How to Install the Engine Cut Off Handle on a Murray Push Mower

When Murray push lawnmowers ship to stores, they don't arrive fully assembled. Though some retailers sell assembled models, stores may only assemble one mower for display. To get your new mower functional, you need to attach the engine cut off handle, which connects to an engine kill switch, to the mower handle. Putting the engine stop lever handle on your Murray lawnmower is a simple, tool-free process. The cable that transmits the handle position to the engine kill switch may be pre-attached. If not, it also slips together without any tools.

Slip both ends of the engine stop lever handle into the holes on the upper portion of the Murray lawnmower handle with the handle of the engine safety lever resting above the mower's push handle. Remove the plastic tie strap off the lever cable connection slot, if present.

Slip the barrel from the end of the engine stop cable into the engine stop lever handle connection slot. Clamp the cable onto the middle of the handle with the clip-on sleeve clamp, leaving the cable running through the small tube on the clamp. Slip the plastic tie strap around the cable at the lower end of the handle.

Attach the cable to the engine kill switch lever, if necessary. Some Murray push mowers will come with the cable pre-attached to the engine kill switch. Push the metal Z-shaped end of the cable through the cable stop below the pull cord. Thread the Z through the hole in the kill switch lever from the underside.

Test the lever to see that the engine kill lever moves from side to side when the stop lever handle position changes. Remove the cable completely and reassemble it if the kill switch lever does not move freely when the engine stop lever handle moves.