Thanks again for the info Murray.
Boy have I been a busy bee!
From online searches and cross referencing part numbers I came up with the following: the nearest model # and manual I could find is a 8-31515. My mower is VERY similar to that one abeit a few years newer. But I could go no further from there on my own.
Then I contacted a business to see if they had a 1990/1991 year book of Murray mowers that I can browse through myself (and not waste their time!). Today someone from the spare parts section emailed me with:
Looking at your pictures and using a parts catalogue
This Machine looks to be a 31520x72a 12hp 30inch cut
Hope this helps.
WOW! What an incredible thing for a business to do for someone, and what a stroke of luck for me!
Now, to hunt down a parts/repair/operator�s manual(s)� a quick search on google came up empty. Nor is there one on this forum in the manual section, although outdoorking.com lists a 30� blade for a 31519 and 31520 mower, so maybe outdoorking.com has one or can track one down????
Can anyone help?