Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13" Push Mower

Ryobi's 18V ONE+ 13" Push Mower: A Handy Tool for Small Yards

Navigating the world of lawn care equipment can be daunting. With a sea of options, finding the right tool for your needs often feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. After spending time with Ryobi's 18V ONE+ 13" Push Mower (P1108BTL), I've distilled my experiences into an honest review that might help you decide if this lightweight, battery-powered mower suits your lawn care requirements.

The First Impression: Design and Build

Out of the box, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13" Push Mower impresses with its compactness and lightweight design. Weighing just 28.5 lbs, it's significantly easier to handle than traditional gas mowers. The mower's assembly is straightforward, with folding handles that make it a breeze to store. The single-point height adjustment is a user-friendly feature, allowing you to set your cutting height anywhere between 1.5" to 4" with minimal hassle.

The mower's deck is made of plastic, which contributes to its lightweight but also brings concerns about durability. While the plastic deck flexes under pressure, it’s something to be mindful of when maneuvering around obstacles like trees or garden furniture.

Performance: Cutting and Maneuverability

For its size and price, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ does an admirable job of cutting both fine and thick grass. It offers the flexibility to switch between bagging and mulching, making it adaptable to different lawn care routines. Mulching thick grass, even around challenging areas like septic drain fields, was surprisingly effective.

The mower's small cutting width of 13" means it’s best suited for small yards or as a supplement to a larger mower. If you have tight spaces or tricky spots that your primary mower can't reach, this tool can be a lifesaver. Its lightweight nature makes it easy to push and maneuver, even for those who might find traditional mowers cumbersome.

Battery Life: A Mixed Bag

Battery life is where the mower's performance becomes a bit of a mixed bag. The stated runtime is up to 30 minutes with an 18V ONE+ 4Ah battery, but real-world conditions often tell a different story. In my experience, the actual runtime varied significantly based on grass length, thickness, and mowing conditions.

Using three 4Ah batteries, I managed to get about 20 minutes of mowing time per battery, which falls short of the advertised runtime. This discrepancy can be attributed to several factors, such as terrain, ambient temperature, and the mower's power demands. For larger tasks, having multiple batteries on hand is essential. The battery's tendency to heat up and drain quickly under heavy load is another drawback, particularly in warmer climates or with denser patches of grass.

Usability: Pros and Cons

One of the standout features of this mower is its ease of use. The push-button start eliminates the need for yanking a cord, which is a relief for anyone who’s ever struggled with a stubborn gas mower. The mower is notably quieter than its gas counterparts, which means you can mow your lawn without disturbing the neighborhood.

However, there are some usability concerns. The small grass catcher bag fills up quickly, necessitating frequent emptying. This can be a minor inconvenience, but it’s worth noting if you have a lot of ground to cover. Additionally, the plastic deck’s susceptibility to damage means you need to be cautious while mowing around solid objects.

Charging and Maintenance

Charging the batteries can be a bit of a time-consuming process. Despite claims of fast charging, it often took closer to an hour or more to fully charge a battery. This means you’ll need to plan your mowing schedule accordingly, especially if you don’t own multiple batteries.

Maintenance is straightforward, with easy-to-clean components and a design that minimizes clogging. The mower’s compact size and folding handles make it easy to store, which is a significant advantage for those with limited storage space.

Final Thoughts: Is the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13" Push Mower Right for You?

After several sessions with the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13" Push Mower, I’ve come to appreciate its strengths and acknowledge its weaknesses. It’s an excellent choice for small yards or as a complementary tool for larger properties. Its lightweight design and ease of use make it accessible for a wide range of users, including those who might find traditional mowers challenging to operate.

However, the limitations in battery life and the mower's somewhat fragile build are points to consider. If you have a larger yard or need a mower that can handle more demanding conditions, you might be better off looking at more powerful options, possibly within Ryobi's 40V lineup.

In conclusion, I would recommend the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13" Push Mower for those with small to moderately sized lawns who prioritize ease of use and maneuverability. Its compact design, quiet operation, and straightforward maintenance make it a practical choice for urban dwellers or anyone looking to simplify their lawn care routine. Just ensure you have enough batteries on hand to get the job done efficiently.