Ryobi Lawn Mower Review: Guide to Top 5 Models

Is your yard a jungle that needs taming? Do you dream of a perfectly manicured lawn without the hassle of gas fumes and pull cords? If you’re nodding your head, then you’re probably looking at Ryobi lawn mowers. These bright green machines are popular, but let’s be honest: picking the right one can feel like a chore itself. You see 20V, 40V, brushed, brushless—it’s a lot to take in!

The pain point is real. You want the power of gas without the maintenance headache, but you don’t want to buy a mower that dies halfway through your front yard. Choosing the wrong battery size or model means wasted time and money. That’s why we cut through the noise.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Ryobi’s lineup. We will compare the top models, explain the battery systems, and help you match the perfect mower to your lawn size. Get ready to ditch the frustration and discover the Ryobi mower that makes yard work fast and easy. Let’s dive into the details and find your perfect cut!

Top Ryobi Lawn Mower Recommendations

No. 2
Greenworks 40V 16" Cordless Lawn Mower, Ultra-Light Push Mower with 4.0Ah Battery & Charger(75+ Tool Compatibility, 45Min Runtime)
  • Effortless Power for ½ Acre Yards- Experience gas-like performance without the hassle—35 minutes of continuous runtime from a single 4.0Ah battery (full charge in 2 hours). Perfect for small to medium lawns up to ½ acre.
  • Ultra-Lightweight Design (35% Lighter)- 16" cutting deck with ergonomic handles and push-button start makes maneuvering effortless—ideal for users prioritizing comfort and ease of storage.
  • Smart Cut Adjustment System- Single-lever 5-position height control (1.25"-3.375") adapts to any grass type. 2-in-1 mulching/rear-bagging system maximizes clippings management.
  • Zero Maintenance, Maximum Savings- No gas/oil costs, emissions, or engine tune-ups. Save $200+ annually vs gas mowers with whisper-quiet operation (<75dB).
  • Complete Ecosystem Value- Includes battery, fast charger, grass bag & 3year tool + 3year battery warranty Works with 75+ Greenworks 40V tools(trimmers, blowers, chainsaws...)—expand your cordless toolkit.
No. 3
Greenworks 60V 21" Cordless Lawn Mower – 5.0Ah Battery & Rapid Chargerr(75+ Tool Compatibility, 60Min Runtime)
  • GAS-LIKE POWER WITHOUT THE HASSLE – 50% more torque than 40V mowers & 3200 RPM blade speed (matches 150cc gas mowers)—zero fumes, noise, or maintenance!**
  • IPX4 WATERPROOF & STEEL DECK – Built to handle rain, damp grass, and tough conditions with a heavy-duty steel deck and rust-resistant design.
  • SMARTCUT SELF-SHARPENING BLADES – Dual blades adjust power automatically for tall, wet, or thick grass—no bogging down!** Plus, 4-in-1 versatility (mulch, bag, side-discharge, turbo leaf mode).
  • EASY-PUSH DESIGN & LED LIGHTS – Oversized 10” rear wheels + 8” front tires for smooth maneuvering. LED headlights let you mow early mornings or late evenings with no visibility issues.
  • DUAL-PORT AUTO-SWITCH TECH – Seamlessly switches to a 2nd battery when the first drains (no stopping!**). Compatible with 75+ Greenworks 60V tools for a full yard system.
No. 5
Greenworks 60V 17" Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower, 2-in-1 Mulching/Bagging, 4.0Ah Battery and 3A Charger(40min Runtime)
  • Powerful Electric Lawn Mowers - Experience the freedom of cordless mowing with this 60V battery powered lawn mower, delivering up to 40 minutes of runtime on a fully charged 4.0Ah battery. Recharge quickly with a full charge time of just 80 minutes.
  • Advanced Brushless Motor - The high-efficiency brushless motor provides superior power and extends the mower’s longevity. It ensures consistent performance, allowing you to tackle even the toughest mowing tasks with ease and reliability.
  • Versatile Cutting Options- 6-position height adjustment ranges from 1.5" to 3.15". The 2-in-1 feature enhances versatility, allowing for both mulching and rear bagging, adapting to your lawn care needs in various environments.
  • Lightweight and Durable Design- The 17" rust-resistant deck is designed for easy maneuverability and long-lasting use. Its lightweight construction ensures effortless handling, making it perfect for navigating tight spaces and uneven terrain.
  • Complete Ecosystem Value- Battery-powered lawn mower includes battery, fast charger, grass bag & 4 year tool + 4 year battery warranty Works with 75+ Greenworks 60V tools(trimmers, blowers, chainsaws...)—expand your cordless toolkit.
No. 6
Ryobi Cordless Push Lawn Mower 20 in. 40-Volt with Whisper-Quiet Design
  • Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories
No. 8
Greenworks 40V 16" Brushless Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower + Blower (350 CFM) + 13" String Trimmer (Bonus Spools), 4.0Ah + 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included (75+ Compatible Tools)
  • 40V CORDLESS MOWER - This 40V Brushless lawn mower provides the power you need with up to 45 minutes of runtime on a fully charged 4.0Ah battery. The battery completely charges in 120 minutes.
  • 40V CORDLESS TRIMMER / EDGER (2-IN-1) - This 40V String trimmer Converts from trimmer to edger with push of a button;Trimmer head rotates 90° so you can trim and edge at multiple angles;Push button start / .065” single line auto feed head.
  • 40V CORDLESS BLOWER - This 40V Blower delivers 350 CFM and 100 MPH for powerful leaf and debris clean up,with Two Speed Switch (High/Low)
  • LIGHTWEIGHT, EASY TO USE – A lightweight 16” cutting deck allows for easy maneuvering through small to medium yards (up to ½ acre) more efficiently. Easy push button start, and lighter weight make it a great choice for your lawn.
  • VERSATILE – Single lever 5-position height adjustment with a cutting height range from 1-1/4" to 3-3/8" for the best cut in all environments. The 2-in-1 feature offers versatile use with mulching and rear bagging options.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your Ryobi Lawn Mower

Ryobi makes great tools for your yard. Choosing the right lawn mower can make yard work much easier. This guide will help you pick the perfect Ryobi mower for your needs.

Key Features to Look For

When buying a Ryobi mower, some features really stand out. You need to know what they do.

  • Power Source: Ryobi offers both corded electric, battery-powered (18V or 40V), and gas-powered models. Battery power is quiet and easy to start. Gas offers more power for big yards.
  • Deck Size: This is how wide the mower cuts. Bigger decks mean you finish faster. Small yards need smaller decks (16-20 inches). Large yards benefit from 21-inch or larger decks.
  • Cutting Height Adjustment: You must change how high or low the grass is cut. Look for easy-to-use, single-lever adjustments.
  • Mulching, Bagging, or Side Discharge: Most Ryobi mowers do all three. Mulching cuts grass finely and puts it back on the lawn as natural fertilizer. Bagging collects clippings. Side discharge shoots them out the side.
Important Materials in Your Ryobi Mower

The materials used affect how long your mower lasts and how heavy it is.

Most modern Ryobi mower decks are made from durable steel or lightweight composite plastic. Steel decks offer toughness. Composite decks keep the machine lighter, making it easier to push or maneuver.

Look at the wheels. Large, sturdy wheels help the mower roll smoothly over bumpy grass. Plastic wheels are lighter, but high-quality ball-bearing wheels last longer.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Good quality means fewer repairs and easier mowing.

What Makes Ryobi Mowers Better

Battery technology is a big plus for Ryobi. Their high-voltage 40V system provides power close to gas engines. Mowers with brushless motors last longer because the motor parts do not rub together as much. Easy folding handles improve storage quality, saving you space in the garage.

What Can Lower the Quality

Cheap plastic housing around the controls can break easily if dropped or bumped. If the battery voltage is too low for your yard size (like using an 18V mower on thick, tall grass), the mower will struggle, and you will wear out the motor faster. Always match the power to the job.

User Experience and Use Cases

How you use the mower changes what you should buy. Think about your yard first.

For Small City Lots (Under 1/4 Acre)

A compact 18V or 20-inch battery mower works perfectly. These are light and very quiet. You can mow without bothering your neighbors. Starting is simple—just push a button.

For Medium to Large Yards (1/4 to 1/2 Acre)

The 40V models are best here. They offer longer run times, meaning the battery will not die halfway through the job. If you have very thick grass, consider a high-powered self-propelled gas model, though Ryobi’s powerful battery mowers often handle this too.

Self-propelled models are a huge quality-of-life improvement. They move themselves forward, which reduces strain when pushing up hills or through dense sections.


10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Ryobi Lawn Mowers

Q: Are Ryobi mowers good for tall grass?

A: Yes, especially their 40V or gas models. You should always raise the cutting height first, mow slowly, and then lower it for a second pass if the grass is very high.

Q: How long does a Ryobi battery last on a single charge?

A: It depends on the battery size (Ah) and the thickness of your grass. Smaller yards might take 30–45 minutes on one charge. Larger yards might require swapping batteries.

Q: Can I use any Ryobi 18V battery on any 18V mower?

A: Yes, most Ryobi 18V tools share the same battery system. However, more powerful mowers might recommend using two 18V batteries for maximum power.

Q: Do Ryobi mowers require much maintenance?

A: Battery mowers need very little maintenance. You only need to keep the deck clean and sharpen the blade yearly. Gas mowers need oil changes and spark plug checks, just like a car.

Q: Are Ryobi mowers heavier than gas mowers?

A: Generally, the electric and battery Ryobi mowers are much lighter than comparable gas models. This makes them easier to lift and store.

Q: What is the main difference between 18V and 40V Ryobi mowers?

A: 40V mowers have more power and run longer than 18V mowers. They are better suited for bigger yards and tougher grass conditions.

Q: Can I buy a Ryobi mower without a battery or charger?

A: Yes. If you already own other Ryobi batteries, you can often buy the mower as a “Tool Only” option, which saves you money.

Q: How do I clean the underside of my Ryobi mower?

A: Always remove the battery first! Tilt the mower back onto its rear wheels (never on its side if it’s a gas mower, as oil can leak). Use a plastic scraper or stiff brush to remove packed grass clippings.

Q: Are Ryobi mowers noisy?

A: Battery-powered Ryobi mowers are very quiet—much quieter than gas mowers. You can easily hold a conversation while mowing with them.

Q: Where is the best place to store my Ryobi battery mower?

A: Store it in a dry place, like a shed or garage. If you store it for the winter, it is best practice to charge the battery to about 50% capacity before putting it away.

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