Murray 165036 Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray 165036 is a walk-behind, self-propelled lawn mower featuring a Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side discharge capability, single-lever height adjustment, and a durable rear-wheel drive system. This manual covers essential safety instructions, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and storage procedures to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your mower.

1. Safety Instructions 2. Assembly & Setup 3. Controls & Features 4. Specifications 5. Operation Instructions 6. Cutting Height Adjustment 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Engine Care 9. Blade Sharpening & Replacement 10. Storage & Winterization 11. Troubleshooting

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before operating. Key safety components: Engine Stop Lever, Blade Control Handle, Safety Key, and Discharge Chute.

Component	Safety Function
Engine Stop Lever	Stops engine immediately when released
Blade Control Handle	Must be engaged to rotate cutting blade
Safety Key	Prevents unauthorized or accidental starting
Discharge Chute	Directs clippings/debris; never operate without it attached
Rear Guard	Protects operator from thrown objects
Wheels	Provides stability on slopes (max 15-degree incline)

WARNING! Always wear sturdy footwear and eye protection. Clear mowing area of stones, toys, and other objects. Do not mow wet grass. Never remove safety devices or guards.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack all parts from box. Assembly requires basic tools (included: wrench, screwdriver).

Attach handle: Align lower handle with deck brackets, secure with provided bolts and knobs.
Install upper handle: Connect to lower handle, tighten wing nuts.
Attach grass bag: Hook bag frame onto rear deck brackets; ensure bag is fully seated.
Install side discharge chute (if not using bag): Secure with quick-connect clips.
Add engine oil: Check manual for correct type and capacity (approx. 20 oz 10W-30).
Add gasoline: Use fresh, unleaded gasoline only. Do not overfill.

CAUTION! Ensure all fasteners are tight before operation. Keep hands and feet clear of cutting deck during assembly.

Controls & Features

Front Panel: Throttle Control, Choke, Primer Bulb. Handle: Blade Control Handle, Drive Control Lever, Height Adjustment Lever.

Key Controls: Blade Control Handle (must be held to keep blade engaged), Drive Control Lever (squeeze to propel mower forward, release to stop), Height Adjustment Lever (single lever adjusts all four wheels), Throttle Control (sets engine speed: FAST for cutting, SLOW for idle), Recoil Starter Handle.

Features: 3-in-1 Function (Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge), Self-Propelled Rear-Wheel Drive, 2.5 bushel grass bag, Easy-fold handle for storage.

Specifications

Model: Murray 165036
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 550EX Series, 140cc
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height: 1.5 to 3.75 inches (8 positions)
Drive System: Self-Propelled, Rear-Wheel Drive
Deck Material: Powder-coated steel
Bag Capacity: 2.5 bushels
Wheels: 8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Weight: Approx. 65 lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.5 gallons

Operation Instructions

Starting, mowing, and stopping procedures.

Pre-Start Check: Ensure area is clear. Check oil and fuel levels. Attach bag or discharge chute.
Starting Engine: Set throttle to FAST. Pull choke out (cold engine). Press primer bulb 3 times. Pull recoil starter firmly.
Engaging Blade: Squeeze Blade Control Handle against upper handle.
Self-Propelled Operation: Squeeze Drive Control Lever to move forward. Release to stop drive.
Mowing Pattern: Overlap each pass by 2-3 inches. Mow slopes sideways, not up and down.
Stopping: Release Blade Control Handle. Set throttle to SLOW. Let engine idle 30 seconds. Push Engine Stop Lever to OFF.

Tip: For best cut, mow when grass is dry. Never leave mower unattended with engine running.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single-lever adjustment for all four wheels.

Stop engine and wait for blade to stop completely.
Pull Height Adjustment Lever outward and move to desired position (1-8).
Release lever to lock into place.
Verify all wheels are at same height by checking deck level.

Recommended Heights: 2.5-3 inches for most grasses; 3-3.75 inches during hot/dry conditions.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check for loose fasteners, debris under deck, oil level
Every 5 hours	Check blade condition and sharpness
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil, clean/replace air filter, check spark plug
Every season	Sharpen or replace blade, lubricate wheel axles and height adjuster, check drive belt tension
Storage	Drain fuel or add stabilizer, clean entire mower

Engine Care

Briggs & Stratton 550EX Series maintenance.

Oil Change: Run engine 5 minutes to warm oil. Remove drain plug, drain into pan. Refill with 20 oz SAE 10W-30 detergent oil (API classification SJ or higher).
Air Filter: Remove cover, clean foam pre-cleaner in soapy water, dry, and re-oil lightly. Replace paper filter if dirty.
Spark Plug: Clean and regap to 0.030 inch. Replace annually.
Fuel System: Use fresh gasoline. Empty tank before storage or add fuel stabilizer.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Blade Sharpening & Replacement

A sharp blade ensures a clean cut and healthy lawn.

Disconnect spark plug wire.
Tip mower on its side (carburetor side up).
Use a block of wood to prevent blade from turning. Remove blade bolt (clockwise threads).
Sharpen blade with file or grinder, maintaining original angle. Balance blade on a nail or use a balancer.
Reinstall blade with cutting edge toward ground. Torque bolt to 450-600 in-lbs.

WARNING! Always replace a bent or cracked blade. Wear heavy gloves when handling blade.

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage extends mower life.

Run engine to burn off remaining fuel in carburetor, or add fuel stabilizer and run for 5 minutes.
Change engine oil.
Clean underside of deck thoroughly.
Remove spark plug, add 1 tablespoon of oil into cylinder, pull starter cord slowly to distribute, reinstall plug.
Store in a clean, dry place. Fold handle for compact storage.

Tip: Cover mower to keep dust off. Do not store near open flame or pilot light.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Empty fuel tank, old gasoline, clogged air filter, spark plug wire disconnected	Add fresh fuel, clean/replace air filter, check spark plug connection, ensure safety key is inserted.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old fuel, water in fuel	Clean air filter, drain and replace fuel.
Uneven cut	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure, deck not level	Sharpen/replace blade, check tire pressure (20 PSI), level deck.
Mower doesn't self-propel	Drive belt loose or broken, drive control cable out of adjustment	Inspect and replace drive belt if necessary, adjust cable tension.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent blade, debris stuck in blade	Stop engine immediately. Check blade tightness and condition.
Grass not discharging	Wet grass, deck clogged, cutting height too low	Mow when grass is dry, clean deck, raise cutting height.

Service: For engine service, contact Briggs & Stratton authorized service center. For mower parts, visit www.murrayparts.com or contact 1-800-800-7310.