Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21" Self-Propelled Multi-Blade Mower

Purchasing a new lawn mower is always a critical decision, especially when transitioning from traditional gas-powered models to battery-operated ones. As someone who has tested numerous mowers over the years, I recently had the opportunity to use the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21" Self-Propelled Multi-Blade Mower. Here’s my comprehensive take on this mower, dissecting its features, performance, and usability.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that strikes you about this Ryobi mower is its robust build. Weighing in at 75 lbs, it feels substantial but not overly cumbersome. The 21-inch deck is a sweet spot for medium to large lawns, enabling you to cover more ground with each pass.

The mower’s handle folds down easily, making vertical storage a breeze. This is a significant advantage for those with limited storage space. However, I found the battery cover slightly awkward to handle; it requires you to hold it open with one hand while replacing the batteries with the other—an area where Ryobi can definitely improve.

Setup and Ease of Use

Setting up the mower was straightforward. It took about 10 minutes to assemble fully, and once the batteries were charged, I was ready to go. The push-button start mechanism is a welcome change from the traditional pull-cord of gas mowers—just pull the trigger and push the button, and you’re off.

The single-point height adjustment is another feature worth noting. With seven positions ranging from 1.5” to 4”, adjusting the cutting height was quick and effortless, a marked improvement over mowers that require individual wheel adjustments.

Performance

Performance is where this mower has some highs and lows. On the positive side, the multi-blade system delivers clean and even cuts. The 3-in-1 cutting performance (mulching, bagging, and side discharge) adds versatility, allowing you to choose the best method for your lawn's condition.

However, the mower does struggle with thicker grass, particularly when the grass is wet or has grown longer than usual. The motor tends to bog down, and the mower may even shut off unexpectedly. This necessitates a slower mowing pace, which can be frustrating if you’re used to the speed and power of a gas mower.

Battery Life and Charging

Ryobi advertises up to 70 minutes of runtime using two 40V 6Ah batteries. In practice, I found that the battery life is sufficient for lawns up to about 0.25 acres. For larger lawns, you may find yourself swapping and recharging batteries midway through the job.

One notable downside is that the charger won't start charging if the battery is even slightly warm, which adds downtime to your mowing sessions. This can be particularly inconvenient on warmer days or when you need to mow a larger area in one go.

Self-Propelled Feature

The adaptive variable speed self-propelled technology is both a boon and a bane. On flat or slightly inclined surfaces, it works like a charm, making it easier to maneuver the relatively heavy mower. However, the self-propelled paddle design requires you to press with your thumbs, which can become uncomfortable during extended use, especially if you have any hand or wrist issues.

Noise and Maintenance

One of the standout features of this mower is its quiet operation. Compared to gas mowers, the noise level is significantly lower, making it more pleasant to use and less disturbing to your neighbors. Maintenance is also minimal—no oil changes or spark plugs to worry about, just regular blade sharpening and battery care.

Storage and Portability

Storage is another area where this mower excels. The collapsible handle allows for compact vertical storage, saving valuable garage or shed space. The overall weight is manageable, although lifting it into storage might be challenging for some.

Durability and Warranty

Durability is a mixed bag. While the mower feels solidly built, some users have reported issues with parts breaking down sooner than expected. The 5-year limited warranty is a significant plus, but the service experience can be hit or miss. Some service centers are reluctant to handle Ryobi products, and wait times for repairs can be excessively long.

Final Thoughts

Would I recommend the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21" Self-Propelled Multi-Blade Mower? The answer depends on your specific needs and expectations.

Pros:

• Easy to set up and use
• Quiet operation
• Versatile cutting options
• Convenient storage
• Single-point height adjustment

Cons:

• Struggles with thick or wet grass
• Battery life may not meet expectations for larger lawns
• Self-propelled design can be uncomfortable for extended use
• Service and repair can be cumbersome

For smaller to medium-sized lawns, this mower is a solid choice, offering ease of use, quiet operation, and flexible cutting options. However, if you have a larger lawn or frequently deal with thick, tall grass, you might find the performance and battery life lacking. In such cases, investing in additional batteries or considering a more powerful model might be necessary.

In summary, the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21" Self-Propelled Multi-Blade Mower is a good fit for the eco-conscious homeowner with a smaller lawn, looking for the convenience of a battery-powered mower without the hassle of gas and oil.