Ryobi 40V Brushless 21" Self-Propelled Mower Kit

As a long-time enthusiast of outdoor power tools, I had the opportunity to try out Ryobi's latest offering, the 40V Brushless 21" Self-Propelled Mower Kit, model RY40LM10-Y. With its brushless motor, SMART TREK technology, and compatibility with Ryobi's 40V tools and chargers, this mower seemed to promise a blend of power, convenience, and modern technology. Here’s a detailed breakdown of my experience using this battery-powered lawn mower.

Initial Impressions and Setup

First off, the mower arrived well-packaged, though I did find the instructions somewhat lacking. Thankfully, the internet is a treasure trove of setup tutorials, and within minutes, I had it ready to go. The mower's design is sleek, with a modern aesthetic that almost makes it look like a high-end sports car for your lawn. The push-button start is a boon, eliminating the need for yanking on a cord, which is a relief for anyone who’s struggled with gas-powered mowers.

Build Quality and Features

The first thing I noticed was the mower's lightweight construction, primarily due to its plastic deck. While this makes maneuvering incredibly easy, it did raise questions about long-term durability. The folding handles are a fantastic feature, making storage in a cramped garage a breeze. The LED headlights are a thoughtful addition for those early morning or late evening mowing sessions, ensuring you can see clearly without external lighting.

SMART TREK technology, which adjusts the mower’s speed to match your walking pace, is a novel feature. It works well for the most part, though the speed control slider can be a bit finicky. It’s smooth to the point of being overly sensitive, making it tricky to find the perfect walking speed initially.

Performance and Usability

When it came to mowing, the 21-inch deck provided a decent width, allowing me to cover more ground with fewer passes. The brushless motor offers robust power, easily handling various grass lengths and thicknesses. However, I did find that the mower’s front end is a bit light, causing some difficulty in maintaining a straight path, especially on uneven terrain.

One of the mower’s standout features is its mulching and bagging capabilities. The single motion bag removal is incredibly convenient, and the rear bag worked well in capturing clippings. Mulching, on the other hand, was somewhat hit or miss. The side attachment tends to throw grass upright rather than away, resulting in a bit of mess, especially when the grass is damp.

The mower’s cutting height is adjustable through a single lever, offering seven positions ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches. This is particularly useful for different seasons and grass types. I found the lowest setting effective for picking up debris and ensuring a neat, low cut, which is a big plus for those of us looking to reduce thatch.

Battery Life and Charging

The 40V 6.0 Ah battery performed admirably, allowing me to mow my 1/4-acre lawn with power to spare. For those with larger lawns, Ryobi offers an 8.0 Ah battery, which extends the runtime significantly. The included fast charger is efficient, recharging the battery in roughly two hours, which is convenient for those who may need to do more extensive mowing sessions.

Quirks and Issues

Despite the mower’s many strengths, there are a few areas that could use improvement. The battery compartment cover doesn’t stay open by itself, making battery changes a bit cumbersome. Additionally, the mower's suction power leaves something to be desired, particularly when bagging. The bag doesn’t fill as effectively as one might expect, requiring more frequent emptying.

The mower’s self-propelled feature is generally good but not without flaws. The on/off switch for the self-propel function is somewhat rudimentary, and a more sophisticated variable clutch mechanism would greatly enhance control.

Reliability and Warranty

While I haven’t encountered any major issues so far, the mower comes with a 5-year tool warranty and a 3-year battery warranty, which offers some peace of mind. However, I’ve heard mixed feedback regarding Ryobi’s warranty service, so it’s worth considering how accessible service centers are in your area.

Conclusion and Recommendation

In conclusion, the Ryobi 40V Brushless 21" Self-Propelled Mower Kit is a solid option for those looking to transition from gas to electric mowers. It’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and packed with useful features like SMART TREK technology and LED headlights. The battery life is impressive, and the mower is generally quiet, making for a more pleasant mowing experience.

However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The lightweight build, while advantageous for maneuverability, raises questions about long-term durability. The speed control and self-propel functionality could be more refined, and the mulching feature needs improvement to prevent grass clippings from being thrown upwards.

Would I recommend this mower? Yes, particularly for those with small to medium-sized lawns (up to 1/2 acre) who value convenience and are looking to avoid the hassles of gas and oil. It’s a competent, environmentally friendly alternative that offers good value for money, especially if you already own other Ryobi 40V tools. That said, if you have a larger lawn or require the absolute best in cutting performance, you might still find gas-powered options more suitable.