Murray 96017000700 Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray 96017000700 is a walk-behind, self-propelled gasoline lawn mower featuring a Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch cutting deck, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side-discharge capability, single-lever height adjustment, rear-wheel drive, and easy-start system. This manual covers safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and storage procedures to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your mower.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, rear bagger, mulch plug, side discharge chute, single-lever height adjuster, rear-wheel drive system, and recoil starter.

Assembly Instructions

Unpack all parts from box. Verify contents against parts list.

1. Attach handle: Insert lower handle into deck brackets, secure with provided bolts and wing nuts.
2. Install upper handle: Connect to lower handle, tighten knobs.
3. Attach grass bag: Hook bag frame onto rear deck brackets; ensure bag is securely attached.
4. Install side discharge chute: If using side discharge, attach chute to deck opening.
5. Insert mulch plug: For mulching, place plug into rear discharge opening.
6. 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.

Safety Precautions

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

1. Clear mowing area: Remove stones, sticks, wires, and other debris.
2. Check fuel: Fill outdoors, away from ignition sources. Wipe spills immediately.
3. Start safely: Ensure drive control is disengaged; stand behind mower when starting.
4. Operate carefully: Do not mow wet grass. Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades.
5. Stop engine: Disengage blade, wait for all moving parts to stop before crossing paths or adjusting.

CAUTION! Never leave mower unattended while engine is running. Keep children and pets away.

Specifications

• Model: Murray 96017000700
• Engine: Briggs & Stratton 140cc, 4-cycle OHV
• Cutting Width: 21 inches
• Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
• Drive: Self-propelled rear-wheel drive
• Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher)
• Oil Type: SAE 30 detergent oil (API service classification SJ or higher)
• Bag Capacity: 2.0 bushels
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Drive control lever (squeeze to engage self-propelled drive), height adjustment lever, recoil starter grip.

Starting: 1. Push primer bulb 3 times (cold engine). 2. Set throttle to FAST. 3. Pull recoil starter firmly. Stopping: Release drive control, move throttle to STOP. Self-Propelled Drive: Squeeze drive control lever against handle to engage; release to stop drive. Speed is not adjustable.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single-lever adjustment: Move lever to one of 6 positions (marked 1-6 or height indicators).

1. Stop engine and wait for blade to stop.
2. Pull lever outward and move to desired height setting.
3. Release lever; it should lock into position.
4. Test by lifting mower slightly; all wheels should be at same height.

Tip: For first mow of season, set to highest setting; gradually lower for subsequent mows.

Maintenance Schedule

Supports long life with regular maintenance.

1. Before each use: Check oil level, inspect blade for damage, clear deck of debris.
2. Every 25 hours: Change engine oil (or annually).
3. Every season: Replace air filter, spark plug. Sharpen or replace blade.
4. As needed: Clean underside of deck, check wheel bolts and handle fasteners.
5. Storage: Drain fuel or add stabilizer; run engine to circulate treated fuel.

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

Engine Care

Oil: Check level before each use; change every 25 hours or season. Air Filter: Clean foam pre-cleaner every 25 hours; replace paper element annually. Spark Plug: Clean and gap to 0.030"; replace yearly. Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline; avoid ethanol blends above 10%.

Storage Guidelines

Prepare mower for off-season storage to prevent damage.

Short-term (under 30 days): Run engine to use up fuel in carburetor. Long-term: 1. Drain fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer. 2. Run engine 5 minutes to circulate treated fuel. 3. Change oil. 4. Remove spark plug, add 1 tablespoon oil into cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat, reinstall plug. 5. Clean entire mower, store in dry place.

CAUTION! Store fuel in approved container away from living areas.

Warranty Information

Murray 96017000700 is covered by a 2-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, misuse, commercial use, improper maintenance. Proof of purchase required. For warranty service, contact Murray customer service at 1-800-800-7310 or visit www.murray.com. Keep this manual and receipt for reference.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs not covered here, contact authorized service center: 1-800-800-7310.

Parts: Genuine Murray parts available at www.murrayparts.com.