Ryobi 40V Brushless 20" Push Lawn Mower

Electric lawn mowers have come a long way, and the Ryobi 40V Brushless 20" Push Lawn Mower is a testament to that progress. As someone who transitioned from a gas mower to this battery-powered marvel, I have a lot to share about my experience.

One of the first things that struck me about this Ryobi mower was its ease of setup. Out of the box, it required minimal assembly. The most challenging part, if you can call it that, was attaching the grass catcher bag, which only took a few minutes. The handle locks and height adjustments are straightforward, and the push-button start is a dream compared to yanking on a pull cord.

The mower's brushless motor delivers a surprising amount of power. I have a mix of grass types in my yard, from thicker St. Augustine to more manageable Kentucky Bluegrass. The Ryobi 40V handled both well. When it encountered thicker patches, the motor would automatically ramp up its power, preventing the mower from bogging down. This dynamic response was impressive and kept the mowing smooth and efficient.

One of my favorite features of this mower is its weight. At just 54 lbs, it's significantly lighter than my old gas mower. This makes it incredibly easy to maneuver, even in tight corners and around garden beds. However, this lightweight design does come with a trade-off. On uneven terrain or when pushing uphill, the mower can feel a bit bouncy. It's not a dealbreaker, but it is something to be aware of.

Battery life was another pleasant surprise. The mower comes with a 6Ah battery, which provided ample runtime for my needs. My yard takes about 45 minutes to mow, and the battery held up without issue. For larger yards, you might need an extra battery, but the quick-charging feature means you can take a short break and get back to mowing without much downtime.

Storage is another area where this mower shines. The handle folds down easily, allowing the mower to be stored upright. This compact storage option is fantastic for those with limited garage space. Cleaning the mower is also a breeze. Just be cautious around the battery compartment when rinsing it off.

The Ryobi 40V offers three cutting options: mulching, bagging, and side discharge. I predominantly use the mulching feature, which works exceptionally well. The grass clippings are finely chopped and evenly distributed, helping to fertilize the lawn. The bagging option is also effective, although the bag can fill up quickly if the grass is particularly long or thick. The side discharge is less frequently used in my case, but it's nice to have the option.

One area where the mower falls short is its build quality. While the deck and most components are durable, some parts, like the battery cover door and rear flap, feel flimsy. I worry about their longevity, especially with regular use. Additionally, the handle can feel a bit wobbly, which detracts from the overall sturdy feel.

Noise levels are another strong point for this mower. It's significantly quieter than any gas mower I've used. This makes for a more pleasant mowing experience, especially if you live in a neighborhood where noise can be an issue.

Maintenance is minimal with this mower. There's no need for oil changes, spark plugs, or air filters. The brushless motor means fewer moving parts to wear out, which should translate to a longer lifespan. The 5-year limited warranty provides added peace of mind, although I hope never to need it.

One notable downside is the mower's performance on very thick or wet grass. While it generally handles most conditions well, it can struggle a bit in these situations. Slowing down your mowing pace helps, but it's not a perfect solution. It's also worth noting that the mower doesn't vacuum up debris as effectively as some gas mowers. This isn't a significant issue for me, but it might be for those with a lot of leaves or other yard debris.

In conclusion, the Ryobi 40V Brushless 20" Push Lawn Mower is a robust and capable tool that brings many benefits to the table. Its ease of use, lightweight design, and powerful motor make it an excellent choice for small to medium yards. The minimal maintenance and quiet operation are significant advantages over traditional gas mowers.

However, it's not without its flaws. The build quality of some components could be improved, and it may struggle in extremely thick or wet grass. Despite these minor issues, I would recommend this mower, especially for those looking to make the switch from gas to electric. The convenience, performance, and environmental benefits make it a worthwhile investment.