Murray 96017000500 Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray 96017000500 is a walk-behind gas-powered lawn mower designed for residential use. It features a Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch cutting deck, single-lever height adjustment, 2-in-1 mulching/bagging capability, rear discharge, and easy-start system. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Cutting Height Adjustment 7. Mulching and Bagging 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, single-lever height adjustment, rear grass bag, mulching plug, recoil start system.

Feature	Description
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 125cc OHV engine
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Height	Single-lever adjustment (1-3.5 inches)
Cutting Options	2-in-1 (Mulch/Bag) with rear discharge
Start System	Recoil pull-start
Drive System	Push-powered (no self-propulsion)
Deck Material	Steel with corrosion-resistant coating
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Fuel Tank	0.5-gallon capacity
Weight	Approximately 55 lbs

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assemble on a flat, clear surface.

Attach handle: Align lower handle with deck brackets, secure with provided bolts and washers.
Install wheels: Slide wheels onto axles, secure with push nuts or washers and cotter pins.
Attach grass bag: Hook bag frame onto rear deck brackets, ensure secure fit.
Install mulching plug: If using mulch mode, insert plug into rear discharge chute.
Add oil and fuel: Fill engine with SAE 30 oil (check dipstick), add fresh unleaded gasoline.

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

First-Time Operation

Before starting, perform pre-operation checks.

Check oil level: Ensure oil is at full mark on dipstick.
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).
Adjust cutting height: Set lever to desired height (start at highest setting).
Start engine: Set throttle to FAST, pull recoil starter firmly.
Engage blade: With engine running, squeeze blade control handle to mower handle.

CAUTION! Clear mowing area of debris. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

Specifications

Model: Murray 96017000500
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 125cc, 4-cycle, OHV
Cutting Deck: 21-inch steel, rear discharge
Cutting Height: 1 to 3.5 inches (6 positions)
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum)
Oil Type: SAE 30 detergent oil (API service class SJ or higher)
Fuel Capacity: 0.5 gallons
Bag Capacity: 1.8 bushels
Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

Controls and Settings

Handle Controls: Blade control handle (deadman switch), throttle control, height adjustment lever.

Engine Controls: Recoil starter grip, choke lever, fuel shut-off valve.

Operation: Squeeze blade control to engage blade; release to stop blade. Throttle: Set to FAST for mowing, SLOW for idling. Height Adjustment: Move single lever to one of six positions (1-3.5 inches). Fuel Shut-off: Turn valve to OFF for storage or transport.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single-lever system adjusts all four wheels simultaneously.

Stop engine and wait for blade to stop completely.
Pull height adjustment lever outward from deck.
Move lever to desired position (1=lowest, 6=highest).
Release lever to lock into place.
Test by pushing mower to ensure all wheels contact ground evenly.

Tip: For first mow of season, set to highest setting to avoid scalping.

Mulching and Bagging

2-in-1 system allows quick conversion between modes.

Mulching: Install mulching plug in rear discharge chute. Grass clippings are cut finely and returned to lawn as fertilizer.
Bagging: Remove mulching plug, attach grass bag to rear brackets. Clippings collect in bag for disposal.
Side Discharge: Remove both plug and bag for side discharge (optional).

WARNING! Always stop engine before changing cutting modes. Ensure bag is properly attached to prevent clippings from escaping.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blade for damage, clear deck of debris
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil, check air filter, inspect spark plug
Every season	Sharpen or replace blade, clean underside of deck, check wheel bearings
Storage	Drain fuel or add stabilizer, clean entire mower, store in dry place

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents corrosion and starting issues.

Clean mower thoroughly, removing all grass and debris.
Drain fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer and run engine for 5 minutes.
Change oil if due for service.
Remove spark plug, add teaspoon of oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat.
Store in cool, dry place, protected from moisture.

CAUTION! Never store mower with fuel in tank in enclosed area due to fire risk.

Safety Information

Always follow safety guidelines to prevent injury.

Wear sturdy shoes, eye protection, and long pants.
Clear mowing area of stones, sticks, and other debris.
Never mow wet grass.
Keep children and pets away from mowing area.
Always push mower, never pull.
Disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.
Use extreme caution when mowing on slopes.

Read and understand all safety labels on mower before operation.

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	Clean carburetor, drain and replace fuel
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure	Sharpen or replace blade, check tire pressure
Vibration	Loose blade, bent blade	Tighten blade bolt, replace bent blade
Bag not filling	Wet grass, clogged deck	Mow when grass is dry, clean underside of deck
Wheels not turning	Debris in wheel bearings	Clean wheel axles, lubricate if necessary

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized Murray service center at 1-800-269-6215 or visit www.murray.com.