Ryobi 40V Lawn Mower Review: Cordless Power Worth Buying?

Cordless mowers have come a long way in the last few years. The Ryobi 40V lawn mower sits at the top of many homeowner shortlists, and for good reason. It promises gas like power, a quiet motor, and the simplicity of battery power. But does it really hold up across a full season of mowing? This review gives you the honest answer.

I tested the Ryobi 40V mower on lawns of different sizes and grass types. I looked at runtime, cut quality, build, comfort, and value. I also compared it with other popular cordless mowers so you know exactly where it stands. By the end of this post, you will know if the Ryobi 40V is the right pick for your yard. Let us get into it.

In a Nutshell

Here are the most important points before we go deep into the full review.

• The Ryobi 40V HP Brushless mower delivers gas equivalent power thanks to its high torque brushless motor and 40 volt battery system.
• It runs quietly, starts with a button push, and needs almost no maintenance compared to a gas mower.
• Runtime sits between 40 and 75 minutes depending on the battery size, grass thickness, and whether you use self propelled mode.
• The mower works with 75 plus tools in the Ryobi 40V family, which makes it a smart long term investment for your yard.
• It is lightweight, foldable, and easy to store in a garage or shed, even in tight spaces.
• The biggest downsides are the plastic deck on lower models and the higher upfront cost compared to budget gas mowers.

Why the Ryobi 40V Lawn Mower Stands Out

The Ryobi 40V lawn mower is one of the most popular cordless mowers in North America. It earned that spot because it offers a strong balance of power, runtime, and price. Most homeowners want a mower that just works, and this one does.

The brushless motor is the star of the show. It pushes torque close to a 170cc gas engine on the top models. That means you can mow thick grass without bogging down. The deck options range from 20 inches to 21 inches, which suits most suburban yards.

You also get features that gas mowers do not offer. LED headlights let you mow early or late. The folding handle saves space. The push button start removes the pull cord struggle. You never need to mix fuel or change oil again.

Another reason this mower stands out is the wider Ryobi 40V battery system. One battery powers your trimmer, blower, chainsaw, and more. That shared platform saves money over time. It also keeps your shed tidy.

Build Quality and Design

The Ryobi 40V mower feels solid in the hand. The handlebars are padded and adjustable. The controls sit in the right spot for most users. You can fold the mower vertically and stand it up against a wall.

The deck on most models is high impact polymer. Some buyers prefer a steel deck, but the polymer deck has clear perks. It will never rust, it weighs less, and it does not chip paint. The cutting blade itself is steel, so cut quality stays sharp.

The mower weighs around 63 to 75 pounds depending on the model. That is light for a self propelled mower. The wheels are large in the rear and smaller in the front, which helps with turning. The bagger clips on with a single hand motion.

I tested the build by running the mower over uneven ground, light gravel near the edge of a driveway, and damp morning grass. The mower handled all of it without rattles or loose bolts. The fit and finish feel above the price point.

Cutting Power and Performance

Here is where the Ryobi 40V really earns its price. The brushless motor delivers 9.7 ft lbs of torque on the top HP model. That is close to commercial level torque. You can mow tall grass, weeds, and even small twigs without the blade slowing down.

The mower offers mulching, bagging, and side discharge. Most users stick with mulching during the growing season. The mulch quality is fine and even, which means your clippings break down fast and feed the lawn.

Cut height adjusts from 1 inch to 4 inches with a single lever. There are usually seven positions. That range covers everything from a low summer cut to a tall fall cut. The single lever beats the four lever systems found on cheaper mowers.

I cut a damp St. Augustine lawn that had grown to about 6 inches. The Ryobi powered through it without stalling. That is the real test of any cordless mower. It also handled Bermuda and tall fescue with no issues.

Battery Life and Runtime

Runtime is the question every cordless mower buyer asks first. The Ryobi 40V mower runs between 40 and 75 minutes on a single charge. Your actual time depends on a few key factors.

A 6 Ah battery gets you around 40 minutes on average grass. An 8 Ah battery pushes runtime to about 60 minutes. Two 8 Ah batteries running in series can hit 105 minutes on the AWD model. The new 12 Ah battery stretches even longer.

Real world tests show that thick grass cuts runtime by 20 to 30 percent. Self propelled mode also draws power, so push mode lasts longer. Cool weather helps battery life, while very hot days shorten it slightly.

Charging is fast on the rapid chargers. A 6 Ah battery fills up in about 60 minutes. That means you can mow, take a short break, and finish a larger lawn the same day. Most owners with quarter acre lots never run out of juice.

Top 3 Alternatives for Ryobi 40V Lawn Mower

If the Ryobi is not the right fit, here are three strong cordless mower alternatives worth a close look.

The EGO Power+ LM2135SP runs on a 56 volt platform. It feels more rugged than the Ryobi and many owners say it lasts longer in tough grass. The Select Cut multi blade system gives a cleaner finish on most lawns.

The Greenworks 40V 20 inch mower is the budget friendly option. It costs less than the Ryobi and still gives strong brushless performance. It is a great pick for small to mid size lawns up to a third of an acre.

The Worx WG779 14 inch mower uses two 20V Power Share batteries to deliver 40V output. It is small, light, and perfect for tiny urban yards under one eighth of an acre. It also stores in very tight spaces.

Self Propelled vs Push Models

Ryobi sells the 40V mower in both push and self propelled versions. Picking the right one matters more than most buyers think. Your yard size and slope decide which model fits your needs.

The push version weighs less and costs less. It works well for flat lawns under a quarter acre. You control the pace, which is great for tight turns and detailed work.

The self propelled version moves on its own with a variable speed lever. This is the right pick if your yard has hills, if it is larger than a quarter acre, or if you simply want an easier mow. The drive system feels smooth and natural.

The AWD model is the premium option. It drives all four wheels, which helps on steep slopes and wet grass. It costs more but the traction is hard to beat. Owners with hilly lots love this feature.

Noise Levels and Neighbor Friendly Mowing

The Ryobi 40V mower is much quieter than any gas mower. The Whisper Series models are even quieter than the standard line. You can hold a conversation while mowing, which is impossible with most gas engines.

Standard gas mowers hit around 95 decibels. The Ryobi 40V runs at about 75 to 78 decibels on average. The Whisper Series models drop to around 70 decibels. That puts them in the same range as a normal vacuum cleaner.

This matters more than people think. You can mow early in the morning without waking the neighbors. You can also mow in the evening, which is the coolest part of the day in summer. No more rushing to finish before the heat hits.

You also do not need ear protection. Gas mowers can damage hearing over time, even with short exposures. The Ryobi removes that risk completely. Your ears will thank you.

Maintenance and Long Term Costs

This is where cordless mowers crush gas mowers. There is no oil to change. No spark plug to replace. No fuel filter, no carburetor, and no winterization. You save real money every single year.

The only routine task is blade sharpening. You should sharpen the blade once or twice per season. A sharp blade gives a clean cut, which keeps your lawn healthy and green.

You should also clean the deck after each mow. Clippings build up and can block airflow. A garden hose handles most of the cleanup in about two minutes. Some users use a plastic scraper for stuck on grass.

Battery care is simple. Store batteries indoors during winter. Keep them at about 50 percent charge for long term storage. Avoid leaving them in extreme heat. Follow these steps and your batteries should last 5 years or more.

Storage and Portability

The Ryobi 40V mower folds up vertically for storage. This is a feature gas mowers cannot match. You can stand the mower against a wall and save several feet of floor space. Small garages and sheds love this design.

The handlebar folds with quick release knobs. The whole process takes about 20 seconds. You do not need any tools. The mower stands stable on its rear wheels in the folded position.

The folded footprint is roughly the size of a large suitcase. That means you can store it next to your trash bins, your bikes, or your other yard tools. Many apartment dwellers with small patches of lawn pick this mower for that reason alone.

Transport is also easier. The mower fits in the trunk of most SUVs. Landscapers with small operations sometimes use these as second mowers for tight properties. The portability is a real selling point.

Safety Features You Get

The Ryobi 40V mower includes several safety features as standard. The bail bar must be held down for the blade to spin. Let go, and the blade stops in seconds.

There is also a safety key that must be inserted before the mower will start. You can pull the key when storing the mower. This is great for homes with kids who might play in the garage.

The push button start removes the risk of recoil starter injuries. Gas mower pull cords can hurt shoulders and elbows. The Ryobi removes that problem completely.

LED headlights are also a safety feature. They light up the grass in front of you in low light. You can spot hidden toys, hoses, or sprinkler heads before you run them over. That alone has saved me from a costly mistake.

Who Should Buy the Ryobi 40V Lawn Mower

The Ryobi 40V mower is a great fit for most suburban homeowners. If your lawn is between a quarter and half an acre, this mower will handle it with ease. Larger lawns may need a second battery or a ride on mower.

It is also a smart pick if you already own other Ryobi 40V tools. The shared battery system means you only buy the bare tool, which saves a lot of money. Many users build out a full yard kit this way over time.

People who hate gas mower maintenance will love this mower. No fuel runs to the gas station. No oil changes. No spark plugs. No carburetor cleaning. It is set it and forget it ownership.

It may not be the right pick if you have over an acre of grass or very thick commercial grade weeds. In those cases, an EGO 56V or a small gas mower may serve you better. Choose based on yard size, not brand loyalty.

Pros and Cons Summary

Every product has trade offs. Here is the honest breakdown after extended testing of the Ryobi 40V mower across multiple lawn types.

The pros include strong brushless power, quiet operation, fast push button start, low maintenance, foldable storage, LED headlights, a wide battery platform with 75 plus tools, and a solid 5 year tool warranty.

The cons include a plastic deck on lower models, runtime that limits very large yards, a higher upfront cost than gas mowers, and battery replacement costs every few years. Some users also mention that the bagger fills up fast on tall grass.

Overall, the pros clearly outweigh the cons for most homeowners. The Ryobi 40V mower is a smart buy in 2025 and beyond. The technology is mature, the platform is huge, and the price is fair.

If you want the absolute best cordless cut, EGO still has a slight edge. But you pay more for that edge. Ryobi gives you 90 percent of the performance for 70 percent of the price.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Ryobi 40V mower battery last per mow?

Most users get 40 to 75 minutes of runtime per charge. The exact time depends on battery size, grass thickness, and whether you use self propelled mode. A 6 Ah battery handles about a quarter acre on one charge.

Is the Ryobi 40V mower as powerful as a gas mower?

Yes, the HP brushless models match a 170cc gas mower in torque output. Standard models match around 150cc gas mowers. Both are strong enough for normal residential lawns.

Can I leave the battery in the mower between mows?

It is best to remove the battery and store it indoors. Heat and cold both shorten battery life. Indoor storage at room temperature keeps your batteries healthy for 5 years or more.

Does the Ryobi 40V mower work with older 40V batteries?

Yes, all current Ryobi 40V batteries work with current 40V tools. Older batteries may have lower runtime than new ones. The platform has been backward compatible since launch.

How long is the warranty on the Ryobi 40V mower?

Ryobi offers a 5 year warranty on the tool and a 3 year warranty on the battery and charger. That is one of the best warranties in the cordless mower market.

Can I mow wet grass with the Ryobi 40V mower?

Light dew is fine, but heavy wet grass is not recommended. Wet clippings clog the deck and reduce cut quality. Wait until the grass dries for the best results.

What size yard can the Ryobi 40V mower handle?

The mower works best for yards up to half an acre with a single 6 Ah or 8 Ah battery. With two batteries, you can comfortably handle three quarter acre lots. Larger yards may need a different solution.

Is the Ryobi 40V mower good for hills?

Yes, the self propelled and AWD models handle hills well. The AWD model is the best choice for steep or wet slopes. Push models are fine on flat to gently sloped yards.

The Ryobi 40V lawn mower earns its spot at the top of the cordless mower market. It gives you gas like power without the gas mower headaches. For most homeowners, it is the right pick in 2025. Happy mowing.

Last update on 2026-06-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API