Ryobi 40V 12" Wheeled Snow Shovel

When winter arrives, the prospect of shoveling snow can be daunting. That’s why I decided to give the Ryobi 40V 12" Wheeled Snow Shovel a try. With its promise of being compact, lightweight, and effective at snow removal, I was curious to see how it performed in real-world conditions.

Design and Build Quality

The Ryobi snow shovel is designed to clear a 12-inch path and can handle snow up to 6 inches deep. Its compact and lightweight construction makes it a manageable option for those who don’t want to grapple with a bulky, full-sized snow blower. At just 16.6 lbs, it’s easy to maneuver and store. The two-wheel design is particularly noteworthy, as it significantly reduces user fatigue—a blessing when you’re dealing with a long driveway or extended sidewalk.

One thing that immediately stood out was the plastic construction. While this keeps the weight down, it does make the tool feel slightly less robust, especially when dealing with icy snow or hard-packed snowbanks. It’s important to use the shovel carefully to avoid damage. The 5-year limited warranty offers some peace of mind in this regard.

Performance

I already own other Ryobi tools, so I had the necessary 40V battery on hand. This was a plus, as the shovel doesn’t come with a battery or charger. Once I was ready to go, I tackled a fresh 6-inch snowfall. The snow shovel performed admirably, throwing snow up to 25 feet away. This distance is more than adequate for most residential applications, whether clearing a driveway, sidewalk, or deck.

The two-speed trigger is a useful feature, allowing for adjustments between power and runtime. For lighter snowfalls, I could opt for the lower speed to conserve battery life. On heavier, wetter snow, the higher speed provided the necessary power to get the job done. I managed to clear a multi-car driveway on a single battery charge, which was impressive.

However, the snow shovel does have its limitations. It's best suited for fresh snow up to 6 inches deep. For snowfalls exceeding this depth, or for older, compacted snow, the shovel struggles a bit. It’s also worth noting that the tool throws snow straight ahead, which can sometimes create piles that need to be managed separately. An adjustable chute would have been a valuable addition.

Ease of Use

Setting up the Ryobi snow shovel was straightforward. It’s user-friendly, and the assembly process was quick and intuitive. Once assembled, the tool is easy to operate. The wheels make a big difference in reducing strain on the arms and back, which is a significant advantage over traditional shovels.

However, there’s a downside to the safety switch design. I found it uncomfortable to use over prolonged periods, and it required some modification to make it more user-friendly. Additionally, while the wheels are a great feature, they feel a bit flimsy. Larger, more robust wheels would have provided better stability and durability.

Versatility

The Ryobi snow shovel excels in smaller, more confined spaces where a full-sized snow blower would be overkill. It’s perfect for clearing walkways, decks, and areas around vehicles. For those with larger properties, it serves as a great supplementary tool to a full-sized snow blower, handling areas that the larger machine can’t reach.

However, if you have extensive land to clear, this might not be the best primary tool for the job. Its 12-inch clearing width means it will take longer to clear large areas, and its plastic build raises concerns about long-term durability under heavy use.

Final Thoughts

The Ryobi 40V 12" Wheeled Snow Shovel is an excellent middle-ground tool for those who need something more powerful than a manual shovel but don’t require a full-sized snow blower. It’s lightweight, easy to store, and performs well for its intended purpose. The ability to share batteries with other Ryobi tools is a significant advantage, reducing costs and increasing convenience.

While it’s not without its flaws—namely the plastic construction, non-adjustable snow chute, and somewhat uncomfortable safety switch—it’s a solid option for smaller snow removal tasks. The tool’s performance in clearing fresh snow quickly and efficiently makes it a worthwhile addition to your winter toolkit, especially if you’re already invested in the Ryobi 40V ecosystem.

Recommendation

I would recommend the Ryobi snow shovel for homeowners with smaller properties or those looking for a supplementary tool to their existing snow removal arsenal. It’s particularly useful for clearing decks, walkways, and tight spaces that larger snow blowers can’t easily navigate. However, if you regularly deal with heavy, wet snowfalls or have extensive areas to clear, you might want to consider a more robust, full-sized snow blower.