Murray 309007x8B Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray 309007x8B is a 21-inch push lawn mower featuring a 190cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side discharge capability, single-lever height adjustment (6 positions), durable steel deck, easy-start system, and rear-wheel drive. This manual covers safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications. Always read and follow all safety instructions before use.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. Safety Information 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting Height Adjustment 7. 3-in-1 Function Setup 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 190cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, rear bagger, mulching plug, side discharge chute, single-lever height adjuster, and recoil start system.

FeatureDescription
Engine190cc Briggs & Stratton 4-cycle, OHV
Cutting Width21 inches
Cutting Height6 positions (1.5" - 3.75")
Cutting OptionsMulch, Bag, Side Discharge (3-in-1)
Deck MaterialPowder-coated steel
Start TypeRecoil (pull-start)
Drive SystemRear-wheel drive
Fuel Tank Capacity1.0 quart (0.95 L)
Wheels8-inch rear, 7-inch front
WeightApprox. 65 lbs (29.5 kg)

Assembly Instructions

Unpack all parts and inspect for damage. Assembly requires basic tools (included: wrench, screwdriver).

  1. Attach handle: Align lower handle with deck brackets, secure with provided bolts and washers.
  2. Install upper handle: Connect to lower handle, tighten knobs securely.
  3. Attach grass bag: Hook bag frame onto rear deck brackets; ensure bag is fully seated.
  4. Install side discharge chute: If using side discharge, attach chute to deck opening.
  5. Check wheels: Ensure all wheels are properly attached and rotate freely.
  6. Add oil and fuel: Refer to engine manual for correct oil type and fill fuel tank with fresh unleaded gasoline.

WARNING! Do not add fuel indoors or while engine is hot. Ensure all fasteners are tight before operation.

Safety Information

Always follow these safety rules to prevent serious injury or death.

  1. Read manual: Understand all instructions before operating.
  2. Clear area: Remove stones, toys, and debris from lawn.
  3. Wear protection: Use safety glasses, sturdy shoes, and long pants.
  4. No passengers: Never carry riders.
  5. Engine safety: Never refuel a running or hot engine. Keep sparks and flame away.
  6. Children/pets: Keep them away from mowing area.
  7. Slopes: Mow across slopes, not up and down. Use extra caution on inclines.
  8. Discharge safety: Keep discharge chute clear. Never direct discharge toward people, windows, or roads.
  9. Hands/feet: Keep away from rotating blades. Engine must be off and spark plug disconnected for any deck maintenance.
  10. Storage: Store fuel in approved container, away from heat and ignition sources.

DANGER! Rotating blades can cause severe cuts. Always disconnect spark plug before performing any maintenance near the blade.

Specifications

Controls and Operation

Main controls: Handle with operator presence control (deadman lever), throttle control, and recoil starter.

Starting Procedure:

  1. Check oil and fuel levels.
  2. Move throttle control to FAST position.
  3. Prime engine (if equipped) by pressing primer bulb 3 times.
  4. Hold operator presence control (deadman lever) against handle.
  5. Pull recoil starter cord briskly until engine starts.

Stopping Procedure:

  1. Release operator presence control to stop blade.
  2. Move throttle control to STOP position.
  3. Disconnect spark plug wire for safety during maintenance.

Operation: Walk at a steady pace, overlapping each pass slightly for even cut. Avoid mowing when grass is wet.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single-lever adjustment changes height for all four wheels simultaneously.

  1. Stop engine and ensure blade has stopped.
  2. Locate height adjustment lever on left side of deck.
  3. Press lever inward and move to desired position (1-6).
  4. Release lever to lock into place.
  5. Check that all wheels are at same height by rocking mower.

Tip: For a healthier lawn, never cut more than 1/3 of grass blade length at one time. Adjust height seasonally (higher in summer heat).

3-in-1 Function Setup

Configure mower for mulching, bagging, or side discharge.

  1. Mulching: Install mulching plug (blocks discharge chute). Grass clippings are cut finely and returned to lawn as fertilizer.
  2. Bagging: Remove mulching plug, attach grass bag to rear brackets. Ensures clean lawn appearance.
  3. Side Discharge: Remove mulching plug and bag, attach side discharge chute. Use for tall or wet grass.

WARNING! Always ensure the appropriate chute or plug is securely installed before operation. Never operate without either the bag, mulching plug, or side discharge chute properly attached.

Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance TaskFrequencyProcedure
Check engine oil levelBefore each useUse dipstick; add SAE 30 oil if low.
Clean underside of deckAfter each useTurn mower on side (spark plug up), scrape off grass buildup.
Check blade sharpness/balanceEvery 25 hoursDisconnect spark plug, remove blade, sharpen or replace if damaged.
Replace air filterEvery season or 25 hoursRemove foam pre-cleaner, wash in soapy water, dry, and re-oil.
Change engine oilFirst 5 hours, then every 50 hoursDrain warm oil, refill with fresh SAE 30.
Replace spark plugEvery season or 100 hoursUse Champion RC12YC or equivalent, gap 0.030".
Lubricate wheels & height adjusterEvery seasonApply light machine oil to pivot points.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage extends mower life and ensures easy starting next season.

  1. Fuel System: For short-term storage (under 30 days), add fuel stabilizer to tank and run engine 5 minutes. For long-term storage, either: a) Run engine until it stops from fuel starvation, OR b) Drain fuel tank and carburetor completely.
  2. Clean: Thoroughly clean deck, wheels, and engine of grass, dirt, and debris.
  3. Blade: Sharpen blade before storage to prevent corrosion.
  4. Battery (if electric start): Remove battery and store in cool, dry place on a trickle charger.
  5. Storage Location: Store in a clean, dry place, protected from weather. Cover mower with a breathable cover.

CAUTION! Never store mower with fuel in tank indoors or in an enclosed area where fumes may accumulate.

Warranty Information

Murray mowers are backed by a limited warranty. The Murray 309007x8B includes:

Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. It does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, improper maintenance, or normal wear items (blades, belts, etc.). Proof of purchase is required.

For warranty service, contact an authorized Murray service dealer. Locate a dealer or register your product at www.murray.com or call 1-800-800-7310.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine will not startNo fuel, old fuel, choke/throttle setting, spark plugAdd fresh fuel. Check throttle/choke is on FAST/START. Check/replace spark plug.
Engine starts then diesClogged fuel cap vent, dirty air filter, carburetor issueLoosen fuel cap slightly. Clean/replace air filter. Have carburetor serviced.
Engine runs poorly/lacks powerDirty air filter, old fuel, dull blade, tall/wet grassClean air filter. Use fresh fuel. Sharpen blade. Mow more frequently in dry conditions.
Excessive vibrationLoose blade, bent blade, debris wrapped on bladeSTOP ENGINE. Disconnect spark plug. Tighten or replace blade. Remove debris.
Uneven cuttingDull/bent blade, uneven tire pressure, mowing too fastSharpen or replace blade. Check tire pressure. Slow mowing pace.
Grass not discharging properlyWet grass, clogged deck, improper height settingMow when grass is dry. Clean deck underside. Raise cutting height.
Wheels not turning freelyDebris in axle, lack of lubricationClean axle and wheels. Apply light oil to axle.
Bag not fillingClogged chute, wet grass, engine speed too lowClean chute and bag inlet. Mow dry grass. Operate at full throttle.

For Technical Support: Contact Murray Customer Service at 1-800-800-7310 or visit www.murray.com. Have your model (309007x8B) and serial number ready.

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