Murray 40601A Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray 40601A is a walk-behind, self-propelled gasoline lawn mower featuring a Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side-discharge capability, single-lever height adjustment, rear-wheel drive, and a durable steel frame. This manual covers safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications for the 40601A model.

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 Deck Functions 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel deck, rear bagger, mulching plug, side discharge chute, single-lever height adjuster, self-propelled drive system, and recoil starter.

Feature	Description
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 125cc gasoline engine
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Deck	3-in-1 (Mulch/Bag/Side-Discharge)
Drive System	Self-propelled, rear-wheel drive
Height Adjustment	Single-lever, 6 positions (1.5-3.75 inches)
Starter	Recoil (pull-start)
Fuel Tank	0.5 gallon capacity
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Bag Capacity	2.0 bushels
Weight	Approx. 65 lbs

Assembly Instructions

Unpack all parts from box. Assembly requires basic tools (included: wrench).

Attach handle: Align lower handle with deck brackets, secure with bolts and wing nuts.
Install upper handle: Connect to lower handle, tighten knobs.
Attach grass bag: Hook bag frame onto deck rear brackets.
Install side discharge chute: Snap into place on right side of deck.
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 (approx. 20 oz) – check dipstick.
Add gasoline: Use fresh unleaded (87 octane) – fill to indicated level.

WARNING! Do not add gasoline during assembly. Add only after assembly is complete and mower is outdoors.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operation. Always wear sturdy shoes and eye protection.

Clear mowing area of stones, toys, and other objects.
Do not operate on steep slopes (over 15 degrees).
Never remove grass bag or unclog chute with engine running.
Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades.
Stop engine and wait for blades to stop before crossing gravel drives or roads.
Use mower only in daylight or good artificial light.

DANGER! Gasoline is flammable. Refuel outdoors only, with engine off and cool.

Specifications

Model: Murray 40601A
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 125cc, 4-cycle
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Heights: 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.25, 3.75 inches
Drive: Self-propelled, single-speed
Deck Material: Powder-coated steel
Bag Capacity: 2.0 bushels
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum)
Oil Type: SAE 30 (summer), 5W-30 (winter)
Warranty: 2-year limited

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Drive control lever (engage self-propelled), Height adjustment lever, Recoil starter grip.

Starting Procedure:

Check oil and fuel levels.
Push primer bulb 3 times (cold engine).
Set throttle to FAST position.
Pull recoil starter firmly.

Stopping: Release drive lever, move throttle to STOP, wait for blades to stop.

Self-Propelled Operation: Squeeze drive lever against handle to engage wheels; release to stop drive.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single lever adjusts all four wheels simultaneously.

Stop engine and wait for blades to stop.
Pull height adjust lever toward wheel.
Move lever to desired height setting (1-6).
Release lever to lock into position.

Tip: For first mow of season, set to highest setting; gradually lower for subsequent mows.

3-in-1 Deck Functions

Configure for mulching, bagging, or side discharge.

Mulching: Install mulching plug (blocks side discharge). Grass is cut finely and returned to lawn.
Bagging: Attach grass bag. Cuttings are collected for disposal.
Side Discharge: Remove mulching plug and bag. Install side discharge chute. Cuttings are expelled to the side.

WARNING! Always stop engine before changing deck configuration.

Maintenance Schedule

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	Replace air filter, spark plug, drive belt

Blade Sharpening: Remove blade (wear gloves), file cutting edge at original angle (approx. 30 degrees). Balance blade before reinstalling.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for extended storage (e.g., winter).

Run engine to warm oil, then drain oil and refill with fresh.
Add fuel stabilizer to tank, run engine 2 minutes to circulate.
Disconnect spark plug wire and clean under deck.
Store in dry, covered area.

CAUTION! Never store mower with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer.

Warranty Information

Murray 40601A is covered by a 2-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials/workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, misuse, lack of maintenance, commercial use. For warranty service, contact Murray customer service at 1-800-800-7310 or visit www.murray.com. Keep dated sales receipt for proof of purchase.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old gas, clogged filter, bad spark plug	Check fuel; use fresh gas; clean/replace air filter; check spark plug.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old gasoline	Replace air filter; drain and refill with fresh gas.
Uneven cut	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure	Sharpen or replace blade; check tire pressure (approx. 15 PSI).
Self-propelled not working	Drive belt worn or off pulley	Inspect drive belt; replace if worn or damaged.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent blade, debris	Stop engine, check blade tightness and balance; remove debris.

Service: For repairs not covered in manual, contact authorized Murray service center.

Parts: Use genuine Murray replacement parts (blade part # 94281, belt part # 754-04050).