Throw away everything you think you know about Ryobi lawn mowers – because the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Transverse 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is in a league of its own.
Advantages of the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Transverse Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
- Exceptional covering, bagging, and side discharge capabilities
- Powerful cutting force
- Two active battery ports (manual switching required)
- True 21″ Blade
- Sturdy handle and frame design
- Enhanced grip with softer wheels
- Convenient folding system allows for vertical storage
- Easy bag removal through the handle
- Manufactured in Anderson, SC, using global materials
Shortcomings of the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Transverse Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
- Self-propelled engagement button could be pushed further
- Speed regulation needs improvement
- Higher end speeds could be faster
- Battery level cannot be measured on the fly
Ryobi has taken lawn mowing to the next level with the Crosscut mower, equipped with a new brushless motor and controller. This model features a stacked dual-blade design that cuts higher and then lower. To put it to the test, we set the deck to the lowest height and mowed at the slowest speed. The mower never faltered.
Gradually, we increased the speed, but the blades continued turning without stopping. However, dense overgrowth may cause the blades to stop. Nonetheless, it’s evident that Ryobi has significantly increased power compared to their previous models, outperforming other 36V/40V mowers.
Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Transverse Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Runtime
The kit comes with a pair of 6.0Ah batteries. Ryobi has designed the mower with two active battery ports that can accommodate larger batteries.
The only downside is that you need to manually switch power from one battery to the other by flipping the center red key. However, this allows you to gauge when you’ve reached the midpoint of your battery’s capacity.
During our tests, we performed cuts ranging from light to heavy, using a combination of bahia grass and St. Augustine. For the majority of our cutting sessions, the mower remained at its standard cutting speed and only required occasional adjustments.
The first battery lasted for 26 minutes, while the second one powered the mower for 50 minutes and 2 seconds. Although Ryobi claims a 70-minute cut time for lighter tasks, in reality, it will be closer to an hour for most scheduled maintenance cuts.
Cutting Quality of the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Transverse Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Excellent Mulching Capabilities
The Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Transverse Self-Propelled Lawn Mower excels at mulching. It produces finer cuttings compared to other 40V mowers, allowing it to penetrate the grass more effectively.
I ran my hand through one of the thick sections we trimmed and found only a few stray blades, while the majority remained close to the soil.
Impressive Bagging Performance
Combining the mower’s superb mulching capabilities with high airflow and lift results in exceptional bagging results. From a cutting height of 5 inches down to 3 inches, it took us approximately 8 minutes to fill the bag, which was tight and full!
Effective Side Discharge
Though it may not match the cleanliness of covered or bagged options, the Ryobi mower does an excellent job of throwing clippings aside. Unlike some battery-powered mowers that leave clippings in piles, this mower’s performance is comparable to a gas-powered model.
Consistent Cutting Evenness
As I surveyed the mowed grass, I noticed that it appeared smoother than what I’ve observed with other Ryobi mowers. A closer look confirmed that this mower has made significant improvements in achieving a uniform cut. However, a few scattered blades of grass stood upright.
Drive Controls of the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Transverse Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Ryobi has retained the Smart Trek name for their self-propelled system, but it has undergone significant changes from previous iterations. The current system features a more traditional design with an activation bar and speed dial.
The activation bar no longer spans the full width of the handle and can be easily operated with one or two thumbs. The overall design is impressive, but there is room for small refinements. It would benefit from a slightly lower thumbstick position, as it can tire out the thumbs after mowing large areas. Additionally, a small increase in the top speed, especially as the battery’s charge decreases, would be appreciated.
Key Features of the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Transverse Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
- 7 deck heights ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches
- Single-point height adjustment
- Battery compatibility with over 50 other Ryobi 40V products
- Front LED light
Pricing for the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Transverse Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
The test kit includes the mower, a pair of 6.0Ah batteries, a charger, and all the necessary accessories for bagging, mulching, or side discharge. The kit is available at The Home Depot for $599.
There is a slightly more affordable model priced at $499, offering many of the same features, but without the Crosscut function.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that Ryobi has extended the warranty to 5 years, providing an additional 2 years of coverage, with the deck covered for life.
The Bottom Line: A Top-Notch Battery Lawn Mower
We’re genuinely impressed and excited about the remarkable performance and quality of the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Transverse Self-Propelled Mower. The design team has set a high bar, and this mower has surpassed expectations. While some minor tweaks are still possible, it is undoubtedly one of the best battery-powered lawn mowers available.
Lastly, this mower is proudly manufactured in Anderson, South Carolina, using global materials.
Ryobi 40V Transverse Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Specifications
- Model: Rimei RY401150
- Voltage: 40V
- Motor: Brushless
- Self-propelled system: Smart Trek
- Deck Size: 21″
- Cutting Height: 1.5-4 inches
- Deck height adjustment: 7-position single point
- Warranty: 5-year tool warranty and 3-year battery warranty
- Kit price (2 x 6Ah batteries): $599