Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 20" Push Mower

The Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 20" Push Mower, model RY401017BTL, certainly makes a bold promise to rival the power of traditional gas mowers, aiming to deliver a cleaner, quieter, and more convenient mowing experience. Over the past few weeks, I've had the opportunity to put this mower through its paces on my half-acre property. Here’s a detailed account of my experience.

Power and Performance

Right out of the gate, the Ryobi 40V mower impressed me with its power. It claims to deliver performance equivalent to a 150cc gas mower, and in many respects, it lives up to this claim. The brushless motor is a standout feature, dynamically adjusting the blade speed based on mowing conditions. This smart feature helps to maintain consistent performance, even when tackling patches of thick, lush grass.

However, it’s not all smooth sailing. On a few occasions, particularly with very thick sections of my lawn, the motor seemed to struggle, leaving behind some sprigs of grass. It’s worth noting that this issue seemed more pronounced when the grass was slightly damp. Sharpening the blade helped marginally, but didn’t entirely solve the problem. It appears that the blade’s tip speed could benefit from a boost to handle these tougher spots more effectively.

Battery Life and Runtime

One of the critical selling points of this mower is its battery-operated convenience. The 40V 6Ah battery promises up to 45 minutes of runtime, which aligns well with my experience. On a full charge, I was able to mow approximately 2500 square feet of my lawn without needing a recharge. The battery performance is reliable, and I appreciated not having to deal with gas and oil. However, for those with larger lawns, you might find yourself needing a second battery to finish the job in one go.

It’s also worth mentioning that the battery life significantly decreases when tackling denser patches of grass. This is somewhat expected, but it’s important to plan your mowing sessions accordingly to avoid running out of juice midway through.

Ease of Use

Regarding ease of use, the Ryobi mower scores high marks. It’s lightweight, which makes it easy to maneuver, and the folding handles allow for compact vertical storage, a real space-saver in my crowded garage. Setting up the mower was straightforward – out of the box, I had it ready to go in under 10 minutes.

The single-point height adjustment is another convenient feature, allowing me to quickly switch between cutting heights from 1.5" to 4". This flexibility is great for adapting to different sections of my lawn that require varying cutting heights.

Build Quality and Durability

The mower’s lightweight design is a double-edged sword. While it’s easy to maneuver, the use of plastic components in the deck and other parts raises durability concerns. After just a few uses, I noticed some minor chipping on the edges of the deck and several divots from small rocks and debris. The plastic components also mean that screws tend to come loose over time, requiring frequent tightening and occasionally some superglue for a more permanent fix.

Noise Level and Environmental Impact

One of the standout features of the Ryobi 40V mower is its quiet operation. Without the roar of a gas engine, mowing becomes a much more pleasant experience for both the operator and the neighbors. This mower is also an eco-friendly option, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and cutting down on emissions.

Maintenance and Repairs

Maintenance is where my experience took a bit of a hit. The manual advises against storing the mower in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a significant limitation for those living in colder climates. Additionally, finding service centers for repairs can be a challenge, with some being located quite far from residential areas. This inconvenience is compounded by the fact that some components, like the safety mechanism, seem prone to issues that require professional servicing.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros:
- Powerful performance, comparable to 150cc gas mowers.
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver.
- Quiet operation and eco-friendly.
- Single-point height adjustment.
- Folding handles for compact storage.

Cons:
- Struggles with very thick or damp grass.
- Battery life can be limiting for larger yards.
- Durability concerns with plastic components.
- Limited service options and inconvenient maintenance requirements.

Final Recommendation

Would I recommend the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 20" Push Mower? It depends on your needs. If you have a relatively small to medium-sized yard and are looking to switch from gas to battery power, this mower offers a compelling combination of power, convenience, and environmental benefits. Its lightweight design and quiet operation are significant advantages, and for many, these will outweigh the occasional performance hiccup and durability concerns.

However, if you have a larger yard, frequently deal with dense or damp grass, or live in a climate with cold winters, you might find the limitations of this mower more challenging to manage. The issues with durability and maintenance can also be a dealbreaker for those who prefer a more robust and reliable tool.

In summary, the Ryobi 40V mower excels in providing a modern, eco-friendly mowing solution but falls short in areas requiring heavy-duty performance and long-term durability. Consider your specific needs and yard conditions before making a decision.