Murray EQ2-500X Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray EQ2-500X 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 (1.5-4 inches), durable steel deck, easy-fold handle, 2.1 bushel rear bag, washout port for cleaning, and a 2-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 Precautions 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 adjustment, fold-down handle, rear grass bag, washout port, and 2-in-1 mulch/bag capability.

Feature	Description
Engine	140cc Briggs & Stratton 450E series, 4-cycle
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Height	Single-lever adjustment (6 positions: 1.5" - 4")
Deck Material	Durable steel with corrosion-resistant finish
Drive System	Manual push (non-self-propelled)
Grass Bag Capacity	2.1 bushels, rear-mounted
2-in-1 Function	Mulch or bag with included plug
Handle	Easy-fold design for compact storage
Washout Port	For easy deck cleaning after use
Warranty	2-year limited warranty

Assembly Instructions

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

Attach lower handle: Bolt lower handle sections to deck using provided hardware.
Install upper handle: Connect upper handle to lower handle, secure with knobs.
Attach grass bag: Hang bag on rear bag hooks; ensure it is secure.
Install mulch plug (if mulching): Insert plug into rear discharge chute.
Add oil and gasoline: Fill engine with SAE 30 oil (18 oz) and unleaded gasoline.

WARNING! Do not add gasoline during assembly. Add only after assembly is complete and mower is outdoors.

Safety Precautions

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

Clear mowing area of stones, toys, and other objects that could be thrown.
Do not operate on steep slopes (over 15 degrees).
Never remove grass bag or mulch plug while engine is running.
Stop engine and wait for blade to stop before crossing gravel drives or roads.
Keep hands and feet away from rotating blade and discharge area.

DANGER! Gasoline is flammable. Refuel outdoors only, with engine off and cool.

Specifications

Model: Murray EQ2-500X
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 450E, 140cc, 4-cycle
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Deck: 21-inch steel, 2-in-1 mulch/bag
Bag Capacity: 2.1 bushels
Wheel Size: 8-inch front, 8-inch rear
Weight: 55 lbs (approx.)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.5 gallons
Oil Capacity: 18 oz SAE 30 (summer)
Warranty: 2-year limited

Controls and Operation

Handle: Throttle control, recoil starter grip, blade control bail (deadman switch).

Starting: 1. Push primer bulb 3 times (cold engine). 2. Set throttle to FAST. 3. Pull recoil starter. Stopping: Release blade control bail; engine stops. Set throttle to STOP.

Blade Control Bail: Must be held against handle to keep engine running. Release to stop engine and blade.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single lever adjusts all four wheels simultaneously.

Stop engine and wait for blade to stop.
Pull height adjustment lever toward wheel.
Move lever to desired notch (1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, or 4 inches).
Release lever; ensure it locks into place.

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

Mulching & Bagging

2-in-1 system: Use mulch plug for mulching; remove plug and attach bag for bagging.

Mulching: Insert mulch plug into rear discharge chute. Cuttings are recut and returned to lawn as fertilizer.
Bagging: Remove mulch plug. Attach grass bag to rear hooks. Empty bag when full; do not overfill.

WARNING! Always stop engine before changing between mulch and bag modes.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and safe operation.

Task	Frequency
Check oil level	Before each use
Check blade for sharpness/damage	Every 25 hours
Replace air filter	Every season or 25 hours
Change oil (first change)	After first 5 hours
Change oil (subsequent)	Every season or 50 hours
Clean under deck	After each use (via washout port)
Spark plug inspection/replacement	Every season or 100 hours
Lubricate wheels and height adjuster	Every season

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for off-season storage to prevent damage.

Run engine to burn off remaining fuel, or add fuel stabilizer to full tank and run for 5 minutes.
Change oil (if due).
Remove spark plug, add 1 oz of oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat, reinstall plug.
Clean entire mower, especially under deck.
Store in a cool, dry place, with bag and mulch plug removed.

CAUTION! Never store mower with gasoline in tank indoors or near open flame.

Warranty Information

Murray EQ2-500X 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, or lack of maintenance. Proof of purchase is required. For warranty service, contact Murray customer service at 1-800-800-7310 or visit www.murray.com.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No fuel, stale fuel, clogged air filter, spark plug	Check fuel level; use fresh gasoline. Clean/replace air filter. Check/replace spark plug.
Engine runs poorly or stalls	Dirty air filter, old gasoline, clogged fuel line	Replace air filter. Drain and refill with fresh fuel. Check fuel line for obstructions.
Uneven cutting	Dull or bent blade, uneven tire pressure	Sharpen or replace blade. Check all tires; inflate to equal pressure (if applicable).
Mower vibrates excessively	Loose blade, debris wrapped around blade	Stop engine, disconnect spark plug. Tighten blade bolt. Remove debris.
Grass not discharging into bag	Wet grass, full bag, clogged deck	Mow when grass is dry. Empty bag. Clean under deck.
Wheels hard to adjust	Rust or dirt on height adjuster	Clean adjuster mechanism and lubricate with light oil.

Service: For parts and service, visit www.murray.com or call 1-800-800-7310.