Murray 385048x151A Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray 385048x151A is a walk-behind, self-propelled lawn mower featuring a Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side-discharge capability, adjustable cutting heights (1.5-3.75 inches), single-lever height adjustment, rear-wheel drive with variable speed control, easy-start system, and durable 10-inch rear wheels. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting & Discharge Options 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Storage Instructions 10. Safety Information 11. Warranty & Support 12. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 21-inch steel deck, Briggs & Stratton engine, rear bagger, mulching plug, side discharge chute, single-lever height adjuster, variable speed drive control.

Feature	Description
Cutting Width	21 inches
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 140cc OHV engine
Drive System	Self-propelled, rear-wheel drive
Speed Control	Variable speed (0-3.5 mph)
Cutting Height	6 positions (1.5" to 3.75")
Cutting Options	Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge
Wheels	10-inch rear, 8-inch front
Starter	Easy-pull recoil start
Deck Material	Powder-coated steel
Fuel Tank	0.5 gallon capacity

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools (included).

Attach handle: Insert lower handle into deck brackets, secure with bolts and wing nuts.
Install upper handle: Connect to lower handle, tighten knobs.
Attach grass bag: Hook bag frame onto rear deck brackets.
Install side discharge chute: Snap into place on right side of deck.
Add mulching plug: Insert into rear discharge opening when mulching.
Check wheel height: Adjust lever to desired cutting height.

WARNING! Wear gloves during assembly. Ensure all fasteners are tight before operation.

First-Time Setup

Before first use, complete these steps.

Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 detergent oil (approx. 20 oz). Check dipstick.
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane min). Do not overfill.
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 15 PSI (rear) and 12 PSI (front).
Inspect blade: Ensure sharpness and secure mounting (bolt torque: 35-40 ft-lbs).
Test controls: Verify drive engagement, speed control, and height adjustment.

CAUTION! Never add fuel while engine is hot or running. Work in well-ventilated area.

Specifications

Model: Murray 385048x151A
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 140cc, 4-cycle OHV
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 - 3.75 inches (6 positions)
Drive: Self-propelled, rear-wheel
Speed Range: 0 - 3.5 mph
Deck Material: Powder-coated steel
Wheels: 10-inch rear, 8-inch front
Fuel Capacity: 0.5 gallon
Oil Capacity: 20 oz (SAE 30)
Weight: 65 lbs (approx.)
Warranty: 2-year limited

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Drive engagement lever, speed control dial, height adjustment lever, engine stop cable.

Starting: 1. Push primer bulb 3 times. 2. Set choke to FULL. 3. Pull recoil starter. 4. Move choke to RUN after engine starts.

Operating: Squeeze drive lever to engage self-propelled drive. Adjust speed with dial. Release lever to stop drive. Use height lever to change cutting height.

Stopping: Release drive lever. Move engine stop to OFF position. Wait for blade to stop completely.

Cutting & Discharge Options

3-in-1 system: Bagging, Mulching, Side Discharge.

Bagging: Install grass bag on rear brackets. Remove mulching plug.
Mulching: Install mulching plug in rear opening. Remove bag and side chute.
Side Discharge: Install side discharge chute. Remove bag and mulching plug.

Tip: For best mulching, mow when grass is dry and cut no more than 1/3 of blade height.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, tire pressure, blade condition
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil, clean air filter
Every 50 hours	Replace spark plug, sharpen blade
Season end	Drain fuel, clean deck, lubricate wheels
As needed	Replace drive belt, check cables

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Drain fuel: Run engine until tank is empty, or add fuel stabilizer.
Change oil: Replace oil at end of season.
Clean deck: Remove grass clippings and debris.
Protect engine: Remove spark plug, add 1 oz oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly.
Store indoors: Keep in dry, covered location.

CAUTION! Never store mower with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operation. Always wear protective equipment.

Wear safety glasses, long pants, and sturdy shoes.
Clear mowing area of stones, sticks, and debris.
Never mow wet grass or on steep slopes.
Keep hands and feet away from rotating blade.
Do not allow children to operate mower.
Stop engine before adjusting height or clearing blockages.
Use hearing protection during extended use.

Warranty & Support

Murray 385048x151A includes 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials/workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. For support, contact Murray Customer Service at 1-800-800-7310 or visit www.murray.com. Have model and serial numbers ready (located on deck label).

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old gas, clogged filter	Add fresh fuel, clean air filter, check spark plug.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blade, low engine speed	Sharpen blade, check throttle setting.
Self-propelled drive not working	Drive belt loose or broken	Inspect and replace drive belt.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, unbalanced blade	Tighten blade bolt (35-40 ft-lbs), balance blade.
Grass clumping under deck	Wet grass, deck clogged	Mow when dry, clean deck after use.
Uneven cutting height	Tire pressure uneven, deck not level	Adjust tire pressure, level deck.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Murray service center. Use only genuine Murray parts.