Murray CLT185420 Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray CLT185420 is a 18.5 HP, 42-inch cutting width lawn tractor with a Briggs & Stratton engine, 5-speed manual transmission, electric start, mulching capability, adjustable cutting height (1.5-4 inches), and a 2.5-gallon fuel tank. It features a durable steel deck, ergonomic high-back seat, cup holder, and a manual blade engagement 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. Attaching Accessories 7. Mowing Procedures 8. Safety Features 9. Maintenance & Storage 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch steel cutting deck, 5-speed manual transmission, Electric Start key, Cutting Height Lever, Blade Engagement Lever, Fuel Tank, Cup Holder.

Feature	Description
Engine	18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder, overhead valve
Cutting Width	42-inch reinforced steel deck
Transmission	5-speed manual gear drive
Starting System	Electric key start with backup recoil
Fuel Tank	2.5-gallon capacity
Cutting Height Adjustment	Lever adjusts 1.5 to 4 inches in 0.5-inch increments
Blade Engagement	Manual lever to engage/disengage cutting blades
Seat	Ergonomic high-back with suspension
Mulching Capability	Standard mulching kit included
Headlights	Two front headlights for low-light operation

Assembly Instructions

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

Attach Steering Wheel: Align splines and secure with provided bolt.
Install Seat: Place seat on mounting bracket and secure with bolts.
Connect Battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) cables to battery terminals.
Attach Cutting Deck: Lower deck under tractor frame and secure with pins and belts.
Install Mulching Plug (if used): Insert into rear discharge chute.

WARNING! Tractor is heavy; use assistance. Ensure all bolts are tightened to specified torque.

First-Time Operation

Before starting, perform pre-operation checks.

Check Engine Oil: Ensure oil level is between marks on dipstick.
Add Fuel: Fill tank with fresh, unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).
Adjust Seat: Position for comfortable reach to all controls.
Adjust Cutting Height: Set lever to desired height (start at 3 inches).
Start Engine: Insert key, set parking brake, and turn to START.

CAUTION! Operate only in clear, dry conditions. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

Specifications

Engine: 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, OHV.
Cutting Width: 42 inches.
Transmission: 5-speed manual, gear drive.
Cutting Heights: 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4 inches.
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons.
Deck Material: 12-gauge steel.
Tires: Front 15x6.00-6, Rear 20x10.00-8.
Weight: 450 lbs (approx.).
Warranty: 2-year limited warranty.

Controls and Settings

Dashboard: Ignition Key, Headlight Switch, Hour Meter. Control Levers: Cutting Height Lever, Blade Engagement Lever, Parking Brake Lever, Gear Shift Lever.

Steering: Wheel controls front wheels. Pedals: Clutch/brake pedal (left), Speed control pedal (right).

Operation: Set parking brake before starting. Engage blades only when moving forward. Adjust speed with gear shift and pedal. Use headlights in low light.

Attaching Accessories

Compatible with Murray tow-behind spreader, aerator, or cart (sold separately).

Ensure tractor is off and parking brake engaged.
Align hitch pin on accessory with tractor's hitch receiver.
Insert hitch pin and secure with clip.
Connect safety chain to tractor frame.

Tip: Do not exceed 250 lbs towed weight. Distribute weight evenly in carts.

Mowing Procedures

For best results, mow when grass is dry.

Clear Area: Remove sticks, stones, and debris from lawn.
Set Cutting Height: Adjust lever based on grass type and season.
Start Mowing: Engage blades, release parking brake, and drive forward.
Overlap Passes: Overlap each pass by 2-3 inches for even cut.
Change Patterns: Alternate mowing direction weekly to prevent ruts.
Mulching: Ensure mulching plug is installed for fine clippings.
Slopes: Mow across slopes, not up and down, to prevent tipping.
After Mowing: Disengage blades, let engine idle for 30 seconds, then turn off.

WARNING! Never mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees. Keep bystanders away.

Safety Features

Blade Safety: Blades stop within 3 seconds of disengagement. Seat Safety Switch: Engine stops if operator leaves seat with blades engaged. Parking Brake: Must be engaged to start engine.

Maintenance & Storage

Perform regular maintenance for optimal performance.

After Each Use: Clean deck of grass clippings.
Every 25 Hours: Check tire pressure, inspect blades for sharpness.
Every 50 Hours: Change engine oil, replace air filter.
Every 100 Hours: Replace spark plug, check drive belts.
Seasonal Storage: Drain fuel or add stabilizer, remove battery, store indoors.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance. Store fuel in approved container.

Warranty Information

Murray CLT185420 includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. Proof of purchase required. For warranty service, contact an authorized Murray service center or call 1-800-269-6215. Keep this manual for reference.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, dead battery, safety switch	Check fuel level; charge battery; ensure parking brake engaged and seat occupied.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, low engine speed	Sharpen or replace blades; set throttle to full speed.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, unbalanced deck	Tighten blade bolt; check deck for debris or damage.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old fuel	Replace air filter; drain and refill with fresh gasoline.
Transmission slips	Low oil, worn drive belt	Check transmission oil level; inspect and replace belt if worn.

Reset: Turn key off and wait 2 minutes to reset safety switches.

Service: 1-800-269-6215; www.murray.com