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Murray Lawn Mowers

Murray Lawn Mowers • Self-propelled models • Belt failure • Riding models • Push models • Gas leaks • Other problems • Murray Defenders ---- • 2003 Lawn tractor recall • 2002 Lawn tractor recall

Few things are as infuriating as a lawn mower that doesn't work. Unfortunately, this seems to be the case with many of the Murray mowers we hear about. Whether it's flimsy plastic gears, poorly-designed belts or gas leaks, the inexpensive Murrays seem to have more than their share of problems, as the complaints in this section indicate.

But wait ... there is another side to the story, and it comes from Ben of Frederick MD (8/19/05):
I am the owner of a small engine business and am not partial to any brand. I work on all small engines as well as sell every name available. I was appalled at the ignorance of your writers in your complaints on Murray lawn equipment. Most of the complaints were not against Murray at all, but more of the individual stores they got them from. If you have a problem with Wal-Mart�s customer service, that is not Murray�s fault, take it up with Wal-Mart.

As far as recalls go, every big name company has them, it is important to check them and know them, if your equipment has been recalled Murray always handles things properly if the CUSTOMER does. If you do what they instruct you to do (such as call them to make an appointment at an authorized shop) they will take care of you -- Murray�s customer service is impeccable compared with some of the others on the market.

The other thing is most of the complaints are direct result of a user failure. If you do not follow your instructions on simple operating procedures you will break something. As far as the woman with the blown motor �squirting oil� I can explain that. I do not even need to see the tractor to tell you what is wrong. This person put too much oil in the motor to start with. Then found it nearly imposable to start. This is because there was oil in places not meant to have that kind of pressure causing it to have back pressure in the crankcase.

Then when the person at the (I believe it was Wal-Mart) store did get it started, it blew oil everywhere, because there was nowhere else for the oil to go. The Wal-Mart man then proceeded to tell her (in his ignorance also) that the motor was �blown.� Then when she took it to a real dealer they set it aside on the basis of �this is an irate person that needs to cool down and doesn�t know anything about this situation.�

The other possibility is, depending on how long it was run with the overfilled oil, the motor could have actually had internal damage caused by the excess oil. This explains the wait, major work takes time. In short, your �consumers� had many complaints yes, but only a few of them were legitimate and even those were often misdirected.

Here are a few of the more recent complaints:

Carmen of Kingston, ON June 3, 2009

I have a Murray 3 1/2 hp briggs and straton engine gas push lawnmower. With a throttleless carburator. It starts fine but I can't get it to run fast.Is there an adjustment somewhere.I see no set screw to change the speed. what can I do to fix it. can't cut the grass cause it runs too slow. please help.

Ernest of Fayetteville, NC June 18, 2009

I brought Murray's 22" 6.0 lawn mower in 2003. It was a good lawn mower. Now I may have to buy another lawn mower because of a gas leak, not Murray's. I didn't know where the gas was leaking. I replaced a few things, afterwards I found out it was the plastic fuel tank.

Terry of nuevo, CA June 5, 2009

we bought the murray under the scotts brand, after the 3rd use we found it would not self-propell. found plastic gear stripped by metal gear drive. stated buying front tires for 11.00 ea. now they are 30 dollars each with 8 dollar shipping. have replaced at least 6 sets. called murray unable to talk to anyone of importance. said to call distributor. my wife was right when we bought it "its a piece of crap". they have taken advantage of everyone who has bought this brand.

Randy of Fredericksburg, VA June 3, 2009

I bought a 20" Murray push mower in 1999. It has given me at least twice the service I expected, and finally died this year (2009). The recoil start crapped out and instead of getting it fixed quickly, I just took it off and used a rope. Unfortunately, doing this let the dip stick piece get loose and it blew some oil. It finally threw a rod and died - at least half my own fault. I think if I'd fixed it properly, it would have lasted at least another five years. Great mower.

I've replaced it with a Murray self-propelled, electric start model - much fancier and with more things to go wrong, but if it does half what the first one did, I'll be a happy camper. Great mowers at much less cost than some of the green and yellow colored ones with the designer price tag.

Janet of Anderson, CA May 30, 2009

Model Number 22507x92A Murray High wheel lawn mower. Both rear high wheels 14" spokes cracked apart. unable to move the lawn mower and I am having to order replacement parts by computer. Now, the lawn has to wait for mail delivery. I spent money at Sears, wheels don't fit. Parts not available at Home Depot or Lowes.

Nicholle of Wauneta, NE May 28, 2009

We have a 4 year old Murray mower tractor. In the past have been very happy with the mower. I called your custormer service and was directed to parts department Wend. morning checking on a short block for model # 28707 type # 1120-E1 and was told that it was no longer available. When I asked about a replacement motor for the mower I was told by the man on the phone it would cost more than the mower was worth. When asked what I could do? I was told "buy a new tractor or a goat". I will be shopping for a new mower tractor but it will not be one of yours, with your kind of service. With money being tight for everyone that is a poor attitude for a customer service department to have.

walter of romaance, AR May 17, 2009

the carburetor. filled the engine with gas ,had to replace the rod, and i installed a fuel shut off valve, the mowing deck never stays level have trouble not clean cutting had to replace the spindle assy on mowing deck, replaced plastice adj handles with nuts and bolts tires would not stay inflated had to install inter tubes battery has been replaced three times,replaced the starter switch,and cylanoid and fuse fuel tank split in seam i replaced it as well the transmission seams to work some times shifter sticks the safey switch for the seat works some times i bought this 12.5 mower in cabot arkansas at walmart this murry unit never leaves me bored

Keith of Waldorf, MD May 13, 2009

I bought a Murray 21" self-propelled mower, with 5 hp B&S "Quantum" engine in 1988. I've used that mower for 21 cutting seasons, and it still starts on the first or second pull! Every time! I've had to replace the 'drive unit' and drive belt ONE TIME in 21 years. I've replaced the blade every three years, and sharpen the blade every two times used. (Mower used every week during cutting season!!)

Routine maintenance is all that has been done. Oil change twice a season. New air filter every Spring. A couple of drops of oil on the axles before each cutting session. There was a recall for the gas tank leaking when I first bought it. (Briggs & Stratton recall, btw!) No problems since.

After 21 years, this engine is still as 'tight' as a new one! No smoke. None. MAINTENANCE is critical. If you don't take care of it. . . it won't take care of you.

Not bad for a 249.00 lawnmower from Price Club.

What bothers me is when somebody doesn't take care of something and they expect a manufacturer to replace (or refund ) because of there own inability to properly maintain the equipment!

Deborah of Dallas, TX May 8, 2009

While I was mowing yesterday the extension to the mower broke on the left side at the bottom near the bolt. We have not had this mowing for very many years. Some seasons it wasn't even used. Didn't mow or paid someone else to mow the lawn. I am very dissappointed in this mishap. I would like your company to send me a new arm or extension to replace broken one at companies exspense. What I call the arm is what I use to push the mower. I was not hurt but very well could have been. I hope I don't need a new mower. The bolts at the bottom tell me this can simply be replaced and hopefully without having to go through this defect again.

Scott of Shiocton, WI April 24, 2009

I found the leaking gas tank recall on the consumer affairs web sight. I checked my mowers model number and it isn't the same as the numbers shown in the recall but the tank on my mower leaks on the seam also. I tried to contact Murray via the web sight and by phone. The web sight doesn't come up and the phone call redirects me to a phone number. How can I fix this problem?

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