Murray 38473 Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray 38473 is a walk-behind, self-propelled gasoline lawn mower featuring a Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch cutting deck, 3-in-1 mulch/bag/side-discharge capability, single-lever height adjustment, easy-start system, and rear-wheel drive. This manual covers safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications to ensure proper use and longevity of your mower.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. Safety Precautions 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting Height Adjustment 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Engine Care 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, rear bagger, mulch plug, side discharge chute, single-lever height adjuster, self-propelled drive system, and recoil starter.

Feature	Description
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 140cc OHV engine with Easy Start™
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Options	Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge (3-in-1)
Drive System	Self-propelled rear-wheel drive
Height Adjustment	Single lever, 6 positions (1.5-3.75 inches)
Starter	Recoil pull-start
Fuel Tank	0.75-gallon capacity
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Handle	Foldable for storage
Bag Capacity	2.5 bushels

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assemble on a flat, clear surface.

Attach the handle: Align holes, insert bolts, and tighten with provided wrench.
Install the grass bag: Attach bag frame to rear deck hooks; secure bag.
Attach side discharge chute: If not pre-installed, secure with wing nut.
Install mulch plug: Insert into rear discharge opening for mulching mode.
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 detergent oil (approx. 20 oz).
Add gasoline: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).

WARNING! Keep hands and feet clear of cutting blade during assembly. Ensure all fasteners are tight.

Safety Precautions

Read all instructions before operation. Wear appropriate safety gear.

Clear mowing area of stones, sticks, and debris.
Never mow wet grass or in poor visibility.
Keep bystanders, especially children and pets, at a safe distance.
Always turn off engine and disconnect spark plug before maintenance.
Use hearing and eye protection.
Do not operate on slopes greater than 15 degrees.

CAUTION! Gasoline is flammable. Refuel outdoors, with engine off and cool.

Specifications

Model: Murray 38473
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 140cc, 4-cycle OHV
Cutting Deck: 21-inch stamped steel
Cutting Height: 1.5 to 3.75 inches (6 positions)
Drive: Self-propelled, rear-wheel
Speed Control: Variable via drive lever
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum)
Oil Type: SAE 30 detergent (API service class SJ or higher)
Weight: Approx. 65 lbs
Warranty: 2-year limited

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Drive engagement lever, speed control, height adjustment lever, recoil starter grip.

Starting: 1. Check oil and fuel. 2. Push primer bulb 3 times (cold engine). 3. Set throttle to FAST. 4. Pull recoil starter firmly.

Self-Propelled Operation: Squeeze drive lever to handle to engage wheels; release to stop drive. Adjust speed with thumb control.

Stopping: Release drive lever, move throttle to STOP, wait for blade to stop, disconnect spark plug for safety.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single lever adjusts all four wheels simultaneously.

Stop engine and ensure blade is not rotating.
Pull height adjust lever outward and move to desired position (1-6).
Release lever to lock into place.
Test mower stability on flat ground before mowing.

Tip: For first mow of season, set to highest setting; gradually lower for subsequent mows.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blade for damage, clear deck of debris
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil, check air filter, inspect spark plug
Every season	Sharpen or replace blade, clean underside of deck, check drive belt
As needed	Replace air filter, fuel filter, spark plug

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Engine Care

Briggs & Stratton engine requires proper oil and fuel management.

Oil Change: Run engine briefly to warm oil. Drain via dipstick tube or drain plug. Refill with SAE 30 (20 oz).
Air Filter: Clean foam pre-cleaner every 25 hours; replace paper element if dirty.
Spark Plug: Clean and gap to 0.030 inches; replace annually.
Fuel System: Use fresh gasoline; add fuel stabilizer for storage. Replace fuel filter yearly.

CAUTION! Do not overfill oil; check level with dipstick on level surface.

Storage Guidelines

Prepare mower for off-season storage to prevent damage.

Drain or stabilize fuel: Run engine dry or add fuel stabilizer.
Change oil and filter.
Clean underside of deck thoroughly.
Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon of oil into cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat.
Store in a dry, covered area, preferably elevated off concrete.

Tip: Lubricate wheel axles and height adjust pivot points before storage.

Warranty Information

Murray 38473 includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal residential use. Proof of purchase required. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, commercial use, or lack of maintenance. For warranty service, contact Murray customer service at 1-800-800-7310 or visit www.murray.com. Keep this manual and receipt for reference.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old gasoline, clogged filter, bad spark plug	Check fuel level; use fresh gas; clean/replace filter; check spark plug.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old fuel, water in fuel	Clean/replace air filter; drain fuel tank; refill with fresh gasoline.
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure, deck clogged	Sharpen/replace blade; inflate tires evenly; clean deck underside.
Self-propel not working	Drive belt worn or off pulley, drive cable loose	Inspect belt for wear/damage; adjust or replace drive cable.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent blade, debris on blade	Tighten blade bolt (disconnect spark plug first); replace bent blade.

Service: For technical support, call 1-800-800-7310 or visit www.murray.com.