Murray 198933 Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray 198933 is a walk-behind, self-propelled gas lawn mower featuring a Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side-discharge capability, single-lever height adjustment, rear-wheel drive, and easy-start system. This manual covers safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and storage procedures to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your mower.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. Safety Information 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Starting & Stopping 7. Cutting & Height Adjustment 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel deck, rear bagger, mulching plug, side discharge chute, drive system, and height adjustment lever.

Feature	Description
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 125cc, 4-cycle gasoline engine
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Deck	Stamped steel, 3-in-1 functionality
Drive System	Self-propelled, rear-wheel drive
Height Adjustment	Single lever, 6 positions (1.5" - 3.75")
Starter	Recoil (pull-start) with primer bulb
Fuel Tank	0.5-gallon capacity
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Bag Capacity	2.0 bushels (standard rear bag)
Weight	Approximately 65 lbs

Assembly Instructions

Unpack all parts from the box. Assembly requires basic tools (included).

Attach the handle: Align lower handle with deck brackets, secure with provided bolts and wing nuts.
Install the upper handle: Connect to lower handle, tighten knobs.
Attach the grass bag: Hook bag frame onto rear deck brackets; ensure bag is fully seated.
Install the mulching plug (if using): Insert into rear discharge opening.
Check wheel height: Adjust lever to desired setting.
Add oil and gasoline: Refer to engine manual for type and capacity.

WARNING! Do not add fuel indoors or near open flames. Ensure all fasteners are tight before operation.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operating. Always wear appropriate safety gear.

Clear mowing area: Remove stones, toys, wires, and other debris.
Check guards: Ensure blade control (bail) and deflector shields are functioning.
Fuel safely: Fill outdoors, wipe spills, replace cap securely.
Dress properly: Wear sturdy shoes, long pants, and eye protection.
Keep bystanders away: Especially children and pets.
Use on slopes cautiously: Mow across slopes, not up and down.

DANGER! Never insert hands or feet under deck while engine is running. Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Specifications

Model: Murray 198933
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 125cc, 4-cycle, OHV
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height: 6 positions, 1.5" to 3.75"
Drive: Self-propelled, single-speed rear-wheel drive
Deck Material: 20-gauge stamped steel
Collection: 2.0 bushel rear bag, mulching capability, side discharge
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum)
Oil Type: SAE 30 detergent motor oil (check engine manual)
Warranty: 2-year limited (see warranty card)

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Blade Control Bail (must be held to run), Drive Control Lever, Height Adjustment Lever.

Operation: To start, set throttle to FAST, prime engine (3-5 presses), pull starter cord. To engage self-propelled drive, squeeze drive control lever against handle. Release to stop drive. Release blade control bail to stop blade.

Cutting Modes: Install rear bag for collection; insert mulching plug for fine clippings; attach side discharge chute for spreading clippings.

Starting & Stopping

Starting Cold Engine:

Check oil and fuel levels.
Move throttle control to FAST position.
Press primer bulb 3-5 times (cold engine only).
Hold blade control bail against handle.
Pull starter cord briskly until engine starts.

Stopping:

Release blade control bail to stop blade.
Move throttle to STOP position.
Disconnect spark plug wire for safety during maintenance.

Tip: If engine floods, wait 5 minutes, then restart with throttle at FAST and no priming.

Cutting & Height Adjustment

For best results, mow when grass is dry.

Adjust height: Move single lever to desired setting (1-6). All wheels adjust simultaneously.
Select mode: Bag (attach bag), Mulch (install plug), Side Discharge (attach chute).
Mowing pattern: Overlap each pass by 2-3 inches for even cut.
Cutting height: Never remove more than 1/3 of grass blade length at one time.
Sharp turns: Lift front slightly to pivot; avoid scalping.

WARNING! Always stop engine and wait for blade to stop completely before changing cutting mode or height.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance and extends mower life.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blade for damage, clear deck of debris
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (first change after 5 hours), clean/replace air filter
Every season	Sharpen or replace blade, check spark plug, clean underside of deck
As needed	Check tire pressure, tighten fasteners, lubricate wheel bearings

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for extended storage (e.g., winter).

Run engine to warm oil, then drain oil (while warm) and refill with fresh oil.
Add fuel stabilizer to gas tank, run engine for 5 minutes to circulate.
Or, drain fuel tank and carburetor completely.
Clean mower thoroughly, especially underside of deck.
Remove spark plug, add 1 tablespoon of oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat, reinstall plug.
Store in a clean, dry place, covered.

CAUTION! Never store mower with fuel in tank indoors or in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation.

Warranty Information

Murray 198933 is covered by a 2-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship. It does not cover normal wear, misuse, lack of maintenance, or commercial use. Proof of purchase is required. For warranty service, contact an authorized Murray service center. Keep your receipt. For more details, visit www.murray.com or call 1-800-XXX-XXXX.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, stale fuel, clogged air filter, spark plug	Check fuel level; use fresh gas; clean/replace air filter; check/clean spark plug gap.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old gasoline, carburetor issue	Clean air filter; drain old fuel; have carburetor serviced if needed.
Uneven cutting	Dull/bent blade, uneven tire pressure, deck clogged	Sharpen/balance or replace blade; check tire pressure; clean deck underside.
Self-propel not working	Drive belt loose/broken, drive control cable	Check drive belt for wear/tension; inspect cable adjustment.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade/fasteners, bent blade, debris	Tighten blade bolt and all fasteners; replace bent blade; remove debris.

Service: For repairs not covered here, contact an authorized Murray service center at 1-800-XXX-XXXX or visit www.murray.com.