Ryobi 40V Lawn Mower Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

As a lawn care expert with years of experience, I have tried many types of mowers. I’ve mostly used gas-powered models and always had doubts about battery mowers. When I got the chance to try the Ryobi 40V Lawn Mower, I was curious but skeptical. After using it for a few weeks, my view changed completely.

The Ryobi 40V is not only easy to use but also powerful and efficient. It’s quiet operation and eco-friendly nature made my mowing tasks more pleasant. Here’s my detailed Ryobi 40V Lawn Mower Review based on my firsthand experience.

Detailed Ryobi 40V Lawn Mower Review

The Ryobi 40V Lawn Mower has some impressive features, but it’s not without its drawbacks. Here’s a balanced look at my experience with this mower.

Battery Life

One of the biggest concerns with battery-powered mowers is battery life. How long does the Ryobi 40V battery last? The Ryobi 40V comes with two 6Ah batteries. I was amazed at how long they lasted. I could mow my entire lawn, which is about a quarter acre, without having to recharge. 

The fast charger is a bonus, fully recharging a depleted battery in about an hour. This means I can keep one battery charging while using the other, ensuring that I never run out of power.

My Personal Rating: 5/5 – The battery life is truly impressive and ensures uninterrupted mowing.

Ease of Use

The Ryobi 40V is incredibly user-friendly. The push-button start is hassle-free, and there’s no more yanking on a pull cord to get the mower going. It’s also lightweight, making it easy to maneuver around my yard. Adjusting the cutting height is simple with a single lever, and the handle can be adjusted to different heights, which is great for comfort.

My Personal Rating: 5/5 – It’s so easy to use, even on tricky spots in the yard.

Durability

Durability is crucial for any lawn mower. Despite its plastic deck, the Ryobi 40V has proven to be robust. I’ve used it on uneven terrain and around garden obstacles without any damage. The mower feels solid, and the battery compartment is well-protected. I’ve had no issues with wear and tear, even after several weeks of use.

My Personal Rating: 4/5 – The mower holds up well, even with regular use on tough terrain.

Power

I was skeptical about the power of a battery mower, but the Ryobi 40V exceeded my expectations. It delivers gas-like power, handling thick and tall grass without any issues. The brushless motor is efficient and adjusts the power output based on the mowing conditions, which helps conserve battery life.

My Personal Rating: 4.5/5 – The power is impressive, comparable to gas mowers.

Storage

Storage is another area where the Ryobi 40V shines. The handles fold down easily, allowing the mower to be stored vertically. This feature saves a lot of space in my garage. Plus, since there’s no gas or oil, I don’t have to worry about spills or fumes.

My Personal Rating: 5/5 – The compact storage design is perfect for saving garage space.

What I Like

• Quiet operation, making it pleasant to use at any time of day
• No maintenance hassles like oil changes or spark plugs
• Eco-friendly with no emissions
• Easy to start with a push button
• Compact storage with foldable handles
• Durable design that stands up to regular use

What Could Be Better

• The plastic deck feels less robust compared to metal decks
• LED headlights are not very useful for daytime mowing
• Slightly slower self-propulsion speed as the battery drains

Tips for Using the Ryobi 40V Lawn Mower

1. Charge Smartly: Always keep one battery charging while you use the other. This way, you never run out of power.
2. Mow Regularly: To get the best performance, mow your lawn regularly. This prevents the grass from getting too thick and challenging the mower.
3. Store Properly: Fold the handles and store the mower vertically to save space.
4. Clean After Use: Keep the deck clean and free of grass clippings to maintain efficiency.
5. Use the Right Height Setting: Adjust the cutting height according to the grass length and type for a neat and healthy lawn.

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Ryobi Lawn Mower 40V vs 18V

My neighbor bought the Ryobi 18V Lawn Mower. Here’s a comparison based on my experience and what my neighbor shared:

Battery Life

Ryobi 40V: The 40V model comes with two 6Ah batteries. On a full charge, it can mow a quarter acre without needing a recharge. The fast charger can fully recharge a depleted battery in about an hour.

Ryobi 18V: The Ryobi 18V model comes with smaller batteries, around 4Ah. It’s best for small yards. It covers less area on one charge. The battery life is shorter. Recharging also takes longer compared to the 40V model.

Winner: Ryobi 40V – Perfect for larger lawns where uninterrupted power is needed. However, if you’re on a budget or have a smaller yard, the 18V might be more cost-effective.

Ease of Use

Ryobi 40V: The 40V is user-friendly with a push-button start and lightweight design. It’s easy to maneuver, and the cutting height can be adjusted with a single lever. The handle can be adjusted to different heights for comfort.

Ryobi 18V: The 18V model is also easy to use and has a push-button start. It’s lighter and more compact, making it easier to handle in tight spaces. However, it lacks some of the advanced features of the 40V, such as the adjustable handle.

Winner: Ryobi 18V – Its lightweight design makes it even easier to maneuver in tight spaces. Perfect for small lawns and those who need a mower that’s easy to handle.

Durability

Ryobi 40V: The 40V model has a plastic deck but is still robust. It handles uneven terrain and garden obstacles well. The battery compartment is well-protected, and it shows no significant wear and tear after weeks of use.

Ryobi 18V: The 18V model is durable for its size and intended use. It’s best suited for regular, light mowing. However, it may not hold up as well under more demanding conditions compared to the 40V model.

Winner: Ryobi 40V – The 40V model is built to handle tough conditions and more use. The 18V model is durable but better for light, regular mowing.

Storage

Ryobi 40V: The 40V model shines in storage convenience. The handles fold down easily, allowing the mower to be stored vertically, saving space in the garage. There’s no need to worry about spills or fumes since there’s no gas or oil.

Ryobi 18V: The 18V model is even more compact and easy to store. It also has foldable handles and can be stored in tight spaces. Its smaller size makes it very convenient for those with limited storage space.

Winner: Ryobi 18V – Its smaller size makes it even easier to store, perfect for those with limited space.

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Final Thoughts

Both the Ryobi 40V and 18V lawn mowers have their strengths and are suited for different needs. The 40V model is ideal for those with larger lawns who need more power and longer battery life. The 18V model is perfect for small yards and light maintenance, offering ease of use and compact storage.

Switching from the YARDMAX 21” Gas Walk Behind Push Lawn Mower to the Ryobi 40V has been a game-changer for me. The noise and maintenance issues of my old mower are now a thing of the past. If you have a larger yard or tougher mowing conditions, the 40V is the way to go. For smaller yards and simpler tasks, the 18V is a convenient and affordable option.

I hope this comparison helps you decide which Ryobi mower is right for you. Both models are excellent choices, offering eco-friendly, quiet, and efficient mowing solutions.

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