Murray 7800242 Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray 7800242 is a 21-inch push lawn mower featuring a 3.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, single-lever height adjustment, 2-in-1 side discharge/mulching capability, durable steel deck, easy-start system, and rear bagger. Designed for residential use with a cutting width of 21 inches and a cutting height range of 1.5 to 3.5 inches. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting & Height Adjustment 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Storage Guidelines 10. Safety Information 11. Warranty & Support 12. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 3.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, single-lever height adjustment, rear grass bag, 2-in-1 discharge system, recoil start.

Feature	Description
Engine	3.5 HP Briggs & Stratton 4-cycle engine
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Height	Single-lever adjustment (1.5" to 3.5")
Cutting Options	Side discharge, mulching, bagging
Deck Material	Durable steel construction
Start System	Recoil easy-start
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Bag Capacity	1.8 bushel rear bag
Weight	Approximately 55 lbs
Fuel Tank	0.5 gallon capacity

Assembly Instructions

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

Attach handle: Align handle with deck brackets, secure with provided bolts and wing nuts.
Install wheels: Slide wheels onto axles, secure with push nuts or washers.
Attach grass bag: Hook bag frame onto rear deck mounts.
Install discharge chute: Attach to side discharge opening with provided hardware.
Check oil: Engine comes pre-filled; verify level is at "Full" mark.

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

First-Time Setup

Prepare mower for first use.

Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum). Do not overfill.
Check oil: Ensure oil level is correct (SAE 30 recommended).
Adjust cutting height: Set lever to desired position (middle setting recommended for first mow).
Test start: Pull recoil starter slowly until resistance is felt, then pull briskly.

CAUTION! Operate outdoors only. Keep area clear of children and pets.

Specifications

Model: Murray 7800242
Engine: 3.5 HP Briggs & Stratton 4-cycle
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 3.5 inches (6 positions)
Deck Material: Steel
Wheels: 8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Bag Capacity: 1.8 bushels
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane)
Oil Type: SAE 30 (20 oz capacity)
Weight: 55 lbs (approx.)

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Throttle lever, recoil starter handle, drive control bar (if self-propelled model). Deck Controls: Single height adjustment lever, bag attachment hooks.

Starting Procedure:

Move throttle to "FAST" position.
Prime engine (if equipped) by pressing primer bulb 3 times.
Pull recoil starter briskly.

Stopping: Release drive control bar, move throttle to "STOP".

Operating Tips: Mow when grass is dry. Overlap passes by 2-3 inches. Change mowing pattern weekly.

Cutting & Height Adjustment

Single-lever adjustment controls all four wheels simultaneously.

Stop engine and wait for blades to stop completely.
Pull lever outward and move to desired position (1-6).
Release lever to lock in position.
Recommended heights: 2.5" for normal turf, 3" during hot/dry conditions.

Cutting Options: Install bag for collection, attach mulching plug for recycling, or use side discharge for tall grass.

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

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blade, clear deck of debris
Every 25 hours	Change oil (first change after 5 hours)
Every season	Replace air filter, spark plug
As needed	Sharpen blade (every 25 hours or when dull)
End of season	Drain fuel or add stabilizer

Blade Sharpening: Disconnect spark plug, remove blade, sharpen at original angle (40°), balance before reinstalling.

Storage Guidelines

Prepare mower for extended storage.

Drain fuel or add fuel stabilizer and run engine for 5 minutes.
Change oil if due.
Clean underside of deck thoroughly.
Store in dry, covered area.
Remove spark plug and add teaspoon of oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly to distribute.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank indoors. Keep away from open flames.

Safety Information

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

Clear mowing area of stones, sticks, and debris.
Never mow wet grass.
Disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance.
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
Do not allow children to operate mower.
Use push mower on slopes less than 15 degrees; mow across slope, not up/down.

DANGER! Rotating blade can cause severe injury. Always ensure blade has stopped before crossing gravel drives or roads.

Warranty & Support

Murray mowers include a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. For warranty service, contact an authorized Murray service center with proof of purchase.

Customer Support: 1-800-XXX-XXXX or visit www.murray.com. Have model number (7800242) and serial number ready.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, stale fuel, clogged air filter	Add fresh fuel, clean/replace air filter, check spark plug.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty carburetor, old fuel	Drain fuel tank, add fresh fuel, clean carburetor.
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure	Sharpen blade, check tire pressure, level deck.
Excessive vibration	Bent blade, loose parts	Inspect and replace blade if bent, tighten all bolts.
Grass not discharging	Wet grass, clogged deck	Mow when grass is dry, clean underside of deck.

Reset: For engine issues, allow to cool for 15 minutes before restarting.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized service center.