Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 20" Self-Propelled Multi-Blade Mower

Switching from a gas-powered mower to an electric one was a big decision for me, and I chose the Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 20" Self-Propelled Multi-Blade Mower (model P11100) for the job. With its promise of more power than a 150cc gas mower and a quieter operation, it seemed like a perfect fit for my needs. After using it extensively, I have a lot to share about its performance, features, and overall experience.

First off, the setup was straightforward. The mower arrived well-packaged, and the assembly process was minimal. Raising the handle and deciding between mulching, bagging, or side discharge was all it took to get started. The handle adjustment levers were intuitive, and the single-point height adjustment for the wheels made it easy to set the cutting height. I appreciated the compact vertical storage feature, which saved a lot of space in my garage.

One of the standout features of this mower is its brushless motor, which adjusts blade speed based on mowing conditions. This smart feature ensures that the mower doesn't waste power on light patches of grass while ramping up for denser areas. The self-propelled rear-wheel drive made navigating my yard a breeze, although the speed control took some getting used to. The lowest speed setting was comfortable for me, but as I got more accustomed to the mower, I found myself increasing the speed slightly.

The mower's weight, at 42 lbs, is significantly lighter than my previous gas mower. This made it easier to maneuver, especially around trees and tight corners. However, this lightness also had a downside. The front of the mower tended to lift, or "wheelie," when I hit thicker patches of grass or uneven terrain. This sometimes resulted in an uneven cut, requiring me to go over the same spot again.

Battery life is a crucial aspect of any electric mower, and this is where the Ryobi mower has both strengths and weaknesses. The mower operates on four 18V batteries, but it uses two at a time, with storage for the other two. On a full charge, the 4Ah batteries provided up to 45 minutes of runtime. However, in my experience, this runtime varied significantly based on the grass length and whether I used the self-propelled feature. For my 1/3 acre yard, I often found myself needing to swap out batteries before finishing the job, especially when using the self-propelled mode extensively. The battery compartment cover also felt flimsy and didn't lock in the open position, making battery changes a bit cumbersome.

Charging the batteries was another area where the mower fell short of my expectations. The included chargers are advertised as 30-minute chargers, but in reality, they took closer to an hour to fully charge a depleted battery. Additionally, the batteries needed to cool down before the chargers would accept them, further extending the downtime between mowing sessions. This was particularly frustrating on hot summer days when I needed to get the job done quickly.

On the positive side, the mower's cutting performance was impressive. The dual-blade system provided a clean and even cut, and the 3-in-1 cutting options (mulching, bagging, and side discharge) were versatile enough to handle different mowing conditions. I primarily used the mulching feature, and it left my lawn looking well-maintained without the need to collect clippings. The mower's noise level was also a pleasant surprise. It was much quieter than my old gas mower, making it less disruptive to my neighbors and more enjoyable to use.

Maintenance is minimal with this mower, which is a significant advantage over gas mowers. There's no need to worry about oil changes, spark plugs, or fuel. Just keep the blades sharp and the deck clean, and you're good to go. The mower's vertical storage feature also made it easy to clean the underside after each use.

In terms of build quality, the Ryobi mower has a mixed bag. The plastic deck and handle components feel less robust than metal counterparts, but this also contributes to the mower's lighter weight. While the overall design is functional and user-friendly, some parts, like the battery compartment cover and the key connector, felt less durable and could be improved.

Would I recommend the Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 20" Self-Propelled Multi-Blade Mower? It depends on your specific needs. If you have a small to medium-sized yard (up to 1/3 acre) and are looking for a quieter, low-maintenance alternative to a gas mower, this Ryobi model is a solid choice. Its smart motor, versatile cutting options, and ease of use make it a convenient tool for regular lawn maintenance. However, if you have a larger yard or need to mow thick, dense grass regularly, the limited battery life and charging time might be a dealbreaker. In such cases, you might be better off with a more powerful electric mower or sticking with a gas-powered option.

Overall, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless Mower offers a good balance of performance, convenience, and eco-friendliness, making it a worthy consideration for many homeowners.