Ryobi Lawn Mowers: A Detailed Review of the Top Models

by vecharged.com
18 minutes read

If you’re rocking a wild, overgrown yard and need some serious taming, Ryobi’s got your back. This power tool titan offers a whole lineup of lawn mowers that’ll transform your unruly jungle into the envy of the neighborhood. Let’s plug into three of their best models, perfect for different lawns and lifestyles.

1. The Small Yard Superstar: Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 18” Push Mower

  • Who It’s For: Homeowners with compact lawns who love convenience and ease of use.

  • The Power: This little beast packs a punch with Ryobi’s 40V HP brushless motor. No stinky gas, no tangled cords, just a long-lasting battery and powerful cutting.

  • Owner Reviews: “Love how much easier and quieter this is than my old gas mower. So happy I made the switch!”

Overview

This kit provides the foundation for fuss-free lawn care, ideal for smaller yards. It includes the mower, a 40V battery, and a charger, giving you everything you need to get mowing. Let’s dive into the key features:

Key Features
  • Powerful 40V Brushless Motor: Ditch the gas and oil – this brushless motor delivers ample power for tackling most residential lawns, while also being quieter and more efficient than traditional gas engines.
  • 18-inch Cutting Deck: This size strikes a balance between maneuverability around landscaping and covering a decent amount of ground per pass, making it perfect for compact yards.
  • Compact & Lightweight: Designed for easy maneuverability and storage. It’s great for those tight spots and easier to handle for anyone who finds larger mowers cumbersome.
  • Multiple Cutting Options: Choose from mulching (returns finely cut clippings back into the lawn for natural fertilizing), bagging (collects clippings for disposal), or side discharge.
  • Easy Adjustments: Single lever deck height adjustment to quickly customize your cutting height.
  • Ryobi One+ System: If you already own Ryobi 40V power tools, the batteries are interchangeable, expanding your tool collection without added battery costs.

 RYOBI 40V Mower

Pros

  • Quiet, clean operation: A major win over noisy gas mowers.
  • Effortless push operation: Excellent for smaller yards or users who prefer manual control.
  • Ideal for maintenance mowing: Perfect for weekly upkeep of well-maintained lawns.
  • Simple storage: Foldable handles make it space-efficient.

Cons

  • Might lack power for thicker growth: May struggle with tall, overgrown grass.
  • Runtime depends on conditions: Thicker grass, taller heights will drain the battery faster. Consider buying a second battery for longer mowing sessions.

VeCharged Opinion

If you have a small to medium-sized yard and prioritize ease of use and low-noise operation, this Ryobi kit is a great option. Its power is perfect for routine mowing, and the compact size makes it a cinch to push and store.

2. The Mid-Sized Master: Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 20” Self-Propelled Mower

  • Who It’s For: Folks with medium-sized lawns who want that extra oomph and the ease of self-propulsion.

  • The Power: The 40V HP brushless motor delivers, and step up in size makes tackling thicker grass effortless. The self-propelled drive means less pushing for you!

  • Owner Reviews: “The self-propelled feature is a game-changer, especially on hills! Powerful enough to get the job done in half the time.”

If you’re looking to upgrade your lawn care game, Ryobi’s 40V HP Brushless 20″ Self-Propelled Multi-Blade Mower offers a fantastic blend of power, convenience, and a superior cut.

Key Features

  • 40V Brushless Power: Delivers performance comparable to gas-powered mowers but with the clean, quiet benefits of battery operation.
  • 20-Inch Dual-Blade Cutting Deck: The double-blade setup produces a finer cut, resulting in a healthier-looking lawn and better mulching/bagging performance.
  • Self-Propelled Drive System: Takes the strain out of mowing, making it a great option for hills, larger yards, or anyone who wants reduced physical effort.
  • 7-Position Height Adjustment: Easily customize your cutting height with a single lever.
  • 3-in-1 Functionality: Choose between mulching, bagging, or side discharge to suit your lawn’s needs.
  • Foldable Handles: Compact storage solution, ideal for smaller sheds or garages.
  • Ryobi 40V One+ System: If you already own Ryobi tools, the battery and charger are compatible, saving you money.

RYOBI 40V HP Brushless 20" Self-Propelled

Pros

  • Excellent cut quality: The dual blades leave your lawn looking manicured.
  • Powerful and tackles thicker grass: Perfect if you occasionally let your lawn get a bit longer.
  • User-friendly self-propulsion: Maneuvers easily and reduces fatigue.
  • Long battery life: Often provides enough runtime to handle medium-sized yards on a single charge.
  • Easy to store: Folds into a compact form.

Cons

  • Price: One of the more expensive battery-powered mowers.
  • Slightly heavier: The self-propelled system and dual blades add weight compared to a standard push mower.
  • May need extra batteries: If you have a very large lawn, consider buying an additional battery for extended mowing sessions.

VeCharged Opinion

The Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 20″ Self-Propelled Multi-Blade Mower is a powerful and convenient choice for homeowners seeking a pristine lawn. If you value ease of use, top-notch cutting performance, and the convenience of a battery platform, this model is well worth considering.

3. The Acreage Avenger: Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 30″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

  • Who It’s For: Property owners with serious ground to cover. Think large lawns, fields, or anyone who wants to mow like a pro.

  • The Power: Doubling down to an 80V system with a massive 30-inch cutting deck means you’ll be blasting through yard work with insane efficiency.

  • Owner Reviews: “This thing is a BEAST. Cuts my mowing time in half compared to my old mower. Worth the investment for larger properties.”

If you’ve got significant acreage to mow or tackle thick, tough grass, this is the beast for the job. Here’s the breakdown:

Key Features

  • 80V HP Brushless Power: This mower packs a serious punch, with power exceeding many gas-powered competitors.
  • 30-inch Cross Cut Cutting Deck: Covers a wide swath with each pass, making it ideal for large lawns. The Cross Cut blade system delivers an extremely fine mulch for enhanced lawn health.
  • Whisper Series Technology: Ryobi’s technology significantly reduces noise level compared to a traditional gas mower.
  • Self-Propelled Drive: Effortless maneuvering, reducing fatigue for the operator.
  • 3-in-1 Functionality: Choose between mulching, bagging, or side discharge.
  • Smart Trek™ Adaptive Speed Control: The mower automatically adjusts its speed based on how hard you push, delivering an intuitive mowing experience.
  • LED Headlights: Improve visibility in low-light conditions.

Pros

  • Tackles the toughest lawns: This mower laughs at thick grass and overgrown areas.
  • Large lawn efficiency: Cuts mowing time significantly compared to smaller mowers.
  • Surprisingly quiet: The Whisper Series tech makes a huge difference for both you and your neighbors.
  • High-quality cut: The Cross Cut blades leave your lawn looking fantastic.
  • Adaptive Speed Control: Provides intuitive, easy operation.

Cons

  • Cost: It’s at the premium end of battery-powered mowers.
  • Weight: It’s substantial, though the self-propulsion mitigates this.
  • Battery needs: Large yards may necessitate an extra battery for continuous mowing.

VeCharged Opinion

If you need raw power and the ability to cover a lot of ground, the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless Whisper Series 30” Cross Cut Mower is a compelling choice. Its performance rivals gas mowers, and the noise reduction is a huge bonus.

EXTRA: THE BIG ONE

If you’ve always dreamed of mowing on your own throne, the wait is over. The Ryobi 80V HP Brushless Riding Tractor isn’t just about comfort – this machine brings serious power and surprising advantages that make it a compelling option for these types of property owners:

  • The Large Lawn Conqueror: Got an acre or more to tame? This mower cuts up to 2.5 acres on a single charge and blasts through mowing with its wide 46-inch deck. Forget spending all day on a standard mower!
  • The “I Hate Gas” Champion: Ditch the fumes, the spills, and the noisy engine maintenance. This mower delivers gas-like power with clean, quiet, hassle-free battery operation.
  • The Eco-Conscious Hero: Zero emissions mean you’re making a greener choice for your lawn and your neighborhood.
  • The Multi-Tasker: This isn’t just a mower. With front and rear hitches, this tractor transforms into a powerful hauling machine for yard work.
  • The Tech Lover: Onboard LCD screen for stats, Bluetooth connectivity for the Ryobi app… this machine brings cutting-edge tech to lawn care.

Beyond the Obvious: Why This Rider Stands Out

  • Hyper Charger: Get back to mowing fast with the included charger that juices up your batteries in a fraction of the usual time.
  • Brushless Motors: Four brushless motors provide exceptional power, longevity, and less maintenance.
  • Cross Cut Blades: Six blades deliver a superior finish, leaving your lawn looking meticulously manicured.
  • American Built: This mower is proudly assembled in the USA.

Is It For You?

If any of the following resonate, the Ryobi 80V Riding Mower is worth serious consideration:

  • You value your time and don’t want to spend hours on the mower every week.
  • Aches and pains make traditional mowing difficult – this is comfort-focused.
  • You want a powerful, eco-friendly solution for your larger property.
  • The idea of pulling trailers and using your mower for more than cutting excites you.

The Verdict

This isn’t just a mower; it’s a sign you’ve leveled up. The Ryobi 80V HP Riding Mower brings comfort, convenience, power, and surprising versatility – it’s the kind of investment that changes how you interact with your whole property.

Are Ryobi lawn mowers any good?

Ryobi lawn mowers enjoy a strong reputation for being reliable, user-friendly, and excellent alternatives to gas-powered models. They offer a range of sizes and features to suit various lawns and budgets.

How long does a Ryobi lawn mower battery last?

Runtime depends on the battery size (amp-hours), grass conditions, and mower model. Typically, Ryobi 40V batteries can mow for 30-70 minutes and their 80V batteries even longer. You can always buy extra batteries for extended sessions.

Can I use any Ryobi battery in a Ryobi mower?

Yes, within the same voltage system. All Ryobi 40V batteries work in all Ryobi 40V tools, including mowers. The same applies to their 80V platform.

Which Ryobi mower is best for me?

This depends on your yard size and needs:
Small Yards: 18″-20″ push or self-propelled models are great.
Medium Yards: Consider 20″-22″ self-propelled models for power and ease.
Large Yards (1+ acres): Look at 80V self-propelled or riding mowers.

Ryobi mower vs. gas mower – what are the pros and cons?

* Pros: Quiet, zero emissions, low maintenance, easy starting * Cons: Runtime limits (depending on yard size), slightly less raw power than some gas mowers

related articles