Murray 387004x48A Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray 387004x48A is a 48-inch riding lawn mower with a powerful Briggs & Stratton engine, hydrostatic transmission, electric start, 6-speed gear drive, dual-lever height adjustment, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side discharge capability, and a 3.5-gallon fuel tank. Designed for residential use on medium to large lawns. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 48-inch stamped steel deck, Briggs & Stratton engine, Hydrostatic transmission, Electric start with key, Seat, Fuel tank, Cutting height levers, Bagging attachment.

Feature	Description
Cutting Width	48-inch wide cutting path
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 20HP OHV engine
Transmission	Hydrostatic drive with infinite speed control
Electric Start	Key-operated ignition with battery
Fuel Capacity	3.5-gallon plastic fuel tank
Cutting Options	Mulch, Bag, or Side Discharge
Deck Material	Stamped steel with anti-scalp rollers
Seat	High-back padded seat with armrests
Blade Engagement	Electric PTO clutch
Height Adjustment	Dual-lever system (1.5 to 4 inches)

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Install steering wheel: Align splines and tighten bolt.
Attach seat: Mount using provided bolts and washers.
Install battery: Connect red (+) then black (-) terminals.
Attach cutting deck: Lower deck onto mounting points and secure with pins.
Install bagger (if included): Attach chute and bagger frame to rear.

WARNING! Mower is heavy; use assistance. Ensure all bolts are tightened to specified torque.

First-Time Setup

Before first use, complete these steps.

Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 (approx. 48 oz) – check dipstick.
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 14 PSI (front) and 10 PSI (rear).
Test controls: Ensure brake, throttle, and blade engagement work.
Adjust seat position: Loosen knob, slide to comfortable position.

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

Specifications

Model: Murray 387004x48A
Cutting Width: 48 inches
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 20HP, 724cc, OHV
Transmission: Hydrostatic, infinite forward/reverse
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 4 inches (12 positions)
Fuel Capacity: 3.5 gallons
Deck Type: Stamped steel, 3-blade
Tires: Front 15x6.00-6, Rear 20x10.00-8
Weight: Approx. 550 lbs
Warranty: 2-year limited residential warranty

Controls and Operation

Dashboard: Ignition key, PTO/blade engagement switch, Throttle, Choke, Hour meter. Foot controls: Hydrostatic speed pedal (forward/reverse), Brake pedal. Manual controls: Cutting height levers, Parking brake lever.

Starting Procedure: 1. Sit on seat. 2. Set parking brake. 3. Move throttle to FAST. 4. Turn key to START. 5. Once started, release key to RUN position.

Mowing: Engage blades with PTO switch. Adjust speed with pedal. Use steering wheel to guide.

Stopping: Disengage blades, set parking brake, turn key to OFF.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Use dual levers on left and right side of deck.

Stop mower on level ground.
Disengage blades and set parking brake.
Pull lever(s) outward and move to desired height setting.
Ensure both sides are set to same height for even cut.

Tip: For best results, never cut more than 1/3 of grass height at once.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and optimal performance.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, inspect blades for damage
Every 8 hours	Check engine oil level
Every 25 hours	Clean deck, grease fittings (3 points)
Every 50 hours	Change engine oil, replace oil filter
Every 100 hours	Replace air filter, spark plug
Seasonally	Sharpen/replace blades, check battery

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

Safety Features

Operator Presence System: Engine stops if operator leaves seat with blades engaged. Blade Brake Clutch: Stops blades within 3 seconds when disengaged. Parking Brake: Prevents rolling when parked.

Safety Tips: Wear eye/hearing protection. Clear area of debris. Mow across slopes, not up/down. Never carry passengers.

Storage & Winterization

For long-term storage (over 30 days):

Add fuel stabilizer to tank and run engine 5 minutes.
Change engine oil and filter.
Remove spark plug, add 1 oz oil to cylinder, pull starter cord slowly.
Clean entire mower, especially underside of deck.
Store in dry, covered location.

CAUTION! Do not store with fuel in tank beyond 30 days without stabilizer.

Warranty Information

Murray 387004x48A includes a 2-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials/workmanship. Not covered: Normal wear, improper maintenance, commercial use. For warranty claims, contact Murray customer service at 1-800-269-6215 or visit www.murray.com. Keep original receipt as proof of purchase.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel, bad spark plug	Charge/replace battery; add fuel; check/replace spark plug.
Poor cutting quality	Dull blades, low engine speed	Sharpen/replace blades; set throttle to FAST.
Vibration during operation	Damaged/debris on blade, loose blade	Stop engine, inspect blades, tighten bolts (85-110 ft-lbs).
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old fuel	Replace air filter; drain and add fresh fuel.
Hydrostatic drive sluggish	Low transmission fluid	Check fluid level; add Murray hydrostatic fluid if low.

Reset: For safety switch issues, ensure seat switch connector is secure.

Service: 1-800-269-6215; www.murray.com