Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21" Snow Thrower Kit

Snow removal can be a daunting task, especially for those of us who dread the back-breaking work associated with traditional shoveling. This season, I decided to ease the burden with Ryobi's 40V HP Brushless 21" Snow Thrower, a cordless snow blower that promises efficiency and convenience without the hassle of gas or oil. After several uses in varied snow conditions, I've come to appreciate—and critique—its performance and features.

First Impressions and Setup

Straight out of the box, the Ryobi 21" Snow Thrower impresses with its lightweight yet sturdy build. Weighing in at just around 52 pounds, the unit is easy to maneuver and store. Assembly is a breeze, requiring only a few minutes to attach the chute, unfold the handle, and insert the batteries. The included 40V lithium batteries came partially charged, and it took about an hour and a half to get them fully juiced up.

One standout feature is the intuitive handle design that folds down for compact storage. I was able to quickly set up and collapse the unit for its place in my already crowded garage. There's also a built-in LED headlight, which, while seemingly minor, proved invaluable during early morning and late evening snow removal.

Performance in Different Snow Conditions

The Ryobi Snow Thrower boasts a 21-inch clearing width and can handle snow depths up to 13 inches. Over several snowfalls, I tested the machine in both light, fluffy snow and heavier, wet snow. In lighter snow, the snow thrower performed admirably, clearing my driveway and sidewalks efficiently. The 180° directional chute control made it easy to direct the snow exactly where I wanted it, and the variable speed auger allowed for adjustments based on the thickness of the snow.

However, tackling wet snow and the icy mounds left by municipal plows was a different story. While the machine could handle moderate depths, it struggled significantly with compacted and icy patches. The auger would occasionally clog, and I found myself having to lift the unit slightly to regain momentum. In these instances, the lack of self-propulsion was evident, as it required considerable effort to push through denser snow.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the major selling points of this snow thrower is its dual battery system. Equipped with two 40V 7.5Ah batteries, the unit provides ample power for most residential needs. In optimal conditions, I was able to clear a six-car driveway and adjacent sidewalks without needing a recharge. However, in more demanding conditions, such as heavy snowfall or icy mixes, the batteries drained more quickly. It's worth noting that the charging process can be hindered by low temperatures; I had to bring the batteries inside to warm up before they would start charging effectively.

Build Quality and Durability

The snow thrower features a mix of plastic and metal components. While this keeps the unit lightweight, some parts do feel less durable. The auger blades, made of rubber, and the plastic housing might raise concerns about long-term wear and tear, especially with extended use on rough surfaces. Despite these concerns, the machine's overall build quality seems robust enough for typical residential use.

Ease of Use

Operation is straightforward: simply squeeze the handle and press the start button. The LED light bar activates, providing good visibility in low-light conditions. The chute control lever is conveniently located and easy to operate, although it took some time to get used to the directional adjustments. The lack of self-propelled wheels is a downside, especially for those with larger or uneven driveways.

Maintenance and Storage

One of the biggest advantages of the Ryobi Snow Thrower is the minimal maintenance required compared to gas-powered models. There's no need to worry about oil changes, gas refills, or engine tune-ups. After each use, I found it helpful to brush off any remaining snow and ice, ensuring the unit is clean and ready for the next snowfall.

The folding handle makes storage hassle-free, and the compact design means it doesn't take up much space. For those with limited storage, the ability to neatly tuck away the snow thrower is a significant plus.

Customer Support and Warranty

Ryobi offers a five-year limited warranty on the snow thrower and a three-year warranty on the batteries, which is reassuring. However, if issues arise, the warranty process can be cumbersome, as I've found through personal experience and research. Prompt resolution and clear communication from Ryobi would enhance the overall ownership experience.

Final Thoughts

Would I recommend the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21" Snow Thrower? It depends on your specific needs. For those with moderate snowfall and the desire for an eco-friendly, low-maintenance option, this snow thrower is a solid choice. Its ease of use, compact design, and effective performance in lighter conditions make it a good fit for many residential settings.

However, if you frequently face heavy, wet snow or require a machine capable of tackling dense, icy patches, you might find the Ryobi lacking in power and durability. In such cases, a more robust, self-propelled model might be worth the investment.

Overall, the Ryobi Snow Thrower is a commendable tool for light to moderate snow removal, offering a convenient, gas-free alternative with few compromises.