Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21" Self-Propelled Multi-Blade Mower

Lawn care has always been a bit of a chore for me, especially with the need to maintain a sizable yard. So, when I got my hands on the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21" Self-Propelled Multi-Blade Mower (RY401015BTL), I was hoping for a game-changer. Here's my detailed experience with this electric mower, which promises to bring the power of a gas mower without the associated hassles.

First Impressions and Setup

Unboxing and setting up the Ryobi mower was straightforward. The assembly process took me less than 10 minutes, which is always a good start. The mower is fairly lightweight for its size, which makes it easier to handle compared to some of the heavier gas mowers I've used in the past. The one-touch folding handles are a nice touch, making storage a breeze, especially in my cramped garage.

Power and Performance

The standout feature of this mower is its brushless motor, which Ryobi claims delivers power comparable to a 170cc gas mower. I was skeptical at first, but after several mowing sessions, I can say it comes close. The multi-blade system does an excellent job of cutting the grass cleanly, and I noticed significantly less clumping when mulching. This is a big plus for someone who prefers mulching over bagging.

However, the mower isn't without its quirks. It can struggle a bit with thicker or taller grass. I found myself needing to take half-width passes in denser areas to avoid the mower bogging down. This was somewhat disappointing, especially given the high expectations set by the product's specifications.

Battery Life and Charging

Ryobi advertises up to 70 minutes of runtime with two 40V 6Ah batteries, which should be sufficient for areas up to ¾ acre. In practice, I found the battery life to be somewhat less impressive. On a full charge, the two batteries lasted about 45-50 minutes, which was just enough to cover my ¼ acre yard. The batteries do charge relatively quickly, but the charger won't start if the batteries are even slightly warm, which can be inconvenient.

For larger lawns, you might find yourself needing more than the supplied batteries to get the job done in one go. This means either purchasing additional batteries or waiting for the current ones to cool and recharge, which can extend your mowing time considerably.

Ease of Use and Comfort

One of the features I appreciated most was the SMART TREK™ adaptive speed adjustment. It allows the mower to match my walking speed, making the mowing process more comfortable. The single-point height adjustment is another user-friendly feature, allowing me to easily switch the cutting height from 1.5" to 4" without much hassle.

However, the design of the self-propel and power-on paddles left much to be desired. The power-on paddle is quite sensitive, and I found the mower shutting down frequently when making turns. This constant restarting was frustrating. The self-propel paddle, operated with the thumbs, can be painful after prolonged use, especially if you have any hand or thumb issues.

Build Quality and Durability

The build quality of the Ryobi mower feels solid but not exceptional. The plastic components, like the self-propel lever, give me some concern about long-term durability. After several uses, the mower developed a tendency to randomly shut off, which was easy to restart but still annoying. These issues make me question the overall reliability of the mower over time.

Maintenance and Storage

Maintenance is minimal with this electric mower, which is one of its big advantages over gas mowers. There's no need to deal with oil changes, spark plugs, or gas, making it a cleaner and more environmentally friendly option. Cleaning the mower is straightforward, and the compact vertical storage feature ensures it doesn't take up much space in the garage.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21" Self-Propelled Multi-Blade Mower offers a mix of impressive features and some notable drawbacks. Its cutting performance is generally good, and the convenience of battery power can't be overstated. However, the issues with battery life, sensitivity of the power-on paddle, and the comfort of the self-propel paddle are significant considerations.

Would I Recommend It?

If you have a smaller lawn (under ½ acre) and can deal with the occasional quirks, this mower could be a good fit. The ease of use, minimal maintenance, and environmental benefits are compelling reasons to go electric. However, for larger lawns or those with thicker grass, you might find the battery life and power limitations frustrating. In such cases, you may want to look at other options or be prepared to invest in additional batteries.

In summary, the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21" Self-Propelled Multi-Blade Mower is a solid choice for those transitioning from gas to electric, but it comes with some caveats. Weigh your needs and expectations carefully before making a decision.