Quick Overview
- The best all-around pick for most budget buyers is the Ryobi RY40180 (20-inch deck, brushless motor, around $449) because it balances price, runtime, and cut quality.
- For lawns under a quarter acre, the Ryobi RY401110 (around $299) is the cheapest brushless option that still performs well.
- For self-propelled convenience on sloped yards, the Ryobi RY40220 adds power assist for roughly $100 more than the push models.
- Every mower in this Ryobi 40V Lawn Mower Review uses the same battery platform, so you can buy bare-tool kits later and skip paying for batteries twice.
- Runtime on a single 5.0Ah or 6.0Ah battery ranges from 38 to 80 minutes depending on motor type and deck size (Pro Tool Reviews, 2026).
Why This Ryobi 40V Lawn Mower Review Matters for Budget Buyers
Gas mowers cost $30 to $50 a year in fuel, plus oil changes, spark plugs, and carburetor cleaning every season. A Ryobi 40V mower has none of that. You charge a battery, push a button, and mow.
This review breaks down five real Ryobi 40V models by price, deck size, and runtime, using verified specs and manufacturer data rather than guesswork. By the end, you will know exactly which model fits your lawn size and budget, and which one to skip.
If you’ve already searched for a Ryobi 40V lawn mower review, you’ve probably noticed the listings blur together. Several models share the same 20-inch deck and a brushless motor, and the difference between a $299 option and an $849 option isn’t always obvious from the product photos alone. This review treats those differences as the deciding factor, not an afterthought.
Ryobi sells six different 40V cordless mowers right now, and the model numbers alone make it confusing to choose. Some are brushed motors, some are brushless, some self-propel, and one uses a dual-blade CrossCut design built for thicker grass.
What makes the 40V platform worth a closer look for budget buyers specifically is the shared battery system. Ryobi’s 40V line covers more than 85 tools, from mowers to chainsaws to pressure washers, and every one of them runs on the same battery family. That matters because the mower itself is rarely the only cost. Buy one battery-and-charger kit now, and every future 40V tool you add can skip that cost entirely by purchasing the bare tool.
Quick Comparison Table
| Product Name | Best For | Price Range | Deck Size | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryobi RY401110 | Tightest budget | ~$299 | 20 in. | Brushless motor, 6.0Ah battery included |
| Ryobi RY40180 | Best all-around value | ~$449 | 20 in. | Brushless motor, foldable handle, 5.0Ah battery |
| Ryobi RY40220 | Sloped or larger yards | ~$549 | 20 in. | Self-propelled, brushless motor |
| Ryobi RY40HPLM07K | Half-acre lawns | ~$499 | 20 in. | HP Brushless, self-propelled, 6.0Ah battery |
| Ryobi RY40HPLM03 (CrossCut AWD) | Thick or overgrown grass | ~$849 | 21 in. | Dual-blade CrossCut, all-wheel drive, two 6.0Ah batteries |
Prices shift often on Amazon, so treat these as a starting reference and check the live listing before buying.
What to Look for in a Ryobi 40V Lawn Mower
The right model depends on three factors: how big your lawn is, how thick your grass gets, and whether you want to push or let the mower help pull itself. Get these three right and the rest of the decision is easy.
Deck Size and Lawn Size
A 20-inch deck is the standard width across most of the Ryobi 40V lineup, and it works for the vast majority of residential yards. Ryobi rates its 20-inch HP Brushless mower as ideal for up to a half acre, with around 45 minutes of runtime per charge.
If your lawn runs closer to three-quarters of an acre, look at the 21-inch CrossCut AWD model instead. That model has a 21-inch deck with mulching, bagging, and side discharge, plus 10 cutting-height positions from 1 to 4 inches.
Brushed vs. Brushless Motor
Brushless motors cost more upfront but last longer and use battery power more efficiently. A brushless motor maintains blade speed when it hits a thick patch of grass instead of bogging down and stalling.
The non-HP brushless models (RY40180, RY401110) are the budget tier. The “HP Brushless” designation is Ryobi’s higher-output line, built to match gas mower power more closely. Ryobi states its 40V HP Brushless 20-inch push mower delivers more power than a 150cc gas mower.
Push vs. Self-Propelled
A push mower is lighter, cheaper, and fine for flat, small lawns. Self-propelled models add a drive system that pulls the mower forward at your walking pace, which matters if your yard has any slope or exceeds a quarter acre.
The 21-inch HP Brushless self-propelled model runs up to 75 minutes on two 40V 6.0Ah batteries and lets you adjust mowing speed to your pace. That extra control is worth the price jump if you are mowing for more than 30 minutes at a stretch.
Ryobi 40V Lawn Mower Models Compared
Ryobi RY401110 – Best Budget Brushless Option
The RY401110 is the cheapest way into Ryobi’s brushless 40V lineup. It pairs a 20-inch deck with a 6.0Ah battery and charger included in the box, which is unusual at this price point since most competitors sell the bare tool only.
Specs:
- Deck size: 20 inches
- Motor: Brushless
- Battery included: 6.0Ah
- Cutting functions: Mulching, bagging (side discharge sold separately)
- Headlight: Yes (LED)
Pros:
- Lowest price of any brushless model in the lineup
- Large 6.0Ah battery for the price tier
- LED headlight for early morning or evening mowing
Cons:
- No self-propel option
- Side discharge requires a separate accessory purchase
- Charge time runs around 4 hours, slower than premium battery platforms
Best for: Lawns under a quarter acre on flat ground where a push mower is sufficient.
Ryobi RY40180 – Best Overall for Budget Buyers
This is the model most budget buyers should land on. It carries a brushless motor, a 20-inch deck, a foldable handle for storage, and a 5.0Ah battery, all for less than $500.
Specs:
- Deck size: 20 inches
- Motor: Brushless
- Battery included: 5.0Ah
- Cutting height range: 1.5 to 3.75 inches, 7 positions
- Cutting functions: Mulching and bagging
Reviewers found $449 a compelling price for a 20-inch brushless mower that includes a battery and charger, with cutting performance strong enough for most residential lawns. The folding handle design and the easy one-lever height adjustment stood out as practical advantages.
Pros:
- Strong value at its price point
- Folding handle saves storage space
- One-lever height adjustment across all four wheels
Cons:
- Performance can stutter as the battery nears depletion
- No side discharge option
- Not self-propelled
Best for: Most flat to mildly sloped yards up to a quarter acre. This is the pick we’d recommend first if you only buy one mower from this Ryobi 40V Lawn Mower Review.
Ryobi RY40220 – Best for Sloped or Larger Yards
The RY40220 takes the RY40180’s brushless motor and 20-inch deck and adds self-propulsion. If your yard has any incline, or you are mowing for longer than 20 minutes, the self-propel feature reduces fatigue noticeably.
Specs:
- Deck size: 20 inches
- Motor: Brushless
- Drive type: Self-propelled
- Cutting functions: Mulching and bagging
Pros:
- Self-propel reduces physical effort on slopes
- Same reliable brushless motor as the RY40180
- Good middle ground between budget and premium tiers
Cons:
- Roughly $100 more than the push-only RY40180
- Heavier than push models due to the drive system
Best for: Yards with hills, or anyone who mows more than twice a week and wants less physical strain.
Ryobi RY40HPLM07K – Best for Half-Acre Lawns
This is Ryobi’s HP Brushless self-propelled model built for lawns approaching half an acre. Ryobi rates it ideal for up to a half acre with around 45 minutes of runtime per 6.0Ah battery charge.
Specs:
- Deck size: 20 inches
- Motor: HP Brushless
- Battery included: One 40V 6.0Ah
- Drive type: Self-propelled
- Power output: More than a 150cc gas mower equivalent
Pros:
- Higher power output than the standard brushless line
- Self-propelled for less physical effort
- Includes a simple push-button start
Cons:
- Single battery means you will want a spare for lawns near the half-acre mark
- Priced above the basic brushless models
Best for: Buyers with a half-acre lawn who want gas-equivalent cutting power without buying the larger AWD model.
Ryobi RY40HPLM03 (40V HP Brushless CrossCut AWD) – Best for Thick or Overgrown Grass
This is the most capable mower in the lineup, and it costs almost double the RY40180. The Ryobi RY40HPLM03 retails for $849 and includes two 40V 6.0Ah batteries, a rapid charger, a collection bag, and a side discharge chute, backed by a 5-year limited warranty.
The CrossCut name refers to a stacked dual-blade system: the first blade cuts higher and the second finishes the cut, similar to a concept first used on Honda gas mowers, which improves both cutting performance and mulching quality over a single-blade design.
Specs:
- Deck size: 21 inches
- Motor: HP Brushless, dual-blade CrossCut
- Battery included: Two 40V 6.0Ah
- Drive type: All-wheel drive, self-propelled
- Cutting height range: 1 to 4 inches, 10 positions
- Cutting functions: Mulching, bagging, side discharge
This is built for lawns in the half-acre to three-quarter-acre range and is strong enough to handle the extra mass the dual-blade system adds.
Pros:
- Power output matches a 196cc gas mower class
- All three cutting modes (mulch, bag, side discharge) work well out of the box
- Two batteries included means longer continuous runtime
- 5-year warranty, the longest in the lineup
Cons:
- The mulch plug occasionally sticks
- Nearly double the price of the RY40180
- Overkill for lawns under a quarter acre
Best for: Larger lawns with thick, overgrown, or weedy grass where a single-blade mower struggles.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Ryobi 40V Model
Match your lawn size to the model before you look at price. A $299 mower on a half-acre lawn will leave you waiting on the charger mid-mow, and an $849 AWD CrossCut mower on a tenth-acre lot is money you didn’t need to spend.
Match Battery Capacity to Lawn Size
A single 5.0Ah or 6.0Ah battery covers roughly a quarter to a half acre depending on grass thickness and motor type. If your lawn sits right at that half-acre line, buy a second battery or choose a model that ships with two, like the RY40HPLM03.
Factor In What You Already Own
If you already own Ryobi 40V batteries from a string trimmer, leaf blower, or chainsaw, buying the bare-tool version of any mower in this lineup saves money since you skip paying for a battery and charger you don’t need.
Don’t Skip the Warranty Comparison
Warranty length varies across this lineup, from 3-year standard coverage on entry models up to 5 years on the HP Brushless CrossCut AWD model. If you’re buying for the long term, the warranty difference can offset some of the price gap.
Consider Noise If You Have Close Neighbors
These mowers run quietly enough that you can hold a phone conversation without a headset while mowing, which matters if you mow early mornings or live in a townhouse with shared walls.
Run the Real Cost-of-Ownership Math
A gas push mower costs less upfront, often $200 to $250 for an entry model, but the ongoing costs add up fast. Gas, oil changes, spark plugs, air filters, and annual carburetor cleaning typically run $40 to $80 a year, plus the time spent on that maintenance.
A Ryobi 40V mower has none of those recurring parts. The only consumable cost is battery replacement, and Ryobi batteries typically last several hundred charge cycles before capacity noticeably drops. Over a three-year ownership window, the higher upfront price of a battery mower usually evens out against a gas mower’s fuel and tune-up costs.
Ryobi 40V vs. Other Battery Platforms
Ryobi isn’t the only cordless option in this price range. Greenworks and Worx both sell 40V mowers in similar configurations, and Greenworks also offers 60V and 80V platforms aimed at larger lawns.
The deciding factor for most budget buyers comes down to ecosystem, not raw specs. If you already own Ryobi 18V or 40V tools, batteries carry over and the mower becomes cheaper to add. If you’re starting fresh with no brand loyalty, compare runtime and deck size head-to-head, since a 40V Greenworks and a 40V Ryobi mower perform similarly on paper but differ in fit, finish, and parts availability.
Plan for Battery Charge Time
Charge time matters more than people expect when planning a mowing session. The RY401110 and RY40180 take around 4 hours for a full charge, which is slower than some premium cordless platforms that charge in under an hour. If you have a larger lawn and only one battery, plan to charge the night before rather than between mowing sessions.
Maintenance and Care for a Ryobi 40V Mower
Cordless mowers need far less upkeep than gas models, but a few habits extend the life of both the motor and the battery.
Battery Storage
Store batteries at room temperature, not in an unheated garage during winter. Lithium-ion batteries lose capacity gradually when stored fully charged or fully drained for long periods, so aim to store them around 50% charge if the mower will sit unused for more than a month.
Blade Care
Sharpen or replace the blade once per season, or sooner if you notice ragged, torn grass tips instead of clean cuts. A brushless motor compensates for some blade dullness by increasing power, but a sharp blade still cuts more efficiently and extends runtime per charge.
Deck Cleaning
Clean grass clippings from the underside of the deck after each use, especially if you mow wet or thick grass. Built-up clippings block airflow, reduce mulching quality, and can affect how evenly the mower discharges or bags.
Off-Season Storage
Most models in this lineup, including the RY40180 and RY40220, have a folding handle designed for vertical storage. Fold the handle down, remove the battery, and store the mower somewhere dry to prevent rust on the deck and blade mounting hardware.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Even reliable cordless mowers run into the same handful of issues. Here’s what budget buyers run into most often, and the actual fix rather than a generic “contact support” answer.
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Mower stutters or loses power near the end of a charge | Battery voltage drops as it depletes, especially in thick grass | Raise cutting height slightly when the battery indicator shows low, or carry a spare battery for larger lawns |
| Uneven cut or missed patches | Dull blade or deck clogged with wet clippings | Sharpen the blade each season and clean the deck underside after mowing wet grass |
| Mulch plug keeps sticking (CrossCut models) | Clippings building up around the plug in wet or thick grass | Clear the plug by hand between passes in wet conditions, or switch to bagging until grass dries out |
| Mower won’t power on | Battery not fully seated, or battery itself discharged | Reseat the battery firmly until it clicks, then check charge level on the battery’s built-in indicator |
| Self-propel feels inconsistent | Speed dial set too low for the terrain, or wheels need cleaning | Adjust the self-propel speed dial to match your pace, and clear grass buildup from the wheel housings |
| Shorter runtime than expected | Mowing wet, thick, or overgrown grass draws more power per pass | Mow more frequently so grass stays shorter, and avoid mowing right after rain when possible |
Most of these fixes take under five minutes and don’t require a service visit, which is one of the practical advantages of a simpler battery-powered design over a small gas engine with a carburetor and spark plug to maintain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Ryobi 40V lawn mower for beginners?
The RY40180 is the best starting point. It costs under $500, includes a battery and charger, and handles most flat residential lawns without the added cost of self-propulsion most beginners don’t need yet.
How long does a Ryobi 40V mower run on one charge?
Runtime depends on the model and motor. Standard brushless models run around 45 minutes per charge on a 6.0Ah battery, while the larger AWD CrossCut model with two batteries can run up to 70 to 80 minutes depending on grass density. Wet or thick grass draws more power and shortens that window, so dry, regularly mowed lawns get closer to the upper end of the rated runtime.
Is the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless worth the extra cost over the standard brushless?
Yes, for most budget buyers facing thicker grass. The HP line holds blade speed steady through dense patches where standard brushless motors slow down, and it delivers gas-equivalent power in the 150cc to 196cc range depending on the model. If your lawn is mostly flat, dry, and mowed weekly, the standard brushless tier is enough and saves you the upgrade cost.
Can I use a Ryobi 40V mower on a half-acre lawn?
Yes, with the right model. Ryobi rates its 20-inch HP Brushless self-propelled mower as ideal for up to half an acre on a single charge, though a second battery is a smart backup for lawns at the upper end of that range.
Do Ryobi 40V batteries work across different mowers and tools?
Yes. Every mower in this Ryobi 40V Lawn Mower Review uses the same 40V battery platform, which also powers Ryobi string trimmers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and pressure washers, so batteries carry over between tools.
What’s the difference between the RY40180 and the RY401110?
The RY401110 is the cheaper option at roughly $299 with a larger 6.0Ah battery, while the RY40180 costs more at around $449 but adds a foldable handle for storage and a smoother overall fit and finish, despite shipping with a smaller 5.0Ah battery.
Should I buy the bare tool or the kit with battery and charger?
Buy the kit if this is your first Ryobi 40V product. Buy the bare tool only if you already own a compatible 40V battery and charger from another Ryobi tool, since that can cut close to $150 to $180 off the price.
How does a Ryobi 40V mower compare to a gas mower in actual cost over time?
A gas mower costs less to buy but adds $40 to $80 a year in fuel, oil, and tune-up parts. A Ryobi 40V mower costs more upfront but has no recurring fuel or oil cost, so the total cost evens out within two to three seasons of normal mowing.
Will a Ryobi 40V mower handle wet grass?
It can, but expect a shorter runtime per charge and a higher chance of clumping if you mulch rather than bag. Pro Tool Reviews tested the RY40HPLM03 CrossCut model specifically in wet conditions and found bagging performance held up well, while the mulch plug occasionally needed clearing (Pro Tool Reviews, 2026).
Final Verdict
For most budget buyers, the Ryobi RY40180 is the strongest pick in this Ryobi 40V Lawn Mower Review. It costs under $500, includes a battery and charger, and handles the vast majority of residential lawns without any compromise that matters at this price point.
If your lawn is smaller than a quarter acre and price is the only factor, the RY401110 at roughly $299 gets you a brushless motor and a larger battery for less money. If your lawn has slope, thick grass, or approaches half an acre, step up to the RY40220 or the HP Brushless CrossCut AWD model instead.