Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 16" Push Mower

The Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 16" Push Mower, or simply the Ryobi Push Mower, is an intriguing addition to the world of battery-powered lawn care tools. As someone who has spent countless hours battling with traditional gas mowers, I was eager to see how a battery-powered alternative could stand up to the challenge. After several weeks of use, I have gathered a comprehensive view of this mower's strengths and weaknesses.

First and foremost, let’s talk about the setup. Straight out of the box, the Ryobi Push Mower is incredibly easy to assemble. With minimal parts to connect and clear instructions, I had it ready to go in under 15 minutes. The folding handles are a fantastic feature, making storage a breeze, especially for those of us with limited garage space. The mower’s lightweight design is immediately noticeable; at just 34.4 lbs, it’s significantly easier to maneuver than any gas mower I’ve used.

The performance of the Ryobi Push Mower is where things get a bit more nuanced. The brushless motor is designed to adapt to different mowing conditions, which theoretically should optimize performance and battery life. In practice, the mower performs admirably on dry, moderately short grass. The 16-inch deck is smaller than many traditional mowers, which means more passes are required to cover the same area. However, the lightweight build makes these extra passes less of a chore.

Battery life is a critical aspect of any cordless tool, and this mower is no exception. The Ryobi Push Mower is equipped with two 18V 4Ah batteries, which promise up to 40 minutes of runtime. In my experience, this claim holds true under ideal conditions. However, if the grass is longer or damp, the batteries deplete much faster. On one occasion, I found myself swapping out batteries halfway through mowing my 1/3-acre yard. To avoid interruptions, having an extra set of batteries on hand is highly recommended.

One of the mower’s standout features is its 7-position single point height adjustment. This allows for precise control over cutting height, ranging from 1.5 inches to 4 inches. Adjusting the height is straightforward and can be done quickly, even mid-mow. The cutting quality is generally good, leaving a clean and even finish when the grass is dry. However, in wet conditions, the mower struggles a bit, and the grass tends to stick to the deck, requiring frequent cleaning.

The mower offers both mulching and bagging functions. I found the mulch plug easy to install and remove, and it does a decent job of finely chopping the grass clippings. The bagging function works well, with the easy bag removal feature making it simple to empty the grass clippings without making a mess. For those who prefer bagging over mulching, this mower provides a hassle-free experience.

Noise levels are impressively low. Unlike gas mowers that roar through the neighborhood, the Ryobi Push Mower operates quietly, making it a great option for early morning or late evening mowing sessions without disturbing the neighbors. This quieter operation is a significant quality-of-life improvement over traditional mowers.

Despite its many strengths, the Ryobi Push Mower is not without its drawbacks. The smaller deck size and battery limitations make it less suitable for larger yards or particularly tough mowing conditions. Additionally, the batteries can overheat if used continuously for extended periods, leading to reduced efficiency and potential downtime while they cool off.

Durability is another area of concern. While the mower’s lightweight design is a boon for maneuverability, it does feel a bit flimsy compared to more robust gas mowers. After a few months of use, I noticed some wear and tear on the plastic components, though nothing that significantly affected performance.

Customer support from Ryobi has been a mixed bag. While the mower comes with a 3-year limited warranty, getting in touch with support for repairs or replacements can be challenging. This is something to consider if you’re looking for a hassle-free ownership experience.

In conclusion, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 16" Push Mower is a solid choice for those with small to medium-sized yards looking to transition away from gas-powered mowers. Its ease of use, quiet operation, and compact storage make it an attractive option for urban and suburban homeowners. However, its performance in less-than-ideal conditions and the need for extra batteries may be a dealbreaker for some.

Would I recommend the Ryobi Push Mower? Yes, but with reservations. If you have a small yard and can mow regularly to avoid overgrown grass, this mower will serve you well. Its lightweight design and ease of use are significant advantages. However, if you have a larger yard or frequently deal with tough mowing conditions, you might want to consider a more powerful alternative, perhaps from Ryobi’s 40V lineup or another brand entirely.