1. Product Overview
The Murray EQ2-500X is a compact, self-propelled thermal lawnmower designed for efficient lawn care. It is equipped with a powerful and reliable Briggs & Stratton 575EX engine, making it suitable for medium to large-sized lawns. This model features a durable 51 cm (20 inch) steel cutting deck and a versatile 4-in-1 function for collecting, mulching, rear discharge, and side discharge. The ergonomic handle can be easily folded for convenient storage.
Figure 1: Overall view of the Murray EQ2-500X Lawnmower.
2. Safety Guidelines
Always prioritize safety when operating the lawnmower. Read and understand all instructions before use.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including eye protection, hearing protection, and sturdy footwear.
- Ensure the work area is clear of debris, stones, and other objects that could be thrown by the blades.
- Never operate the lawnmower in wet grass or adverse weather conditions.
- Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts.
- Turn off the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire before performing any maintenance, cleaning, or clearing blockages.
- Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine off and cool.
- Do not allow children or untrained individuals to operate the lawnmower.
3. Product Components
The Murray EQ2-500X lawnmower consists of several key components designed for optimal performance and user convenience.
- Briggs & Stratton 575EX Engine: Provides reliable power for cutting.
- Steel Cutting Deck (51 cm): Durable housing for the cutting blade.
- 75L Soft Grass Bag: Collects grass clippings.
- Ergonomic Handle: Designed for comfortable operation and folds for storage.
- Central Cutting Height Adjustment: Lever for easy adjustment of cutting height.
- Integrated Wash Port: For easy cleaning of the cutting deck.
Figure 2: Key features and components of the lawnmower.
4. Setup and Initial Preparation
Before first use, some assembly and preparation are required.
- Handle Assembly: Unfold the handle and secure it in the operating position using the provided knobs or levers. Ensure all connections are tight.
- Add Engine Oil: The engine requires 0.47 liters of SAE30 4-stroke engine oil (not included). Locate the oil fill cap, remove it, and carefully pour in the correct amount of oil. Do not overfill. Replace the cap securely.
- Add Fuel: Fill the fuel tank with fresh, unleaded gasoline. Ensure the engine is cool before refueling. Do not fill the tank to the brim; leave some space for expansion.
- Check Spark Plug: Ensure the spark plug wire is securely connected.
Figure 3: Briggs & Stratton 575EX Series engine detail.
5. Operation
5.1 Starting the Engine
- Ensure the fuel valve (if present) is open.
- Prime the engine by pressing the primer bulb (if equipped) 3-5 times until fuel is visible.
- Hold the operator presence control bar against the handle.
- Pull the starter rope firmly and steadily until the engine starts.
5.2 Adjusting Cutting Height
The lawnmower features a convenient 6-level central cutting height adjustment system, ranging from 25 mm to 75 mm.
- Turn off the engine and wait for the blade to stop completely.
- Locate the central height adjustment lever, typically near one of the rear wheels.
- Pull the lever outwards and move it to the desired height setting. Ensure it locks securely into place.
- For best results, avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade length at a time.
Figure 4: 6-step central cutting height adjustment.
5.3 Mowing Functions (4-in-1)
The EQ2-500X offers four versatile mowing options:
- Collecting: For a clean finish, use the 75-liter grass bag to collect clippings. The bag features a dust protection and fill level indicator.
- Mulching: Finely chops grass clippings and returns them to the lawn as natural fertilizer. Install the mulching plug (if included).
- Rear Discharge: Discharges clippings from the rear of the mower. Remove the grass bag for this function.
- Side Discharge: Discharges clippings from the side. Attach the side discharge chute (if included).
Figure 5: 4-in-1 mowing capabilities.
6. Maintenance and Care
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your lawnmower.
- Cleaning: After each use, clean the cutting deck. The integrated wash port makes this easy: connect a garden hose, turn on the water, and start the engine for a short period to clean the underside.
- Blade Inspection: Regularly check the blade for sharpness and damage. A dull blade can tear grass, leading to an unhealthy lawn. Replace or sharpen as needed.
- Oil Change: Change the engine oil according to the Briggs & Stratton engine manual, typically after the first 5 hours of use, then every 25-50 hours or annually.
- Air Filter: Inspect and clean or replace the air filter regularly to ensure proper engine performance.
- Spark Plug: Check and clean or replace the spark plug annually.
- Storage: For long-term storage, drain the fuel or add a fuel stabilizer. Clean the mower thoroughly and store it in a dry, protected area. The ergonomic handle can be folded to save space.
Figure 6: Easy cleaning with the integrated wash port.
7. Troubleshooting
Refer to this table for common issues and their solutions.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Engine does not start | No fuel, stale fuel, spark plug issue, clogged air filter, operator presence control not engaged. | Check fuel level, use fresh fuel, inspect/clean/replace spark plug, clean/replace air filter, ensure control bar is held. |
| Engine runs rough or stalls | Clogged air filter, dirty spark plug, old fuel, carburetor issue. | Clean/replace air filter, clean/replace spark plug, drain and refill with fresh fuel, consult service center for carburetor. |
| Poor cutting performance | Dull blade, incorrect cutting height, wet grass, excessive grass height. | Sharpen/replace blade, adjust cutting height, wait for grass to dry, cut in multiple passes. |
| Excessive vibration | Bent blade, loose blade, engine imbalance. | Inspect blade for damage, tighten blade bolt, consult service center. |
8. Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | EQ2-500X 2nd Gen |
| Engine | Briggs & Stratton 575EX Series, 140cc |
| Max Torque | 7.46 Nm (7.6 Nm as per image) |
| Nominal Power | 2.06 kW / 2900 rpm |
| Cutting Width | 51 cm (20 inches) |
| Cutting Height Adjustment | 6 levels (25 mm to 75 mm) |
| Grass Bag Capacity | 75 Liters |
| Functions | 4-in-1 (Collecting, Mulching, Rear Discharge, Side Discharge) |
| Deck Material | Durable Steel |
| Weight | 29 Kilograms |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 96 x 38 x 101 cm (folded for storage) |
Figure 7: Key specifications at a glance.
9. Warranty and Support
The Murray EQ2-500X lawnmower comes with a 2-year limited consumer warranty.
For engine-related issues, Murray gasoline lawnmowers are supported by the extensive network of authorized Briggs & Stratton engine dealers. For Murray-specific spare parts or product support, please consult an authorized Murray dealer or contact Murray customer service.
