Ryobi Electric 13" Mower

Electric mowers have always intrigued me, especially the idea of reducing my carbon footprint while maintaining a tidy lawn. This summer, I decided to give the Ryobi Electric 13" Mower (model RYAC130) a try. With its promise of being environmentally friendly, lightweight, and easy to store, it seemed like the perfect fit for my small yard. Here’s my take on the experience of using this compact, corded electric mower.

First Impressions and Setup

Out of the box, the Ryobi Electric 13" Mower is impressively lightweight at just 23 lbs. Assembling it was straightforward and intuitive; attaching the handles to the base was a breeze, and the collapsible handles are a thoughtful design choice for those with limited storage space. The mower feels almost toy-like due to its size but in a good way—it’s not intimidating and is easy to handle.

Performance

When it comes to cutting grass, the Ryobi mower does a commendable job on small, well-maintained lawns. It features a single-point height adjustment, allowing you to set the cutting height between 1 to 2.5 inches. This is a convenient feature, though I found that even at the highest setting, it cuts the grass quite short. This might be a concern if you prefer a longer lawn or if you’re dealing with particularly thick or tall grass.

The 11 Amp electric motor provides sufficient power for light to moderate mowing tasks. It handles regular bluegrass lawns well, delivering an even cut and making quick work of the job. However, in denser or slightly damp conditions, the mower tends to struggle. The blade can bog down, and the motor occasionally slows, indicating that this mower is best suited for smaller, less demanding lawns.

Maneuverability and Ease of Use

One of the standout features of this mower is its maneuverability. Its compact size allows it to access tight spaces that larger mowers cannot reach, making it ideal for intricately landscaped yards or areas around garden beds and trees. The lightweight design also means that even those who may not have a lot of physical strength can operate the mower comfortably.

However, using an electric corded mower does come with some inconveniences. The constant need to manage the extension cord can be a bit of a hassle, especially if you’re new to electric mowers. It requires a bit of patience and planning to avoid running over the cord.

Grass Collection and Mulching

The mower comes with a grass bag for collection, which is a nice feature. That said, the bag is quite small and fills up quickly, requiring frequent emptying. Additionally, the feed into the bag can get clogged, particularly when the grass is a bit damp or if you're cutting longer grass. If bagging becomes too cumbersome, there is always the option to use the mulching plug instead, though this does mean you'll need to rake up the clippings afterward.

Build Quality and Durability

The build quality of the Ryobi Electric 13" Mower left me with mixed feelings. While the plastic construction keeps the weight down, it also makes the mower feel a bit flimsy. The wheels and body are primarily plastic, and although they’ve held up so far, they don’t inspire a great deal of confidence in the long-term durability of the mower.

One notable downside is the mower’s performance on uneven terrain. On rough or bumpy ground, the mower tends to rock and doesn’t maintain a stable cutting path. This could be problematic if your lawn isn’t perfectly flat.

Maintenance and Storage

Maintenance for the Ryobi Electric 13" Mower is minimal, which is one of the advantages of electric mowers over their gas counterparts. There’s no need to worry about oil changes, spark plugs, or fuel. Simply keep the blade sharp and clean the deck after use, and you’re good to go.

Storage is another area where this mower excels. Thanks to its collapsible handles, it takes up very little space in the garage or shed. You can easily tuck it away in a corner or even hang it on a wall hook if space is really tight.

Warranty and Customer Support

Ryobi offers a 3-year warranty on this mower, which provides some peace of mind. However, getting replacement parts can be challenging. Common issues like worn-out handle bolts or screws falling off can be frustrating if you cannot easily find replacements. This is something to consider, especially if you plan to use the mower frequently.

Conclusion and Recommendation

The Ryobi Electric 13" Mower is a solid choice for those with small, well-maintained lawns. Its lightweight design, ease of use, and compact storage make it an attractive option for urban dwellers or anyone with limited storage space. It’s an environmentally friendly alternative to gas mowers, offering quiet operation and minimal maintenance.

However, it’s not without its flaws. The mower struggles with dense, tall, or damp grass and isn’t well-suited for larger or uneven lawns. The small grass bag requires frequent emptying, and the plastic build may not stand up to heavy use over time.

If you have a small yard and are looking for a budget-friendly, eco-friendly mower, the Ryobi Electric 13" Mower is worth considering. But if you have a larger, more demanding lawn, or if you prefer a more robust build, you might want to explore other options. For its intended use, this mower performs admirably, but it’s essential to understand its limitations before making a purchase.