Murray 96017000600 Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray 96017000600 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 a 2.5-bushel grass bag. This manual covers safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and storage. Always read and follow all safety instructions before use.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. Safety Information 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting Height Adjustment 7. 3-in-1 Function Setup 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel deck, rear grass bag, height adjustment lever, drive control bar, and mulching plug.

Feature	Description
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 140cc OHV engine
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Deck	Steel, 3-in-1 capability
Drive System	Self-propelled, rear-wheel drive
Height Adjustment	Single lever, 6 positions (1.5-3.75 inches)
Grass Bag	2.5 bushels, rear-mounted
Starter	Recoil pull-start
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Fuel Tank	0.5 gallons
Weight	Approximately 65 lbs

Assembly Instructions

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

Attach the handle: Align lower handle with deck brackets, secure with bolts and knobs.
Install the grass bag: Attach bag frame to rear deck hooks, secure bag to frame.
Attach the mulching plug (if not pre-installed): Insert into rear discharge chute.
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 detergent oil (approx. 20 oz). Do not overfill.
Add gasoline: Use fresh, unleaded gasoline. Fill tank to indicated level.

WARNING! Never add fuel while engine is hot or running. Assemble on a flat, stable surface.

Safety Information

Always wear sturdy shoes and eye protection. Clear mowing area of debris.

Read manual: Understand all instructions before operating.
Inspect area: Remove stones, toys, wire, and other objects.
Check equipment: Ensure all parts are properly installed and secure.
Use outdoors only: Never operate in an enclosed area.
Keep hands and feet away: From rotating blades and moving parts.
Stop engine: Before unclogging, adjusting, or crossing gravel drives.

DANGER! Blade contact can cause severe injury. Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Specifications

Model: Murray 96017000600
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 140cc, 4-cycle, OHV
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Heights: 6 positions, 1.5" to 3.75"
Drive: Self-propelled, single-speed rear-wheel drive
Bag Capacity: 2.5 bushels
Deck Material: Steel
Warranty: 2-year limited
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher)
Oil Type: SAE 30 detergent oil (summer use)

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Drive control bar, height adjustment lever, engine control lever (combination choke/throttle).

Starting: 1. Push primer bulb 3 times (cold engine). 2. Set engine control to FAST. 3. Pull recoil starter firmly. Stopping: Release drive control bar, move engine control to STOP. Self-Propelled Operation: Squeeze drive control bar against handle to engage drive wheels. Release to stop drive. Cutting: Mow at a steady walking pace. Overlap each pass slightly for even cutting.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single lever adjusts all four wheels simultaneously.

Stop engine and ensure blade has stopped rotating.
Pull height adjustment lever outward and move to desired position (1-6).
Release lever to lock into place.
Test by gently rocking mower to ensure all wheels are at same height.

Tip: For first mow of season or very tall grass, set to highest setting, then lower for subsequent mows.

3-in-1 Function Setup

Configure for mulching, bagging, or side discharge.

Mulching: Install mulching plug in rear discharge chute. Ensure grass bag is NOT attached. Cuts clippings finely and returns them to lawn.
Bagging: Remove mulching plug. Attach grass bag assembly to rear hooks. Collects clippings for disposal.
Side Discharge: Remove both mulching plug and grass bag. Clippings are discharged from side chute (deflector must be installed).

WARNING! Always stop engine before changing cutting mode. Ensure all parts are securely installed.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and safe operation.

Task	Frequency
Check engine oil level	Before each use
Clean underside of deck	After each use
Check blade for sharpness/damage	Every 25 hours
Replace air filter	Every season or 25 hours
Change engine oil	First 5 hours, then every 50 hours or season
Replace spark plug	Every 100 hours or season
Lubricate wheel bearings & height adjuster	Every 25 hours

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for extended storage (e.g., winter).

Run engine to warm oil, then drain oil and refill with fresh oil.
Add fuel stabilizer to gas tank, run engine for 5 minutes to circulate.
Or, drain fuel tank and carburetor completely.
Clean mower thoroughly, especially underside of deck.
Remove spark plug, add 1 oz of oil into cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat, reinstall plug.
Store in a clean, dry place, covered.

CAUTION! Gasoline is flammable. Allow engine to cool completely before draining.

Warranty Information

Murray 96017000600 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, lack of maintenance, or commercial use. Proof of purchase is required. For warranty service, contact an authorized Murray service center. For more information, visit www.murray.com or call 1-800-XXX-XXXX.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old gas, clogged air filter, spark plug	Check fuel level; use fresh gas; clean/replace air filter; check/replace spark plug.
Engine runs poorly or stalls	Dirty air filter, water in fuel, clogged carburetor	Clean air filter; drain fuel tank and refill; clean carburetor.
Mower vibrates excessively	Loose blade, bent blade, debris wrapped on blade	Stop engine, disconnect spark plug. Tighten or replace blade; remove debris.
Uneven cutting	Dull/bent blade, uneven tire pressure, deck clogged	Sharpen or replace blade; check tire pressure; clean deck underside.
Self-propel drive not working	Drive cable loose or broken, drive belt worn	Adjust or replace drive cable; inspect and replace drive belt if necessary.
Grass bag not filling	Deck clogged, grass too wet/damp, bag full	Clean deck chute and underside; mow when grass is dry; empty bag frequently.

Service: For repairs not covered here, contact an authorized Murray service center or call 1-800-XXX-XXXX.