Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 20" Push Mower

Owning a lawn mower can often feel like a love-hate relationship. The smell of fresh-cut grass is delightful, but the hassle of maintaining a gas-powered mower can be a real drag. That’s why I was eager to try the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 20" Push Mower, model RY401170. This battery-powered mower promises to deliver the power of a traditional gas mower without the associated headaches. After a few weeks of use, I’m ready to share my experience.

Initial Impressions and Setup

Straight out of the box, the Ryobi 40V mower impresses with its simplicity. Assembly was minimal, only requiring me to attach the grass catcher bag, which took about three minutes. The mower itself was almost entirely pre-assembled, which is a welcome change from the often tedious setup of gas mowers. Charging the 6Ah battery was straightforward, taking about an hour to reach full capacity.

Performance and Power

Starting the Ryobi 40V mower is a breeze. A simple push of a button and a pull on the bail, and the mower springs to life. No more yanking on a pull cord and praying for the engine to start. The mower is surprisingly quiet, emitting a hum that’s more akin to a large fan than a traditional mower. This quiet operation makes it much more pleasant to use, especially in a neighborhood setting.

One of the standout features is the brushless motor, which automatically adjusts the blade speed based on the mowing conditions. This smart feature ensures that the mower doesn’t bog down in thicker grass. I tested it on my lawn, which includes both thick St. Augustine grass and thinner Bermuda grass, and it handled both with ease. The motor would rev up when encountering thicker patches, ensuring a consistent cut without stalling.

Battery Life and Runtime

Ryobi claims up to 45 minutes of runtime on a full charge, and in my experience, this is fairly accurate. My lawn is about 1/3 of an acre, and I was able to mow the entire area on a single charge with some battery life to spare. For larger lawns, you might need a second battery, but the mower has a convenient slot to store a spare, making it easy to swap out if needed.

Maneuverability and Ease of Use

One of the first things I noticed was how lightweight the Ryobi 40V mower is. Weighing in at just over 42 pounds, it’s much easier to push and maneuver than my old gas mower. The large 10" rear wheels and 8" front wheels roll smoothly, even over uneven terrain. The single-point height adjustment lever is another great feature, allowing me to quickly change the cutting height without having to adjust each wheel individually.

However, the lightweight design does have a downside. On bumpy or uneven ground, the mower can bounce around a bit, which sometimes requires me to go over the same area twice. Additionally, the nose of the mower is longer than my previous gas mower, making it a bit more challenging to mow up to edges and around obstacles.

Storage and Maintenance

Storage is another area where the Ryobi 40V shines. The handles fold down easily, allowing the mower to be stored vertically, which saves a significant amount of space in my garage. Cleaning the mower is simple too; just fold it up and rinse off the underside, being careful to avoid the battery compartment.

Maintenance is virtually non-existent compared to a gas mower. There’s no need for oil changes, spark plug replacements, or dealing with stale gasoline. Just keep the battery charged and the blades sharp, and you’re good to go.

Build Quality and Durability

While the performance and ease of use are impressive, the build quality leaves a bit to be desired. The mower is primarily constructed of plastic, which makes it lightweight but also feels somewhat flimsy. The battery compartment door, in particular, seems cheaply made and could potentially be a weak point over time.

I’ve also noticed that the handle can feel a bit wobbly, especially when navigating around tight corners. This doesn’t affect the mower’s performance, but it does detract from the overall feeling of sturdiness. Additionally, the rear bag attachment method could be improved. Grass tends to collect in random places, requiring me to clear it out each time I empty the bag.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

Overall, the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 20" Push Mower offers a compelling alternative to traditional gas mowers. Its lightweight design, ease of use, and virtually maintenance-free operation make it a joy to use. The performance is impressive, handling both thick and thin grass with ease, and the battery life is sufficient for most residential lawns.

However, the build quality and durability could be improved. If you have a larger lawn or require a mower that feels more robust, you might want to consider other options. But for smaller to medium-sized lawns and those looking to make the switch from gas to electric, the Ryobi 40V mower is an excellent choice.

In conclusion, I would recommend the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 20" Push Mower for its convenience, performance, and eco-friendly operation. It’s a great option for those tired of the hassles associated with gas mowers, offering a quieter, cleaner, and more enjoyable mowing experience.