Murray 405005x99A Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray 405005x99A 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: 1.25"-3.75"), durable steel deck, easy-start system, washout port for cleaning, and large 2.1-bushel rear bag. This manual covers safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications for optimal performance and longevity.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting Height Adjustment 7. Mulching, Bagging & Side Discharge 8. Safety Features 9. Maintenance & Storage 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 190cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, rear grass bag, single-lever height adjuster, washout port, mulching plug, discharge chute.

FeatureDescription
Engine190cc Briggs & Stratton 4-cycle, easy-start system
Cutting Width21 inches
Cutting Height6 positions (1.25" to 3.75")
Deck MaterialDurable powder-coated steel
Grass Bag Capacity2.1 bushels, rear-mounted
Capability3-in-1: Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge
Height AdjustmentSingle lever for all wheels
Washout PortFor easy deck cleaning
Wheels8-inch rear, 7-inch front
HandleFoldable for storage

Assembly Instructions

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

  1. Attach handle: Align lower handle with deck brackets, secure with bolts and wing nuts.
  2. Install upper handle: Connect to lower handle, secure with provided hardware.
  3. Attach grass bag: Hook bag frame onto rear deck brackets; ensure bag is seated properly.
  4. Install mulching plug or discharge chute as desired (see Section 8).
  5. Check wheel height: Adjust lever to desired setting.

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

First-Time Setup

Before first use, complete pre-operation checks.

  1. Add oil: Engine is shipped without oil. Add SAE 30 detergent oil (approx. 20 oz) to fill line on dipstick.
  2. Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline only. Do not overfill.
  3. Check cutting height: Set lever to desired position (recommend 2.5" for initial mow).
  4. Inspect area: Clear mowing area of debris, stones, and obstacles.
  5. Start engine: Follow starting procedure in Controls section.

CAUTION! Never add oil or fuel while engine is hot or running. Operate outdoors only.

Specifications

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Engine control lever (combines throttle and stop), drive control bar (if self-propelled model), height adjustment lever.

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 cord firmly.
  5. Allow engine to warm up 30 seconds.

Stopping: Release drive control (if equipped), move engine control to STOP. Wait for blades to stop completely.

Operating Tips: Mow in dry conditions; overlap passes; avoid mowing wet grass.

Cutting Height Adjustment

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

  1. Stop engine and wait for blades to stop.
  2. Pull lever outward and move to desired numbered position (1=lowest, 6=highest).
  3. Release lever to lock.
  4. Check that all wheels are at same height.

Recommended Settings: 2-2.5" for most lawns; 3" during hot/dry periods; 1.5" for final fall mowing.

Tip: Never remove more than 1/3 of grass height in a single mowing.

Mulching, Bagging & Side Discharge

3-in-1 system: Configure based on grass conditions.

  1. Mulching: Install mulching plug (blocks discharge chute). Cuts clippings finely and returns to lawn as fertilizer.
  2. Bagging: Remove mulching plug, attach grass bag. Collects clippings for disposal.
  3. Side Discharge: Remove mulching plug and bag; attach discharge chute. Ejects clippings to side.

WARNING! Always stop engine before changing configuration. Ensure attachments are securely installed.

Safety Features

Blade Brake Clutch: Stops blade within 3 seconds when control released. Safety Key: Prevents unauthorized operation. Washout Port: Allows cleaning without tipping mower.

Safety Guidelines: Wear eye protection and sturdy shoes. Keep hands and feet away from cutting deck. Clear area of children and pets. Never operate on slopes greater than 15 degrees.

Maintenance & Storage

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and extends mower life.

After Each Use: Clean deck (use washout port), check for damage, empty grass bag.

Monthly: Check blade sharpness and balance; sharpen or replace if dull. Check tire pressure.

Seasonal: Change oil (every 25 hours or season). Replace air filter (every 50 hours). Replace spark plug (every 100 hours).

Winter Storage: Drain fuel or add stabilizer. Clean thoroughly. Store in dry, covered area.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance. Never store with fuel in tank near open flame.

Warranty Information

Murray 405005x99A includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal residential use. Warranty does not cover commercial use, neglect, improper maintenance, or normal wear items (blades, belts, etc.). For warranty service, contact Murray Customer Support at 1-800-800-7310 or visit www.murray.com. Keep original receipt as proof of purchase.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startNo fuel/oil; clogged air filter; old gasCheck fuel/oil levels; clean/replace air filter; use fresh gasoline.
Engine runs poorlyDirty spark plug; clogged carburetorClean/replace spark plug; clean carburetor.
Uneven cuttingDull blade; uneven tire pressureSharpen/balance blade; inflate tires evenly.
Excessive vibrationLoose blade; damaged bladeTighten blade bolt; replace damaged blade.
Grass not dischargingWet grass; deck cloggedMow when dry; clean deck thoroughly.
Self-propelled not drivingDrive belt loose/brokenAdjust or replace drive belt.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized Murray service center at 1-800-800-7310.

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