Murray 22 Front Drive Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray 22 Front Drive Lawn Mower is a robust 22-inch cutting width walk-behind mower featuring a front-wheel drive system for enhanced traction and control, a powerful Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side discharge capability, adjustable cutting heights, easy-start system, and durable steel deck. 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 & Drive Systems 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Storage Guidelines 10. Safety Information 11. Warranty & Support 12. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 22-inch steel cutting deck, Front-wheel drive system, Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 functionality, Height adjustment lever, Bagging attachment, Mulching plug, Side discharge chute.

Feature	Description
Cutting Width	22-inch steel deck for efficient mowing
Drive System	Front-wheel drive for better traction on slopes
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 140cc OHV engine
3-in-1 Function	Mulch, bag, or side discharge clippings
Cutting Height	6-position adjustment (1.5-3.75 inches)
Starting System	Easy-pull recoil start
Wheels	10-inch rear, 8-inch front wheels
Handle	Foldable for compact storage
Fuel Tank	1-quart capacity
Weight	Approximately 65 lbs

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Attach handle: Secure upper and lower handle sections with provided bolts.
Install wheels: Slide wheels onto axles and secure with retaining clips.
Attach grass bag: Connect bagging attachment to rear deck.
Install side discharge chute: Secure to discharge opening if not using bag/mulch.
Add engine oil: Fill with SAE 30 detergent oil (check dipstick).
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

WARNING! Wear gloves during assembly. Ensure all bolts are tightened securely.

First-Time Setup

Complete assembly, then prepare for first use.

Check oil level: Ensure oil is at full mark on dipstick.
Add fuel: Fill tank with fresh gasoline (do not overfill).
Select cutting height: Adjust lever to desired position (middle setting recommended).
Choose discharge method: Install mulch plug, bag, or side chute as needed.
Test operation: Start engine in clear area, engage drive lever, and mow test area.

CAUTION! Never add fuel while engine is hot. Allow engine to cool completely.

Specifications

Model: Murray 22 Front Drive
Cutting Width: 22 inches
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 140cc OHV
Drive System: Front-wheel drive
Cutting Heights: 6 positions (1.5" to 3.75")
Deck Material: Powder-coated steel
Wheels: 10" rear, 8" front
Fuel Capacity: 1 quart
Oil Capacity: 20 oz
Weight: 65 lbs
Warranty: 2-year limited

Controls and Operation

Main controls located on handle. Front Panel: Drive control lever, Height adjustment lever, Recoil starter grip.

Operation Steps:

Check area: Remove stones, toys, and debris from lawn.
Start engine: Set throttle to fast, pull recoil starter firmly.
Engage drive: Press drive control lever against handle to move forward.
Adjust speed: Pressure on drive lever controls ground speed.
Stop: Release drive lever, move throttle to STOP position.

Cutting Modes: Mulching (install plug), Bagging (attach bag), Side Discharge (install chute).

Cutting & Drive Systems

Front-wheel drive provides pulling power for slopes and tough conditions.

Drive System: Front wheels powered by traction drive; rear wheels free-rolling.
Cutting System: Single blade with high-lift design for better bagging/mulching.
Height Adjustment: Lever adjusts all four wheels simultaneously.
Traction Control: Adjust drive cable if wheels slip or don't engage properly.

Tip: For slopes, mow across slope (side-to-side), not up and down.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Frequency	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blade, clear deck of debris
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil, clean/replace air filter
Every season	Sharpen/replace blade, check spark plug
As needed	Clean underside of deck, lubricate wheels
Storage	Drain fuel or add stabilizer, clean thoroughly

Blade Sharpening: Remove blade, maintain original angle, balance before reinstalling.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents damage and starting issues next season.

Clean thoroughly: Remove all grass clippings from deck and engine.
Fuel treatment: Add fuel stabilizer or drain tank completely.
Oil change: Fresh oil before storage reduces corrosion.
Battery (if electric start): Remove and store in cool, dry place.
Store indoors: Keep in dry, covered location, protected from elements.

WARNING! Never store mower with fuel in tank near open flame or heat source.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operation.

Wear protective equipment: Safety glasses, sturdy shoes, long pants.
Clear mowing area: Remove stones, sticks, wire, and other objects.
Never mow wet grass: Reduced traction and increased clogging risk.
Keep hands and feet away: From rotating blades and moving parts.
Stop engine: Before unclogging, adjusting, or leaving mower unattended.
Children and pets: Keep away from mowing area.
Slope operation: Use extra caution; avoid steep slopes.

DANGER! Never remove or bypass safety devices. Always use grass catcher or guard.

Warranty & Support

Murray 22 Front Drive comes with 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials/workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. For warranty service, contact authorized service center with proof of purchase. For support, visit www.murray.com or contact customer service at 1-800-800-7310.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old gas, clogged filter	Add fresh fuel, clean/replace air filter, check spark plug.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blade, low engine speed	Sharpen/replace blade, set throttle to FAST position.
Uneven cut	Uneven tire pressure, bent blade	Check tire pressure, level deck, replace bent blade.
Drive wheels not engaging	Drive cable loose, worn belt	Adjust drive cable tension, inspect/replace drive belt.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, debris in deck	Tighten blade bolt, clean underside of deck.
Engine stalls under load	Clogged deck, dirty air filter	Clean deck, replace air filter, check oil level.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized service center.

Support: 1-800-800-7310; www.murray.com