Murray lawn mowers are manufactured by Briggs & Stratton, a leading company in the outdoor power equipment industry. Briggs & Stratton, renowned for its reliable small engines, acquired the Murray brand in 2004. This acquisition followed a period of financial difficulties faced by the original Murray company. Since then, Murray lawn mowers have been produced under the expertise and backing of Briggs & Stratton, known for producing engines that power many outdoor products.
Briggs & Stratton’s decision to acquire the Murray brand helped bring stability to the company and continue Murray’s legacy of producing affordable, reliable lawn care products. Today, these mowers are recognized for their quality, performance, and ease of use. Murray lawn mowers, which once had a strong foothold in the U.S. lawn care market, now benefit from Briggs & Stratton’s engineering, distribution networks, and manufacturing processes.
Company Background
The Origins of Murray
Murray, originally founded as the Murray Ohio Manufacturing Company in 1919, has a rich history of producing a wide variety of products. The company was initially involved in manufacturing automobile parts and components. Over time, Murray shifted its focus to lawn care equipment, becoming a major player in the lawn mower market.
In the 1950s, Murray entered the lawn equipment sector, making a name for itself with its innovative designs and durable products. It gained significant market share, particularly in the push mower and riding mower categories. By the 1970s and 1980s, Murray had established itself as one of the leading brands in the outdoor power equipment industry.
During its peak, Murray was a household name, known for providing cost-effective and reliable lawn mowers. However, by the early 2000s, the company faced financial difficulties that led to the acquisition by Briggs & Stratton in 2004. This acquisition allowed the Murray name to live on under the guidance of a company well-versed in small engine technology and manufacturing.
Briggs & Stratton and the Murray Acquisition
Briggs & Stratton, established in 1908, is known for producing high-performance engines that power a wide range of outdoor power equipment, including lawn mowers, generators, and pressure washers. With its reputation for reliability and innovation, Briggs & Stratton was a natural fit to continue the legacy of Murray lawn mowers.
After acquiring Murray, Briggs & Stratton was able to integrate the Murray brand into its manufacturing network, ensuring the continued production of affordable and high-quality lawn care equipment. By leveraging Briggs & Stratton’s engineering expertise and vast distribution channels, the Murray brand continued to thrive in a competitive market, offering products that meet the needs of homeowners and professionals alike.
Product Range
Murray’s range of lawn mowers includes both push mowers and riding mowers, catering to a wide variety of lawn care needs. Whether you’re tending to a small, suburban lawn or managing a larger yard, Murray offers options that are built for efficiency and ease of use.
Push Mowers
Murray push mowers are designed for homeowners looking for a simple, no-fuss way to maintain their lawns. These mowers typically feature Briggs & Stratton engines, which are known for their reliability and performance. Push mowers are a popular choice for smaller yards where the power of a riding mower isn’t necessary.
Some key features of Murray push mowers include:
Lightweight design: These mowers are easy to maneuver and push, making them ideal for those who have smaller lawns or prefer a more hands-on approach to lawn care.
Variety of cutting widths: Murray push mowers come in different cutting widths, giving customers flexibility in choosing the right mower for their yard.
Durable construction: Built to last, Murray push mowers are designed with strong materials to withstand regular use.
Many of Murray’s push mowers also come with adjustable cutting heights, allowing users to customize their mowing experience depending on the grass height and their personal preferences.
Riding Mowers
For larger lawns, Murray’s riding mowers provide an efficient and comfortable solution. These mowers are equipped with Briggs & Stratton engines, known for their smooth and reliable performance. Riding mowers are an excellent choice for homeowners who need to cover more ground quickly while maintaining a neat and uniform lawn.
Some features of Murray riding mowers include:
Powerful engines: The Briggs & Stratton engines provide plenty of power to tackle larger lawns with ease.
Comfortable seating: These mowers often come with ergonomic seating options and easy-to-use controls, ensuring comfort during longer mowing sessions.
Cutting deck sizes: Murray offers a range of deck sizes on its riding mowers, ensuring that customers can find a mower that suits their lawn’s size and their mowing needs.
Maneuverability: While riding mowers are larger than push mowers, Murray’s riding mowers are designed to be easy to handle and maneuver, even in tight spaces.
In addition to traditional riding mowers, Murray also offers models with zero-turn capabilities, which provide enhanced control and speed. Zero-turn mowers are particularly popular for homeowners with large, complex yards that require a high level of precision.
Features and Engine Performance
One of the standout features of both Murray push and riding mowers is their dependable engine performance. As mentioned earlier, these mowers are powered by Briggs & Stratton engines, which are widely recognized for their durability and efficiency. The engines offer excellent fuel efficiency and require minimal maintenance, making them a practical choice for homeowners who want a reliable mower that can handle regular use.
The combination of Murray’s design and Briggs & Stratton’s engine technology results in products that are not only easy to use but also built to last. Whether you’re mowing a small yard or a large estate, Murray mowers are equipped to handle the job with minimal hassle.
Manufacturing and Distribution
Murray lawn mowers are manufactured in facilities operated by Briggs & Stratton. These facilities are equipped with advanced manufacturing technologies that ensure each mower meets the high standards set by both Murray and Briggs & Stratton. The integration of Murray into Briggs & Stratton’s manufacturing process has allowed for streamlined production and improved product quality.
While the majority of the assembly takes place in the U.S., components are sourced globally, reflecting the international supply chain and expertise behind Murray mowers. This global sourcing strategy helps ensure that Murray mowers remain cost-effective without compromising on quality. The collaboration between Murray and Briggs & Stratton also makes use of cutting-edge technology to produce high-performance lawn care equipment.
Availability and Retailers
Murray lawn mowers are widely available and can be found at major retailers such as Walmart and other online platforms. This widespread distribution network makes it easy for consumers to purchase Murray products, whether they are shopping in physical stores or online.
Murray has established a strong presence in the U.S. and continues to expand its availability, making it a go-to brand for consumers looking for affordable and reliable lawn care equipment. Thanks to its partnership with Briggs & Stratton, Murray benefits from an established distribution network and a reputation for dependable products.
Conclusion
Murray lawn mowers, now produced under the Briggs & Stratton umbrella, offer a reliable and affordable option for homeowners and lawn care professionals alike. With a rich history dating back to 1919, the Murray brand has evolved from producing automobile parts to becoming a recognized name in lawn care equipment.
Whether you’re in need of a push mower for a smaller yard or a riding mower for larger properties, Murray’s product range has something to meet your needs. Powered by Briggs & Stratton engines, these mowers are built for performance, durability, and ease of use. With widespread availability at major retailers and online platforms, Murray continues to provide accessible and reliable lawn care solutions for homeowners across the country.
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