Murray MD2045FC Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray MD2045FC is a 20-inch, 4.5 HP Briggs & Stratton-powered push lawn mower with a 3-in-1 cutting system (mulch, bag, side discharge), 6-position single-lever height adjustment, durable steel deck, easy-start engine, and large rear wheels for enhanced maneuverability. This manual covers safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications. Always read and follow all safety instructions before use.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. Safety Information 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting System Setup 7. Starting & Stopping Engine 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Briggs & Stratton 4.5 HP engine, 20-inch steel cutting deck, 3-in-1 discharge system, single-lever height adjustment, rear-wheel drive, and durable polymer wheels.

Feature	Description
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 4.5 HP, 125cc, recoil start
Cutting Width	20 inches
Cutting System	3-in-1 (Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge)
Height Adjustment	Single-lever, 6 positions (1.25" - 3.75")
Deck Material	Powder-coated steel
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive with traction control
Fuel Tank	1.0 quart capacity
Oil Capacity	20 oz. (SAE 30 recommended)
Weight	Approx. 65 lbs

Assembly Instructions

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

Attach handle: Align lower handle with deck brackets, secure with provided bolts and washers.
Install upper handle: Connect to lower handle, tighten knobs securely.
Attach grass bag: Slide bag frame onto rear deck hooks; ensure it locks in place.
Install side discharge chute: Attach to deck opening with wing nut (if using side discharge).
Add engine oil: Fill with 20 oz SAE 30 motor oil (check dipstick).
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

WARNING! Do not add fuel or oil while engine is hot. Ensure all fasteners are tight before operation.

Safety Information

Always follow these safety rules to prevent serious injury or death.

Read manual thoroughly before assembly or operation.
Clear mowing area of stones, toys, and other objects.
Wear sturdy shoes, long pants, and eye protection.
Do not mow when children or pets are present.
Never operate without discharge chute, bag, or mulch plug properly installed.
Stop engine and wait for blades to stop before crossing gravel drives or roads.
Do not put hands or feet near rotating blades.
Use extreme caution when mowing on slopes; mow across slopes, not up and down.

DANGER! Gasoline is flammable. Store fuel in approved container away from ignition sources.

Specifications

Model: Murray MD2045FC
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 4.5 HP, 125cc, OHV
Cutting Width: 20 inches
Cutting Height: 6 positions, 1.25" - 3.75"
Deck: 20-inch steel, powder-coated
Wheels: 8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Drive: Rear-wheel drive
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum)
Fuel Capacity: 1.0 quart
Oil Type: SAE 30 (above 40°F), 10W-30 (below 40°F)
Oil Capacity: 20 oz.
Weight: 65 lbs (approx.)

Controls and Operation

Key controls: Engine throttle, drive control bar, height adjustment lever, primer bulb, recoil starter.

Handle Controls: Drive control bar (squeeze to engage wheels), height adjustment lever (set cutting height). Engine Controls: Throttle lever (FAST/SLOW/STOP), primer bulb (3 presses for cold start), recoil starter handle. Operation: Set height, start engine, squeeze drive bar to move. Release drive bar to stop motion. Always operate at FULL throttle for best cut.

Cutting System Setup

Configure for mulching, bagging, or side discharge.

Mulching: Install mulch plug over discharge opening. Ensure bag is removed.
Bagging: Attach grass bag to rear deck hooks. Remove mulch plug and side chute.
Side Discharge: Install side discharge chute. Remove mulch plug and bag.

Tip: For best mulching, mow when grass is dry and cut no more than 1/3 of grass height.

Starting & Stopping Engine

Follow these steps for safe starting and stopping.

Starting:
- Check oil and fuel levels.
- Move throttle lever to FAST position.
- Press primer bulb 3 times (cold engine).
- Hold drive control bar against handle.
- Pull recoil starter briskly.
Stopping:
- Move throttle lever to STOP position.
- Wait for blade to stop completely.
- Disconnect spark plug wire for maintenance.

WARNING! Never leave mower unattended with engine running. Keep hands and feet clear of discharge area.

Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance Task	Frequency
Check engine oil level	Before each use
Clean under deck	After each use
Check blade sharpness/balance	Every 25 hours
Replace air filter	Every season or 25 hours
Change engine oil	First 5 hours, then every 50 hours
Replace spark plug	Every 100 hours
Lubricate wheels & height adjuster	Every 25 hours
Check drive belt tension	Every 50 hours

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

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage extends mower life.

Drain fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer.
Run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
Change engine oil (if due).
Clean underside of deck thoroughly.
Sharpen and balance blade.
Store in dry, covered area.
Remove spark plug, add 1 oz oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat.

CAUTION! Gasoline left in tank over 30 days can damage engine. Use stabilizer or drain completely.

Warranty Information

Murray mowers are backed by a limited warranty. The MD2045FC includes a 2-year limited warranty on the mower and a 2-year limited warranty on the Briggs & Stratton engine. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal residential use. Proof of purchase required. For warranty service, contact an authorized Murray service center. For support, visit www.murray.com or call 1-800-800-7310.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old gas, clogged filter	Add fresh fuel; check fuel line; clean/replace air filter.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old fuel	Replace air filter; drain and refill with fresh gasoline.
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure	Sharpen/balance blade; check tire pressure (12 PSI).
Mower vibrates excessively	Bent blade, loose parts	Inspect and replace blade if bent; tighten all bolts.
Wheels not driving	Drive cable loose, belt worn	Adjust drive cable tension; replace drive belt if worn.
Grass not discharging	Wet grass, clogged deck	Mow when grass is dry; clean underside of deck.

Service: For repairs not covered here, contact authorized service center at 1-800-800-7310 or www.murray.com.