Ryobi 38" 75 AH Electric Riding Lawn Mower

Electric lawn mowers have been gaining popularity for their environmental benefits and ease of use, and Ryobi's 38" 75 AH Electric Riding Lawn Mower, model RY48110, is an excellent example of this trend. I had the opportunity to try out this electric riding mower, and it has impressed me in various ways, though it does come with a few caveats to consider.

One of the first things I noticed about the Ryobi mower is its design and build quality. Weighing in at 595 lbs, it's a substantial piece of equipment that feels sturdy and well-constructed. The 38" deck size is ample for most residential lawns, and the 12-position manual deck adjustment allows for a cutting height range from 1.5" to 4.5", giving you plenty of flexibility to get the perfect cut for your lawn.

What truly sets this mower apart is its electric power system. The 48V 75Ah battery provides up to 2 hours of runtime, which is sufficient to cover up to 2 acres on a single charge. Charging is straightforward—just plug it into a standard 120V outlet. I found that the battery life was more than adequate for my needs, and the convenience of not having to deal with gasoline or oil changes was a significant advantage. There are no belts, spark plugs, or filters to worry about, making maintenance almost non-existent.

The mower is equipped with three high-powered brushless motors, which contribute to its quiet operation. One of the standout features for me was how quiet the mower is compared to traditional gas-powered models. When the blades are not engaged, it operates almost silently, akin to a golf cart. Even when mowing, it’s no louder than a typical household vacuum cleaner, which is a huge plus if you have noise-sensitive neighbors or prefer a quieter mowing experience.

Driving the mower is comfortable and intuitive. The seat is well-padded and offers good support, and the controls are straightforward to use. The mower also features cruise control, which allows you to maintain a consistent speed without constantly pressing the pedal. This feature is particularly useful for larger lawns, as it reduces fatigue during longer mowing sessions. The mower handles turns quite well, and while it may not be as agile as a zero-turn mower, it’s more than capable of navigating around obstacles and making tight turns.

In terms of cutting performance, the Ryobi offers multiple options, including mulching, side discharge, and bagging (although the bagger is sold separately). I found the cutting quality to be excellent, with an even and consistent cut across different grass heights. However, it’s worth noting that the mower may struggle with taller grass or thick weeds. In one instance, I had to mow an area with grass that was about 7 inches high, and the mower’s blades occasionally stopped turning. This required me to raise the cutting height and proceed more slowly, which was a bit of an inconvenience. For regular lawn maintenance, though, it performs admirably.

Another practical feature is the inclusion of a USB port, which allows you to charge your phone or other devices while mowing. This is a nice touch that adds to the overall convenience, allowing you to listen to music or podcasts without worrying about your device running out of battery.

One minor downside is the hitch ball bracket, which feels somewhat flimsy. If you plan to use the mower for tasks beyond mowing, such as pulling a garden trailer, you might need to reinforce the bracket or fabricate a stiffener for added durability. Additionally, while the mower handles low to medium slopes well, I did find it less comfortable on steeper inclines. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if your yard has significant elevation changes.

Overall, the Ryobi 38" 75 AH Electric Riding Lawn Mower is a fantastic option for those looking to transition to an electric mower. Its quiet operation, ease of use, and low maintenance make it a pleasure to use. The long battery life and solid cutting performance further enhance its appeal. While it may struggle with taller grass and thick weeds, and the hitch ball bracket could be more robust, these are relatively minor issues in the grand scheme of things.

Would I recommend this mower? Absolutely. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly, low-maintenance option that still delivers excellent performance, the Ryobi electric mower is a great choice. Its combination of convenience, power, and quiet operation makes it a standout in the electric mower market. Just be aware of its limitations with taller grass and consider reinforcing the hitch bracket if you plan to use it for additional yard tasks.