Basic operation questions 1999 14.5 HP Murray GT

15 years ago

I have some questions about basic operation of a Murray 14.5 HP GT.

There is a lever under the seat with a locking slot at one end. What is this for?

Does this model have a reverse?

How do I put it into "park" so it won't free wheel while stored?

I don't know what a pull rod on the dash labeled "P" is for.

How do I turn the lights on?

14.5HP BRIGGS & STRATTON I/C:

Mod.: 287707

Type: 1272-E1

Code: 99621 6ZE

Murray garden tractor:

Mod. 42598X92A

Mfg. Date: 99054 (Feb. 1999)

Ser. No.: 7409705491D01095

Thanks,

Bob

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Comments (4)

mownie
15 years ago
I am inclined to presume you have recently acquired this tractor? It sounds like this tractor has a hydrostatic transmission (fluid drive). I'm pretty certain that the lever under the seat is the "free wheeling or bypass" control that allows you to manually roll the machine when the engine is not running. This is a very useful feature for moving the machine to a parking position for storage in close quarters, or any time the tractor must be moved and the engine does not run. The pull knob on the dash is most likely for engaging the parking brake lock. To check for this, press down (could require great effort) on the brake pedal while pulling out on the knob. You might be able to hear or feel the locking pawl "snick" into the lock positon. Continue pulling on the knob while you take your foot off the brake and the knob should remain (somewhat) in the pulled position and the parking brake should be locked now. To release the parking brake, push down on the brake pedal without touching the dash knob. When the brake pedal goes down far enough, the knob will disengage and the parking brake is now released. I also must guess that this tractor DOES NOT have a transmission directional control lever (on a fender perhaps) but instead uses a foot pedal control for forward and reverse. With the foot pedal directional control, you generally have to push forward at the top edge of the pedal to go forward and push forward or down on the bottom edge of the pedal to select reverse. Taking your foot off of the pedal should return the transmision to "neutral" AND apply the automatic dynamic braking afforded by hydrostatic transmissions. It is this "dynamic braking" feature that the lever under the seat defeats when you need to move a non-running machine. If this is your first tractor or your first hydrostatic transmission, you have a bit of learning ahead. Take note that pushing lightly on the transmission pedal will produce slow going but a heavy foot will result in jack rabbit starts (in either direction). It is advisable that you get the machine into an open area to practice and "play with" until you are comfortable with all aspects of operation. I hope some other members will jump in here with more specific details in regard to your exact machine. Be careful out there.
lostuzer
Original Author
15 years ago
Yes; I just got the tractor Sunday in anticipation of mowing the yard at the house we're closing on this 23rd of Jan. The 14.5 HP is overkill for my new yard but it was a great deal on Craig's list. The owner ruined the battery and thought the starter had a bent shaft due to hard starting. It wasn't doing anything for him and he just wanted it out of his garage.
Once started it blew smoke for about 30 seconds and then cleared right up. It runs like a champ. It just (I believe from what I've read) needs a valve adjustment.

Thank you for all of your good advice.
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bill_kapaun
15 years ago
If you Google 42598X92A, you should find some info, mainly parts diagrams.

Most likely the lights are part of the ignition switch.
You start the tractor and the lights will be OFF. Turn the key one more position to the left and you should have lights. One more is OFF.
The lights are on a separate AC circuit, so the engine must be running.
Phil11
11 years ago
14.5HP BRIGGS & STRATTON I/C:
Mod.: 287707
Type: 1272-E1
Code: 99621 6ZE

Murray garden tractor:
Mod. 42598X92A
Mfg. Date: 99054 (Feb. 1999)

I have replaced the drive belt but after 5-10 minutes, no forward motion. Is there a place for fluid?

Basic operation questions 1999 14.5 HP Murray GT

Comments (4)

mownie

lostuzer
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Basic operation questions 1999 14.5 HP Murray GT

Comments (4)

mownie

lostuzerOriginal Author

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Phil11

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lostuzer
Original Author