Ryobi 40V 21" Brushless Self-Propelled Mower

As a long-time enthusiast of battery-powered lawn equipment, I was eager to try out the Ryobi 40V 21" Brushless Self-Propelled Mower (RY401130). With a range of features including a brushless motor, self-propelled technology, and a 21-inch steel deck, it seemed to promise convenience and efficiency for regular lawn maintenance. Here’s my detailed experience with this mower.

Setup and First Impressions

The setup was straightforward and quick. Out of the box, the mower required minimal assembly, and I had it up and running in less than ten minutes. The push-button start feature was a delightful change from the traditional pull-start mechanisms of gas mowers, making the initial operation feel effortless. The handles were easy to collapse, making it convenient for storage in my somewhat crowded garage.

Performance and Usability

Using the mower was a mixed bag. On the one hand, the self-propelled feature with rear-wheel drive made maneuvering around my yard quite easy. I appreciated the variable speed adjustment, allowing me to set a comfortable pace. However, the design of the self-propel paddle, which requires thumb activation, became uncomfortable during extended use. This could be particularly problematic for users with arthritis or other hand issues.

The cutting performance was impressive; the mower handled my lawn's varying grass heights with ease. The blade speed adjustment feature was particularly helpful when encountering thicker patches of grass. It cut cleanly and left my lawn looking well-manicured. I experimented with all three functions—mulching, bagging, and side discharge—and found each to be efficient, although bagging required frequent emptying due to the size of my yard.

Battery Life and Charging

The mower comes with a 40V 7.5 Ah battery, and while it charges relatively quickly, the battery life didn't quite meet my expectations. On a single charge, I could mow approximately half of my 1/2-acre lawn, which meant having to stop and recharge midway through. This was somewhat inconvenient, as the charging process took longer than ideal, especially if the battery was warm and needed time to cool down before charging.

Build Quality and Durability

The build quality is where I started to have reservations. While the steel deck felt robust, other parts of the mower seemed less durable. The plastic components, particularly the self-propel lever, felt flimsy and raised concerns about long-term durability. Additionally, after a few uses, the mower began to exhibit issues with the power-on paddle, which would shut off if not pressed firmly—this became quite frustrating during use.

Maintenance and Storage

Maintenance was relatively hassle-free. The mower was easy to clean, and the single-point deck height adjustment made it simple to change cutting heights between sessions. The collapsible handles were a boon for storage, fitting neatly into my limited space.

Customer Support

My experience with customer support was less than stellar. When a battery issue arose, I found the process of getting it serviced to be cumbersome and time-consuming. The nearest authorized service center was quite a distance away, and the turnaround time for repairs was disappointingly long. This highlighted a potential drawback for users who may require frequent servicing.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

The Ryobi 40V 21" Brushless Self-Propelled Mower has a lot going for it. It offers a clean cut, is easy to start, and the self-propelled feature generally makes mowing less of a chore. However, there are significant areas for improvement, particularly in battery life, ergonomic design, and build quality. The issues with customer support and service also cannot be ignored.

This mower is best suited for smaller yards (up to 1/4 acre) where the battery life won't be as much of a limitation. If you're looking for a quiet, easy-to-use mower and can tolerate some of its ergonomic quirks, it’s a solid choice. However, for larger lawns or users who prioritize durability and robust customer support, it may be worth considering other options.

In conclusion, I would recommend the Ryobi 40V 21" Brushless Self-Propelled Mower with some reservations. It excels in ease of use and cutting performance but falls short in battery life and long-term reliability. If Ryobi can address these issues in future iterations, this mower has the potential to be a standout in its category.