Murray 22 Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray 22 Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is a robust 22-inch cutting width walk-behind mower featuring a Briggs & Stratton engine, self-propelled drive system with variable speed control, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side discharge capability, adjustable cutting height (1.5-4 inches), easy-start technology, durable steel deck, ergonomic handle with controls, large rear wheels for traction, and a 2.5-bushel grass bag. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting & Discharge Options 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, Briggs & Stratton engine, Self-Propelled drive system, Height adjustment lever, 3-in-1 discharge chute, Grass bag, Handle with control levers.

Feature	Description
Cutting Width	22-inch steel deck for efficient mowing
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 140cc OHV engine with easy-start
Drive System	Self-propelled front-wheel drive with variable speed control
Cutting Height	6-position adjustment (1.5 to 4 inches)
Discharge Options	3-in-1: Mulch, Bag, or Side Discharge
Grass Bag	2.5-bushel capacity with easy-empty feature
Wheels	Large 10-inch rear wheels for better traction
Handle	Ergonomic foldable handle with control levers
Blade	Durable high-lift steel blade
Fuel Tank	1-quart capacity (unleaded gasoline only)

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assemble on a flat, clear surface.

Attach the handle: Align handle brackets with deck mounts, secure with provided bolts and wing nuts.
Install the grass bag: Attach bag support frame to rear discharge chute, hang bag onto frame hooks.
Attach discharge chute: Secure mulch plug or side discharge chute as desired.
Install control cables: Connect drive control cable and blade control cable to handle levers and engine.
Add engine oil: Fill with SAE 30 detergent oil (check dipstick for level).
Add fuel: Fill with fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).

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

First-Time Setup

Before first use, complete final checks and adjustments.

Check oil level: Ensure oil is at full mark on dipstick.
Adjust cutting height: Set lever to desired height (recommend 3 inches for first mow).
Test controls: Squeeze drive control lever to engage self-propelled drive; release to stop. Pull blade control lever to engage blade.
Select discharge mode: Install mulch plug for mulching, bag for collection, or side chute for discharging.
Start engine: Set throttle to FAST, pull recoil starter cord firmly.

CAUTION! Clear mowing area of debris. Keep bystanders and pets away. Start engine outdoors only.

Specifications

Model: Murray 22 Self-Propelled
Cutting Width: 22 inches
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 140cc OHV, 4-cycle
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum)
Oil Type: SAE 30 detergent oil (20 oz capacity)
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 - 4 inches (6 positions)
Drive: Self-propelled front-wheel drive, variable speed
Discharge Options: Mulch, Bag (2.5 bushel), Side Discharge
Wheels: 8-inch front, 10-inch rear
Deck Material: Powder-coated steel
Weight: 75 lbs (approx.)

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Drive control lever (right), Blade control lever (left), Height adjustment lever, Throttle control.

Operation Steps:

Start Engine: Set throttle to FAST, pull recoil starter.
Engage Blade: Pull blade control lever toward handle.
Engage Drive: Squeeze drive control lever to start self-propelled motion; adjust speed by squeezing more or less.
Stop: Release drive lever to stop movement; release blade lever to stop blade; set throttle to STOP to stop engine.

Cutting Height Adjustment: Move lever to one of 6 positions. Throttle: Use for engine speed (FAST for mowing, SLOW for idle).

Cutting & Discharge Options

3-in-1 system allows quick change between mulching, bagging, and side discharge.

Mulching: Install mulch plug. Cuts clippings finely and returns them to lawn as fertilizer.
Bagging: Attach grass bag. Collects clippings for disposal; empty when bag is 2/3 full.
Side Discharge: Install side discharge chute. Ejects clippings to side for faster mowing in tall grass.

Tip: For best mulching, mow when grass is dry and not too tall. Overlap passes slightly for even cut.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and optimal performance.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blade for damage, clear deck of debris
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil, check air filter, inspect spark plug
Every season	Sharpen or replace blade, lubricate wheel axles and height adjuster
As needed	Clean underside of deck, check drive belt tension, replace air filter

Blade Sharpening: Disconnect spark plug wire. Remove blade; sharpen at original angle (balance blade after sharpening).

Storage Guidelines

Prepare mower for off-season storage to prevent damage.

Drain fuel: Run engine until tank is empty, or add fuel stabilizer.
Change oil: Replace oil while engine is warm.
Clean: Thoroughly clean deck, wheels, and engine area.
Remove spark plug: Add 1 teaspoon of oil into cylinder, pull starter cord slowly, reinstall plug.
Store: Keep in dry, covered area; cover mower to prevent dust.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer. Disconnect spark plug wire during storage.

Safety Information

Read and follow all safety instructions to prevent injury.

Wear sturdy shoes, eye protection, and long pants.
Clear mowing area of sticks, stones, and debris.
Do not mow wet grass or on steep slopes.
Never allow children to operate mower.
Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.
Do not put hands or feet near rotating blade or discharge chute.
Use outdoors only; ensure proper ventilation.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable. Refuel outdoors with engine off and cool. Do not smoke near fuel.

Warranty & Support

Murray mowers are backed by a limited warranty. For details, see warranty card included with product.

Support: For parts, service, or questions, contact Murray Customer Service at 1-800-269-6215 or visit www.murray.com. Have model number (found on deck label) ready.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old fuel, spark plug disconnected, choke not set	Add fresh fuel; check spark plug wire; set choke to START; pull starter firmly.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blade, low engine speed, wet grass	Sharpen or replace blade; set throttle to FAST; mow when grass is dry.
Self-propelled drive not working	Drive cable loose, drive belt worn	Adjust drive cable tension; inspect and replace drive belt if needed.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent blade, debris under deck	Stop engine, disconnect spark plug, tighten or replace blade; clean deck.
Grass bag not filling	Deck clogged, bag too full, improper installation	Clean deck underside; empty bag; ensure bag is properly attached.

Reset: For engine safety switch issues, ensure blade control lever is fully engaged and drive lever is released.

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