Summary
I recently reviewed the Murray LE320, a 32cm corded lawn mower that’s ideal for everyday garden maintenance. However, being such a small model, it’s probably not suitable for people with gardens much bigger than 300m².
Thankfully, there’s a slightly bigger model, the Murray LE380 Electric Mower, which looks set to replace their existing EC370 and has some welcome upgrades such as a larger grass box and a slightly bigger deck.
I’ve been taking a look at the Murray LE380 Electric Mower and, as far as I can see, there’s a lot to get excited about. I’ll cover all of the features and help you figure out whether this is the right corded lawn mower for you and your garden in my Murray LE380 Electric Mower review.
Main Features
- 38 cm cutting deck
- Suitable for lawns up to 500m²
- 2 in 1 mowing functions
- Overload protection
- 1600 w motor
- 96db operating noise
- 45 litre grass box
- Full indicator
Power System
The Murray LE380 Electric Mower runs on a 1600 watt motor which is pretty standard for this type of machine. This is a high performance motor that runs at 3000 rpm and is designed for efficiency and reliability.
What really sets it apart from many other affordable corded lawn mowers is that the Murray LE380 Electric Mower is equipped with an overload protection function. In the event that the blades become blocked, the motor will automatically shut down, preventing accidents or damage.
Getting going is blissfully easy thanks to the full width starter bar. The smaller 32 cm version of this mower (the LE320) features a side starter bar. While that’s not a total inconvenience, it just gives you more control when the bar runs the width of the handle.
Performance
If there’s one thing you’ll notice about the Murray LE380 Electric Mower it’s that it’s very easy to control. This means that you get a consistent cut and reliable performance throughout your mowing session.
With high quality parts and a motor that, as I have mentioned, is designed for efficiency, this is a lawn mower that will make achieving a clean cut quick and simple.
I’ve noticed that even on the lowest cutting height setting, you still get a very consistent result and there’s very little need to go over areas again.
Deck and Blade
Backed by Briggs and Stratton, the Murray LE380 Electric Mower deck is made from durable plastic. Now, a lot of people worry that plastic isn’t going to be hardwearing enough but plenty of lawn mowers now feature plastic decks and the quality is very impressive.
For everyday maintenance of your lawn, something like this is robust and reliable. Plus, the plastic ensures that the machine remains lightweight.
In terms of cutting width, you’re looking at 38 cm which is a slight improvement on the EC370 that the Murray LE380 Electric Mower is going to replace, which only had a 37 cm deck. Because of its size, you’ll find this mower is ideal for lawns up to 500 square metres.
Handles
As I have already discussed, the Murray LE380 Electric Mower benefits from a full width starter bar across the whole handle. This is definitely a very welcome feature and just makes the mower that much more comfortable to use.
However, I did notice a significant downgrade from the previous model and that comes in the form of no padding on the handles. For longer mowing sessions, this can decrease comfort and may also affect your grip.
It’s also worth noting that, while the handle does fold at the midpoint, it doesn’t fold at the lower point which can make storage a little tricker.
Height Adjustment
When I looked at the LE320, I was disappointed to see that there were only three cutting height settings. While this is sufficient, some may say it’s lacking so I was much happier when I learned that the Murray LE380 Electric Mower boasts five cutting heights between 25 mm and 65 mm.
I’ll be honest, the lower and higher settings could be a little more generous but this certainly isn’t something that would put me off using the Murray LE380 Electric Mower. Since I’d recommend this for everyday lawn care, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
Unlike the LE320, the Murray LE380 Electric Mower benefits from a central height adjustment lever which makes flipping between the settings quick and easy.
Grass Box Capacity
If you’ve used the EC370 then you’ll know that it came with a 40 litre grass box. This is a decent size for the size of the deck but I was very impressed to see that they’ve now upgraded this to a 45 litre grass catcher. That’ll give you a little more mowing time between emptying. Plus, there’s a full indicator which takes away the guesswork.
As is the case with most modern lawn mowers, the Murray LE380 Electric Mower features a hybrid grass box with mesh sides and a hard top.
This is great because it’ll retain its structure while still benefiting from ample air flow. What’s more, when it comes to storage, the whole thing folds flat so it’ll slide into any spare nook in the shed.
Practicalities
One of the biggest draws of the Murray LE380 Electric Mower is that the manufacturer has gone above and beyond to reduce noise pollution. This model only produces around 96db when running which is significantly quieter than some machines.
Weighing 11.5 kg, the Murray LE380 Electric Mower is slightly heavier than the LE320 but that’s to be expected considering the larger size. In any case, it’s still lightweight enough that most people would find it comfortable and easy to manoeuvre.
For an affordable lawn mower, I was pleased to see that the Murray LE380 Electric Mower comes with two mowing options; cut and collect and rear discharge. It’s not the most versatile but it does add that little bit more versatility for a good price.
Buying a corded lawn mower naturally comes with one massive benefit; easy maintenance. The Murray LE380 Electric Mower is a plug and go model that requires no tweaking or messing around. The only real work you’ll ever need to do to maintain it is clearing any grass and debris from the mower deck and blade.
What’s Included in the Box?
- 1 x Murray LE380 Electric Mower
- 45 litre grass box
- User manual
Pros and Cons
Murray Electric Mowers Comparison – LE320 / EC370 / LE380
Last update on 2024-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Should You Buy This Model – Verdict
I’d recommend the Murray LE380 Electric Mower to anyone with a small to medium lawn and is looking for an affordable and convenient mower to maintain their grass.
If you’re looking for something with really high end features, you’re not going to find it here. But considering the price, the features that the Murray LE380 Electric Mower does have make it excellent value for money.
I think this is a great first lawn mower as it’s so easy to use and, for anyone that’s not experienced in lawn mowing, the easy manoeuvrability means you’ll get the job done quickly and without any fuss.
Conclusion
Likely to replace the Murray EC370, the Murray LE380 Electric Mower is the next generation of corded lawn mower that’s got some impressive, yet simple features. It’s really a great lawn mower for everyday use and will make tending to the lawn over summer a breeze.
There have been some nice upgrades from the previous model including a larger deck and grass box although some things, like the padded handles, have been taken away. Is this something that would stop me from using this mower in future? I don’t think so.
Overall, this is a reliable mower that performs well and is very easy to use and maintain.
Where Should I Purchase This Model?
- High-Performance Motor: The Murray Grass Cutter is equipped with a powerful 1600W electric motor that operates at 3000 rpm. This ensures efficient mowing even in dense grass. Additionally, the built-in overload protection auto-shuts the motor if blades get blocked
- Versatile Cutting Heights: With a convenient 5-level cutting height control, ranging from 25 to 65 mm, you can easily tailor your lawn's appearance. Whether you prefer a neat, short trim or a longer, natural look, this mower provides the flexibility to achieve your desired lawn aesthetic
- Large Capacity Grass Collection: No more frequent emptying with the hard, 45-litre grass collection box. Its high capacity ensures longer mowing sessions, and the fill-level indicator alerts you exactly when it's time to empty, ensuring optimal mowing performance
- 2-in-1 Functionality: The Murray lawn mowers offers dual functionalities: use the grass catcher for a clean lawn finish, or opt for the rear discharge to naturally fertilize your lawn with grass clippings. This feature ensures versatility in addressing lawn care needs
- Built with a durable plastic deck, the mower is designed to withstand potential damages. It has a 35 cm long power cable. Furthermore, it's backed by the extensive network of authorized Briggs and Stratton and Murray dealers, assuring you of its reliability
Last update on 2024-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Not sure about this mower? Click here to see more Corded Electric Lawn Mower Reviews.
Murray LE320 Additional Specifications
| Additional Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Working Area | 500m² |
| Cutting width | 38cm |
| Cutting height steps | 5 |
| Cutting height max | 65mm |
| Cutting height min | 25mm |
| Cutting height adjustment | Central |
| Collector volume | 45L |
| Bag Type | Hard Plastic |
| Handle Grip | Metal (no foam padding) |
| Power Cable Length (m) | 10 metres |
| Vision Window | No |
| Right or left start switch | Left, Right |
| Foldable handles | Yes |
| Power (W) | 1600 |
| Grass bag filling indicator | Yes |
| Roller | No |
| Warranty | 5 Years |
| Weight | 12.6kg |
| Mulching | No |
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.
