Murray MX17542LT Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray MX17542LT is a 17.5 HP, 42-inch cutting width lawn tractor featuring a Briggs & Stratton engine, 6-speed manual transmission, electric start, adjustable cutting height, mulching capability, and a durable steel deck. Designed for residential use on medium to large lawns. 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 Operation 8. Safety Features 9. Maintenance & Storage 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch steel cutting deck, 6-speed manual transmission, Electric Start, Mulching Kit, Adjustable Seat, Cup Holder.

FeatureDescription
Engine17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder, overhead valve
Cutting Width42-inch reinforced steel deck
Transmission6-speed manual gear drive
Starting SystemElectric key start with backup recoil
Cutting HeightAdjustable 1.5 to 4 inches (lever-operated)
Fuel Tank2.5-gallon capacity
SeatHigh-back, adjustable fore/aft
Blade EngagementElectric PTO clutch
Drive SystemRear-wheel drive with differential
Mulching CapabilityStandard with mulch plug

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

  1. Install Steering Wheel: Align and secure with provided bolt.
  2. Attach Seat: Mount seat on slider rails and secure with bolts.
  3. Connect Battery: Connect red (+) then black (-) terminals.
  4. Install Deck: Lift mower, align deck with mounting points, secure with pins and belts.
  5. Attach Mulching Plug: Insert into rear discharge chute.
  6. Add Fluids: Add engine oil (SAE 30) and unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire during assembly to prevent accidental starting.

First-Time Operation

Perform pre-operation checks before starting.

  1. Check Oil Level: Ensure oil is at full mark on dipstick.
  2. Fuel: Fill tank with fresh unleaded gasoline.
  3. Cutting Height: Set lever to desired height (recommend 3 inches for first mow).
  4. Starting: Insert key, set parking brake, disengage PTO, turn key to START.
  5. Blade Engagement: Move to open area, engage PTO switch to lower blades.
  6. Driving: Release parking brake, select gear (start in 1st), depress clutch slowly.

CAUTION! Never operate on slopes greater than 15 degrees. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Dashboard: Ignition Key, PTO Switch, Throttle, Choke, Hour Meter. Floor: Clutch/Brake Pedal, Gear Shift Lever. Deck: Height Adjustment Lever.

Operation Controls: Key Start, Parking Brake Lever, PTO Engagement Lever, Throttle Control (Turtle/Rabbit). Cutting Height: Lever on left side of deck (positions 1-6). Transmission: Shift pattern labeled on console.

Settings: Engine Speed (throttle), Cutting Height, Seat Position (slide lever under seat). Safety: Parking brake must be engaged to start; seat safety switch stops engine if operator leaves seat with PTO engaged.

Attaching Accessories

Compatible with Murray 42-inch accessories: Mulching Kit, Bagging System, Snow Blade.

  1. Turn off engine, remove key, and disconnect spark plug.
  2. Mulching Kit: Install mulch plug in rear discharge chute.
  3. Bagging System: Attach rear bagger brackets to hitch, connect chute to deck.
  4. Snow Blade: Mount to front hitch, connect lift rod to dashboard lever.

Tip: Always refer to accessory manual for specific installation instructions.

Mowing Operation

For best results, mow when grass is dry.

  1. Pre-check: Clear area of debris, check tire pressure.
  2. Start Engine: Engage parking brake, disengage PTO, turn key.
  3. Warm Up: Allow engine to run at half throttle for 30 seconds.
  4. Engage Blades: Move to mowing area, engage PTO switch.
  5. Mow: Overlap passes by 2-3 inches for even cut.
  6. Slopes: Mow up and down, not across, on slopes less than 15°.
  7. Shut Down: Disengage PTO, engage parking brake, turn key off.
  8. Clean Deck: After mowing, clean underside of deck.

WARNING! Never remove grass catcher or mulch plug while engine is running. Watch for hidden obstacles.

Safety Features

Operator Presence System: Engine stops if operator leaves seat with blades engaged. Blade Brake Clutch: Stops blades within 3 seconds of disengagement. Parking Brake: Must be engaged to start engine. Safety Labels: Read and obey all labels on mower.

Maintenance & Storage

Regular maintenance ensures long life and safe operation.

After Each Use: Clean deck, check for damage. Every 25 Hours: Check tire pressure, inspect blades. Every 50 Hours: Change engine oil, check air filter. Every 100 Hours: Replace spark plug, sharpen blades. Seasonal Storage: Drain fuel or add stabilizer, remove battery, store in dry place.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug before performing any maintenance. Use only genuine Murray parts.

Regulatory Information

EPA Certified Engine: Meets emission standards. ANSI/OPEI B71.1: Complies with safety standards for ride-on mowers. Copyright © Murray LLC. For support, visit www.murray.com or contact 1-800-269-6215. Keep this manual for future reference.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startFuel, spark, batteryCheck fuel level, spark plug connection, battery charge.
Loss of powerClogged deck, old fuelClean underside of deck; drain and replace gasoline.
Uneven cuttingDull blades, tire pressureSharpen or balance blades; check and equalize tire pressure.
Excessive vibrationLoose blade, debrisStop engine, check blade tightness; remove debris from deck.
Blades won't engagePTO switch, seat sensorCheck PTO fuse; ensure operator is seated properly.

Reset: Turn key off, wait 30 seconds, restart.

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

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