Murray 866085-00 Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray 866085-00 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. It includes safety features like blade control system, operator presence control, and spark plug boot. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

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 Deck Functions 8. Maintenance Schedule 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, drive control lever, and blade control system.

Feature	Description
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 140cc OHV engine with easy-start system
Cutting Width	21-inch steel cutting deck
Drive System	Self-propelled rear-wheel drive with variable speed control
Cutting Options	3-in-1: Mulch, Bag, or Side Discharge
Height Adjustment	Single-lever adjustment for all four wheels (6 positions)
Blade Control	Operator presence control system for safety
Fuel Tank	1.0-gallon capacity
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front wheels
Handle	Folding handle with cushioned grip
Starter	Recoil starter with primer bulb

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 latch.
Install side discharge chute: Attach to deck opening, secure with pin or bolt.
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 detergent oil (approx. 20 oz.) as specified in engine manual.
Add gasoline: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

WARNING! Do not attempt to start engine before adding oil and fuel. Keep hands and feet clear of cutting blade during assembly.

Safety Precautions

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

Clear mowing area: Remove stones, toys, and debris that could be thrown by blade.
Check blade control: Ensure blade stops within 3 seconds of releasing handle.
Use on slopes: Mow across slopes, not up and down. Use caution on inclines over 15 degrees.
Keep bystanders away: Maintain safe distance, especially children and pets.
Refuel safely: Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke near fuel.
Disconnect spark plug: Before performing any maintenance or clearing jams.

CAUTION! Never operate mower without grass bag, mulching plug, or discharge chute properly installed.

Specifications

Model: Murray 866085-00
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 140cc OHV, 4-cycle
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height: 1.5 to 3.75 inches (6 positions)
Drive: Self-propelled rear-wheel drive
Speed Control: Variable speed lever on handle
Deck Material: 20-gauge steel
Fuel Capacity: 1.0 gallon
Oil Capacity: 20 oz. (SAE 30)
Weight: Approx. 65 lbs (without bag)
Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Blade control lever, drive control lever, speed control, height adjustment lever.

Starting Procedure:

Check oil and fuel levels.
Push primer bulb 3 times (cold engine).
Set throttle to FAST position.
Pull recoil starter firmly.

Stopping: Release blade control lever. Engine will stop. For emergency stop, release both blade and drive controls.

Self-Propelled Operation: Squeeze drive control lever against handle to engage drive. Adjust speed with variable speed control.

Cutting Height Adjustment

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

Stop mower and engine.
Pull height adjustment lever outward.
Move lever to desired position (1=lowest, 6=highest).
Release lever to lock in position.

Recommended Heights: 2-2.5 inches for most grasses; 3 inches during hot/dry conditions.

Tip: Adjust height when mower is on flat, level surface for accurate setting.

3-in-1 Deck Functions

Configure for mulching, bagging, or side discharge as needed.

Mulching: Install mulching plug in rear discharge opening. Cuts clippings finely and returns to lawn.
Bagging: Remove mulching plug, attach grass bag. Collects clippings for disposal.
Side Discharge: Remove mulching plug and bag, install side discharge chute. Discharges clippings to side.

WARNING! Always use one of the three configurations. Never operate with discharge openings uncovered.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check blade condition, tire pressure, oil level
Every 8 hours	Check air filter, clean under deck
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil, check spark plug
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter, sharpen/replace blade
Season end	Drain fuel or add stabilizer, clean thoroughly

Blade Sharpening: Disconnect spark plug. Remove blade, sharpen at original angle (balance after sharpening).

Storage Guidelines

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

Clean mower thoroughly, especially under deck.
Drain fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer and run engine 5 minutes.
Change engine oil at end of season.
Remove spark plug, add teaspoon of oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat.
Store in dry, covered area away from moisture and direct sunlight.
Cover mower to prevent dust accumulation.

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

Warranty Information

Murray 866085-00 comes with a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, improper maintenance, or commercial use. Engine warranty provided separately by Briggs & Stratton (typically 2 years). To make a warranty claim, contact Murray customer service at 1-800-800-7310 or visit www.murray.com. Keep original receipt as proof of purchase.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old gas, clogged filter	Check fuel level; use fresh gas; clean/replace air filter.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old fuel	Clean air filter; drain and replace fuel.
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure	Sharpen/replace blade; inflate tires to 15 PSI.
Self-propelled not working	Drive belt loose or worn	Check drive belt tension; replace if worn.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent blade	Tighten blade bolt; replace bent blade.
Grass not discharging	Wet grass, clogged deck	Mow when grass is dry; clean under deck.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized Murray service center at 1-800-800-7310.