Murray 96017000900 Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray 96017000900 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 (6 positions), rear-wheel drive, and a durable steel frame. It includes a 2.5-bushel grass collection bag, washout port for easy cleaning, and a foldable handle for compact storage. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting & Discharge Options 7. Maintenance Schedule 9. Safety Features 10. Care & Storage 11. Regulatory Information 12. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 21-inch Steel Cutting Deck, Briggs & Stratton Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive System, Single-Lever Height Adjustment, 3-in-1 Discharge System, Washout Port, Foldable Handle.

Feature	Description
21-inch Cutting Deck	Steel construction for durability and consistent cutting
Briggs & Stratton Engine	Reliable 140cc engine with easy-start system
Rear-Wheel Drive	Self-propelled for easier operation on slopes and uneven terrain
Single-Lever Height Adjustment	Adjusts all four wheels simultaneously (1.5" to 3.75")
3-in-1 Discharge System	Mulch, Bag, or Side-Discharge clippings
Washout Port	Connect garden hose to clean under deck
Foldable Handle	For compact storage
2.5-Bushel Collection Bag	Large capacity grass bag with easy-empty feature
Safety Key	Engine will not start without safety key inserted
Drive Control Lever	Engages self-propelled wheels when pressed

Assembly Instructions

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

Attach Handle: Insert lower handle into deck brackets, secure with provided bolts and wing nuts.
Install Upper Handle: Connect upper handle section, secure with bolts. Ensure handle folds properly.
Attach Grass Bag: Hook bag onto rear deck brackets and secure support rod.
Install Height Adjustment Lever: Connect lever to deck and test all height positions.
Add Engine Oil: Fill engine with SAE 30 detergent oil (check dipstick for proper level).
Add Gasoline: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum). Do not overfill.

WARNING! Always wear protective gloves during assembly. Ensure all bolts are tightened securely.

First-Time Setup

Before first use, complete final checks and safety procedures.

Check Oil Level: Ensure oil is at full mark on dipstick.
Inspect Blade: Ensure cutting blade is properly installed and sharp.
Set Cutting Height: Adjust lever to desired height (recommend 2.5" for first mow).
Choose Discharge Mode: Install mulch plug, bag, or set for side discharge.
Start Engine: Insert safety key, set choke, pull starter cord firmly.

CAUTION! Operate only in well-ventilated areas. Keep children and pets away during operation.

Specifications

Model: Murray 96017000900
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 140cc, 4-cycle
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height: 1.5" to 3.75" (6 positions)
Drive System: Rear-wheel self-propelled
Discharge Options: Mulch, Bag, Side-Discharge
Collection Bag Capacity: 2.5 bushels
Deck Material: Powder-coated steel
Wheels: 8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Weight: 65 lbs (approx.)

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Drive Control Lever, Height Adjustment Lever, Bail Handle (safety).

Starting Procedure: 1. Insert safety key. 2. Set choke to "START" (cold engine). 3. Press and hold bail handle against handle. 4. Pull starter cord firmly. 5. Move choke to "RUN" after engine starts.

Self-Propelled Operation: Press drive control lever against handle to engage wheels. Release to stop drive.

Stopping: Release bail handle to stop engine and blade. Remove safety key.

Cutting & Discharge Options

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

Mulching: Install mulch plug. Cuttings are recut and returned to lawn as fertilizer.
Bagging: Attach collection bag. Ideal for collecting clippings.
Side Discharge: Remove mulch plug and bag. Discharges clippings to side.

Tip: For best mulching results, mow when grass is dry and don't cut more than 1/3 of grass height.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Maintenance Task	Frequency
Check engine oil level	Before each use
Clean under deck	After each use (use washout port)
Check blade sharpness	Every 25 hours of use
Replace air filter	Every season or 25 hours
Change engine oil	Every season or 50 hours
Replace spark plug	Every 100 hours or season
Lubricate wheel bearings	Every season
Check drive belt tension	Every 50 hours

Safety Features

Bail Handle: Must be held against handle for engine to run; releases to stop engine and blade. Safety Key: Prevents unauthorized use. Blade Brake Clutch: Stops blade within 3 seconds when bail is released. Protective Deck: Shields from thrown objects.

Care & Storage

End-of-Season Storage: 1. Drain or stabilize gasoline. 2. Change engine oil. 3. Clean entire mower. 4. Remove spark plug, add teaspoon of oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly. 5. Store in dry, covered area.

CAUTION! Never store with gasoline in tank in enclosed area. Disconnect spark plug wire before any maintenance.

Regulatory Information

EPA Certified Engine: Meets emission standards. CARB Compliant: For use in California. Safety Standards: Complies with ANSI B71.1. Copyright © Murray LLC. For support, visit www.murray.com or contact 1-800-800-7310.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No safety key, old gas, clogged filter	Insert key, use fresh gas, clean/replace air filter.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old gasoline	Replace air filter, drain and refill with fresh gas.
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure	Sharpen or replace blade, check tire pressure.
Self-propelled not working	Drive belt loose or worn	Adjust or replace drive belt.
Excessive vibration	Loose or damaged blade	Tighten blade bolt or replace bent blade.
Grass not discharging	Wet grass, clogged deck	Mow when dry, clean under deck.

Service: 1-800-800-7310; www.murray.com