Murray 866083-00 Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray 866083-00 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, and rear-wheel drive. This manual covers essential safety instructions, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and storage procedures to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your mower.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. Safety Information 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting Height Adjustment 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Engine Care 9. Storage Guidelines 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, rear-wheel drive system, and recoil starter.

Feature	Description
Engine	Briggs & Stratton, 140cc, 4-cycle, OHV
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Deck	Steel, rust-resistant
Drive System	Self-propelled, rear-wheel drive
Cutting Options	3-in-1: Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge
Height Adjustment	Single lever, 6 positions (1.5" - 3.75")
Starter	Recoil (pull-start)
Fuel Tank	0.95 gallons (Unleaded gasoline only)
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Handle	Foldable, padded grip

Assembly Instructions

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

Attach the handle: Align lower handle with deck brackets, secure with bolts and wing nuts.
Install the upper handle: Connect to lower handle, secure with provided hardware.
Attach the grass bag: Hook bag frame onto rear deck brackets; ensure it clicks into place.
Install the side discharge chute (if not using bagger/mulch): Snap onto deck opening.
Insert the mulching plug (for mulching): Place into rear discharge opening.
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 15 PSI if necessary.
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 (approx. 20 oz) – check dipstick.
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).

WARNING! Do not add fuel or oil indoors or near ignition sources. Keep hands clear of cutting blade during assembly.

Safety Information

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

Clear mowing area of stones, toys, and other objects that could be thrown.
Do not mow wet grass. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
Never allow children or pets near the mower while operating.
Stop the engine and wait for blade to stop before unclogging, adjusting, or crossing gravel drives.
Use extreme caution when mowing on slopes. Mow across the face of slopes, not up and down.
Never remove grass catcher or discharge chute while engine is running.

DANGER! The rotating blade can cause severe injury. Keep hands and feet away from deck at all times.

Specifications

Model: Murray 866083-00
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 140cc, 4-cycle
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 - 3.75 inches (6 positions)
Deck Material: Steel
Drive: Self-propelled, rear-wheel
Wheels: 8" rear, 7" front
Fuel Capacity: 0.95 gallons
Oil Capacity: 20 oz (SAE 30)
Weight (approx.): 65 lbs
Warranty: 2-year limited

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Drive control lever (engage self-propel), Throttle control (FAST/SLOW/STOP), Recoil starter grip, Blade control handle (must be held to run engine).

Starting Procedure:

Check oil and fuel levels.
Move throttle to FAST position.
Prime engine (if equipped) by pressing primer bulb 3 times.
Pull recoil starter firmly.
To engage blade, squeeze blade control handle against upper handle.

Stopping: Release blade control handle. Engine and blade will stop. Move throttle to STOP.

Self-Propel Engagement: Squeeze drive control lever against handle to move forward. Release to stop drive.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single-lever adjustment located near each wheel.

Stop engine and wait for blade to stop.
Pull lever outward and move to desired height setting (1-6).
Release lever to lock into position.
Adjust all wheels to same setting for even cut.

Tip: For first mow of season or very tall grass, use highest setting, then lower for subsequent passes.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blade for damage, clear deck of debris
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (or annually)
Every season	Replace air filter, spark plug
As needed	Sharpen or replace blade, check tire pressure
After each use	Clean underside of deck, wipe mower clean

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance to prevent accidental starting.

Engine Care

Briggs & Stratton 140cc 4-cycle engine requires regular maintenance.

Oil Change: Run engine briefly to warm oil. Drain via dipstick tube or drain plug. Refill with SAE 30 (20 oz).
Air Filter: Remove cover, clean foam pre-cleaner (if equipped), replace paper element annually.
Spark Plug: Gap to 0.030". Replace annually. Use Champion RC12YC or equivalent.
Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane min). Add fuel stabilizer for storage over 30 days.

WARNING! Engine parts are hot during and after operation. Allow to cool before servicing.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Run engine to burn fuel from carburetor or add fuel stabilizer to tank.
Change oil at end of season.
Clean mower thoroughly, especially underside of deck.
Remove spark plug, add 1 tablespoon of oil into cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat, reinstall plug.
Store in a clean, dry place, preferably covered.

CAUTION! Never store mower with fuel in tank indoors or in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation.

Warranty Information

Murray 866083-00 is covered by a 2-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship. It does not cover normal wear, misuse, neglect, or commercial use. Proof of purchase is required. For warranty service, contact an authorized Murray service center. Keep this manual and your receipt. For more details, visit www.murray.com or call 1-800-XXX-XXXX.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old fuel, spark plug wire disconnected, choke/throttle not set	Add fresh fuel, check spark plug connection, set choke/throttle to START/FAST.
Engine runs poorly or stalls	Dirty air filter, old gasoline, clogged fuel line	Clean/replace air filter, drain and refill with fresh fuel.
Uneven cutting	Dull/bent blade, uneven tire pressure, deck clogged	Sharpen/balance blade, inflate tires evenly, clean deck.
Mower doesn't self-propel	Drive belt loose or broken, drive control cable out of adjustment	Check drive belt tension and condition; adjust cable.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent blade spindle, debris stuck in blade	Tighten blade bolt (check torque), inspect spindle, remove debris.
Grass not discharging properly	Wet grass, deck clogged, cutting height too low	Mow when grass is dry, clean deck, raise cutting height.

Service: For repairs not covered here, contact authorized service at 1-800-XXX-XXXX or www.murray.com.