transmissionor differential(as distinguishedfrom

a transaxle), the entire transmission or differential must be returned since they do not in-
clude user serviceable parts.

This Murray, Inc. Two (2) Year Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you

may also have other rightswhich 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 addi-

tional informationon this written warranty or assistance in obtaining service, write or call:

MURRAY, INC.

Outdoor Power Equipment

Customer Service Department

P.O. Box 268

Brantwood, Tennessee 37027

1-800-251-8007

F-98524 2

OWNER'S INFORMATION

This instructionbook is wdtten 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 illustrationsto the unit. Learnthe locationand
the functionof the controls. To help prevent an accident, follow the operating instructionsand 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 instructionsin this manual are exactly followed. Other units are
purchased in an assembled condition.On assembled units, it isthe responsibilityof the owner to
make sure the unit is correctly assembled. The owner must carefully check the unitaccordingto

the instructions in this manual before it is first used.

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 unitknows how to correctly use all standard and accessory

equipment.

5. Operate the unit only with guards, shields,and othersafetyitems 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.

The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State

of California to cause cancer, birth
defects or other reproductive harm,

F-98524 3

IMPORTANT

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers.

This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwingobjects. Failure to ob-

serve the following safety instructionscould result in serious injuryor death.
I. General Operation

1.

Read, understand, and follow all instruc-

tions on the machine and in the manual(s).

Be thoroughlyfamiliarwith the controls and
the proper use of the mower before starting.

2. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotat-
ing parts.Keep clear ofthe discharge open-

ing 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 objectssuch as rocks, toys,wire,
bones, sticksetc.,which could be pickedup

and thrown by the blade.

5. Be sure the area is clear of other people be-

fore mowing. Stop mower if anyone enters
the area.

6. Do not operate the mower when barefoot or

wearing open sandals. Always wear sub-
stantial foot wear.

7. Do notpull mower backwards unless abso-

lutely necessary. Lookdownand behind be-

fore and while moving backwards.

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

protective devices in place.

g.

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) offandwait untilthe
blade comes to complete stop before re-

moving grass catcher.

13. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

14. Do not operate the mower while under the
influence ofalcohol, drugs or other medica-

F-98524

tion which can cause drowsiness or affect
your ability to operate this machine safely.

15. Never operate mower in wet grass. Always
be sure ofyour 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 be-
fore starting the engine (motor).

17. If the equipment should start to vibrate ab-
normally, stop the engine (motor) and check

immediately for the cause. Vibration is gen-
erally a warning of trouble such as a blade

that is damaged, a loose blade, or the en-
gine mounting bolts are loose.

18.

Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields when operating

mower to protectyoureyes from foreignob-

jects which can be thrown from the unit.

19.

Plan your mowing pattern to avoid dis-
charge of material toward roads, sidewalks,

bystanders and the like.

20.

After striking a foreign object, stop the en-
gine. Remove the wire from the spark plug.

Inspect the blade and mower for damage. If
damaged, repair before startingand operat-
ing the mower.

21.

Keep any washout ports and other mower

housing service openings closed when

mowing.

II. Slope Operation
Slopes are a majorfactorrelated to slipandfall

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. Tall grass

can hide obstacles.

(Continued Following Page)

IMPORTANT

DO NOT:

Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or em-
bankments. 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 accidentscan occur if the operator is not
alert to the presence of children. Children are
often attracted to the mower and the mowing
activity.Never assume that childrenwill remain
where you last saw them.

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

adult. 8.

2. Be alert and tum mower oft ifchildrenenter

the area.

3. Before and while moving backwards, look

behind and down for small children.

4. Never allow children to operate the mower. 10.

5. Use extra carewhen approaching blind cor-

ners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that
may obscure vision.

IV. Service

"1. Use extra care in handlinggasoline and oth-

er fuels. They are flammable and vaporsare
explosive.

a. Use only an approved container.

4.

5.

6.

9.

11.

nect 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.

Keep all nuts and bolts, especially blade at-
tachment bolts,tightand keep equipment in

good condition.

Never tamper with safety devices. Check

their proper operation regularly.

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.

.

Stop and inspectthe equipment ifyou stdke
an object. Repair, if necessary, before re-

starting.

Never attemptto make wheel height adjust-

ments while the engine (motor) is running.
Always disconnect electdc mowers (live op-

erated) before cleaning, repairing, or ad-

justing.

Grass catcher components are subject to
wear, damage, and deterioration, which

could expose moving parts or allow objects
to be thrown.Frequentlycheck components

and replace with manufacturer's recom-
mended parts, when necessary. For stor-
age, always make sure grass catcher is
empty.

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

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 contain-

er 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 adjustmentsor repairsto items
such as the height adjusters or grass catch-
er with the engine (motor) running. Discon-

*Asterisked items do not apply to electric mowers.

F-98524 5

12. Do not change the engine governor setting

or over-speed the engine.

13.

Frequently check the blade forwear or dam-
ages such as cracks and nicks.A blade that

isbentordamaged mustbe immediately re-
placed with a factory replacement blade.
For safety and good cutting performance,
replace the blade every two years. Fre-
quently check the blade boltand the engine

mounting bolts. Replace damaged bolts
and tighten loose bolts.

14. Use only original equipment or authorized

replacement parts.

SAFE MOWING GUIDE

Every person who uses power equipment
must learn the difference between proper and

improper use, safe and unsafe mowing prac-
tices. Read the next few pages carefully.
They can help you learn. Too often the mow-

er user is inexperienced, not properly in-
structed, or has not read the InstructionBook

and instructions on the unit before using itfor
the firsttime. This can result in unsafe use en-

dangering the operator, bystanders, and the
equipment. Another result can be a poor ap-
pearance of the area mowed.

Read this Instruction Book. Read the in-

structions on the unit. Operate the mower ac-

carding to the Safe Mowing Guide and other

safety rules and recommendations in this In-

structionBookand on the unit. Make sure any-
one who uses the unithas read the instructions

and has been told how to operate the mower
safely.

Your mower isdesigned to provide good ser-
vice and durability in normal residential cut-
Ung. If the mower is not propedy serviced and

maintained or used on unsuitable terrain or in
conditions not suitable for mowing, product

performance and safety will be reduced.
Proper attire isan important part of safe mow-

ing. Safety glasses protect the eyes from
thrown objects. Safety shoes with steel toes
can protecta foot from being cut by the blade.
Shirts and pants that cover the arms and legs
can stop or deflect a thrown object.

gency. Learn how to cut and how to keep con-
trolof the mower at all times.

Many mowers are started manually. When us-
ing a pul! start or rope start, place your feet
firmly and away frem the blade. Hold the rope

handle securely, but never wrap the rop,e
around your arm or fingers for a "better grip.

The mower isdesignedfor use by one person.
Always mow alone. Never carry passengers.

Carrying a passenger is dangerous for the
passenger and theoperator.A mower is notfor

amusement or for carrying objects.

Is thearea you are planningto mow wet?.Nev-
er 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 grasstends to clogthe

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.

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 emer-

F-98524

When you look over the lawn, refresh your

memory about hard, immovable obstacles

such as pipes, stumps, and recks and avoid
them. They can cause damage to the mower
or an accident injuring the operator or a by-

stander. Take a litterbag 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 be-
come 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 forceover longdistances. Objects
thrown by mowers can break windows, cause

SAFE MOWING GUIDE

bruises, or even put out an eye. Often the per-
son hurt bya thrownobject is a bystandersuch
as a child, another family member or a neigh-

bor. Keep people and pets completely away

from the mowing area. Direct the mower's dis-

charge away from areas where people can be.
Planning your mowing pattern has a double

benefit. Itcan reduce chances of an injuryand
make the clean up after mowing easier.

Are there ditches,
walls, or major in-

clines inthe area to be
cut?.Plan the mowing

pattern to avoid such
danger areas. In-
clines and rough ter-

rain 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 orthe mow-
er slip, you won't run

into each other.
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 fullyassembled accordingto
directions in the Instruction Book. Even if as-

sembly 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 periodicallythroughout

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 mow-
er itselfin a well ventilatedarea away from any

possible source of ignitionsuch a pilot lighton
a furnace. If the mower istobe storedfor an ex-

tended time, remove the gas from the tank.
This minimizes the chance ofa 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 spilledfuel beforestart-
ing. Remember, gasoline expands when

heated so leave some expansion room. Also,
most mower gas caps are vented to allowfor

expansion. Always use the propercap. People
are needlessly burned by fires, hurt in explo-

sions, mowers and other property are dam-
aged because of failure to follow basic safety

rules related to gasoline and fueling.
Never add gasolineto an enginethat isrunning

or that ishotfrom recent use, thiscan cause an
accident. Remove dry grass and other debris

from the mower. Keeping the mower clean will

F-98524

improve the performance, help the engine stay
cooler, extend the life of moving parts, and
minimize the danger offire. People get burned

working with and around their mowers for oth-
er reasons than fire and explosions. It takes
only a few secondsof operationfor the engine

and the muffler to become hot. Do not touch
these parts when the mower is running. Stop

the engine and let itcooldown 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 curios-

ity about the mower and at the same time, tell
them about its dangers. Remember, a mower
is not a toyand isnotfor useby childrenorany-
one lacking in age, strength or experience.

As with any power equipment,a mower can be
dangerous if not assembled, misused, or not

propedy maintained. The most important rule
is to always use goodjudgement and common

sense.

Your mower will cut thick grass and heavy

plant stems with ease. Fingers and toes are co
more resistant to the mower's blade. Many

people are injured because they =forgot" and
reached into the discharge chute. Always treat

_lour lawn mower as if the blade is rotating.

ever perform any service or try to make any
adjustment,except carburetor, while the en-
gine 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.

SAFE MOWING GUIDE

Use only original equipment or approved sub- in the rain is nofun and it isdangerous. Always
stitutionsas service parts. If you need profes- seek shelter in an electrical storm. In extreme-

sional service, select a shop that is an ly dry mowing conditions, your safetyglasses
Authorized Service Center for your brand of can serve a dual purpose by protecting your

mower. Ifyou plan to service the unit yourself, eyes fromdustand thrownobjects, also a dust

follow directions in the Instruction Book. or pollen mask can be helpful.

As you mow, remember children and pets are
sometimes attracted to the activity. Be espe-

cially carefulwhen trimmingaround shrubbery
or when backing up. If at all possible, don't

mow when movingbackwards. It is dangerous
because vision is restricted. Also, blades are

designed to cut while the unit is moving for-

ward so cutting performance is reduced when

mowing in reverse.

Never leave the mower running and unat-

tended. 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 acci-
dent. Take a short break. If temperatures are

high, take precautions to avoid becoming de-
hydrated. 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

F-98524

Yourmower isequippedwitha number of safe-
ty features which are importantto the safety of
the operator and bystanders and must never

be altered or removed. If a safety feature be-

comes inoperable,lost,or damaged, it must be

repairedorreplaced beforethe mower is used.
Engine speed is a key to safe mowing and a

nice looking lawn. The maximum speed ofthe
engine on your mower has been set at the fac-
tory.Do not change the engine governor inany

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. Nev-

er walk fast or runjustto get the job done soon-

er. On inclines, reduce ground speed and
exercise extreme care.

It is best to mow only during daylight hours;
however, if you mustmow inthe lateafternoon

or evening, make sure there is good artificial
light.
Your mower willrequire 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 pos-
sible exceptionof car-

with the engine run-
ning. After turning the

buretor adjustment) /_

engine off, always
disconnect the spark

plu9 wire to prevent
accidental restarting

while the unitis being
serviced.

8