Murray 552544 Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray 552544 is a 21-inch push lawn mower featuring a 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side-discharge capability, single-lever height adjustment (6 positions: 1.5-3.75 inches), durable steel deck, easy-start system, 2-gallon grass bag, and fold-down handle for compact storage. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. Safety Precautions 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: 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, single-lever height adjuster, 3-in-1 discharge system, fold-down handle, 2-gallon grass bag, rear-wheel drive.

Feature	Description
Engine	140cc Briggs & Stratton 4-cycle, easy-start system
Cutting Width	21-inch steel deck
Cutting Height	6 positions (1.5-3.75 inches), single-lever adjustment
Discharge Options	Mulch, Bag, Side-Discharge (3-in-1)
Grass Bag Capacity	2-gallon fabric bag with easy-empty feature
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive, push operation
Handle	Fold-down design for compact storage
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front plastic wheels
Starter	Recoil pull-start
Fuel Tank	0.5-gallon capacity

Assembly Instructions

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

Attach handle: Align lower handle with deck brackets, secure with bolts and wing nuts.
Install upper handle: Connect to lower handle, secure with provided hardware.
Attach grass bag: Hook bag frame onto rear deck brackets; ensure secure fit.
Install side-discharge chute (if not pre-installed): Snap into opening on right side of deck.
Install mulching plug (if using): Insert into deck opening.
Check wheel installation: Ensure all wheels are securely attached and rotate freely.
Add engine oil: Fill with SAE 30 detergent oil (18 oz. capacity).
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

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

Safety Precautions

Read all instructions before operation. Always wear appropriate safety gear.

Clear mowing area: Remove stones, sticks, wire, and other objects.
Check fuel area: No smoking, sparks, or flames near fuel.
Start engine outdoors only: Never in enclosed area.
Keep hands and feet away: From rotating blades and moving parts.
Do not mow wet grass: Reduced traction and increased clogging risk.
Turn off engine: Before unclogging, adjusting, or leaving mower unattended.
Keep children and pets away: From mowing area.
Use hearing protection: Recommended for extended use.

CAUTION! Engine and muffler become extremely hot during and after use. Allow to cool before touching or storing.

Specifications

Model: Murray 552544
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 140cc 4-cycle
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 - 3.75 inches (6 positions)
Deck Material: Powder-coated steel
Discharge Options: Mulch, Bag, Side-Discharge
Grass Bag Capacity: 2 gallons
Wheel Size: 8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Fuel Capacity: 0.5 gallons
Oil Capacity: 18 oz. SAE 30 detergent oil
Weight: 55 lbs (approx.)
Warranty: 2-year limited

Controls and Operation

Key controls: Engine ON/OFF switch, Recoil starter, Throttle control, Drive control bar, Height adjustment lever.

Starting Procedure:

Check oil and fuel levels.
Move engine switch to ON position.
Prime engine (if equipped): Press primer bulb 3 times.
Set throttle to FAST position.
Pull recoil starter firmly until engine starts.
Allow engine to warm up 30 seconds before mowing.

Stopping Procedure:

Release drive control bar to stop forward motion.
Move throttle to SLOW position.
Move engine switch to OFF position.

Drive Control: Squeeze bar against handle to engage drive; release to stop.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single-lever adjustment for all four wheels simultaneously.

Stop engine and ensure blades are not rotating.
Pull height adjustment lever outward from deck.
Move lever to desired position (1-6, with 1 being lowest).
Release lever to lock into position.
Verify all wheels are at same height by checking deck level.

Height Settings: 1=1.5", 2=2", 3=2.5", 4=2.75", 5=3.25", 6=3.75"

Tip: For first mow of season, set to highest position. Never remove more than 1/3 of grass blade length at one time.

3-in-1 Function Setup

Configure for mulching, bagging, or side-discharge.

Mulching: Install mulching plug in discharge opening. Grass is cut finely and returned to lawn as fertilizer.
Bagging: Remove mulching plug, attach grass bag to rear brackets. Collects clippings for disposal.
Side-Discharge: Remove mulching plug and grass bag, install side-discharge chute. Ejects clippings to side.

WARNING! Always stop engine before changing discharge configuration. Ensure all parts are securely installed.

Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance Task	Frequency	Procedure
Check engine oil level	Before each use	Use dipstick; add SAE 30 if low
Clean underside of deck	After each use	Turn off engine, tip mower on side (carburetor up), scrape clean
Check blade sharpness	Every 25 hours	Sharpen or replace dull blades
Replace air filter	Every season or 25 hours	Remove old filter, install new foam filter
Change engine oil	Every season or 25 hours	Drain old oil, refill with 18 oz. SAE 30
Replace spark plug	Every 100 hours	Use Champion RC12YC gap 0.030"
Check wheel bolts	Monthly	Tighten if loose
Clean grass bag	After each use	Empty and shake clean

Storage Guidelines

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

End of Season: Run engine until fuel tank is empty, or add fuel stabilizer to fresh gasoline and run 5 minutes.
Clean Thoroughly: Remove all grass clippings from deck, wheels, and engine.
Change Oil: Drain and replace with fresh SAE 30 oil.
Remove Spark Plug: Add 1 tablespoon of oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly to distribute, reinstall plug.
Clean Air Filter: Wash foam filter in soapy water, dry, lightly oil, reinstall.
Store Indoors: In dry, covered location. Fold handle down for compact storage.
Protect Blade: Coat blade with light oil to prevent rust.

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

Warranty Information

Murray 552544 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, accident damage, normal wear items (blades, belts, tires), or engines (covered by Briggs & Stratton warranty). Proof of purchase required. For warranty service, contact Murray Customer Service at 1-800-269-6215 or visit www.murray.com. Keep this manual and receipt for warranty validation.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old gasoline, spark plug fault, switch OFF	Add fresh fuel, check spark plug, ensure switch is ON, check oil level (low oil shutdown)
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old gasoline, clogged fuel line	Clean/replace air filter, use fresh gasoline, clean fuel line
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure, deck clogged	Sharpen/replace blade, check tire pressure, clean deck underside
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent blade, debris in blade area	Tighten blade bolt (check torque: 450-600 in-lbs), replace bent blade, remove debris
Grass not discharging	Wet grass, deck clogged, engine speed too low	Mow when grass is dry, clean deck, run engine at FULL throttle
Wheels not turning	Drive cable disconnected, debris in wheel mechanism	Check drive cable connection, clear debris from axles
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old gasoline, dirty spark arrestor	Clean air filter, use fresh gasoline, clean spark arrestor screen

Service: For technical support, call 1-800-269-6215 or visit www.murray.com. For engine-specific issues, contact Briggs & Stratton at 1-800-233-3723.