Murray MP500 Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray MP500 is a 5.0 horsepower, 21-inch push rotary lawn mower featuring a Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 side discharge/mulch/bagging capability, single-lever height adjustment, durable steel deck, and easy-start system. 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 8. Storage Guidelines 9. Safety Information 10. Warranty & Support 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, 3-in-1 discharge system, single-lever height adjustment, rear bagger, and easy-start system.

Feature	Description
Engine	5.0 HP Briggs & Stratton 4-cycle engine
Cutting Width	21-inch steel cutting deck
Cutting Options	Side discharge, mulching, or rear bagging
Height Adjustment	Single-lever adjusts all four wheels (1-4 inches)
Starting System	Recoil starter with primer bulb
Drive System	Push-type, non-self-propelled
Fuel Tank	1-quart capacity
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front plastic wheels
Bag Capacity	1.8 bushel rear collection bag
Weight	Approximately 55 lbs

Assembly Instructions

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

Attach handle: Secure upper and lower handle sections with provided bolts and wing nuts.
Install wheels: Slide wheels onto axles and secure with retaining clips.
Attach grass bag: Hook bag frame onto rear deck brackets.
Install discharge chute: For side discharge, attach chute to deck opening.
Add engine oil: Fill with SAE 30 detergent oil (check dipstick).
Add gasoline: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).

WARNING! Always wear gloves during assembly. Ensure all fasteners are tight before operation.

First-Time Setup

Complete assembly, then prepare for first use.

Check oil level: Ensure oil is at full mark on dipstick.
Fuel up: Fill tank with fresh unleaded gasoline.
Set cutting height: Adjust single lever to desired position (start at 3 inches).
Select discharge option: Install appropriate chute or plug for mulching/bagging.
Start engine: Prime 3 times, set choke, pull starter cord firmly.

CAUTION! Operate outdoors only. Keep children and pets away during startup.

Specifications

Model: Murray MP500
Engine: 5.0 HP Briggs & Stratton 4-cycle
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height: 1 to 4 inches (8 positions)
Deck Material: Powder-coated steel
Discharge Options: Side discharge, mulching, rear bagging
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum)
Oil Type: SAE 30 detergent (20 oz capacity)
Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

Controls and Operation

Main controls: Engine control lever, primer bulb, recoil starter, height adjustment lever.

Starting Procedure:

Move engine control lever to START position.
Press primer bulb 3 times (cold engine).
Set choke to CLOSED position.
Pull starter cord briskly until engine starts.
Move choke to OPEN after engine warms.

Stopping: Move engine control lever to STOP position.

Height Adjustment: Move single lever to desired setting (1-4 inches).

Cutting & Discharge Options

Three cutting modes: Side discharge, mulching, bagging.

Side Discharge: Install discharge chute. Cuts and throws clippings to side.
Mulching: Install mulching plug. Cuts and recuts clippings into fine particles.
Bagging: Install rear bag. Collects clippings for disposal.

Tip: For best results, never cut more than 1/3 of grass height at one time.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Maintenance	Frequency
Check oil level	Before each use
Clean underside of deck	After each use
Sharpen/replace blade	Every 25 hours or season
Change engine oil	Every 50 hours or season
Replace air filter	Every 25 hours
Replace spark plug	Every 100 hours
Check wheel bolts/nuts	Monthly

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Drain or stabilize fuel: Run engine dry or add fuel stabilizer.
Change oil: Replace with fresh oil before storage.
Clean thoroughly: Remove grass from deck and undercarriage.
Store properly: Keep in dry, covered area away from moisture.
Remove spark plug: Add teaspoon of oil to cylinder and pull starter slowly.

CAUTION! Never store with gasoline in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer.

Safety Information

Always follow these safety precautions when operating your mower.

Read manual completely before operation
Wear sturdy shoes, eye protection, and long pants
Clear mowing area of stones, sticks, and debris
Never mow wet grass
Never leave mower unattended while running
Keep hands and feet away from cutting blade
Stop engine before adjusting height or clearing blockages
Do not allow children to operate mower

Warranty & Support

Murray MP500 comes with 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. For warranty service, contact authorized Murray service center with proof of purchase. For technical support, visit www.murray.com or call 1-800-800-7310.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, bad spark plug, clogged air filter	Check fuel level; clean/replace spark plug; clean air filter
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old gasoline, water in fuel	Clean air filter; drain old gas; use fresh fuel
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure, deck clogged	Sharpen blade; check tire pressure; clean deck
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent blade, debris in blade	Tighten blade bolts; replace bent blade; remove debris
Won't discharge/mulch	Wet grass, engine speed too low, deck clogged	Wait for grass to dry; increase throttle; clean deck
Bag not filling	Clogged chute, wet grass, engine speed too low	Clear chute; wait for dry conditions; increase throttle

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized service center.

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