Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 18" Snow Blower Kit

Snow blowers are indispensable for those of us who live in regions with heavy snowfall. This winter, I had the opportunity to test out the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 18" Snow Blower Kit, model RY40890, and it offered a mixed bag of experiences. Here’s an in-depth look at how this model stacks up.

The Ryobi snow blower is a compact, battery-operated unit designed to replace traditional gas-powered models. It features an 18-inch clearing width and a 10-inch clearing depth, making it suitable for small to medium-sized driveways and sidewalks. With a promise to deliver more power than a 123cc gas snow blower and a discharge distance of up to 25 feet, the specs are impressive on paper.

Initial Impressions

Straight out of the box, the snow blower was relatively easy to set up. The foldable handle and compact design make storage straightforward, a huge plus for those with limited space. The included 40V 6.0Ah battery and fast charger are convenient, taking about 90 minutes to fully charge.

Performance

Power and Efficiency

My first test was on a moderate snowfall of about 6 inches of dry snow, and the Ryobi handled it admirably. The snow blower cleared my 3-car driveway and adjacent sidewalk in one go, spitting the snow a good 20 feet away. The 180-degree directional chute was easy to adjust, allowing for controlled snow placement.

However, things got a bit tricky with heavier, wetter snow. The battery life dropped significantly, lasting only about 15-20 minutes under such conditions. While the machine could still manage to clear the snow, it often required multiple passes, which was time-consuming. I found myself needing to recharge the battery halfway through larger jobs, which interrupted the workflow. If you have a large area to clear, investing in an extra battery is almost a necessity.

Cold Weather Performance

Living in a region where temperatures can plummet to -30°C, I was particularly interested in how the Ryobi would handle extreme cold. Unfortunately, the snow blower struggled in such conditions. While it operated fine at temperatures around -20°C, it stalled repeatedly as the mercury dropped further. Below -30°C, the machine refused to start altogether. For those living in extremely cold climates, this limitation could be a deal-breaker.

Usability and Ergonomics

Maneuverability

The Ryobi snow blower is lightweight and easy to maneuver, especially on flat, smooth surfaces like concrete or pavement. However, it faced challenges on uneven surfaces such as gravel driveways. The front corners often caught on small bumps, making it difficult to push forward smoothly. Adding small skis or wheels to the front could potentially resolve this issue.

Ergonomics

The handle design has room for improvement. Even at its maximum extension, the handle felt a bit short, especially for taller users. I found myself bending over slightly, which became uncomfortable after prolonged use. Also, the handle must be clasped tightly to keep the machine running, which can be tiring and even painful over time. A more ergonomic handle design would significantly enhance user comfort.

Build Quality

The overall build quality of the Ryobi snow blower is decent but not exceptional. The plastic parts, particularly the discharge chute, felt somewhat flimsy. During use, I noticed that the chute occasionally leaked snow behind the unit, which required periodic clearing. While the machine is robust enough for light to moderate snowfall, it may not withstand the rigors of heavy, wet snow over multiple seasons.

Battery and Charger

The 40V 6.0Ah battery performs as expected under light to moderate loads but falls short during heavy use. The fast charger is a plus, getting the battery back to full charge in under 90 minutes. However, for larger jobs, the limited battery life can be frustrating. Having an additional battery on hand is advisable to avoid interruptions.

Overall Value

With a price tag around $600, the Ryobi snow blower offers good value for those needing a lightweight, easy-to-use machine for typical residential use. Its performance in light to moderate snow is commendable, and it’s a great eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered models. However, its limitations in extreme cold and heavy, wet snow, along with some ergonomic shortcomings, are worth considering.

Recommendations

Would I recommend the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 18" Snow Blower? Yes, but with reservations. It’s a solid choice for those who experience typical winter conditions with light to moderate snowfall and have smaller areas to clear. Its ease of use, compact design, and eco-friendliness are significant advantages.

However, for those in regions with extreme cold or frequent heavy, wet snowfalls, this model might not meet your needs. The battery life and performance limitations in harsh conditions could prove frustrating. In such cases, investing in a more robust model, possibly with self-propulsion and a larger battery capacity, would be a wiser choice.

In conclusion, the Ryobi snow blower is a capable machine for the right conditions and user. Assess your specific needs and climate before making a purchase, and consider an extra battery to ensure uninterrupted operation.