Murray EQ2-500 Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray EQ2-500 is a 21-inch, 2-in-1 (mulch & bag) push lawn mower powered by a 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine. It features a single-lever height adjustment system (6 positions: 1.25" to 3.75"), durable steel deck, rear bagger with 2.1-bushel capacity, washout port for easy cleaning, and a 3-year limited warranty. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, single-lever height adjuster, rear bagger, washout port, fold-down handle.

Feature	Description
Engine	140cc Briggs & Stratton 450E series, recoil start
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Height	6 positions (1.25" - 3.75")
Deck Material	Powder-coated steel
2-in-1 Function	Mulch or bag with included rear bagger
Bag Capacity	2.1 bushels
Height Adjustment	Single lever for all four wheels
Washout Port	For easy deck cleaning
Handle	Fold-down for compact storage
Warranty	3-year limited

Assembly Instructions

Unpack all parts from box. Assembly requires adjustable wrench and screwdriver (included).

Attach handle: Align lower handle with deck brackets, secure with provided bolts and wing nuts.
Install upper handle: Slide onto lower handle, secure with knobs.
Attach bagger: Hook bagger frame onto rear deck brackets, ensure clips engage.
Install side discharge chute (if not mulching): Attach to side port with provided screw.
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 (approx. 20 oz.) - check dipstick.
Add gasoline: Use fresh unleaded (87 octane minimum), fill to indicated level.

WARNING! Do not add gasoline during assembly or near open flames. Ensure all fasteners are tight.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operation. Always wear sturdy shoes and eye protection.

Clear mowing area of stones, toys, and other objects that could be thrown.
Do not mow wet grass or in the rain.
Never allow children or pets near mower during operation.
Stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire before clearing blockages or performing maintenance.
Push mower forward; never pull backward while engine is running.
Use extreme caution on slopes; mow across slopes, not up and down.

DANGER! Blade rotation can cause severe injury. Keep hands and feet away from deck at all times.

Specifications

Model: Murray EQ2-500
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 450E, 140cc, 4-cycle
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height Range: 1.25" - 3.75" (6 positions)
Deck: 21-inch steel, powder-coated
Bag Capacity: 2.1 bushels
Wheels: 8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Weight (approx.): 55 lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.5 gallon
Oil Capacity: 20 oz. SAE 30
Warranty: 3-year limited

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Engine control lever (combines throttle and stop), drive control bar (safety handle).

Starting:

Check oil and fuel levels.
Move engine control lever to FAST (rabbit) position.
Prime engine by pressing primer bulb 3 times (cold start).
Grip drive control bar to handle.
Pull recoil starter cord briskly.

Stopping: Release drive control bar, move engine control lever to STOP.

Operation: To mow, grip drive control bar to handle and walk at steady pace.

Cutting Height Adjustment

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

Stop engine and ensure blade has stopped.
Pull height adjustment lever outward.
Move lever to desired position (1 = lowest, 6 = highest).
Release lever to lock into place.
Check that all wheels are at same height.

Tip: For first mow of season or very tall grass, start at highest setting, then lower.

Mulching & Bagging

Mulching Setup: Install mulch plug (included) into rear discharge opening. Ensure side discharge chute is removed.

Bagging Setup: Remove mulch plug, attach bagger frame and bag. Ensure chute is clear.

For best mulching, mow when grass is dry and not too tall.
Empty bag when it is 2/3 full to maintain airflow and performance.
To switch modes, always stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire.

WARNING! Never operate mower without mulch plug, bagger, or side discharge chute properly installed.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect for loose fasteners, clear deck of debris
Every 5 hours	Check blade for sharpness and damage
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (or seasonally), clean/replace air filter
Every season	Sharpen or replace blade, clean underside of deck, check spark plug
As needed	Clean bagger, wash out deck via washout port, lubricate height adjuster

Blade Sharpening: Remove blade, maintain original cutting angle. Balance blade before reinstalling.

Storage & Winterization

At end of season:

Run engine to warm oil, then drain completely. Refill with fresh SAE 30 oil.
Add fuel stabilizer to gas tank, run engine for 5 minutes to circulate.
Or, drain fuel tank and carburetor completely.
Clean entire mower, especially underside of deck.
Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon of oil into cylinder, pull starter cord slowly to coat, reinstall plug.
Store in dry place, cover if desired.

CAUTION! Gasoline left in system over winter can damage carburetor. Always stabilize or drain.

Warranty Information

Murray EQ2-500 is covered by a 3-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, misuse, neglect, commercial use, improper maintenance. Proof of purchase required. For warranty service, contact an authorized Murray service center. Keep this manual and receipt. For details, 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 wire disconnected	Add fresh fuel, clean/replace air filter, check spark plug connection.
Engine runs poorly or stalls	Dirty air filter, water in fuel, clogged carburetor	Replace air filter, drain fuel tank, clean carburetor.
Uneven cut	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure, deck clogged	Sharpen/replace blade, check tire pressure, clean deck.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent blade, debris stuck in blade	Stop engine, disconnect spark plug, tighten or replace blade.
Bagger not collecting clippings	Full bag, clogged chute, wet grass, engine speed too low	Empty bag, clear chute, mow dry grass, run at FAST setting.

Service: For repairs not covered here, contact authorized service center at 1-800-XXX-XXXX or www.murray.com.