Summary
The Murray 44cm Cordless Lawn Mower is powered by 2 x 18 volt 5.0Ah batteries, a 36 volt brushless motor and is supplied with a dual battery charger. The 44cm cutting width together with the powerful Briggs and Stratton batteries make this mower ideal for larger lawns up to 640m². This mower is provided with a large 50 litre collection box, 7 height level positions ranging from 25mm to 75mm via a single lever and provides up to 36 minutes of run time. This mower has the ability to cut & collect, rear discharge and mulch the cuttings with an optional mulching plug.
It was great to test this Murray cordless mower on my rear 500m² lawn and put it through its paces. I had high hopes that this mower was going to be top notch owing to all the good reviews it has received, but did it live up to my expectations? Let’s find out.
In this article and my video review below, I show you the unboxing and how to assemble the mower, along with a full rundown of this mower’s specifications and how well it performs in the real world.
When I purchased this Murray 44cm Cordless Lawn Mower, I was investing in the brand, so I purchased the cordless grass trimmer (hedge trimmer will be next) along with the mower, as it allows me to share the batteries across the range.
OK, let’s get on with the review and see if this Murray is still worthy of my top cordless mower recommendation.
This Murray 44cm cordless mower is for owners of medium to large sized lawns that do not want to mess about with petrol or power-cords. Powered by rechargeable batteries, it is compact, and every design aspect is there to make life a little easier.
Main Features
Lawn Size: Medium (2.5 tennis courts) 640m²
Power: 1500-Watt for 36 minutes mow time
Batteries: 2 x 18-volt 5.0Ah lithium-ion battery
Blade Length: 44cm metal
Number of Cutting Heights: 7 (25mm to 75mm)
Grass Box Capacity: 50 L
Weight: 14 Kg
Model Number: IQ18WM44
Power System
This model uses a 1500 watt 36 volt brushless battery-powered motor, which ensures powerful and efficient running. The two Briggs and Stratton 18 volt 5.0Ah batteries are used in parallel in the mower to provide a very respectable 36 minutes of run-time, with the power to cut longer and more demanding lawns and lawn up to 640m².
When I tested this mower on my rather long and damp 500m² back lawn, it just fell short of cutting it on a single charge. When I subsequently trimmed the lawn (1/3 rule) and the grass was dry, the Murray managed to cut the entire lawn with a little left in the batteries. So my experience of the running times of this mower are as follows.
- Trimming 1/3 of a dry lawn – 550m² to 600m²
- Cutting a longer damp lawn – 480m² to 500m²
The performance and power from this Murray 44cm cordless lawn mower compares very well with the likes of Bosch and Gtech mowers. Even with my longer lawn, the Murray dealt well with the longer grass and stepped up the power accordingly. If you have very long lawn just don’t try to cut off too much in a single pass as this is not only stressful for your lawn, but also puts your cordless mower under unnecessary strain. Use the good range of cutting heights to start higher and do a second pass on a lower setting.
Murray do provide this mower in a smaller version (IQ18WM37). What’s the difference?
Well the first thing is the smaller 2.5Ah batteries that will charge in 55 minutes but give a shorter run time, so is therefore designed to cover lawns up to 450m².
The other difference is the smaller deck size at just 37cm as opposed the 44cm on this mower and a slightly small grass collection box at 40 litres (compared to 50 litres).
Below is a comparison table so you can clearly see the differences between these two Murray mowers.
Last update on 2024-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Battery Charger
This mower comes with a dual charger so that both 18-volt lithium-ion batteries can charge simultaneously. This will charge two flat batteries in 110 minutes on the docks, and the charger comes with a 1.8 metre power cable.
Both the charger and the batteries have a USB-A socket (0.5 amps). The charger’s USB socket can charge the battery or another device. Similarly, the battery can charge or power other portable electronics.
These batteries work across the range of Murray 18 volt cordless tools, so again competing well with the likes of Bosch and WORX range of gardening tools.
Murray 44cm Cordless Lawn Mower Video Review
Features In Detail
Blades
Murray blades are steel, precision cut, as expected from a Murray, and these make sharp and efficient cuts. The blades on the Murray 44cm cordless lawn mower have a good lifespan and if looked after will give years of effective use. If you do however need to replace the blade, then they are readily available and reasonably priced.
These blades are simple in design and inexpensive. Blades can also be sharpened with a few tools and basic DIY skills.
I think you will see from my video review how precise and effortlessly the mower cut my lawn.
As I was unable to locate a mulching plug for this Murray cordless mower, I could not test the effectiveness of the blade for the purpose of mulching. In terms of the rear discharge, the blade cut well and the cuttings were discharged from the rear with no problems.
Height Adjustment
The front wheels are 16.5cm, and the rear are 25cm which is a nice touch from Murray as it helps with manoeuvrability and assists with stability of the mower especially when full laden.
There is a choice of seven cutting heights, which range from 25mm up to 75mm. Now, the 75mm may seem high, however, this is to allow the mower to start higher on over-grown lawns and gradually work its way lower. Being and electric battery mower, the motor will stop temporarily when presented with too great a challenge to protect the motor, so again this is a nice touch from Murray.
In summary, this is a great range of cutting heights that will accommodate your mowing needs depending on the season.
The height adjustment is positioned centrally to the mower making it easy to operate. Again, see my video review to see the height adjustment in action.
Handles
The handles on this mower are as good as any I have tested. The foam padding is thick enough to make it comfortable to use whilst absorbing any vibration. The handles fold down for reduced storage and as you can see in my video review, this was quick and easy to do. You also have the ability to adjust the angle of the handles to suit a good mowing posture for both shorter and taller operators. During my test, I had them set to mid point and felt just right for my 5’10” (175cm) height.
Another great feature on these handles, that you will not find on many other mowers, is the battery indicator gauge. A simple press of the button shows how much juice you have left in your batteries combined. There is also a gauge on each battery, but having a gauge at the operator level is a nice feature.
Cutting Diameter
The Murray lithium-ion range of mowers, besides having two types of battery to choose from, also has a choice of blade lengths. This version has a 44cm metal blade, but there is the option for a smaller deck size with the Murray 2 x 18 V (36 V) Lithium-Ion 37cm IQ18WM37.
Which one is best? It really does depend on the size and type of your lawn. If you have narrow strips of lawn or many obstacles, then perhaps the smaller 37cm deck size would be a better fit.
Roller (Stripes)
This range of Murray mowers do not have a rear roller, and therefore, this mower will not produce a striped lawn. You may want to consider the LawnMaster 41cm Cordless Lawn Mower if you must have a rear roller.
Grass Collection Bag/Box Capacity
The grass bag on this Murray 44cm Cordless Lawn Mower is collapsible, with a solid top and mesh sides for greater airflow. This design also helps with compacting the bag down for storage. The size of the grass bag is 50 litres. This is my preferred grass collection bag configuration as it not only reduces storage and increases air circulation for better collection, but the hard top prevents dust and debris being thrown up into the operator’s face.
There is a handy fill level indicator on top of the grass collector, as an external visual aid, and the box is well constructed and easy to remove when full.
As demonstrated in my video review, this mower really does collect the grass cuttings well and compacts them effectively into the 50 litre collection bag.
Practicalities
There is a 3-digit LED display on the front of each battery to show the percentage of charge remaining. This means that you can read the charge left on each battery without having to take them out of the mower. It would have been nice to have at least 5 lights as it is difficult to judge how much battery is left when only 1 light is showing. There is also a battery indicator light on the handles, that when pressed will show the remaining the battery charge, again using the 3-digit LED display.
The power pack that comes with the Murray 44cm cordless lawn mower makes life easier by having two docks to fast charge the batteries. The batteries sit under a cover in the mower, away from flying grass clippings.
Convenient for storage, the main handle folds in two-halves to become the same height and length as the mower. To make the controls more comfortable for operators, the handle is adjustable with three different heights. And the handrail, covered in a soft foam grip, helps to absorb vibrations from the spinning blade.
To make the motor even more efficient and the batteries last longer, there is a Soft-Start function. The Soft-Start slows the acceleration of the blade when starting and will take around 3 seconds to get to full speed.
All wheels on the Murray 44cm cordless lawn mower are solid, so there are no issues with repairing a flat tyre. And behind the front wheels, grass combs pull grass under and in-towards the blade, so it will reach grass up to the width of the machine.
Safety Features
A single handle for blade height adjustment means that there is no reason to go around to the front when the machine is running. Everything except for removing the battery is possible to adjust from the back of the Murray 44cm Cordless Lawn Mower.
These are lithium-ion batteries, and as such, can overheat if the operator tries to mow thick grass. To prevent this from happening, a 30-amp Load Protection will shut the power down until it cools off. In this cooling-off period, the operator should increase the cutting height and try again.
The deck is plastic, this is a good thing for a cordless electric mower to help absorb the noises from the blade and the motor, as well as reducing the overall weight.
To activate the mower, the operator first needs to insert a key in the slot, behind the batteries, underneath the main cover. The operator should remove the safety key, along with the batteries, when doing any maintenance on the unit. Always refer to the manual for complete details of the safe use of this mower.
To get the mower running after activation, there is a safety button that needs releasing before the throttle handle will move.
Mulching
These cordless series mowers from Murray are a 2-in-1 out of the box, meaning they provide a collecting and rear discharge function only. There is the option to purchase a mulching plug, for both Murray models (the 37cm and the 44cm).
This would not only extend your mower to include 3-in-1 cutting features, but will also provide the essential benefits that mulching has to offer. To find more about the benefits of mulching read my article – The Benefits of Mulching Lawn Mowers – Complete Guide.
As mentioned above, I was unfortunately unable to test the mulching in my video review as the mulching plug was currently out of stock. I did however test the rear discharge cutting option and this worked as expected.
Below is a link to the mulching plug for this Murray Cordless Mower.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Original Mulch Plug 80088293 - for Murray IQ18WM44, Sprint 440P18V |
£13.92 |
Check Price on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What’s Included In The Box?
- Murray 36-volt 44cm cordless lawnmower
- Two 18-volt 5.0Ah batteries
- Dual charger
- Grass collection bag
- Quick release clips
- User Manual
Pros & Cons
Murray 44cm Cordless Lawn Mower User Manual
Click here to access the Murray 44 cm Cordless Lawn Mower User Manual
Should You Buy This Model?
This Murray 44cm Cordless Lawn Mower really compares well to other brands such as Bosch and WORX in terms of build quality, performance and practicalities. It was difficult to find any negatives with this mower, apart from the mulching plug not being supplied as standard (has to be purchased as an optional extra), having only 3 battery indicator lights can make it a little tricky to gauge when the batteries are running low on charge.
Admittedly, the Murray is not the cheapest mower of its size on the market, however you are getting a very good quality mid-range mower that delivers features and performance that really will give a great cut and make mowing the lawn that much easier and enjoyable.
As lawn mowers go, this is one of the more environmentally friendly machines that you will find. For sure, it does not emit fumes like a petrol mower and is significantly quieter, I measured its sound level at operator’s level at 101 dB.
No cables are powering this mower, so you do not have to worry about slicing through one as you go around the lawn. And the batteries are conveniently compatible with other Murray cordless tools.
Remember you are getting an impressive 5 year warranty with this mower, with 3 years on the battery and charger. You simply will not get this with any other brand and shows real confidence on the longevity of this Murray cordless mower.
If you would like to see this Murray 44cm cordless mower in action, then why not check out my video review above, where you can see the following:-
- Unboxing
- Assembly
- Specification
- Deck & Blade
- Cutting Performance – Cut & Collect
- Cutting Performance – Rear Discharge
- Review Conclusion
This Mower Is Ideal For
- People with gardens up to 640m² in size.
- Those that do NOT require a striped lawn.
- Those looking for a good quality, well built cordless mower with good features.
- People that like a large grass box for less emptying.
- Those that like the option of rear discharge.
- Storage is limited as handles and grass box fold flat.
- People looking for an excellent warranty period (5 years limited product warranty).
- People wanting the ability to mulch the grass clippings (mulching plug is an optional extra).
Murray Cordless Mowers in General Are
- Easy to pack away for the winter months.
- Batteries will last most of the winter with charge. And even if they do not, you can use them as battery stations for portable electronics.
- Are safe and offer a range of safety features.
- Are economical to run. Charging batteries from the mains supply are far cheaper than using petrol.
- Murray makes very high quality mowers and great blades. You know that this brand stands for durability and reliability, with parts that are easy to replace.
- The mower comes with a limited 5-year warranty on the mower. There is a separate warranty for the batteries and the charger of 3 years. These numbers show the manufacturer has big faith in what they have made.
Conclusion
The only slight negative I could find with this Murray 44cm cordless lawn mower is that it is slightly louder than others I have tested. Now this maybe due to the powerful 5.0Ah batteries pushing the motor and giving more torque. To give you a comparison the sound level on this mower according to the manufacturer is 96 (dB), compared to the Bosch Rotak 43 LI at 76 (dB), this isn’t much, but I thought I should mention it anyway.
Machines make noise, and this is unavoidable, efficient batteries such as lithium-ion are the way forward. It is not only about the noise, but the cost to the environment. Petrol will become more expensive, and the cost of recharging two 18-volt batteries is nominal.
The large back wheels make a lot of sense for a full grass-laden machine, where most of the weight will sit. These solid wheels are thick and sturdy, which takes away another potential issue that less well-made mowers may have.
Some genius design touches make this Murray mower less work for the operator. Being able to see the battery power reserve with a push of a button from the handles is convenient. In addition, the level indicator on the grass collection box is handy to see when it is full and needs emptying. Being supplied with a dual charger is also another time-saving feature that is missing on so many other brands.
These little details will go unnoticed in the beginning, but you would notice if they were gone. If you are into new technology and plan to build an arsenal of cordless Murray tools, then you will not be disappointed with this very impressive cordless lawn mower.
Where Should I Purchase This Murray 44cm Cordless Lawn Mower?
- Powered by Briggs and Stratton 18 V lithium-ion battery system
- 2x Briggs and Stratton 18 V 5.0 Ah lithium-ion battery and dual charger included in the box
- Powerful 1, 5 kW/36 V dual battery brushless motor technology for longer life, low noise and Highest in class performance
- Soft-grip handles minimise vibration and fold for easy storage
- Ideal for coverage up to 640 Sq.mt
- Run time up to 36 minutes,High performance blade delivers a Quality cut
Last update on 2024-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Not sure about this mower? Click here to see more Cordless Lawn Mower Reviews.
Murray 44cm Cordless Lawn Mower FAQs
What size lawn is the Murray 44cm Cordless Lawn Mower designed for?
Up to 640m².
Is the Murray 44cm cordless lawn mower self propelled?
No, this is push mower.
Do the batteries and charger come supplied with Murray 44cm Cordless Lawn Mower?
Yes - 2 x 18v 5.0Ah batteries and a dual charger.
How large is the grass collection box on the Murray 44cm Cordless Lawn Mower?
50 Litres
Can the Murray 44cm Cordless Lawn Mower mulch?
Yes, but you need to purchase a mulching plug separately.
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.
Can you use the 2.5 batteries in the IQ18WM44?
Hi Elizabeth, yes I believe you can, however the run-time will naturally be reduced. Thanks
I purchased the 44cm Murray lawnmower a couple of years ago and was really pleased with cutting performance.
However, this year the mower refuses to start even when the batteries are 100%. The green lights show only 2 out of 3.
Please advise.
Hi Peter, thanks for your message. I am sure you have checked this but it is a mistake I made myself – is the safety key inserted in the mower? If this is the case, then unfortunately you are going to need to contact Murray technical support. Mark
I want to use this mower (or one similar) on an allotment site which does not have mains electricity. Is there any way a solar battery charger can be used? Most solar chargers seem to be only 12v.
Hi David, as far as I know this is not possible but it’s an area I know very little about.
Perhaps someone else can comment on this. Many thanks
I bought this Murray 44 cm electric mower from Amazon over a year ago, and had no problems using so far, being both light, clean and efficient compared with my old petrol mower.
However one major problem is it seems impossible to buy a replacement blade. I’ve been trying on Amazon which is the only dealer for this since April (6 months) and continually says, ‘this item is out or stock and we don’t know when if it will be available’.
I’ve tried to contact Briggs & Stratton, which seem to be a partner of Murray, plus overseas dealers, but every time directed back to Amazon UK.
Wished I bought another brand with spares more widely available, and it seems strange for Murray to keep marketing and stocking this mower via Amazon, while not manufacturing replacement blades, which are normally changed every year !
Hi Andy
Yes it’s is very frustrating not be able to easily purchase an essential mower consumable.
Try giving this supplier a call – https://www.revillmowers.co.uk/spare-parts/briggs-stratton-blade-bar-44cm-murray-bp20226a/
Please let us know how you get on.
Hope this helps.
Mark
I purchased a 44cm Murray cordless mower from Amazon just over a year ago. I would like to replace the blade but cannot find it in stock anywhere. I emailed the Murray customer service team for advice on where I could purchase a replacement blade but all they did was send me a list of their stockists, none of which are local.
Does anyone know where I can order a replacement blade?
Preferably mail order
I live just outside north London
Hi Michael
https://www.revillmowers.co.uk/spare-parts/briggs-stratton-blade-bar-44cm-murray-bp20226a/
Hope this helps.
Mark
I bought this on your very positive review, I have two issues with it on first use I have the grass box falling off and yes I have constructed correctly and also mine doesn’t start all the time it seems to have a lag and needs numerous presses to get it to start ?
Hi John, I have just looked at my Murray again and the grass box locks in securely as far as I can see. Does the flap lid fold flat over the box, as this should lock into position.
With regards to starting, I also didn’t experience this issue, are you cutting longer grass? Tilt the mower back when starting and then gradually lower down. Let me know how you get on.
I have the same issue the box will not lock into place , and the flap above doesn’t have any locking mechanism ( as I have on my very cheap corded mower) .At the slightest bump in the grass, the box jumps off, tripping me up . looking for a remedy – any clues ?
Hi Ken, thanks for your comment, I will pull this mower out of my garage and take a look. Thanks Mark
Hi there. A few words of caution. There seem to be major problems with the company behind this brand. There are NO 5ah 18v batteries available on Amazon and there are NO replacement blades. Customer service is slow and not at all helpful. Good mower but the lack of spare parts is ridiculous. Be warned!
HI Steven, yes there does seem to be an issue at the moment with obtaining replacement 5.0Ah batteries and 44cm replacement blades.
Many brands are having issues with distribution of service parts at the moment due to the situation. I will reach out to them and report back here when I get an answer.
Thanks again
What company is behind the Murray brand? I have never heard of it before. It is absolutely essential for customer trust to have an obliging and reliable UK-based after-sales service and spares contact – relying on one intermediate global seller marketplace (eg Amazon) is not entirely appropriate or confidence-building, especially once out of warranty!
Two other key aspects of practical comparison would be useful to have in all these mower reviews:
1. Overall mower sound level in dB – too many appliances are still at the high 96dB level (sound pressure Is on a logarithmic scale, so a few degrees makes a noticeable difference).
2. Ease of cleaning the underside of the cutting deck – preferably with a clear photograph. Many mower manufacturers use thin-walled moulded plastic extrusions to compensate for material reduction and structurally strengthen the appliance – this can lead to very-hard-to-clean voids and pockets.
Thank you.
Hi Paul, the company behind Murray, amongst others, is Briggs & Stratton. Their customer service is good and responsive via a form on their website.
Thanks for the great suggestions with regard to the sound levels, I will definitely start to include these on all my reviews going forward and will try to update the existing reviews, where possible.
It is a great point with regard to the deck cleaning, as I have seen this construction on many of the cheaper models. Again I will definitely cover this point in both the reviews and videos created in the future.
Thanks so much for the excellent feedback, all the very best.
We have just bought a Murray 18v cordless mower (37cm) and we have found that one if the hooks for the grass box is bent. We have tried to contact their website to no avail, we would like to know if it can be straightened without any further damage.
Hi David, your best bet would be to return the machine to where you purchased it from. What it from Amazon, as the replacements are very quick and easy.
I have had this on a machine that was delivered damaged and was able to straighten the hook. If you are going to do this you do run the risk of it snapping or the paint getting damaged, so I would not recommend.
Let us know how you get on. Thanks
M’y new sprint mawner won’t start. Batteries are fully charged. There is only one Green Light. I dont know what to do…
Hi Isabelle
A few things to try (sorry if some sound obvious) –
Possible Cause — Solution
The battery is not charged — Charge the battery
Safety key is defective — Replace the safety key
Grass wrapped on blades — Remove the battery and check under deck
Grass catcher jammed — Check under deck that grass catcher is not clogged
The battery in not fitted correctly — Check fitment of battery, ensure retaining tab is engaged correctly
Battery may require service/replacement — Contact Briggs & Stratton support
Safety key is not installed — Insert the safety key
Hope this helps let me know if you get it resolved.
Mark
Reading the reviews there seems to be an issue with the grass box falling off when in use. Can you advise if this is a design fault or users not assembling the mower correctly?
Hi Kieran, thanks for your message.
I have not had anyone contact me that they are having issues with the grass collection box. I did not experience this issue myself either.
It is quite common for users not to assemble the grass box correctly where you connect the bag to the metal frame. As a result, this prevents the grass box attaching securely to the mower.
Hope this helps
Mark
Hi there
Could you please advise how wide the actual mower is [not the cutting are] as I have limited access to the garden. It would be helpful if you could advise the same for the new Gtcech mower 2.0 to save posting the same question in 2 places.
Thanks
John
Hi John,
The Murray 44cm mower has an overall width of 50cm. The Gtech 2.0 lawn mower with blade of 42cm has an overall width of around 47cm (unfortunately as I do not have my Gtech anymore I am unable to measure precisely, however this mower is almost cut to edge).
Kind regards
Mark
Hi Mark
Many thanks for your help
Bob Small
Hi
Is it easy to buy spare parts for the Murray cordless mowers. I have been unable to find anyone on line offering spare parts. In fact the only way to buy the mower seems to be from Amazon. The mower looks great but I am unsure about support later on.
Hi Bob
Thanks for your question.
I have just spoken with the following Murray supplier and they have confirmed that they can supply parts for this mower with no problems. Please quote the model number 883266 for this 44cm model.
Henton & Chattell Ltd
London Road
Nottingham
NG2 3HW
T. +44 115 986 2161
https://www.hcuk.co/
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Many thanks
Mark