If you’re in the market for a gas push mower, chances are you’ve come across the Murray brand. With a history that stretches back decades, Murray mowers have been a staple for many homeowners.
But in recent times, there have been some mixed opinions about their performance and durability, especially with the newer models. Today, I’m going to take you through my experience with the Murray 2-in-1, 21-inch cut gas push mower, and why, despite its past reputation, it might not be the best investment for your yard.
My Experience With Murray Push Mower
Using the Murray push mower was initially a pleasant experience, but it quickly became disappointing.
When I first purchased it, I was impressed by the easy-start system—the Prime ‘N Pull really did work as advertised.
The mower started up without a hitch, and the Briggs & Stratton engine provided enough power to tackle my medium-sized yard.
However, after just a few uses, the issues started piling up. One of the most glaring problems was the plastic components. The front axle and brackets felt flimsy, and after just a couple of yard cuts, the front wheel began wobbling.
This affected the mower’s ability to maintain an even height while cutting, and eventually, one of the plastic brackets snapped, making it unusable without repairs. To my frustration, finding replacement parts was nearly impossible, and I was left with a partially broken mower.
Additionally, the grass bag didn’t perform well. It consistently allowed clippings to escape through the front, which piled up on top of the mower near the muffler—a major fire hazard. This made me question the overall safety and design of the product.
In short, while the Murray push mower might seem like a budget-friendly option, the poor durability, excessive plastic parts, and safety concerns make it difficult to recommend. It’s not a mower I would buy again, especially with more reliable options like Honda or Toro available for just a little more money.
Pros of The Murray Push Mower
- Prime ‘N Pull Easy Start System: One of the most significant advantages of the Murray mower is its easy start system. The Prime ‘N Pull mechanism allows you to start the mower by priming the bulb three times and pulling the cord. This feature worked well in my initial uses, and I didn’t have any issues getting the mower started.
- Briggs & Stratton Engine: The mower is powered by a 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, a well-known name in the world of small engines. I appreciated the smooth running of the engine during the first few cuts, and it provided enough power to handle medium-sized lawns.
- Mulching and Side Discharge Capabilities: I liked the idea of having both mulching and side discharge options. The mulching feature, in particular, allows you to return nutrient-rich grass clippings back into your lawn, which helps keep it healthy without needing to bag the clippings.
- High Rear Wheels: The mower’s 11-inch rear wheels and 8-inch front wheels are designed to improve maneuverability, and I found that they made moving the mower across different terrains relatively easy.
- Height Adjustment: The six-position height adjustment allows you to set the mower at your preferred cutting height, making it easier to get the lawn looking exactly how you want it.
The Downside: Major Cons of The Murray Push Mower
Despite the features that initially caught my attention, there were some glaring issues that quickly soured my experience with the Murray push mower. Unfortunately, these problems seem to be shared by other users, based on the numerous bad reviews I’ve come across.
- Plastic Components
One of the biggest disappointments is the overuse of plastic in crucial parts of the mower. The front axle and brackets are made of plastic, and after only one use, I noticed the plastic components starting to wear down.
For a machine that’s meant to handle rugged outdoor work, this felt like a massive oversight. Other users have reported that the plastic brackets broke after just a single yard cut, which prevents the mower from sitting at the correct height.
- Grass Bag Design Flaws
The grass collection bag also has significant design flaws. While using the mower, I noticed that grass clippings spilled out of the front corner and sometimes collected on top of the mower.
The location of the muffler on the mower made this a fire hazard, as clippings could easily catch on fire. This exact issue happened to another user, who mentioned the grass igniting during their mowing session—definitely not a risk anyone wants to take.
- Durability Issues
Although the Briggs & Stratton engine is known for its reliability, the rest of the mower doesn’t hold up to the same standard. Multiple users have reported that the mower would start up but then die within seconds.
I didn’t experience this with my unit, but I did notice that the plastic wheels began to wobble after just a few uses, which doesn’t inspire much confidence in the mower’s long-term durability.
- Difficulty Finding Replacement Parts
Because the Murray brand seems to have changed ownership, finding replacement parts for this mower can be a hassle. After my front plastic bracket broke, I spent a considerable amount of time trying to locate a replacement part, only to come up empty-handed.
This has been a common complaint among users, which adds to the frustration of owning this mower.
Maintenance Tips For The Murray Push Mower
If you already own a Murray push mower or are thinking of buying one, here are a few tips to help you maintain it and prolong its life:
- Use Fuel Stabilizers: Adding fuel stabilizers to your gas can help keep the engine running smoothly, especially if you plan to store the mower during the off-season. This prevents the gas from breaking down and gumming up the carburetor.
- Check the Wheels Regularly: Since the plastic wheels and brackets are prone to wear and tear, it’s essential to check them regularly to ensure they’re still secure. Tightening any loose parts can help prevent wobbly wheels from becoming a bigger issue.
- Clean the Mulching Deck: Grass and debris can build up in the mulching deck over time, so be sure to clean it after each use. This helps keep the mower cutting efficiently and prevents clogging.
- Sharpen the Blades: Like any lawnmower, the blades will dull over time, so sharpening them periodically is key to getting a clean, even cut.
- Inspect the Engine Air Filter: The engine’s air filter needs to be clean for optimal performance, so check it regularly and replace it as needed.
Comparing Murray With Other Push Mower Brands
When it comes to push mowers, Murray isn’t the only game in town. Let’s take a quick look at how it stacks up against some other popular brands.
- Kohler 7000 Series Mower
The Kohler 7000 Series mowers are known for their powerful engines and long-lasting durability.
Unlike the Murray push mower, which uses a smaller 140cc engine, Kohler’s mowers are equipped with engines that provide greater torque and are designed for heavy-duty work.
These mowers are also constructed with more robust materials, reducing the amount of plastic and providing a sturdier overall build. If you have a larger yard or more demanding mowing conditions, the Kohler 7000 Series offers a much more reliable option than the Murray.
While Kohler mowers can be more expensive, they are an excellent investment for long-term use.
- Worldlawn Mower
Worldlawn mowers are popular in both residential and commercial markets due to their strong performance and heavy-duty construction.
One of the key advantages Worldlawn mowers have over Murray is their solid steel decks, which offer better durability than the plastic components found in the Murray models.
Worldlawn’s emphasis on quality materials makes it a better choice for those who need a mower that can withstand regular use over rough terrain. Additionally, Worldlawn mowers often come with larger, more efficient engines, allowing for quicker, more efficient mowing.
- Encore Mower
Encore mowers are another step up in terms of build quality and engine power. Known for their reliability, these mowers are designed to last and handle tough conditions.
Similar to Worldlawn, Encore mowers feature all-steel construction, which prevents the kinds of issues with plastic that Murray users have reported. The Encore mower’s robust design makes it ideal for homeowners or even small businesses needing a dependable machine for consistent use.
Though they come at a higher price point than Murray, Encore mowers provide superior cutting performance, durability, and easier access to replacement parts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Murray mowers have been around for a long time, and while they were once considered a good option for budget-conscious buyers, the quality has declined in recent years. The newer models, especially the ones with plastic components, have received numerous complaints about durability.
Murray mowers are currently manufactured by Briggs & Stratton, a well-known name in small engine production. However, the quality of the mower’s construction, particularly the plastic components, has been a point of contention for many users.
Honda and Toro are often considered the most reliable brands when it comes to push mowers. They offer better durability, fewer plastic parts, and engines that are known to last for many years.
Murray push mowers are powered by Briggs & Stratton engines, which are known for their reliability and ease of use. The engine is often the best part of a Murray mower, though the mower’s overall build quality has left much to be desired in recent models.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Murray Push Mower?
After using the Murray push mower and reading through several user reviews, it’s hard for me to recommend this product, especially if you’re looking for a reliable, long-lasting mower.
The overuse of plastic in critical areas, durability issues, and difficulty finding replacement parts make it a less-than-ideal choice, even with its appealing price tag and initially smooth engine.
If you’re serious about lawn care and want a mower that will last for years to come, I’d recommend spending a little extra on a Honda or Toro mower. These brands have consistently delivered better performance and durability, making them a better investment in the long run.