Ryobi 40V 300 CFM Jet Fan Leaf Blower Kit

Owning a property with a lot of trees means dealing with an abundance of leaves, especially during the fall. This year, I decided to upgrade my leaf blower to the Ryobi 40V Jet Fan Leaf Blower. After using it for several weeks, I've gathered my thoughts and experiences to provide a comprehensive review.

Design and Build

Right out of the box, the Ryobi 40V Jet Fan Leaf Blower feels robust and well-made. Weighing in at 11 lbs, it’s relatively easy to handle but does get a bit hefty after prolonged use. The soft grip handle is a nice touch, providing a comfortable hold even during extended periods. However, I did notice that when the battery is attached, the blower tends to balance parallel to the ground, which can put some strain on your wrist if you’re trying to angle it downwards.

Performance

The blower boasts an air speed of 155 MPH and an air volume of 300 CFM. In practice, this translates to a powerful tool that can move both wet and dry leaves with ease. The variable speed trigger is a standout feature, allowing for precise control. Whether you need a gentle breeze to move leaves off delicate flower beds or a powerful gust to clear a driveway, this blower has you covered.

One of the most impressive aspects of this blower is its quiet operation. It’s significantly quieter than gas-powered blowers, which is a blessing for both my ears and my neighbors’. The noise level is comparable to a household vacuum cleaner, making it far less intrusive during early morning or late evening use.

Battery Life and Charging

The blower comes with a 40V 4Ah battery and a charger. On a full charge, I found that the battery lasts between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the usage intensity. Using the turbo mode, which provides a noticeable boost in power, will drain the battery more quickly. For larger yards or more intensive tasks, having an extra battery on hand is almost a necessity. Fortunately, I already had additional Ryobi batteries from other tools, which allowed me to swap them out and continue working without much downtime.

One minor inconvenience is that the batteries get quite warm during use and need to cool down before they can be recharged. This cooling period can extend the overall downtime between charges, so planning your work around this is advisable.

Usability

The blower is generally easy to use, with intuitive controls and a straightforward design. The cruise control feature, which allows you to set a constant speed without holding down the trigger, is particularly useful for longer tasks. However, the trigger mechanism itself could use some improvement. The separate adjustable lock knob locks the minimum throttle setting, but I found that it would be more practical if it could limit the upper throttle range. This would provide better control and potentially extend battery life by avoiding unnecessary surges in power.

Durability and Warranty

The Ryobi 40V Jet Fan Leaf Blower comes with a 5-year limited warranty, which is reassuring. However, my experience with Ryobi's warranty service has been less than stellar. The process for getting repairs approved under warranty can be slow and cumbersome, which is frustrating when you need your tools in working order. I had an issue with the blower intermittently losing power, and the time it took to get a resolution was longer than I would have liked.

Additional Features

One feature I found particularly useful is the turbo button, which provides an extra burst of power when needed. This is great for stubborn piles of wet leaves or other heavy debris. However, be cautious when using it, as it can quickly drain the battery. Another thoughtful addition is the battery fuel gauge with integrated LEDs, which gives a clear indication of the remaining battery life.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
- Powerful performance with 155 MPH air speed and 300 CFM air volume
- Quiet operation, much quieter than gas blowers
- Variable speed trigger for precise control
- Comfortable soft grip handle
- Turbo button for extra power when needed
- Cruise control feature for consistent speed

Cons:
- Battery life can be limited, especially in turbo mode
- Batteries get warm and need to cool down before recharging
- Trigger mechanism could be improved for better control
- Warranty service can be slow and cumbersome

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Ryobi 40V Jet Fan Leaf Blower is a solid choice for homeowners looking for a powerful, quiet, and convenient leaf blower. It performs exceptionally well in moving both wet and dry leaves and offers a range of features that make it versatile and easy to use. However, the limited battery life and cumbersome warranty service are notable downsides.

Would I recommend this blower? Yes, but with some reservations. If you have a smaller yard or already own other Ryobi 40V tools (and thus have spare batteries), this blower is a fantastic addition to your toolkit. However, for larger properties or those who may need extended usage times, the battery limitations and potential warranty hassles are worth considering. Overall, it's a high-performing tool that brings significant convenience and power to leaf blowing tasks.