Murray 866081-00 Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray 866081-00 is a walk-behind, self-propelled 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 easy-start system. This manual covers safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications. Always read and follow all safety instructions before use.

1. Safety Instructions 2. Assembly & Setup 3. Controls & Features 4. Operation 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Engine Care 7. Storage 8. Troubleshooting 9. Specifications 10. Warranty Information

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before operating. Failure to follow warnings can result in serious injury or death.

Hazard	Precaution
Rotating Blade	Never insert hands or feet under mower or into chute. Disconnect spark plug before any service.
Fuel Safety	Refuel outdoors only, with engine off and cool. Use approved container. No smoking.
Slope Operation	Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees. Mow across slopes, not up and down.
Debris & Objects	Clear mowing area of sticks, stones, wire, and other objects that could be thrown.
Children & Bystanders	Keep people and pets at least 50 feet away during operation.
Clothing	Wear sturdy shoes, long pants, and eye protection. Do not operate barefoot or in sandals.
Hot Surfaces	Avoid contact with muffler, engine, and other hot parts during and after use.

WARNING! This mower is designed for outdoor residential use on grass only. Do not use for any other purpose.

Assembly & Setup

Most mowers come partially assembled. Follow these steps to complete assembly.

Unpack: Remove all packaging materials and check contents against parts list.
Handle Attachment: Attach upper handle to lower handle using provided bolts, washers, and wing nuts. Tighten securely.
Height Adjustment Lever: Ensure lever moves freely and locks into all cutting height positions.
Bagging/Mulching Kit: If included, attach rear bagger or mulching plug according to included instructions.
Add Oil: Engine is shipped without oil. Add SAE 30 detergent oil (approx. 20 oz) to full mark on dipstick.
Add Fuel: Use fresh, unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87. Do not overfill.

CAUTION! Always perform assembly on a flat, stable surface. Use proper tools. Two people recommended for handle assembly.

Controls & Features

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

Control/Feature	Description
Drive Control Lever	Engages self-propelled drive. Squeeze lever to handle to move forward; release to stop.
Height Adjustment Lever	Single lever adjusts cutting height for all four wheels (1.5" to 4" range).
Recoil Starter Handle	Pull to start engine. Pull slowly until resistance is felt, then pull briskly.
Engine Throttle Control	Sets engine speed (FAST for cutting, SLOW for transport).
Blade Control/Brake Handle	Must be held against handle to start and run engine. Releases to stop blade and engine.
Fuel Shut-Off Valve	Located near fuel tank. Turn OFF for storage or transport.
3-in-1 Function	Bagging: Attach bag. Mulching: Install plug. Side-Discharge: Open chute.

Operation

Proper operation ensures a clean cut and extends mower life.

Pre-Start Check: Check oil level. Ensure area is clear. Set cutting height. Attach bag or plug if using.
Starting:
- Move throttle control to FAST position.
- Prime engine (if equipped) by pressing primer bulb 3 times.
- Hold blade control handle against upper handle.
- Pull recoil starter briskly.
Mowing: Allow engine to warm up. Squeeze drive lever to engage self-propulsion. Overlap passes slightly for even cut.
Stopping: Release drive lever, then release blade control handle to stop engine and blade. Wait for all parts to stop moving.
Emptying Bag: Stop engine. Wait for blade to stop. Empty grass bag frequently to maintain performance.

Tip: Mow when grass is dry for best results. Avoid mowing in reverse.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance is essential for safe, reliable operation.

Interval	Task
Before Each Use	Check oil level. Inspect blade for damage/wear. Clear deck of debris. Check for loose fasteners.
Every 25 Hours	Change engine oil (first change after first 5 hours). Clean or replace air filter. Check spark plug.
Every Season	Sharpen or replace blade. Lubricate wheel axles and height adjustment points. Check drive belt tension.
As Needed	Clean underside of deck. Replace fuel filter. Check tire pressure.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance, especially blade service.

Engine Care

Briggs & Stratton engine maintenance guidelines.

Oil: Use SAE 30 detergent oil (above 40°F) or 10W-30 (variable temps). Capacity: approx. 20 oz. Change when dirty or at recommended intervals.
Air Filter: Clean foam pre-cleaner in soapy water, dry, and re-oil. Replace paper element if dirty or damaged.
Spark Plug: Gap: 0.030 inches. Clean with wire brush. Replace annually or if electrodes are worn.
Fuel System: Use fresh gasoline. Add fuel stabilizer for storage over 30 days. Drain fuel tank for long-term storage.
Carburetor: Adjustments should only be made by qualified service personnel.

Storage

Proper storage prevents damage and extends mower life.

End of Season:
- Drain fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer and run engine for 5 minutes.
- Change engine oil.
- Remove spark plug, add 1 oz of oil into cylinder, pull starter cord slowly to distribute, reinstall plug.
- Clean mower thoroughly, especially underside of deck.
- Sharpen blade.
Storage Location: Store in a clean, dry place, away from furnaces, water heaters, or other ignition sources.
Battery (if electric start): Remove battery and store in a cool, dry place. Charge periodically.

CAUTION! Gasoline is extremely flammable. Never store mower with fuel in tank indoors or in poorly ventilated areas.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	Blade control not engaged, empty fuel tank, old fuel, clogged fuel line, fouled spark plug.	Engage blade control. Add fresh fuel. Check fuel line. Clean or replace spark plug.
Engine runs poorly or stalls	Dirty air filter, water in fuel, clogged carburetor, old oil.	Clean/replace air filter. Drain fuel tank and refill. Service carburetor. Change oil.
Mower vibrates excessively	Damaged or unbalanced blade, loose blade bolt, debris wrapped around blade.	STOP ENGINE. Inspect blade. Tighten blade bolt (40-50 ft-lbs). Remove debris.
Uneven cut	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure, mowing too fast, clogged deck.	Sharpen blade. Inflate tires evenly. Slow down. Clean underside of deck.
Self-propel does not work	Drive belt worn or broken, drive control cable loose or disconnected.	Inspect and replace drive belt. Adjust or reconnect drive cable.
Grass not discharging/bagging	Wet grass, deck clogged, engine speed too low, dull blade.	Mow when dry. Clean deck. Run engine at FAST speed. Sharpen blade.

Specifications

Model: Murray 866081-00
Engine: Briggs & Stratton, 140cc, 4-cycle, OHV
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height: 1.5 - 4 inches (6 positions)
Deck Material: Steel
Drive System: Rear-wheel, self-propelled
Speed Control: Single-lever engagement
Grass Handling: 3-in-1 (Mulch/Bag/Side-Discharge)
Wheels: 8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Starting System: Recoil
Weight: Approx. 65 lbs

Warranty Information

Murray mowers are backed by a limited warranty. Proof of purchase is required.

Residential Use: 2-year limited warranty on mower. Engine warranty provided separately by Briggs & Stratton.
What is Covered: Defects in material or workmanship under normal use and maintenance.
What is Not Covered: Damage from misuse, neglect, improper assembly, accident, commercial use, or normal wear items (blades, belts, etc.).
To Obtain Service: Contact an authorized Murray service dealer. For dealer locations or support, visit www.murray.com or call 1-800-XXX-XXXX.

Note: This manual is for reference only. Specifications and features subject to change without notice.