Murray 866087-00 Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray 866087-00 is a walk-behind, self-propelled lawn mower designed for residential use. It features 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 a durable steel frame. This manual covers safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and storage procedures to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

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 & Winterization 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 bar, and recoil starter.

Feature	Description
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 140cc OHV engine with recoil start
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Deck	Durable steel construction
Cutting Options	3-in-1: Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge
Height Adjustment	Single lever, 6 positions (1.5" - 3.75")
Drive System	Self-propelled, rear-wheel drive
Drive Control	Bail lever on handle
Fuel Tank	0.95 gallon capacity
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Handle	Folding, adjustable height

Assembly Instructions

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

Attach Lower Handle: Bolt lower handle sections to deck using provided hardware.
Install Upper Handle: Connect upper handle to lower handle, secure with knobs.
Attach Bagging System: Connect rear bagger frame to deck hooks, install bag.
Install Side Discharge Chute: Attach to deck opening if not pre-installed.
Add Mulching Plug: Insert plug into rear discharge opening for mulching mode.
Install Wheels: Slide wheels onto axles, secure with retainer clips.
Add Engine Oil: Fill engine with SAE 30 detergent oil (check dipstick).
Add Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

WARNING! Keep hands and feet clear of cutting blade during assembly. Ensure all bolts are tightened securely.

Safety Information

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

Clear Area: Remove stones, sticks, and debris from lawn before mowing.
Check Equipment: Inspect blade, bolts, and hardware before each use.
Safe Operation: Do not mow wet grass. Always mow across slopes, not up and down.
Keep Clear: Keep bystanders, children, and pets at least 50 feet away.
Stop Engine: Disengage drive, stop engine, and wait for blade to stop before crossing gravel, adjusting height, or unclogging chute.
Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors only, with engine off and cool. Wipe spills.

DANGER! Never insert hands or feet under mower deck while engine is running. Blade can cause severe injury.

Specifications

Model: Murray 866087-00
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 140cc, 4-cycle, OHV
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height: 1.5" - 3.75" (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 (without bag)
Warranty: 2-year limited

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Drive control bail, recoil starter grip, height adjustment lever.

Starting: 1. Push primer bulb 3 times (cold engine). 2. Set throttle to FAST. 3. Pull recoil starter firmly. Stopping: Release drive bail, move throttle to STOP.

Self-Propelled Drive: Squeeze drive bail against handle to engage wheels; release to stop drive. Speed is not adjustable. Height Adjustment: Move single lever to desired setting (1-6). Ensure all wheels are at same height.

Cutting & Height Adjustment

Select cutting mode: Bagging, Mulching, or Side Discharge.

Bagging: Install rear bag, ensure side discharge chute is closed.
Mulching: Install mulching plug, remove bag and side chute.
Side Discharge: Attach side discharge chute, remove bag and plug.
Height Adjustment: Stop engine. Move lever to desired setting. For best results, do not cut more than 1/3 of grass height at once.

Tip: Overlap each pass by 2-3 inches for even cutting. Keep blade sharp.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance and safety.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blade, clear deck of debris
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (more often in dusty conditions)
Every season	Replace air filter, spark plug
As needed	Sharpen or replace blade, check tire pressure
End of season	Drain fuel or add stabilizer, clean thoroughly

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Engine Care

Briggs & Stratton 140cc engine requires regular oil and air filter service.

Oil Change: Run engine to warm oil. Drain via dipstick tube or drain plug. Refill with 20 oz SAE 30 detergent oil.
Air Filter: Remove cover, clean foam pre-cleaner (if equipped), replace paper element if dirty.
Spark Plug: Replace annually with Briggs & Stratton #692051 or equivalent. Gap: 0.030".
Fuel System: Use fresh unleaded gasoline. Add fuel stabilizer for storage over 30 days.

WARNING! Engine and muffler become extremely hot. Allow to cool before servicing.

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage prevents fuel system damage and corrosion.

Clean: Remove all grass and debris from deck, undercarriage, and engine.
Fuel: Option A: Run engine until fuel tank is empty. Option B: Fill tank, add fuel stabilizer, run engine 5 minutes.
Oil: Change oil if near service interval.
Spark Plug: Remove plug, add 1 teaspoon oil into cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat, reinstall plug.
Store: Keep in dry, covered location. Protect from moisture.

CAUTION! Never store mower with fuel in tank indoors or near open flame.

Warranty Information

Murray 866087-00 is covered by a 2-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, misuse, neglect, commercial use, or improper maintenance. Proof of purchase required. For warranty service, contact authorized Murray service center or call 1-800-800-7310. Keep this manual and receipt for reference.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old gas, clogged filter, bad spark plug	Check fuel level, use fresh gas, clean/replace air filter, check spark plug.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old fuel, water in fuel	Replace air filter, drain fuel tank, refill with fresh gas.
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure, deck clogged	Sharpen or balance blade, check tire pressure, clean deck.
Self-propel not working	Drive belt worn or broken, drive bail not engaged	Inspect drive belt for wear/replacement, ensure bail is fully squeezed.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent blade, debris on blade	Stop engine, disconnect spark plug, tighten blade bolt (55-70 ft-lbs), inspect for damage.

Service: For repairs not covered here, contact authorized service center at 1-800-800-7310 or visit www.murray.com.