Murray 461603x48A Lawn Mower Manual

The Murray 461603x48A is a 48-inch riding lawn mower with a powerful Briggs & Stratton engine, hydrostatic transmission, 6-speed gear drive, electric start, adjustable cutting height (1.5-4 inches), dual-lever deck lift, 3-in-1 discharge system (mulch/bag/side discharge), comfortable high-back seat, 2.5-gallon fuel tank, and integrated headlights. 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 System 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Storage Guidelines 9. Safety Information 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 48-inch stamped steel deck, Briggs & Stratton engine, Hydrostatic transmission, Electric start system, Comfort seat, Dual-lever height adjustment, 3-in-1 discharge system.

Feature	Description
Cutting Width	48-inch stamped steel deck
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 20HP OHV engine
Transmission	Hydrostatic drive with infinite speed control
Cutting Height	Adjustable from 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Discharge System	3-in-1 (mulch, bag, side discharge)
Fuel Capacity	2.5-gallon plastic tank
Starting System	Electric key start with backup recoil
Seat	High-back padded seat with armrests
Headlights	Integrated LED headlights
Blade Engagement	Electric PTO clutch

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Install steering wheel: Align splines and secure with provided bolt.
Attach seat: Position on mounting brackets and secure with bolts.
Install battery: Connect red (+) then black (-) terminals.
Attach discharge chute: Secure to deck with provided pins.
Install mulching plug: Insert into deck opening for mulch mode.
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 10 PSI (front) and 12 PSI (rear).

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire during assembly. Use proper lifting techniques.

First-Time Setup

Complete assembly, then perform initial setup.

Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 detergent oil (48 oz capacity).
Fill fuel tank: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).
Check battery: Ensure connections are tight and charged.
Adjust cutting height: Set to highest position for initial test.
Test controls: Verify brake, throttle, and blade engagement.
Break-in period: Operate at varying speeds for first 5 hours.

CAUTION! Never add fuel while engine is hot. Allow to cool for 30 minutes.

Specifications

Model: Murray 461603x48A
Cutting Width: 48 inches
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 20HP OHV
Transmission: Hydrostatic drive
Speed Range: 0-5.5 mph forward, 0-2 mph reverse
Cutting Height: 1.5-4 inches (6 positions)
Deck Material: 12-gauge stamped steel
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons
Weight: 450 lbs
Warranty: 2-year limited

Controls and Operation

Operator station includes: Ignition switch, Throttle control, Blade engagement lever, Parking brake, Height adjustment levers, Cruise control.

Starting Procedure: 1. Sit on seat. 2. Set parking brake. 3. Disengage blades. 4. Move throttle to choke position. 5. Turn key to start. 6. Adjust throttle to operating speed.

Driving: Release parking brake. Press forward pedal to move forward, reverse pedal for backing up. Use brake pedal to stop.

Blade Engagement: Engage only at full throttle. Pull lever upward to engage blades.

Cutting System

48-inch triple-blade system with 3-in-1 discharge options.

Mulching: Install mulching plug and blade. Cuts clippings finely.
Bagging: Attach grass bag to rear chute. Empty when full.
Side Discharge: Remove plug for side discharge operation.
Height Adjustment: Use dual levers to raise/lower deck evenly.
Deck Leveling: Check level every 25 hours of operation.

Tip: For best results, mow when grass is dry. Overlap passes by 2-3 inches.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, inspect blades, check oil level
Every 8 hours	Clean deck, check battery connections
Every 25 hours	Change oil, check air filter, sharpen blades
Every 50 hours	Replace spark plug, check drive belt tension
Every 100 hours	Change transmission fluid, replace fuel filter
Season end	Drain fuel, remove battery, lubricate all fittings

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents damage during off-season.

Drain fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer.
Change engine oil and filter.
Remove battery and store in cool, dry place.
Clean entire mower, especially under deck.
Lubricate all pivot points and fittings.
Store in dry, covered location.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank without stabilizer. Fuel deteriorates over time.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operation.

Always wear eye protection and sturdy shoes.
Clear mowing area of debris before starting.
Never carry passengers.
Disengage blades when not mowing.
Stop engine before leaving operator position.
Never operate on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
Use extreme caution when reversing.

DANGER! Rotating blades can cause serious injury. Keep clear of deck during operation.

Warranty Information

Murray 461603x48A includes 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, improper maintenance, or commercial use. Keep original receipt for warranty claims. For service, contact authorized Murray service center or call 1-800-800-7310. Register product at www.murray.com within 30 days of purchase.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Empty fuel tank, dead battery, safety switch	Add fuel, charge battery, ensure seat is occupied, parking brake set
Poor cutting quality	Dull blades, low engine speed, wet grass	Sharpen blades, operate at full throttle, mow when grass is dry
Vibration during operation	Damaged blade, loose blade bolt, unbalanced blade	Inspect and replace damaged blade, tighten bolt to 45 ft-lbs, balance blade
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old fuel, dirty spark plug	Replace air filter, drain old fuel, clean or replace spark plug
Hydrostatic transmission slips	Low fluid, worn belt, improper adjustment	Check fluid level, inspect drive belt, adjust linkage
Battery won't charge	Loose connections, bad battery, faulty alternator	Tighten terminals, test battery, check charging system

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