Murray 425016x48A Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray 425016x48A is a 42-inch riding lawn mower with a 16.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 48-inch cutting deck, 5-speed manual transmission, electric start, mulching/bagging/side discharge capabilities, adjustable cutting height (1.5-4 inches), and a 2.5-gallon fuel tank. 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. Maintenance Schedule 7. Cutting Deck Operation 8. Safety Features 10. Storage & Winterization 11. Warranty Information 12. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 16.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 48-inch steel cutting deck, 5-speed manual transmission, electric start with key, adjustable seat, cup holder, and mulching kit compatibility.

Feature	Description
Engine	16.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder, OHV
Cutting Width	48 inches
Transmission	5-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Starting System	Electric key start with backup recoil
Cutting Height	Adjustable 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Fuel Tank	2.5 gallons (unleaded gasoline)
Deck Engagement	Manual lever with PTO
Blade Type	3-blade mulching/bagging system
Seat	Adjustable high-back with suspension
Max Speed	5.5 mph forward, 2.2 mph reverse

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools (wrenches, screwdriver).

Install steering wheel: Align and tighten bolt.
Attach seat: Mount using provided bolts and washers.
Install cutting deck: Align with mounting points and secure with pins.
Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) terminals.
Add fluids: Fill engine with SAE 30 oil (20 oz) and fuel tank with unleaded gasoline.

WARNING! Do not start engine before adding oil. Ensure all bolts are tightened securely.

First-Time Setup

Complete assembly, then perform pre-operation checks.

Check oil level: Use dipstick; add if below full mark.
Fuel: Fill with fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).
Tire pressure: Inflate to 12 PSI (front) and 10 PSI (rear).
Blade inspection: Ensure blades are sharp and securely fastened.
Test start: Engage parking brake, sit on seat, turn key to start.

CAUTION! Always operate on level ground. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

Specifications

Model: Murray 425016x48A
Engine: 16.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, 500cc
Cutting Deck: 48-inch stamped steel
Transmission: 5-speed manual, gear-driven
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons
Oil Capacity: 20 oz (SAE 30)
Cutting Height Range: 1.5-4 inches
Dimensions: 72" L x 54" W x 42" H
Weight: 450 lbs
Warranty: 2-year limited

Controls and Operation

Dashboard: Ignition key, throttle control, choke, headlight switch. Floor: Brake pedal, clutch/brake pedal, gear shift lever. Deck controls: Height adjustment lever, engagement lever.

Starting Procedure: 1. Sit on seat. 2. Engage parking brake. 3. Set throttle to halfway. 4. Turn key to START. 5. Adjust throttle as needed.

Mowing: Engage deck lever slowly while moving forward. Use gear shift to adjust speed (1-5).

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

After first 5 hours: Change engine oil, check blade tightness.
Every 25 hours: Change oil, clean/replace air filter, check spark plug.
Every 50 hours: Grease fittings, inspect belts, sharpen blades.
Every 100 hours: Replace fuel filter, check transmission fluid.
Seasonally: Clean deck, check tire pressure, battery charge.

Tip: Always disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance.

Cutting Deck Operation

Supports mulching, bagging, and side discharge.

Height adjustment: Use lever to set cutting height (1.5-4 inches).
Engagement: Pull lever slowly while engine is at full throttle.
Mulching: Install mulch plug and mulch blades.
Bagging: Attach bagger to rear chute.
Side discharge: Remove mulch plug and attach discharge chute.

WARNING! Never engage deck on pavement or gravel. Stop engine before changing deck configuration.

Safety Features

Operator Presence System: Engine stops if operator leaves seat. Blade Brake Clutch: Stops blades within 3 seconds when disengaged. Parking Brake: Locks rear wheels. Safety Interlock: Prevents starting unless brake engaged and PTO disengaged.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for long-term storage (especially winter).

Drain fuel or add stabilizer.
Change oil and filter.
Remove spark plug, add oil to cylinder, crank slowly.
Clean deck thoroughly, lubricate moving parts.
Store in dry, covered area, preferably on blocks.

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

Warranty Information

2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials/workmanship. Does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. Proof of purchase required. For warranty service, contact Murray customer service at 1-800-269-6215 or visit www.murray.com.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, bad spark plug, dead battery	Check fuel level; inspect spark plug; charge/replace battery.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, low engine speed	Sharpen/replace blades; set throttle to full speed.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, unbalanced deck	Tighten blade bolts; check deck for damage.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old fuel	Clean/replace air filter; drain and refill with fresh fuel.
Deck won't engage	Loose belt, faulty PTO cable	Inspect belt tension; adjust/replace PTO cable.

Reset: Turn key off and wait 2 minutes if safety interlock triggers.

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