Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21" Self-Propelled AWD Multi-Blade Mower

The Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21" Self-Propelled AWD Multi-Blade Mower, model RY401210, is a compelling addition to the world of battery-powered lawn care. Having spent a considerable amount of time with this mower, I’ve seen both its merits and its flaws firsthand. This review aims to provide a comprehensive look at the mower's performance, design, and overall usability.

Unboxing and Setup

Setting up the Ryobi 21" mower was a breeze. The assembly process took me less than 10 minutes, thanks to the clear instructions and minimal components. The foldable handles were particularly handy, making it easy to store the mower in my already crowded garage. The batteries, however, did take a bit longer to charge than I expected, but once charged, they were easy to install and remove.

First Impressions and Build Quality

The mower feels sturdy and well-built, but there are some aspects of its construction that give me pause. The plastic self-propel lever and the power-on paddle design seem a bit flimsy. Over time, I could see these parts being potential points of failure, especially if you have to use the mower frequently.

Performance

Cutting Ability

The multi-blade system is one of the standout features of this mower. It provides a clean, even cut and does an excellent job of reducing clumping. I have a mix of fine fescue and Bermuda grass, and the Ryobi handled both types quite well. The adjustable cutting height, ranging from 1" to 4", allowed me to find the perfect setting for my lawn.

However, the mower does struggle with thicker, taller grass. In such conditions, the motor would occasionally bog down, requiring me to lift the deck slightly to prevent it from shutting off. This was particularly noticeable after a week of heavy rain when the grass had grown longer than usual.

Battery Life

Battery life is a critical factor for any cordless mower, and this is where the Ryobi 21" model shows both strengths and weaknesses. The two 40V 6Ah batteries provided up to 70 minutes of runtime, which was sufficient for my ¼ acre yard. However, this runtime can drop significantly if you’re dealing with thicker grass or using the self-propelled feature extensively.

One major downside is that the batteries tend to overheat, especially during the summer months. This means you have to wait for them to cool down before you can recharge them, which can be quite inconvenient if you’re in the middle of a mowing session.

Self-Propelled Feature

The self-propelled feature is both a blessing and a curse. It’s incredibly useful for maneuvering the mower over uneven terrain and up inclines. The speed adjustment allows you to set a pace that’s comfortable for you, but the paddle design for activating this feature is less than ideal. It requires you to use your thumbs, which can be painful if you have arthritis or other hand issues.

Noise Level

One of the most impressive aspects of this mower is how quiet it is. Ryobi claims it’s 85% quieter than gas mowers, and I’d have to agree. This makes it a great option for early morning or late evening mowing sessions without disturbing the neighbors.

Ease of Use

Starting the mower is straightforward—just pull the trigger and push the button. No more yanking on a cord and hoping the engine will start. The single-lever height adjustment is another user-friendly feature, allowing you to change the cutting height quickly and easily.

Maintenance and Storage

Maintenance is minimal, which is a significant advantage over gas-powered mowers. There’s no need to worry about oil changes, spark plugs, or air filters. The integrated mulch plug makes it easy to switch between bagging and mulching, and the on-board fuel gauge lets you know how much battery life you have left.

Storage is also convenient, thanks to the foldable handles. This feature allows the mower to take up less space, which is particularly useful if you have limited storage room.

Issues and Drawbacks

While the Ryobi 21" mower has many positive attributes, it’s not without its flaws. The most significant issue is the reliability of the batteries and the self-propelled feature. Several times, I encountered problems with the mower shutting off unexpectedly or the self-propelled feature not engaging correctly. These issues are frustrating, especially when you’re trying to get through a mowing session quickly.

Another drawback is the weight of the mower. At 77 lbs, it’s on the heavier side, which can make it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces or around obstacles.

Conclusion

Would I recommend the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21" Self-Propelled AWD Multi-Blade Mower? It depends on your specific needs and circumstances.

If you have a smaller yard (up to ¾ acre), and you’re looking for a quieter, eco-friendly alternative to a gas mower, this Ryobi model is a solid choice. Its ease of use, quiet operation, and minimal maintenance make it a convenient option for regular lawn care.

However, if you have a larger yard, thicker grass, or need a mower that can handle more demanding conditions, you might want to look elsewhere. The issues with battery life, overheating, and the self-propelled feature could become significant drawbacks in such scenarios.

In summary, the Ryobi 21" mower is a good fit for smaller, well-maintained lawns but may struggle with more challenging conditions. It’s a well-designed tool with some excellent features, but it’s not without its limitations.