Murray 42583X9A Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray 42583X9A is a 21-inch push lawn mower featuring a 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 mulching, bagging, and side-discharge capability, single-lever height adjustment for all four wheels, durable steel deck, easy-start system, and a 2.1 bushel rear bag. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

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 Discharge System 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, rear grass bag, single-lever height adjuster, 3-in-1 discharge system, and push handle with safety bail.

Feature	Description
Engine	140cc Briggs & Stratton 450E Series, 4-cycle
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Deck	Durable stamped steel construction
Cutting Options	Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge (3-in-1)
Height Adjustment	Single lever, 6 positions (1.25" - 3.75")
Grass Bag	2.1 bushel capacity, rear-mounted
Start System	Recoil starter
Wheels	8-inch front, 10-inch rear
Handle	Foldable for storage, with safety bail lever
Weight	Approximately 60 lbs

Assembly Instructions

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

Attach the handle: Align lower handle sections with deck brackets, secure with provided bolts and wing nuts.
Install the upper handle: Connect to lower handle, secure with bolts. Attach safety bail cable to engine bracket.
Install the grass bag: Slide bag frame onto rear deck hooks. Ensure bag is fully seated.
Install the discharge chute: For side discharge, attach chute to deck opening.
Add oil and gasoline: Refer to engine manual for correct oil type and fill level. Use fresh unleaded gasoline.

WARNING! Do not attempt to start the engine before adding the correct amount of oil. Failure to do so can cause severe engine damage.

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before operating. Always wear appropriate safety gear.

Clear the mowing area of stones, toys, wire, and other objects that could be thrown.
Do not mow wet grass. Always mow in daylight or good artificial light.
Never allow children or untrained persons to operate the mower.
Always wear sturdy footwear and long pants. Do not operate barefoot or in sandals.
Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades and discharge opening.
Stop the engine and wait for all parts to stop moving before unclogging, adjusting, or inspecting.
Never remove the grass bag or discharge chute while the engine is running.

CAUTION! Gasoline is flammable. Refuel outdoors in a well-ventilated area with the engine off and cool. Do not smoke near fuel.

Specifications

Model: Murray 42583X9A
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 450E Series, 140cc, 4-cycle
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height Range: 1.25 - 3.75 inches (6 positions)
Deck Material: Stamped Steel
Discharge System: 3-in-1 (Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge)
Bag Capacity: 2.1 bushels
Wheels: 8" front, 10" rear
Starting System: Recoil
Fuel Tank Capacity: Approx. 0.5 gallons
Oil Capacity: 20 oz (0.6L) SAE 30 (Check engine manual)

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Safety Bail (must be held against handle to run and engage blade), Throttle Control, Recoil Starter Grip.

Starting the Engine:

Check oil and fuel levels.
Move throttle control to FAST position.
Prime the engine (if equipped) by pressing primer bulb 3 times.
Stand behind mower. Pull recoil starter handle briskly.
To engage blade, hold safety bail against handle.

Stopping the Engine:

Release the safety bail to stop the blade.
Move throttle control to STOP position.

Tip: For easiest starting, do not prime a warm engine.

Cutting Height Adjustment

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

Stop the engine and wait for blades to stop.
Pull the height adjustment lever towards the wheel.
Move lever to the desired notch (1-6, with 1 being the lowest cut).
Release lever to lock into position.
Check that all wheels are at the same height.

Recommended: Do not cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade length at one time. For first mow of season or very tall grass, use a higher setting.

3-in-1 Discharge System

Configure the mower for mulching, bagging, or side discharge.

Mulching: Install mulch plug (if included) to close the side discharge opening. Ensure grass bag is NOT attached. Cuttings are recut and deposited back onto the lawn.
Bagging: Remove mulch plug. Attach the grass bag to the rear hooks. Cuttings are collected for disposal.
Side Discharge: Remove mulch plug and grass bag. Install the side discharge chute. Cuttings are ejected to the side.

WARNING! Always stop the engine before changing the discharge configuration. Never operate without the discharge chute, mulch plug, or grass bag properly installed.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and safe operation.

Task	Frequency
Check engine oil level	Before each use
Check for loose bolts/nuts	Before each use
Clean underside of deck	After each use (when cool)
Inspect/replace air filter	Every 25 hours or season
Change engine oil	First 5 hours, then every 50 hours or season
Replace spark plug	Every 100 hours or season
Sharpen or replace blade	Every 25 hours or as needed
Lubricate wheel bearings	Every season

Blade Sharpening: Remove spark plug wire. Tip mower on its side (with air filter up). Use a file to sharpen cutting edge at original angle. Balance the blade.

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage prevents fuel system problems and corrosion.

Run the engine to burn fuel out of the carburetor OR add fuel stabilizer to a full tank and run for 5 minutes.
Change the engine oil (if due).
Clean the mower thoroughly, especially the underside of the deck.
Remove the spark plug, add 1 tablespoon of oil into the cylinder, pull starter cord slowly to distribute, reinstall plug.
Store in a clean, dry place, preferably covered.

CAUTION! Do not store the mower with fuel in the tank indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Gasoline fumes can accumulate and ignite.

Warranty Information

The Murray 42583X9A Lawn Mower is covered by a limited warranty. The engine is covered by a separate Briggs & Stratton warranty. Proof of purchase is required for warranty service.

Murray Limited Warranty: 2-year limited warranty on the mower (deck, handle, components). Does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance.

Briggs & Stratton Engine Warranty: Refer to the separate engine manual for specific terms, typically 2 years for residential use.

For warranty service, contact an authorized Murray service dealer. Keep your sales receipt. For support, visit www.murray.com or contact customer service.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No fuel, old fuel, spark plug wire disconnected, safety bail not engaged, choke/throttle not set correctly.	Add fresh fuel. Check spark plug connection. Ensure safety bail is held down. Set choke for cold start.
Engine runs poorly or stalls	Dirty air filter, old gasoline, clogged fuel line, dirty spark plug.	Clean/replace air filter. Use fresh fuel. Check fuel line. Clean/replace spark plug.
Uneven cutting	Dull or bent blade, uneven tire pressure, deck clogged.	Sharpen or replace blade. Check tire pressure. Clean underside of deck.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent blade, debris stuck in blade.	Stop engine immediately. Check blade bolt tightness. Inspect blade for damage or debris.
Mower does not discharge/mulch properly	Wet grass, deck clogged, dull blade, engine speed too low.	Mow when grass is dry. Clean deck. Sharpen blade. Run engine at full throttle.
Wheels are hard to turn	Debris in axle, lack of lubrication.	Clean axle shafts. Apply light oil to axles.

Service: For engine-specific issues, refer to the Briggs & Stratton engine manual. For mower issues, contact an authorized Murray service center or visit www.murray.com.