Murray 405028X51 Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray 405028X51 is a 21-inch, 3-in-1 push lawn mower featuring a 159cc Briggs & Stratton engine, rear bagging, side discharge, and mulching capabilities. It includes a single-lever height adjustment system (6 positions: 1.5-3.75 inches), durable steel deck, easy-start system, and a 2.1 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 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Storage 10. Safety Information 11. Warranty & Support 12. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 159cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, 3-in-1 functionality (Bag, Mulch, Side Discharge), single-lever height adjustment, 2.1 bushel rear bag, and easy-start system.

FeatureDescription
Engine159cc Briggs & Stratton 450E Series, OHV
Cutting Width21 inches
Cutting Height6 positions (1.5 - 3.75 inches)
Deck MaterialDurable steel
Discharge OptionsRear bag, side discharge, mulching
Grass Bag Capacity2.1 bushels
Start TypeRecoil start
Wheels8-inch rear, 7-inch front
WeightApproximately 65 lbs
Warranty2-year limited

Assembly Instructions

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

  1. Handle Assembly: Attach upper and lower handle sections using provided bolts and wrench.
  2. Wheel Installation: Slide wheels onto axles and secure with retaining clips.
  3. Height Adjustment Lever: Connect to deck and test all six positions.
  4. Grass Bag Attachment: Install bag support brackets and attach bag to rear discharge chute.
  5. Side Discharge Chute: Attach if using side discharge option.
  6. Mulching Plug: Install for mulching operation.

WARNING! Wear gloves during assembly. Ensure all bolts are tightened securely. Do not attempt to start engine before assembly is complete.

First-Time Setup

Before first use, complete these essential steps.

  1. Add Oil: Engine is shipped without oil. Add SAE 30 detergent oil (approx. 20 oz) to full mark on dipstick.
  2. Add Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline with minimum 87 octane. Do not overfill.
  3. Check Tire Pressure: Inflate all tires to 20 PSI.
  4. Blade Inspection: Ensure cutting blade is properly installed and tightened.
  5. Test Controls: Verify height adjustment lever moves smoothly through all positions.

CAUTION! Always check oil level before starting. Never run engine without proper oil level. Fuel and oil are not included.

Specifications

Controls and Operation

Main controls: Engine control lever (combines choke/throttle), recoil starter, height adjustment lever, and bag handle.

Starting Procedure:

  1. Move engine control lever to CHOKE position (cold start).
  2. Prime engine (if equipped) by pressing primer bulb 3 times.
  3. Pull recoil starter handle firmly until engine starts.
  4. Move control lever to FAST position for mowing.

Stopping: Move engine control lever to STOP position. Always wait for all moving parts to stop completely before leaving mower unattended.

Cutting & Discharge Options

Configure mower for desired cutting method:

  1. Rear Bagging: Install grass bag for collection. Ideal for clean lawns.
  2. Side Discharge: Attach discharge chute. Use for tall or wet grass.
  3. Mulching: Install mulching plug. Returns clippings to lawn as fertilizer.

Height Adjustment: Use single lever to raise/lower deck. Adjust based on grass type and season.

Tip: For best results, never cut more than 1/3 of grass height at one time. Keep blade sharp for clean cuts.

Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance TaskFrequencyProcedure
Check Oil LevelBefore each useEnsure oil is at full mark on dipstick
Check Air FilterEvery 25 hoursClean or replace foam filter
Sharpen BladeEvery season or 25 hoursRemove blade, sharpen at 30° angle, balance
Change OilFirst 5 hours, then every 50 hoursDrain warm oil, refill with SAE 30
Spark PlugEvery 100 hoursClean and gap to 0.030 inches
Clean UndersideAfter each useScrape debris from deck

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance. Allow engine to cool completely.

Storage

Proper storage extends mower life.

  1. End of Season: Add fuel stabilizer to tank, run engine 5 minutes to distribute.
  2. Drain Fuel: Alternatively, drain all fuel from tank and carburetor.
  3. Change Oil: Replace oil while engine is warm.
  4. Remove Spark Plug: Add 1 tablespoon of oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat.
  5. Clean Thoroughly: Remove all grass and debris from deck and engine.
  6. Store Indoors: Keep in dry, covered location.

CAUTION! Never store mower with fuel in tank in enclosed area. Gasoline vapors are explosive.

Safety Information

READ BEFORE OPERATING:

DANGER! Rotating blade can cause serious injury. Always disconnect spark plug before inspecting or servicing blade.

Warranty & Support

Murray 405028X51 includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance.

Customer Support: For parts, service, or warranty claims:

Always have model number (405028X51) and serial number ready when contacting support.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startNo fuel, old gas, clogged filterAdd fresh fuel, clean air filter, check spark plug
Engine runs poorlyDirty air filter, bad gasClean/replace air filter, drain old fuel
Uneven cuttingDull blade, uneven tire pressureSharpen blade, inflate tires to 20 PSI
VibrationLoose blade, bent bladeTighten blade bolt, replace bent blade
Bag not fillingWet grass, clogged chuteMow when grass is dry, clean discharge chute
Wheels not turningDebris in wheel hubsClean wheel axles, lubricate if necessary

Safety First: Always disconnect spark plug before troubleshooting mechanical issues.

Service: For complex repairs, contact authorized Murray service center.

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