Our verdict
The Murray 14.5/38 was the model up from the 11/30, with the I/C-spec Briggs engine that runs longer between rebuilds and a wider deck for serious paddock work. Out of production for 20+ years but still common on Marketplace because the I/C engine and cast axle outlast everything around them. The mower of choice if you need to cut a half-acre rough lawn cheaply.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Briggs Industrial-Commercial (I/C) — uprated bearings and oil bath filter
- 97cm deck covers ground fast
- Cast-iron front axle
- Same red/yellow heritage paint as the 11/30
Cons
- Out of production — used only
- No collection
- Dated steering — heavy at low speed
Full specs
| Type | Ride-on |
|---|---|
| Cut width | 97 cm |
| Engine / Power | Briggs & Stratton 14.5HP I/C |
| Weight | 195 kg |
| Deck | Steel |
| Self-propelled | Yes |
| Rear roller | No |
| Mulching | No |
| Cutting heights | 6 positions |
| Bag capacity | — |
| Suited to lawn | Large |
| Noise level | 100 dB |
Buying second-hand
£500-900 used for a tidy example. The I/C engine is the headline — rotate the flywheel by hand and listen for valve clatter (normal) vs. bottom-end knocks (deal-breaker). Cast front axle should have no play at the kingpins. Avoid any with non-original deck spindles or a welded chassis. A clean 14.5/38 will run another 15 years.
Where to buy the Murray 14.5/38
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Repair-cost reference
UK 2026 ballpark prices for the parts you're most likely to need on this mower. OEM is dealer-genuine; aftermarket is what you'll find on eBay or generic small-engine suppliers. Use these to sense-check any quote and to negotiate on used buys.
| Part / job | OEM | Aftermarket |
|---|---|---|
|
Replacement 97cm blade
Annual sharpening is free; replace when bent or cracked.
|
£24–£32 | £8–£12 |
|
Deck spindle bearing
Replace if blade vibrates or the deck whines under load.
|
£48 each | £22 each |
|
Transaxle service (gear oil change)
Hydrostatic units need fresh fluid every 200 hours.
|
£60 dealer | £15 DIY |
|
12V starter battery
Generic 12V 18Ah lawn-tractor battery — fits most ride-ons.
|
£45 | £28 |
Fair-offer calculator
Tell us about a specific used listing for the Murray 14.5/38 you're looking at. We'll compute a fair offer range from our used-market data and the condition signals you provide.
Calculations are guidance, not gospel. Used-market prices vary by region (Scotland is typically 10–15% cheaper than the South-East), season (October cheapest, March most expensive), and seller motivation.
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