Murray 20456X9A Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray 20456X9A is a 20-inch push lawn mower featuring a 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side discharge capability, single-lever height adjustment, durable steel deck, easy-start system, and rear-wheel drive. Designed for residential use, it offers reliable cutting performance for small to medium-sized lawns. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting Height Adjustment 7. 3-in-1 Discharge System 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 20-inch steel cutting deck, rear bagger, mulching plug, side discharge chute, single-lever height adjustment, rear-wheel drive, and easy-start system.

FeatureDescription
Engine140cc Briggs & Stratton 4-cycle engine
Cutting Width20 inches
Cutting DeckDurable steel construction
Discharge OptionsMulch, Bag, Side Discharge (3-in-1)
Height AdjustmentSingle-lever, 6 positions (1-3 inches)
Drive SystemRear-wheel drive
Start SystemRecoil easy-start
Fuel Tank0.5-gallon capacity
Wheels8-inch rear, 7-inch front
WeightApproximately 55 lbs

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools (included).

  1. Attach handle: Secure upper and lower handle sections with provided bolts and wrench.
  2. Install wheels: Slide wheels onto axles and secure with retaining clips.
  3. Attach discharge chute: Align chute with deck opening and secure with wing nut.
  4. Install bagger: Hook bagger frame onto rear deck brackets.
  5. Insert mulching plug: Place plug into rear discharge opening when mulching.
  6. Add oil and fuel: Fill engine with SAE 30 oil (20 oz) and unleaded gasoline.

WARNING! Wear gloves during assembly. Ensure all bolts are tightened securely. Do not add fuel indoors or near flames.

First-Time Setup

Before first use, complete final checks and safety procedures.

  1. Check oil level: Ensure oil is at full mark on dipstick.
  2. Add fuel: Fill tank with fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).
  3. Inspect blade: Ensure cutting blade is sharp and securely fastened.
  4. Adjust cutting height: Set lever to desired position (recommend middle setting for first use).
  5. Test start: Pull recoil starter slowly until resistance is felt, then pull briskly.

CAUTION! Always start mower outdoors. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. Clear lawn of debris before mowing.

Specifications

Controls and Operation

Main controls: Engine throttle, drive control bar, height adjustment lever, recoil starter.

Starting Procedure:

  1. Check oil and fuel levels.
  2. Push primer bulb 3 times (cold engine).
  3. Set throttle to FAST position.
  4. Pull recoil starter briskly.

Operating: Squeeze drive control bar against handle to engage drive. Release to stop. Adjust speed with throttle.

Stopping: Release drive control, move throttle to STOP, wait for blade to stop completely.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single-lever adjustment for all four wheels.

  1. Stop mower and engine.
  2. Pull height adjustment lever outward.
  3. Move lever to desired position (1-6, lowest to highest).
  4. Release lever to lock in position.

Recommended Heights: 2-2.5 inches for most grasses; 3 inches during hot/dry conditions.

3-in-1 Discharge System

Configure for mulching, bagging, or side discharge.

  1. Mulching: Install mulching plug in rear opening. Grass clippings are cut finely and returned to lawn.
  2. Bagging: Remove mulching plug, attach bagger frame and bag. Collects clippings for disposal.
  3. Side Discharge: Remove mulching plug and bagger, ensure discharge chute is installed. Ejects clippings to side.

Tip: Empty bag when half full for optimal performance. Always stop engine before changing discharge mode.

Care & Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and performance.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance. Allow engine to cool completely.

Regulatory Information

Complies with ANSI B71.1-2003 safety standards for power lawn mowers. EPA certified engine meets emission requirements. Copyright © Murray LLC. For support, visit www.murray.com or contact 1-800-269-6215. Keep this manual for future reference.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startNo fuel, old gas, clogged filterAdd fresh fuel, check fuel line, clean/replace air filter.
Engine runs poorlyDirty air filter, old oilClean air filter, change oil, check spark plug.
Uneven cuttingDull blade, uneven tire pressureSharpen or replace blade, check tire pressure.
Mower vibrates excessivelyLoose blade, debris under deckTighten blade bolt, clean deck, check for bent blade.
Drive system not engagingLoose control cableAdjust drive control cable tension per manual.
Bag not fillingWet grass, clogged deckMow when grass is dry, clean underside of deck.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Murray service center at 1-800-269-6215.

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