Ryobi 18V ONE+ Lithium 16" Mower Kit

Lawn care has always been a chore I approach with a mix of anticipation and dread. The promise of a perfectly manicured lawn is always alluring, but the effort involved can be daunting. Recently, I decided to try the Ryobi 18V ONE+ Lithium 16" Mower Kit, and here’s how it fared in my yard.

Setup and First Impressions

Setting up the Ryobi mower was a breeze. Straight out of the box, it required minimal assembly. The folding handle, equipped with quick-release knobs, made it incredibly easy to set up and store. This feature is a godsend for those with limited storage space. The mower’s compact and lightweight design also includes a carrying handle, making it easy to transport. Weighing in at just 40 pounds, it’s significantly lighter than traditional gas mowers, and this difference is immediately noticeable.

The push-button start is another feature that stands out. Gone are the days of yanking on a cord, hoping the engine will sputter to life. With the Ryobi mower, a simple press of a button gets you started, making it very user-friendly, especially for those who might struggle with traditional pull-start mechanisms.

Performance and Battery Life

The Ryobi mower is powered by two 18V Lithium+ 4.0Ah batteries, promising up to 40 minutes of run time. In practice, the battery life can be a bit hit or miss. For a small yard, the batteries generally hold up well, providing enough juice to get the job done. However, if the grass is particularly long or damp, you might find yourself needing additional batteries to complete the task. I found that using the mulch plug tends to drain the batteries faster as the motor works harder. Bagging the grass instead of mulching can extend the battery life.

One thing to note is that the mower doesn’t perform well in tall, wet grass. The blade tends to get bogged down, and the grass can stick to the deck, increasing resistance and draining the battery faster. For optimal performance, it’s best to mow when the grass is dry and to keep it at a manageable height.

Maneuverability and Ease of Use

One of the standout features of the Ryobi mower is its maneuverability. The 16-inch cutting deck is smaller than many traditional mowers, but this makes it incredibly easy to navigate around tight corners and obstacles. It’s also very light and easy to push or pull, making it a great option for those who might struggle with heavier, more cumbersome mowers.

The single-point height adjustment is another convenient feature. With just one lever, you can adjust the cutting height from 1.25 inches to 3.50 inches, allowing for quick and easy changes based on your lawn’s needs.

Noise Level and Environmental Impact

The Ryobi mower is significantly quieter than gas-powered mowers. This is a huge plus if you live in a neighborhood where noise can be an issue. You can mow your lawn early in the morning or late in the evening without disturbing your neighbors. Additionally, the lack of gas and oil means it’s a more environmentally friendly option, reducing your carbon footprint and eliminating the hassle of dealing with fuel and oil changes.

Durability and Build Quality

While the Ryobi mower is lightweight and easy to use, there have been some concerns about its durability. Some users have reported issues with the mower stopping working after a few months, and getting support from Ryobi can be challenging. It’s important to take care of the mower, avoiding situations where the grass is too long or wet, and ensuring you clean the deck regularly to prevent buildup.

Storage and Portability

One of my favorite features of the Ryobi mower is how easy it is to store. The handle folds down with quick-release knobs, making it compact enough to fit in tight storage spaces. The carrying handle is also a nice touch, allowing you to easily lift and move the mower as needed. This is particularly useful if you have to navigate stairs or transport the mower between different locations.

Final Thoughts

The Ryobi 18V ONE+ Lithium 16" Mower Kit is a solid choice for those with small yards who are looking for a lightweight, easy-to-use, and environmentally friendly mower. Its compact design and push-button start make it incredibly user-friendly, and the single-point height adjustment adds to its convenience. However, it’s important to be mindful of the battery life and to avoid mowing in less-than-ideal conditions.

For those with larger yards or more demanding mowing needs, the limited battery life and smaller cutting deck might be a drawback. In such cases, investing in additional batteries or looking at more powerful models might be necessary.

Would I recommend the Ryobi mower? Yes, but with some reservations. If you have a small, well-maintained lawn and are looking for a lightweight, easy-to-use mower, the Ryobi is a great option. However, if you have a larger yard or often deal with tall, damp grass, you might find the battery life and performance lacking. Overall, it’s a good mower with some limitations that are worth considering based on your specific needs.