Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21" Self-Propelled Mower

Switching to battery-powered lawn equipment has been a growing trend, and I recently decided to test out the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21" Self-Propelled Mower (model RY401014BTL) to see how it stacks up against its gas counterparts. With a promise of power comparable to a 163cc gas mower and a host of user-friendly features, this mower certainly piqued my interest.

First Impressions and Setup

Upon unboxing the Ryobi mower, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to set up. The assembly was straightforward, requiring minimal effort. The mower comes with two 40V 6Ah batteries, which are essential for achieving the advertised 70 minutes of runtime. The batteries charge relatively quickly, and I appreciated the power indicators that let me know their charge status at a glance.

The mower's design is sleek and modern, with a lightweight and corrosion-resistant polypropylene deck. The handles fold down easily, making storage a breeze, especially for those with limited space. The single-point height adjustment is another handy feature, allowing me to effortlessly change the cutting height from 1.5" to 4".

Performance and Power

When it comes to mowing, the Ryobi 21" mower delivers a performance that is quite impressive for a battery-powered unit. The self-propelled rear-wheel drive system is particularly useful, especially on inclines or when maneuvering around obstacles. The speed adjustment feature allows for a comfortable mowing pace, though I found that the fastest setting was a bit too quick for my liking.

The mower handles typical grass cutting tasks with ease, providing a clean and even cut. However, it does struggle a bit with thicker or longer grass, which can cause the motor to bog down. In these situations, I found myself needing to make multiple passes or raise the cutting height to prevent the mower from stalling. This is a common issue with many electric mowers, but it's worth noting if you have a lawn that tends to grow quickly or is particularly dense.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a critical factor for any cordless tool, and the Ryobi 21" mower is no exception. On a full charge, the two 6Ah batteries provided enough power to mow my 1/4 acre lawn, but just barely. If your lawn is larger or if you have particularly thick grass, you might find yourself needing additional batteries or taking breaks to recharge.

One downside I encountered was that the batteries tend to overheat during extended use, which prevents them from charging immediately after they are depleted. This can be frustrating if you're trying to get your mowing done in one session. It would be beneficial if Ryobi included a dual battery charger or a quick charge option to minimize downtime.

User Comfort and Ergonomics

Using the Ryobi mower is generally a pleasant experience, but there are a few ergonomic issues worth mentioning. The power-on paddle design is quite sensitive, and the mower tends to shut down if you release it even slightly. This can be annoying, especially when making turns or navigating around obstacles.

The self-propel paddle is also a bit awkward to use, requiring activation with one or both thumbs. This design can be uncomfortable, particularly for users with arthritis or other hand issues. A more user-friendly design would be a welcome improvement.

Maintenance and Durability

Maintaining the Ryobi mower is relatively easy, thanks to its electric motor and simple design. There's no need to worry about gas, oil changes, or spark plugs, which is a significant advantage over traditional gas mowers. The mower is also quieter, making it more pleasant to use and less disruptive to neighbors.

However, durability is a concern. Several users have reported issues with the self-propel function failing and batteries developing errors after only a few charge cycles. Additionally, Ryobi's warranty service has been criticized for long wait times and difficulty in getting repairs. These issues can be a significant drawback, especially if you rely on your mower for regular lawn maintenance.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21" Self-Propelled Mower offers a lot of benefits for those looking to switch to a battery-powered mower. Its ease of use, quiet operation, and low maintenance requirements make it an attractive option. However, its performance in thick grass, battery life, and some ergonomic issues may be a deal-breaker for some users.

Would I recommend this mower? It depends on your specific needs. If you have a smaller lawn (up to 1/4 acre) with relatively light grass and you're looking for a quiet, easy-to-use mower, the Ryobi 21" mower could be a great fit. However, if you have a larger lawn, thicker grass, or require a more durable and reliable machine, you might want to consider other options or be prepared to invest in additional batteries and potentially deal with warranty issues.

Overall, the Ryobi 21" mower is a solid choice for light to moderate lawn care, but it may not be the best fit for everyone.