Summary
The Murray EQ2-500X is a powerful self propelled petrol lawn mower that is fitted with a Briggs & Stratton 575EX 140cc engine. It has a large sized blade and deck size at 51cm and is designed for medium to large gardens. A huge 75 litre grass collection box is supplied and the height of the EQ2-500X can be adjusted to 6 positions from 25mm to 75mm via a central lever. This mower is packed with cutting options including cut and collect, cut and drop, mulching and side discharge.
I’ve long been a fan of Murray lawn mowers because they’re robust, powerful and get the job done properly. The Murray EQ2-500X is the latest model that’s been launched as a replacement for the earlier EQ500X. That was already a great petrol lawn mower, so I expected a lot from this second generation.
And I was not disappointed. In fact, there’s a lot to get through when talking about the Murray EQ2-500X as it’s bursting with features. 4 in 1 mowing functions, easy height adjustment, self propelled drive and many other things make this a versatile piece of equipment.
I’d like to talk about each of these features in depth so I’ve put together this Murray EQ2-500X review that’ll help you decide whether this is the right tool for your garden.
Main Features
- 51cm cutting deck
- 4 in 1 mowing functions
- Large 75 litre grass collection bag
- Foldable handles
- Powerful Briggs and Stratton E series engine
- Wash port
- 6 cutting heights with easy adjustment
Engine
All Murray lawnmowers run on Briggs and Stratton engines so I knew from the off that this would be a powerful and reliable machine. The Murray EQ2-500X runs on the Briggs and Stratton E Series 140cc engine (575EX) which has a max torque of 7.6Nm.
This is the same engine that featured in the EQ500X which this model replaces and that received very good reviews so I was under no illusion that this would be just as powerful. What’s more, I’ve seen tons of users talking about how fuel efficient it is which is always a bonus.
Should you have any issues with your engine, Murray petrol lawn mowers are supported by authorized Briggs & Stratton engine dealers up and down the country.
Performance
If you have a medium sized lawn then the Murray EQ2-500X is going to make light work of it and that’s largely because it does well on all types of terrain. It delivers a very neat cut and does pretty much all of the work on the first pass so you’ll get the lawn mowed in much less time.
I also love how easy the Murray EQ2-500X is to start. It boasts the ready start feature and in most cases, a single pull of the cord will have you up and running. I’ve seen some people talking about how it struggles a little more in cold weather but that’s to be expected of any petrol mower.
Self Propelled Drive
For people that have anything other than a flat garden, mowing the lawn can be a challenge. That’s even more true if you’ve got hills and slopes. But since the Murray EQ2-500X features a self propelled drive, it’s ideal for uneven gardens and will work on all types of terrain.
Lumps and bumps are no match for the Murray EQ2-500X and even if you’ve struggled to get a mower to cut smoothly over your lawn before, that’ll be a thing of the past. That said, it’s also great on level ground and the self propelled drive just makes mowing a breeze.
Blade and Deck
The Murray EQ2-500X is made with an alloy steel deck which means it is incredibly durable. While I’m not suggesting you needlessly bash it around, you can put it through its paces on a bumpy, uneven lawn and it won’t get damaged.
The cutting width on the Murray EQ2-500X is 51cm making it ideal for medium to larger sized lawns. Although, I’d say you might also get away with mowing something on the larger side as well, especially since it’s self propelled.
However, if you don’t need something quite as large, there is a smaller version; the Murray EQ2-300 that has a 42cm cutting deck. If on the other hand you want a larger deck, Murray have you covered with the Murray EQ2-700X with its 56cm (22″) deck.
All the new generation 2 Murray petrol mowers (EQ2) have hose wash ports, making them easy to clean when the job is done.
Handles
I always think that checking out the handles on a lawn mower is just as important as any of the other features. On the Murray EQ2-500X, you have folding handles which makes it a lot less hassle to store the machine.
Additionally, you will notice that the Murray EQ2-500X has ergonomically designed handles that feel comfortable and offer a good grip. Moreover, all of the controls are within easy reach so you can just get on and mow.
Height Adjustment
The ability to cut your grass at different heights is important for many reasons. For starters, it allows you to alter the height according to the weather and current conditions. Moreover, you’ll be able to get a look for your lawn that suits your personal preference. Not to mention that you should never cut more than a third of the current length so the height you use at the start of mowing season will be very different to what you use in the height of summer.
So it’s super helpful that the Murray EQ2-500X has a choice of six cutting heights ranging between 25mm and 75mm. Those heights are pretty standard among mowers although it would be nice to see something around 20mm on the lower end for those users that want to get that bowling green finish.
Mowing/Cutting Features
If it’s versatility you’re looking for in a lawn mower then you’re going to love the Murray EQ2-500X since it boasts four different mowing functions.
You’ve got the classic cut and collect option which allows you to collect the clippings in the large 75 litre grass bag. The bag is made from nylon which promotes better airflow, allowing more clippings in at once. However, it has a hard top for stability and this design also makes it easier to store.
The Murray EQ2-500X also comes with a mulching plug. This is easy to insert into the back of the mower for those times where you want to send the clippings back to the lawn to give it a health boost.
There is also a side and a rear discharge chute which will dispose of the clippings either to the side or rear of the machine as you mow.
This versatility is brilliant for maintaining a healthy lawn as you’ll be able to meet its ever changing needs over the course of mowing season.
Practicalities
The Murray EQ2-500X has a feature that you don’t see on all petrol mowers, although it is on many. And that’s a wash port. This allows you to connect your garden hose to rinse away any debris, grass clippings and dirt so cleaning your machine is so much simpler.
I was also very impressed with how easy the Murray EQ2-500X was to put together. There’s no complicated assembly and you only need a few simple hand tools. It should take around 20 minutes to have it fully assembled and ready to go.
You get a 2 year warranty when you buy the Murray EQ2-500X which is pretty standard. However, do be mindful that even though the engine is made by Briggs and Stratton, you have to go to a Murray specific dealer if you need spare parts.
Murray EQ2-500X Push Lawnmower User Manual Download
Click here to download the Murray EQ2-500X user manual.
What’s Included in the Box?
- 1 x Murray EQ2-500X
- Mulching plug
- Side chute
- 75 litre grass box
- Handle
- User guide
Murray EQ2-500 Pros and Cons
Should You Buy this Model?
If you asked me whether I think you should buy the Murray EQ2-500X then my initial reaction would be yes, do it! However, let’s think about this logically; if you’ve got a smaller (less than 400m²), level garden then this elaborate lawn mower might be overkill.
But, if you need something for a slightly bigger lawn that’s going to allow you to mow in several different ways then I’d highly recommend the Murray EQ2-500X. This is a powerful machine that’ll tackle all types of terrain and mowing conditions so if your garden is a little more demanding then it’s going to make a great partner for it. For added peace of mind, you get a decent 2 year manufactures’ warranty with this mower.
If you’ve never used a petrol lawn mower before then I do think that this would be a good first tool. While it is complex in its functions, it’s easy to use and simple to take care of and gives excellent performance and cutting results. What’s more, the Briggs & Stratton 575EX 140cc engine makes this a mower that will provide years of reliability and trouble free mowing.
Murray EQ2 Comparison Table
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
The Murray EQ2-500X replaces its younger brother, the Murray EQ500X with an updated body, a larger grass box and some exciting new features. But it still runs on that super powerful and reliable Briggs and Stratton E Series engine.
Where lawns are hilly, rugged, uneven or have varying needs, the Murray EQ2-500X will be an ideal match. It won’t back down from a challenge and will deliver an impressively uniform cut that’ll leave your garden look as though it’s been tended by a professional.
With handy features like easy to adjust cutting heights and a hose wash port as well as that all important self propelled drive, there’s never been a petrol mower that’s as user friendly whilst delivering performance, power and features.
Where Should I Purchase This Murray EQ2-500?
- Powerful Performance: The Murray EQ2-500X is powered by the highly reliable Briggs & Stratton 575EX 140cc engine, offering a strong maximum torque of 7.6Nm
- Versatile 4-in-1 System: This Grass Cutter boasts a 4-in-1 cutting system, letting you choose between grass catching, mulching, side or rear discharge. This versatility means you can adapt your mowing strategy based on the condition of your lawn
- Convenient Cutting Control: Adjusting your cutting height is a breeze with the mower's 6-step central height adjustment. With a range from 25 mm to 75 mm, this single, centralized lever lets you tailor your mowing to the specific needs of your lawn
- Large-Capacity Grass Collection: The Murray EQ2-500X features a 75-litre grass catcher with a fill-level indicator, ensuring you can mow for longer without constant emptying. The included dust shield protects you from flying debris
- Durable and Easy Maintenance: With a durable steel deck, this mower is protected against potential damage and corrosion. Plus, the integrated wash port allows for effortless cleaning
- English (Publication Language)
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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As a seasoned expert in the field of garden power tools, I have dedicated over a decade to working with and reviewing a wide variety of lawn mowers. My extensive experience has allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the benefits and limitations of different types of mowers and garden tools.
Over the years, I have honed my skills in writing informative articles and creating helpful videos for various blogs and publications. This has given me the ability to not only recognise what makes a good lawn mower, but also to help you choose the perfect garden tool for your specific needs and requirements.
With my wealth of knowledge and expertise, I am confident that I can provide you with valuable insights and recommendations when it comes to selecting the right lawn mower for your lawn. So, whether you're looking for a battery cordless, electric, petrol, or robotic mower, you can trust in my expertise to guide you towards the best option for your garden.
I just got the EQ2-500 which is almost the same model.
This will sound like a daft question ~ can I use Super Unleaded E5 petrol?
The manual says “Unleaded 95pb”, which I looked up & that is what is called E10 at the petrol station.
Online it also says E5 is OK for cars that use E10 & you can mix these fuels.
But I want to be sure in case I damage the new mower.
I already have a 5 litre can of E5 which I bought on advice & the local petrol station was sold out of E10. So if I can use the E5 that would be ideal.
Please understand that I don’t drive & have never owned a mower or petrol device before, so I have no knowledge about petrol.
Hi, E5 would be better than E10 as it has less ethanol (5% / 10%). E10 is only good for around 30 days.
Always use a fuel stabiliser with both fuels, fuel stabiliser is an additive that will keep your petrol from going stale for up to two years.
thanks, Mark