Starting the Mower
WARNING
Poisonous Gas Hazard
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a poisonous
gas that could kill you in minutes. You CANNOT see it,
smell it, or taste it. Even if you do not smell exhaust fumes,
you could still be exposed to carbon monoxide gas. If you
start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using this product,
shut it off and get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. See a doctor.
You may have carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Operate this product ONLY outside far away from
windows, doors and vents to reduce the risk of carbon
monoxide gas from accumulating and potentially being
drawn towards occupied spaces.
• Install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms or
plug-in carbon monoxide alarms with battery back-up
according to the manufacturer's instructions. Smoke
alarms cannot detect carbon monoxide gas.
• DO NOT run this product inside homes, garages,
basements, crawlspaces, sheds, or other partially-
enclosed spaces even if using fans or opening doors
and windows for ventilation. Carbon monoxide can
quickly build up in these spaces and can linger for
hours, even after this product has shut off.
• ALWAYS place this product downwind and point the
engine exhaust away from occupied spaces.
1. Push the prime button (A, Figure 5) three times (3x).
Note: The engines on some models are equipped with the
®
Briggs & Stratton
ReadyStart
priming or choking.
2. Squeeze the blade control (A, Figure 6) against the
handle (B).
3. Pull the rope start handle (A, Figure 7) to start the engine.
4. To stop the engine (and blade), release the blade control.
See Figure 8.
5. After the engine starts, allow a brief warm-up until the
engine runs smooth before beginning mower operation.
Note: If the engine does not start after repeated attempts,
contact a local dealer or go to www.murray.com or
call 1-800-233-3723 (in USA).
Propelling the Mower
1. Start the mower. See Starting the Mower.
2. Self-propelled models: Squeeze the wheel drive control
(A, Figure 9) against the handle (B) to move the mower
forward. To stop forward motion, release the wheel drive
control.
3. If the mower does not propel itself properly, adjust the
bowden cable:
1. Loosen the locking nut (A, Figure 10).
10
®
feature, and require no
2. Hold the upper bolt (B, Figure 10) and turn the
stop nut (C) clockwise to shorten the cable,
counterclockwise to lengthen the cable.
3. Tighten the locking nut.
Note: The self-propelled speed may change on slopes.
Cutting Height Adjustment
WARNING
Amputation Hazard
• DO NOT attempt any maintenance, adjustments or
service with engine and blade running.
• STOP engine and blade.
Burn Hazard
• Engine and components are HOT.
• Avoid serious burns, allow sufficient time for all
components to cool.
Pull the height adjusting lever outward and move to the
desired cutting height. See Figure 11.
Mulching Operation
For best mulching results, cut up to a maximum of 1/3 of
grass blade length and recycle ONLY when grass is dry.
1. Configure the mower for mulching operation:
• Remove the side discharge deflector. See Installing
the Side Discharge Deflector.
• Remove the grass bag. See Installing the Grass
Bag.
• Install the mulching plug. See Installing the
Mulching Plug.
2. Set the cutting height lever to the highest cutting position.
See Cutting Height Adjustment .
3. Move the ground speed control (if equipped) to the
slowest speed setting.
4. Proceed mowing slowly.
Installing the Side Discharge Deflector
WARNING
Amputation Hazard
• DO NOT attempt any maintenance, adjustments or
service with engine and blade running.
• STOP engine and blade.
• Remove battery (if equipped).
Burn Hazard
• Engine and components are HOT.
• Avoid serious burns, allow sufficient time for all
components to cool.
Note: When mowing with the side discharge deflector,
remove the grass bag and install the mulching plug (if
equipped).
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