Murray 385011x50A Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray 385011x50A is a 21-inch, 3-in-1 side discharge/mulch/bag push lawn mower powered by a 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine. It features a single-lever height adjustment, durable steel deck, easy-fold handle, and a 2.1-bushel rear bag. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. Safety Information 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting Height Adjustment 7. 3-in-1 Deck Conversion 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, single-lever height adjustment, 3-in-1 functionality (side discharge, mulch, bag), fold-down handle, rear grass bag, and recoil start.

Feature	Description
Engine	140cc Briggs & Stratton 450E Series, OHV
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Deck	Durable steel construction
Cutting Options	Side Discharge, Mulch, Bag (3-in-1)
Height Adjustment	Single lever, 6 positions (1.25" - 3.75")
Grass Bag	2.1 bushel rear bag with easy-empty flap
Handle	Easy-fold design for compact storage
Start Type	Recoil (pull-start)
Wheels	8-inch front, 10-inch rear
Fuel Tank	0.95 quart capacity

Assembly Instructions

Unpack all parts and inspect for damage. Assembly requires basic tools (included: wrench).

Handle Assembly: Attach lower handle to deck using provided bolts. Connect upper handle and secure with knobs.
Wheel Installation: Slide wheels onto axles and secure with retainer clips or washers and nuts.
Bag Attachment: Hook bag frame onto rear deck brackets. Ensure bag is securely seated.
Deck Chute/Deflector: Attach side discharge chute or mulch plug as desired for initial setup.
Final Check: Tighten all fasteners. Ensure handle folds and locks properly.

WARNING! Do not add oil or fuel until assembly is complete and you have read the Safety section.

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before operating. Failure to follow can result in serious injury.

Clear Area: Remove stones, toys, and other objects from the mowing area.
Protective Gear: Wear substantial shoes, long pants, and eye protection.
Fuel Safety: Add fuel outdoors, before starting, with engine cold. Use unleaded gasoline only. No E85.
Operation: Mow across slopes, not up and down. Do not mow wet grass.
Children & Pets: Keep them away from the area while mowing.
Maintenance: Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance or clearing blockages.

DANGER! The blade is sharp and rotates at high speed. Keep hands and feet away from the deck at all times.

Specifications

Model: Murray 385011x50A
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 450E Series, 140cc, OHV
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Heights: 6 positions, 1.25" to 3.75"
Deck Material: Steel
Drive System: Push (manual)
Bag Capacity: 2.1 bushels
Wheels: 8" front, 10" rear
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher)
Oil Type: SAE 30 detergent motor oil (check manual for specifics)
Weight: Approximately 65 lbs

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Bail (safety control lever) must be held against handle to start and run engine. Release to stop engine and blade.

Starting Procedure:

Check oil level. Add SAE 30 oil if needed (do not overfill).
Add fresh unleaded gasoline to the tank.
Move the engine throttle control to the FAST position.
Prime the engine by pressing the primer bulb 3 times (cold start).
Hold the bail against the handle.
Pull the recoil starter cord briskly.

Stopping: Release the bail. The engine and blade will stop within 3 seconds.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Use the single lever located near each wheel to adjust cutting height simultaneously.

Stop the engine and wait for the blade to stop completely.
Pull the lever outward and move it to the desired notch (1-6).
Release the lever to lock it in place.
Check that all wheels are at the same height.

Tip: For a healthier lawn, never cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade length at one time.

3-in-1 Deck Conversion

Convert between side discharge, mulching, and bagging by installing or removing the appropriate deck attachment.

Side Discharge: Install the discharge chute. Grass is ejected to the side. Best for tall or wet grass.
Mulching: Install the mulch plug (blocks the discharge opening). Cuttings are recut and returned to the lawn as fertilizer. Requires sharp blade and dry grass.
Bagging: Install the grass bag and ensure the discharge chute or mulch plug is REMOVED. Collects clippings for disposal.

WARNING! Always stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug before converting the deck.

Maintenance Schedule

Task	Frequency	Notes
Check Engine Oil Level	Before each use	Add SAE 30 as needed
Check for Loose Fasteners	Before each use	Tighten bolts/nuts on handle, wheels, deck
Clean Underside of Deck	After each use	Scrape off grass buildup (engine OFF, spark plug disconnected)
Inspect/Air Filter	Every 25 hours	Clean foam pre-filter; replace paper element if dirty
Sharpen/Replace Blade	Every season or as needed	Balance blade after sharpening
Change Engine Oil	First 5 hours, then every season	Drain while warm. Refill with ~20 oz SAE 30.
Replace Spark Plug	Every season	Gap to 0.030"

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage extends mower life.

Fuel System: Option A: Run engine until it stops from fuel starvation. Option B: Add fuel stabilizer to tank, run for 5 minutes, then shut off fuel valve if equipped.
Oil: Change oil at end of season (see Maintenance).
Cleaning: Thoroughly clean deck, wheels, and engine area. Let dry.
Blade: Sharpen and balance blade before storage.
Storage Location: Store in a clean, dry place. Fold handle down for compact storage.
Battery (if electric start model): Remove and store battery indoors on a trickle charger.

CAUTION! Gasoline is flammable. Store mower away from pilot lights, heaters, or open flame.

Warranty Information

Murray mowers are backed by a limited warranty. The engine is covered by a separate Briggs & Stratton warranty.

Residential Use Warranty: 2-year limited warranty on mower. See owner's manual for full terms and exclusions.
Engine Warranty: Refer to the Briggs & Stratton engine manual for specific engine warranty coverage.
To Obtain Service: Contact an authorized Murray service dealer. Have your model number (385011x50A) and serial number ready.
Customer Support: For parts and manuals, visit www.murray.com or call 1-800-XXX-XXXX.

Warranty does not cover damage from neglect, improper use, commercial use, or normal wear items like blades and belts.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	Empty fuel tank, old gasoline, spark plug wire disconnected, bail not engaged, clogged air filter	Add fresh fuel, connect spark plug wire, hold bail against handle, clean/replace air filter.
Engine runs poorly or stalls	Dirty air filter, old fuel, water in fuel, clogged fuel line	Clean air filter, drain and replace with fresh fuel.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent blade, unbalanced blade, loose engine mounting bolts	Stop engine. Check blade tightness and balance. Tighten all bolts.
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, wheels not at same height, low engine speed, deck clogged	Sharpen blade, adjust cutting height, clean deck, run engine at FAST speed.
Grass not discharging or bagging	Wet grass, deck clogged, engine speed too low, improper deck attachment installed	Mow when grass is dry, clean deck, run at FAST speed, ensure correct chute/plug/bag is installed.
Wheels are hard to turn	Axles need lubrication, debris wrapped around axle	Lubricate axles with light oil, clean debris.

For Technical Support: 1-800-XXX-XXXX; www.murray.com