Murray

Bagging

If the bagger does not bag or the chute clogs up with grass?

Grass must be dry, engine throttle control in fast position, slow ground speed. Underside of deck must be kept clean.

Battery Issues

When to charge the battery?

We recommend that you charge your battery at the beginning of every season.

Which battery to replace the original one with?

The battery only requires a 2 amp charge. Make sure that the battery is a 12 volt, has 320 cranking amps, 270 cold cranking amps and is 6.25 in. height and 7.5 in. length.

Blade Drive Belt

What do I do...

If the blade drive belt comes off during use?

1. Blade drive belt may suffer internal damage to cords when it comes off during use. If the belt still comes off after checking all steps below, replace with a new original equipment belt.
2. Check belt tension per manual. Adjust if necessary.
3. Check belt guide(s). Correct clearance is 1/16 in. from belt when blade engagement lever is engaged.
4. Check that mower deck is level.
5. Check for and remove any foreign objects interfering with belt travel.
6. Check all pulleys for damage. Replace if necessary.
7. Check inner surface of engine drive pulley. If inner surface is rough or split, pulley must be replaced.
8. Check blade engagement idler assembly for wear. Replace necessary parts.

If the blade drive belt slips?

1. If grass is too high or wet, belt slippage may occur.
2. Check belt for wear or damage. Replace if necessary.
3. Check belt tension per manual. Adjust if necessary.
4. Check tension spring of blade drive belt. If spring is stretched or damaged, replace spring.

If the blade drive belt wears excessively?

1. Check belt guide(s). Correct clearance is 1/16 in. from belt when blade engagement lever is engaged.
2. Check for and remove all foreign objects interfering with belt travel.
3. Check all pulleys for damage. Replace if necessary.
4. Make sure blade brake is clearing belt when mower clutch lever is engaged. Adjust and replace if necessary.
5. Check mower deck level adjustment.
6. Check blade tension per manual. Adjust if necessary.

Blades

What do I do...

If blade(s) will not engage?

1. Check belt. If worn or broken, replace. If belt is too loose, make belt adjustment.
2. Check engagement spring on deck engagement idler. If broken or damaged, replace.
3. Check for and remove all foreign objects interfering with engagement idler travel.

If blade(s) will not disengage?

1. Check blade tension per manual. Adjust if necessary.
2. If blade belt adjustment will not provide enough slack in drive belt, replace with correct Original Equipment Belt.
3. Check for and remove all foreign objects interfering with engagement idler travel.

Cutting Quality

How often should I mow?

The average is once a week and avoid mowing when grass is wet. It also depends on the natural growth pattern of the grass.

Why does my lawn look so scraggly?

The most common cause is dull mower blades. The average time blades are sharpened is once a month. Blades may need to be sharpened every other week if you have a coarse grass like Bahia.

What do I do...

If my mower deck cuts unlevel?

Follow instructions on leveling your deck.

If my mower cuts ragged or uneven?

1. Remove any accumulation of grass clippings from underside of mower deck housing.
2. Make sure blades are sharp and in good condition (not bent or incorrectly mounted).
3. Check blade mounting bolt(s). Blade bolts(s) must be tight.
4. Check mower deck level adjustment.
5. Check blade belt tension per manual. Adjust if necessary.
6. Check quill assembly(s) for damage or wear. Replace if necessary.
7. Check for possible damage to mower deck housing. Repair or replace if necessary.
8. Check pivot tube assembly for damage. If bent or damaged, repair or replace.
9. Check deck wheels being run on ground.

If my mower leaves uncut strip between blades?

1. Mowing a heavy stand of grass or excessively wet grass could allow mower to leave an uncut strip. Do not mow wet grass.
2. Forward speed should be adjusted to mowing conditions by transmission lever. Engine should be at full throttle.
3. Make sure blades are sharp and in good condition. Replace if necessary.
4. Check blade tension. Adjust if necessary.
5. Check quill assembly(s) for damage or wear. Replace if necessary.
6. Check for possible damage to mower deck housing. Repair if necessary.

If my mower scalps lawn?

1. Check mower height adjustment setting and readjust if needed. Scalping is more likely on rough or uneven lawns.
2. Check for possible damage to mower deck housing. Repair or replace if necessary.
3. Check for bent blade(s) or quill assembly(s). Replace if necessary.
4. Check mower deck level adjustment.
5. Check for damaged mower deck wheels.

If my mower will not discharge clippings?

1. Remove any accumulation of grass clipping from underside of mower housing deck.
2. Wet conditions can cause the discharge chute and underside of mower deck to become plugged with clippings. Do not mow wet grass.
3. Forward speed should be adjusted to mowing conditions by transmission lever. Engine should be at full throttle.
4. When mowing tall grass, make first cutting in high position, then re-cut at normal cutting height.
5. Check blade tension. Adjust if necessary.
6. If blade(s) have been replaced, make sure they have been correctly mounted.

Engine

What do I do...

If rope will not pull out? [Rider, Walker]

Stop lever is not pulled back or cable is not properly assembled.

If the engine smokes (blue smoke)? [Rider, Walker]

Check oil level. If okay, let run for several minutes. Sometimes oil gets into cylinder during shipment.

If the mower only clicks when key is turned to start position? [Rider]

Charge battery. If charged and still clicks, battery possibly bad. Try jumping the battery. If still clicks, clean battery terminals.

If the mower vibrates excessively? [Rider, Walker]

Check for bent blade. If not bent, have authorized service dealer check for bent crankshaft.

If the engine will not start? [Rider, Walker]

1. Check starting procedure. Make sure starting instructions are followed.
2. Prime engine (push primer button). Check for water in fuel tank. Make sure fuel is fresh.

If the engine will not turn over? [Rider]

1. Check starting procedure. Make sure starting instructions are followed.
2. Check fuse (if equipped). See Wiring Diagram or Schematic section in manual or Repair Parts book.
3. Check battery for charge. Make sure battery has been activated and charged (on new units).
4. On new units, remove spark plug and check cylinder for accumulation of oil due to improper handling.
5. Make a visual inspection of the electrical system to make sure all connection and lockout switches are secure. (See Wiring Diagram or Schematic section in manual or Repair Parts book.)
6. Check engine according to engine manufacturers instructions.
7. Have the wiring and lockout switches checked by an authorized service dealer.

If the engine turns over but will not start? [Rider, Walker]

1. Check starting procedure. Make sure starting instructions are followed.
2. Make sure fuel tank is filled with clean, fresh gasoline.
3. Make sure fuel shut-off is open (if equipped).
4. Make sure throttle is in START or FAST position.
5. Check engine according to engine manufacturer's instructions.
6. Have the wiring and lockout switches checked by an authorized service dealer.
7. Check fuel filter for obstructions.

Keys

How do I get replacement keys?

Please visit Parts section for part ordering information.

Mulching

What are some Mulching Tips?

1. Run the motor at FULL throttle. Whether mowing or mulching, always run the mower at full throttle.
2. Do not mow wet grass.
3. If the grass is over 1-1/2" high, it will track.
4. Be sure to clean underneath the deck after each mowing.
5. Be sure the blade is the mulching blade and is put on correctly. If it is upside down, it will drop the grass and not mulch.
6. The engine RPM may not be set high enough. If you are following all of the above and it still tracks, you may want to take the mower to an authorized service dealer to have him check the engine RPM.

Parking Brake

What do I do if the parking brake will not engage?

Clutch needs adjustment. For instructions on how to adjust the clutch, please see your owner's manual. For an electronic copy of your owner's manual, click here.

Shifting

If the 'shift-on-go' does not shift properly or jumps out of gear?

Have authorized service dealer adjust shift gate to Murray specifications or see your owner's manual.

If extreme vibration occurs when clutch is engaged (Let-Out)? [Rider]

1. Check for split or damaged pulley(s). Replace if necessary.
2. Check drive belt for irregularities or burned spots. Replace if necessary.
3. Make sure drive belt tension is correct. Adjust if necessary.
4. Check clutch idler assembly for wear or damage. Replace parts if necessary.

If the unit will not shift or shifts hard? [Rider]

1. Check shifting procedure. Non Shift-On-Go units MUST come to a complete stop before shifting.
2. Check lawn tractor drive belt adjustment and brake adjustment in manual. Adjust if necessary.
3. Have transaxle or transmission inspected by an authorized service dealer.

Steering

What do I do if steering slips or is loose?

1. Check for looseness in steering sector gear and pinion. If gears are loose, make sector gear adjustment.
2. Check ball joints for wear. Replace if necessary.

Non-Warranty Work

What is considered non-warranty work?

1. Trash or water in gas.
2. Improper setup of mower.
3. Customer abuse or neglect.
4. Pickup and/or delivery.
5. Normal maintenance (tune-ups, carburetor adjustments, oil change, air filters, etc.).
6. Broken or bent crankshafts.
7. Unit run with low/without oil.
8. Mower is over two years old.
9. Mower is used for commercial, rental, and/or professional (non-homeowner) use.

Owner's Manual

How do I obtain an owner's manual?

Many of our manuals for our most recent products are available for free online viewing. To find your product's Owner's Manual, click here.