Our verdict
The Murray EQ500X is what a self-propelled petrol mower used to cost before Mountfield and Cobra started undercutting each other. Briggs 575EX engine is bulletproof, ReadyStart actually works in the cold, and the 46cm cut is right for most UK lawns. If you don't care about the brand badge, it's better value than the Mountfield SP46 at the same price point.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Briggs 575EX — proven 140cc engine
- Self-propelled rear-wheel drive
- 46cm cut for under £350 new
- ReadyStart auto-choke — no priming
Cons
- Single-speed drive (no variable bail)
- Steel deck is thinner gauge than Mountfield
- Drive cable wears at 4-5 years
Full specs
| Type | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Cut width | 46 cm |
| Engine / Power | Briggs & Stratton 575EX 140cc |
| Weight | 27 kg |
| Deck | Steel |
| Self-propelled | Yes |
| Rear roller | No |
| Mulching | Yes |
| Cutting heights | 6 positions |
| Bag capacity | 60 L |
| Suited to lawn | Large |
| Noise level | 95 dB |
Buying second-hand
Used EQ500Xs at £150-220 are everywhere on Marketplace — Murray is unfashionable so prices stay low. The drive cable is the predictable failure point at 5+ years (£18 part, 30-minute job). Briggs 575EX engines run forever if you change the oil; many used examples have never had an oil change so budget £8 for fresh oil and a filter on day one.
Where to buy the Murray EQ500X
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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 46cm blade
Annual sharpening is free; replace when bent or cracked.
|
£24–£32 | £8–£12 |
|
Air filter (foam)
|
£12 | £4 |
|
Spark plug (NGK BPR4ES)
|
£8 | £3 |
|
Primer bulb
|
£6 | £3 |
|
Drive cable replacement
Stretches at 5–8 years. 30-minute DIY fit.
|
£18–£28 | £8 |
Fair-offer calculator
Tell us about a specific used listing for the Murray EQ500X 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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