ECHO hosted their annual POWER-ON-ATHON event on September 19th at their headquarters in Lake Zurich, IL. They invited a number of industry and media partners as they announced new products for 2025. This event included a factory tour, product release, and tool test.

Factory Tour

During the factory tour, Ryan Ladley, VP of Operations at ECHO, spoke about a few major focuses for their manufacturing of high end tools. They were safety, vertical integration, continuous improvement, and listening to feedback from their employees and customers. Let me break that down a little further.

Safety:

As ECHO has updated their manufacturing facility, they have made various changes to the assembly line. One of the biggest focuses for them has been the safety and health of their employees. They spend a significant amount of money to ensure that the team has an ideal quality of life and enjoys their work. Some of the improvements to the work line seem simple, but have prevented overuse or work related injuries for employees.

Vertical Integration:

This was a topic that Ryan brought up numerous times throughout the tour. COVID was a challenge for every vendor/supplier. ECHO felt the impact of material and part delays just like every other company. Their response was to bring more processes in house and improve the efficiency of their operations. In essence, they wanted to control their own destiny. This required keen attention to detail. ECHO brought an automation team, molding team, and maintenance team in house. All of this investment allows them to move towards a more self-sufficient supply chain.

Continuous Improvement:

The focus on improving their manufacturing operation was displayed in their quest for quality. For example, ECHO has invested heavily in automation. This investment allowed for improvements in the overall quality of their offering, reduced their scrap rate, and used new, innovative manufacturing methods. They even go as far as regrinding their scrap so that they can reuse the plastic. Today, ECHO has effectively eliminated all manufacturing waste.

Listening to feedback:

ECHO has implemented a few notable ways to gather high quality feedback. Externally, ECHO has implemented their User Advisory Group (UAG). The UAG members are end users (landscapers, carpenters, etc) that they rely on for feedback on their products and suggestions for future development. Internally, they host annual Kaizen events. During these sessions, they invite employees from various levels in the company to collaborate and determine what they can do to improve.

The tour ended with a walk through their warehouse. It was incredible how much product they keep on demand in order to stay ahead of demand.

Product Release

After the tour, the main attraction…the ECHO POWER-ON-ATHON product announcement. For 2025, a total of 10 new products were launched. This includes:

• 4 blowers (DPB-2610, DPB-5900T, DPB-7700T, DPB-2500LE)
• A rapid field charger
• 2 string trimmers (DSRM-225, SRM-2120)
• A hedge trimmer (DSHC-2600)
• A handheld pruning saw (DHS-3006)
• A gas mower (LM-2119SP)

Tool Test/First Impressions

Next up, we were able to test out the new products. Here are our first impressions!

Blowers:

ECHO continues to deliver on high quality blowers for the homeowner and professional alike. The 2610, 5900T, and 7700T are all part of the X Series. The DPB-2500LE is a limited edition blower in which ECHO partnered with Susan G. Komen. All of these blowers put out an impressive amount of power. ECHO’s 56V batteries produce an impressive run time in all of these continuing on the likes of the 5800T.

Rapid Field Charger:

The 6-port Field Charger was designed for commercial landscapers. This comes with awesome features like their trailer/wall mount. With electric tools becoming more prevalent on job sites, this charger allows you to charge 6 batteries at once, ensuring you’re ready for the next job.

String Trimmers:

ECHO’s Speed-Feed trimmer heads make reloading trimmer line a breeze. The DSRM-225 combines this technology with a light, durable carbon fiber shaft and battery power. This makes it a great option for homeowners looking for a low maintenance trimmer. The SRM-2120 utilizes gas and the Rapid-Loader head. And with an incredible price point of $199.99, this trimmer is an unbeatable value.

Hedge Trimmer:

Another addition to the X Series line is the DSHC-2600, however this time with a battery. ECHO designed this to incorporate a 7-degree angle which allows the operator to use the trimmer with added comfort. The blades are also designed to improve cutting efficiency, and the battery allows for quiet operation of a typically noisy tool.

Handheld Pruning Saw:

The DHS-3006 has a 6” bar and cuts through branches with ease. This new tool is one of the lightest, most powerful pruning saws on the market and is a great addition to anyone’s chainsaw collection.

Gas Mower:

Considering battery powered mowers consume a lot of juice, a gas powered saw was a nice return to conventional mowers. The LM-2119SP easily adapts to walking speed meaning you no longer need to fight the controls to find your Goldilocks setting. And the dual-blade design means you get a professional cut.

Recap

All of these great releases continue to improve on ECHO’s established reputation for quality in outdoor power tools. The ECHO POWER-ON-ATHON event was a great success! We look forward to getting our hands on these tools and seeing the ECHO line continue to grow. Check out the ECHO Press Release from the event for more info!

ECHO POWER-ON-ATHON 2024 is a post from Tool Box Buzz

RYOBI 40V 21″ Cross-Cut Self Propelled Mower Review – Model RY401210

RYOBI 40V HP 21" CROSS-CUT SELF-PROPELLED MOWER

4.5/5

Manufacturer: RYOBI
Model number: RY401210
Price: $799.00
Power source: 40V
Weight: 74Lbs

Back in June, the crew of Tool Box Buzz put 16 cordless mowers up against each other in an impressive Head to Head test. The RYOBI RY401210 mower shined from this head to head. Finishing in the top three of almost every category, it also took Best in class for Features and Ergonomics. Let’s take a closer look at the RYOBI RY401210 40V 21″ Cross-Cut Self-Propelled Mower.

RYOBI 40V Cross-Cut Self-Propelled Mower | Specifications

• Voltage – 40V
• Deck Size: 21″
• Max Cutting Height: 4″
• Min Cutting Height: 1.5″
• Number of Blades: 2
• Weight: 74LBS

RYOBI Excellence in Ergonomics

This is where the RYOBI RY401210 shines! Our testing ergonomics included the adjustability of the handle, the effort of maneuverability, human factor in the ease of foldability and storage, deck adjustment, ergonomics, and propulsion/control ergonomics.

The 40V HP brushless whisper series 21′′ all-wheel-drive mower from RYOBI features a very simple push-button start and an onboard lever to select between bagging or mulching. The height may be swiftly changed from 1″ to 4″ using the 7-position single-point height adjustment. We found the handle to be really comfortable, with no pinch points or hot spots. The adjustable self-propelled paddle lever is a fantastic feature that lets the user select their preferred setting. Without taking your hand off the handle, the variable speed control is perfectly situated to be adjusted while you’re using the mower.

RYOBI 40V Cross-Cut Self-Propelled Mower | Storage

Garages get cluttered over the course tot the warmer months with all sorts of outdoor equipment, bikes, and beach chairs!  Foldability and storage are crucial during these months.  The best thing is, that cordless mowers CAN be stored upright without the worry of spilling gas or filling the engine cylinder with oil.

The Ryobi mower has a single pull lever to open to fold the handle. Once folded it is very compact and easily stands vertically. The Ryobi had one rear carrying handle the no telescoping features.

Mower | Runtime

This RYOBI mower has some serious run time. What everyone wants to know is how much grass a cordless mower can cut on a battery charge. The length of time it takes to mow a lawn will vary substantially depending on the type, height, and thickness of the grass. A great feature the RYOBI mower has is onboard battery storage so you can swap out batteries and continue without having to stop.  Having an external fuel gauge will allow you to monitor the battery life and know when it’s time to switch the key over to the battery backup.

This mower cut 3,229 feet on a single battery. When you multiply that by 2 with the onboard battery you come out to 6,458 total feet mowed. That is over a mile of cutting distance. Pretty impressive for a mower with no gas.

Closing Thoughts

Owners of cordless mowers need not worry despite the current spike in gas costs, which range from $4.50 to $5.00. With today’s technology in cordless mowers, you get all the advantages of a gas-powered mower. We no longer have to be concerned about the odor, noise, or maintenance that comes with gas-powered lawnmowers. RYOBI has persisted in creating premium outdoor power equipment at incredibly low costs. You won’t be dissatisfied with this mower’s performance.

RYOBI 40V 21″ CROSS-CUT SELF-PROPELLED MOWER is a post from Tool Box Buzz

EGO 56V Cordless 21″ Select Cut Lawn Mower LM2156SP Review

By Ben Carmichael

EGO 56V Cordless Select Cut Mower LM2156SP

Manufacturer: EGO
Model number: LM2156SP
Price: 749.00
Power source: 56 Volt Bttery
Motor size: Brushless
Weight: 68 lbs

We have a large lawn and, motivated by some potent combination of Yankee frugality and sheer I’ll-just-suffer-through-it determination, I’ve been using a cordless lawnmower for years I’ve known wasn’t working and that I should replace. But they say inertia and status quo are the strongest forces on earth, right? In this case, they were for me.

And then, in June, I helped the ToolBoxBuzz crew with their Head-2-Head comparison in which we evaluated sixteen cordless lawnmowers. The EGO 56V Cordless Select Cut Mower was featured during this test and ranked second overall. I’ll reference details from that article as well as my own in this review, but in short: I loved this EGO lawnmower and was an instant convert. Check out the full Best Cordless Mower 2022 article for the full comparison, and keep reading for details on the EGO.

EGO 56V Cordless Select Cut Mower Specs

• Select Cut Multi-Blade System, including three lower blades to choose from: Mulching blade, High Lift Bagging blade, and Extended Run Time blade, plus the upper blade
• Touch Drive Self-Propelled Technology 
• High-efficiency brushless motor
• Variable Speed Self-Propel: 0.9 MPH – 3.1 MPH
• 7-position cutting height adjustments: 1.5-in – 4-in
• 3-in-1 function: mulching, bagging, or side discharge
• 21″ cutting deck
• Bright LED headlights
• 1-handed height adjustment
• Folds for compact storage
• A 2-bushel grass collection bag
• Includes Mulching blade, High Lift Bagging blade, Extended Run Time blade and Upper Blade
• 60-minute charge time when used with the recommended 7.5 Ah ARC Lithium battery and Power+ Rapid Charger

EGO Start Up & Controls

Let’s start where it all begins: the controls. In short, the controls are excellent. The build quality is sturdy, and so when you handle the controls you feel connected to the mower – no flimsy connections, loose bolts, etc. This is immediately reassuring.

The handlebar has three angled settings – low, medium, and high – and the handle itself telescopes out to its full position, which is locked into place with a simple clamp. This comes in handy later when you need to fold and store the mower — a storage feature and process that ranked #1 in our head-to-head review process.

In terms of usability, the use is intuitive, with large and clearly labeled buttons. As to the so-called “Touch Drive” self-propelled feature, it has a throttle on the handle that is easy to dial up and back through the variable speeds of 0.9 – 3.1 mph. Notably, and importantly, the self-propel does work when you are not actually cutting grass. As an aside, I don’t understand mowers for whom this doesn’t work. I often need to move the mower from one side of the lawn to the other, without mowing. Anyway – this feature is appreciated, and not included on all mowers.

Additionally, the mower does have two LED lights on the front, which you can turn on. At first, I wondered about this, and then I used them once when I came home late and needed to mow the lawn at dusk, and found it helpful in getting the mower around – including into and out of my dark garage. I will use them rarely – but they are a nice extra to have,

Finally, adjusting the height is easy: It’s just one easy-to-use lever that takes you through 7 different height positions. It’s just that easy.

EGO 56V Cordless Select Cut Mower | Build Quality

As I mentioned previously, build quality is pretty solid. There are some areas where they used plastic instead of metal, but I understand the goal here: this is a consumer product, not a “pro” model, and the use of plastic is designed to cut down on weight. In my use of it so far, I have no concerns or problems with this. It feels solid, and after multiple uses and being bumped and moved around my garage as per normal, nothing has broken and I have no concerns.

EGO Mower Runtime

For a long time, the question that everyone had about battery-operated mowers is: how can they possibly compete against gas in terms of performance? The technology has come a long way, and these models perform very impressively – especially EGO.

EGO has built a reputation for strong battery performance, and with this mower, you can see why. With its 54v 7.5 Amp hour battery, in our head-to-head, this EGO mowed 20,678 sq feet of lawn. It can run for a little over 2 miles. With its quick charger, these batteries can charge in an hour or so, and I have two batteries, so downtime simply has not been an issue for me. If one battery runs out, I put it on the charger and use the one that’s charged.

Storing The EGO 56V Cordless Select Cut Mower

The storage of this mower is impressive. My last mower didn’t fold – it simply stored upright in the form it was designed to be mowed and so, with the organization of my garage, the handle was always sticking out and in the way. It was a pain.

The EGO, on the other hand, folds easily onto itself. The handle telescopes in, and then the whole mower folds onto itself. It’s so easy and neat, I couldn’t help but think of a cartoon in which a superhero folds into a car or something. Once folded, it can stand perfectly upright, without needing to lean against a wall or anything, or you can hang it. I found how efficient and useful this foldable feature to be unexpected and, perhaps because of this, one of my favorite things about it.

EGO 56V Cordless Select Cut Mower| Overall Impressions

Overall, I love the EGO. Out of all the mowers we reviewed, it ranked in the top three in handle design, controls, desk adjustment, storage, and quality. All around, it’s an incredibly strong performer.  It’s quiet yet powerful and efficient, it’s compact yet can get the job done, and its intuitive self-propel ensures I can use it even after a tiring day at work. 

For the mower only, the current MSRP for this model is around $499. With battery and charger, you’re looking at $749. Some may argue that it may be pricey up front, but once you account for the price of gas – which, as well know, has been very expensive lately – this will be relatively affordable in the long-term. I highly recommend this for anyone considering switching from a gas to an electric mower, or someone looking to upgrade their old mower. I sure am glad I did.

EGO 56V Cordless Select Cut Mower is a post from Tool Box Buzz

DEWALT Model DCMWSP255 2X20V MAX* Cordless Mower Review

2X20V MAX* Cordless Mower

3.5/5

Manufacturer: DEWALT
Model number: DCMWSP255Y2
Price: $799.99
Power source: 20V MAX* Li-Ion Batteries
Weight: 75.0 Lbs.

In June ToolBoxBuzz posted a new updated Head-2-Head comparison where we evaluated a total of sixteen cordless lawnmowers. The DEWALT DCMWSP255Y2 was featured during this test and I will reference information from the H2H as well as my own experience in this review. Check out the full Best Cordless Mower 2022 article for more details.

DEWALT 2X20V MAX* Cordless Mower Features

• Brushless Direct Drive Motor
• Top Folding Handle for Storage
• 21.5″ Cutting Deck
• Front Lift Handle
• Options for Mulching, Bagging, and Side Discharge of Clippings
• Cutting Height Settings From 1 1/2″-4″ Tall
• Single Lever Deck Height Adjustment
• CONTINUOUS SPEED/Auto Sensing Technology

Operation and Controls

The small black override key is pictured pointing downwards from the yellow housing. The mower will not operate without this safety key.

The Start-up and operation of the DEWALT MAX* mower are similar to a traditional gas-powered mower. Only without the potential wrenching of the operator’s back and spewing of obscenities after it doesn’t start after three, four, or even five-plus pulls. The DEWALT uses a large easy-to-reach main power switch that is activated in conjunction with the spring-loaded safety bar pictured above. Releasing the safety bar will shut the mower off automatically.

DEWALT describes the DCMWSP255Y2 as a 3-in-1 machine. Essentially the mower comes from the factory with options for side discharge of clippings through a chute, rear bagging, and also mulching using a rear plug and spring-loaded side cover. The rear bagging option installs and removes with one hand while holding up the spring-loaded door with the other. Whatever your preference for lawn care, the 2X20V MAX* mower gives you options.

Battery Life and Performance

During our Head-2-Head test, the DEWALT took fourth place overall in our Run-Time Performance category. We found that the DEWALT MAX* cordless mower is capable of over 18,000 square feet of mowing on a single charge. The 2X20V battery system draws from two 20V batteries in series. Therefore the two included 12.0 Ah FLEXVOLT batteries work together to greatly extended the runtime. In fact, the mower is good-to-go for almost two miles of marathon grass cutting. I used the DEWALT primarily as a trim mower, for cleanup in areas my larger zero-turn can’t get to. Typically a full battery charge lasted for three to four separate cuttings.

Better stay hydrated. We’re going to be out here for a while.

While the performance of the 2X20V MAX* system is excellent, I do have an issue with the included hardware. DEWALT includes two DCB107 battery chargers with the mower. One for each battery. This charger is extremely slow charging the large 12.0 Ah batteries. Charging the batteries completely took approximately eight hours when I first unpacked the mower for review.

Given the extended run-time performance of the DCMWSP255Y2, the ability to recharge batteries fast shouldn’t be an issue for the majority of homeowners with average size lawns. However if planning to cut multiple properties or use the same batteries in other tools, a larger and faster battery charger would be desirable.

CONTINUOS SPEED System

As mentioned before, the 2X20V MAX* mower features a self-propelled drive mechanism. The mower is rear-wheel drive and is propelled by the 11″ solid plastic wheels. DEWALT included what they describe as their CONTINUOUS SPEED system as well. This feature acts as an automatic load-sensing system. During use, the self-propelling feature is activated by squeezing a control lever built into the handlebar housing. The more pressure/squeeze applied, the faster the mower will travel. This is excellent for adjusting for a comfortable walking pace for the user.

However, the CONTINUOUS SPEED system will monitor the amount of load the motor is experiencing and will then automatically adjust the speed of the mower to optimize performance. This results in the mower slowing during use, regardless of the amount of pressure placed on the drive controls. This feature saves battery life and protects the motor and electronics, but can be frustrating at times during use. Another data point to this is that the self-propel system will only engage while the cutting deck is engaged. So if traveling across grass that you do not wish to cut, be prepared to push the mower manually.

The CONTINUOS SPEED slowdown described above was far less noticeable when side discharging clippings, due to the mower experiencing less resistance. When mulching or bagging clippings, the speed adjustment is more common because the mower is working harder to move the clippings. The decrease in speed does result in a cleaner and more uniform cut.

Overall Impressions

The benefits of battery-powered lawnmowers are well known and thoroughly discussed here at ToolBoxBuzz. They are quiet, easy to maintain, fold easily for storage, and eliminate the hassle of fuel. The DEWALT 2X20V MAX* cordless mower embodies all of those qualities. I thoroughly enjoyed using it and evaluating it during the review process. It is large and well-balanced and feels nearly identical to a traditional gas-powered mower. There are a few areas of improvement to be pointed out. Given the cost of the mower, a higher-quality dual-port battery charger should be included. The ability to turn off the CONTINUOS SPEED system and also engage the self-propel drive without turning on the cutting deck would also greatly enhance the user experience.

So how much does it cost? The current MSRP at the time of writing this article is $799.99 for the full kit. This includes the mower, two batteries, two chargers, and all of the other accessories. Overall I think this is a good value for individuals currently invested in the 20V MAX* or 60V FLEXVOLT platform. Two 12.0 Ah batteries can provide a lot of additional work output if considering other battery outdoor power equipment such as a trimmer or blower. This mower as a kit would also be an excellent entry purchase for someone considering investing in the DEWALT platform.

Below is a Buy Now link to purchase the DEWALT DCMWSP255Y2 from our friends at ACME Tools.

DEWALT 2X20V MAX* Cordless Mower Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Cordless Lawn Mower Head-To-Head | 2022

Like Ricky Bobby says ” If you ain’t first then you’re last.” While we love the spirit of that statement, we feel that does not hold true when it comes to the Best Cordless Mower. We feel that there is a place for cordless mowers, whether it is in a small backyard, large backyard, or even a commercial field!

Cordless Lawn Mowers continue to be the most popular OPE (outdoor power equipment) in retail stores. The buzz is real and everyone is competing for a seat at the top when it comes to best in class. The field is ever-changing, even in the 2 years since our last 2020 Cordless Mower Head-to-Head there have been new models and technology improvements.

In this best cordless lawn mower head-to-head we compared 16 cordless mowers from 14 manufacturers. We put these mowers through specific tests against each other to crown the Best Cordless Mower.

Benefits Of A Cordless Mower

Gas-powered mowers require a lot of maintenance, such as oil changes, fuel filters, spark plugs, and air filters. Not to mention rising gas prices. Let’s be honest, most people don’t properly maintain their gas mowers, and put off service until the mower won’t start! Anyone who has had to get a small engine fixed understands how inconvenient and time-consuming it can be.  All of the above-mentioned maintenance, as well as last-minute fuel purchases, are eliminated with cordless mowers, which are also quieter to operate.

Cordless Lawn Mowers Tested

We reached out to 14 of the top cordless lawn mower manufacturers and asked if they would like to participate in our best cordless mower head-to-head article. The models we tested included:

Black and Decker

Model: CM2043C
Voltage: 40V
Deck Size: 20″
Max Cutting Height: 4″
Min Cutting Height: 1-1/2″
Number of Blades: 1
Weight: 47 Lbs
Price: $265.95

DEWALT

Model: DCMWSP255Y2
Voltage: 20V x 2 (40V)
Deck Size: 21-1/2″
Max Cutting Height: 4″
Min Cutting Height: 1-1/2″
Number of Blades: 1
Weight: 92 Lbs
Price: $669.00

ECHO

Model: DLM-2100SP
Voltage: 56V
Deck Size: 21″
Max Cutting Height: 4″
Min Cutting Height: 1″
Number of Blades: 1
Weight: 69.5 Lbs
Price: $499.00

EGO

Model: LM2156SP
Voltage: 56V
Deck Size: 21″
Max Cutting Height: 4″
Min Cutting Height: 1-1/2″
Number of Blades: 2
Weight: 68 Lbs
Price: $799.00

Greenworks

Model: 2533402
Voltage: 80V
Deck Size: 21″
Max Cutting Height: 4″
Min Cutting Height: 1-1/2″
Number of Blades: 1
Weight:  74 Lbs
Price: $749.00

Hart

Model: HLPM061US
Voltage: 40V
Deck Size: 21″
Max Cutting Height: 4″
Min Cutting Height: 1″
Number of Blades: 1
Weight: 89 Lbs
Price: $498.00

Kobalt

Model: KMP6080-06
Voltage: 80V
Deck Size: 21″
Max Cutting Height: 4″
Min Cutting Height: 1-1/2″
Number of Blades: 1
Weight: 87 Lbs
Price: $599.00

Kobalt

Model: Model KSPM-1040A-03
Voltage: 40V
Deck Size: 20″
Max Cutting Height: 4″
Min Cutting Height: 1-1/4″
Number of Blades: 1
Weight: 65 Lbs
Price: $429.00

Makita

Model: XML11CT1
Voltage: 18v x2 (36V)
Deck Size: 21″
Max Cutting Height: 4″
Min Cutting Height: 1-1/4″
Number of Blades: 1
Weight: 88.5 Lbs
Price: $499.00

Makita

Model: XML08Z
Voltage: 18v x2 (36V)
Deck Size: 21″
Max Cutting Height: 4″
Min Cutting Height: 1-1/4″
Number of Blades: 1
Weight: 94 Lbs
Price: $699.00

Milwaukee

Model: 2823-22HD
Voltage: 18V x2 (36V)
Deck Size: 21″
Max Cutting Height: 4″
Min Cutting Height: 1″
Number of Blades: 1
Weight: 80.5 Lbs
Price: $999.00

Ryobi

Model: RY401210
Voltage: 40V
Deck Size: 21″
Max Cutting Height: 4″
Min Cutting Height: 1.5″
Number of Blades: 2
Weight: 74 Lbs
Price: $799.00

Skil

Model: SM4910-10
Voltage: 40V
Deck Size: 20″
Max Cutting Height: 4″
Min Cutting Height: 1-1/2″
Number of Blades: 1
Weight: 60 LBs
Price: $449.00

Snapper

Model: 1687982
Voltage: 82V
Deck Size: 21″
Max Cutting Height: 4″
Min Cutting Height: 1-1/2″
Number of Blades: 1
Weight: 71.5 Lbs
Price: $658.36

Stihl

Model: RMA 510 V
Voltage: 36V
Deck Size: 20″
Max Cutting Height: 4″
Min Cutting Height: 1″
Number of Blades: 1
Weight: 64 Lbs
Price: $699.99

Toro

Model: 21566
Voltage: 60V
Deck Size: 21″
Max Cutting Height: 4″
Min Cutting Height: 1-1/2″
Number of Blades: 1
Weight: 81 Lbs
Price: $799.00

Best Cordless Lawn Mower Head-to-Head Comparison

While this isn’t a professional testing facility and we are not a professional testing crew, we did gather measurements, analyze each mower in a variety of categories, and rank them against one another.

We always strive to figure out how to make our Head-To-Head tool tests uniform, reproducible, and fair when we start putting them together. In order to give you the Best Cordless Lawn Mower, we looked at the following 10 categories.

1. Noise
2. Run-Time
3. Speed Test
4. Ergonomics and Features
5. Handle Comfort & Adjustment
6. Amount of Grass Mowed
7. Maneuverability
8. Deck Height Adjustability
9. Compact Storage

Cordless Mower Cut Quality

There was no BIG discernible difference in the cut quality of the mowers. The grass we mowed was field-quality, green, and approximately 6-7 inches high. As a result, the grass plant type was not particularly uniform. This made the cut quality hard to determine, and since we did not have a sod-quality lawn, we did not rank this category.

Editor’s Note – Both the Ego and Ryobi have multiple cut blades which enhance the quality of the cut. All the other mowers that we tested had single-blades.

Ego has three blade sets included in your purchase. A set of Mulching Blades for shredding grass into fine bits. For all-around performance, the extended runt time blades set provides a perfect blend of cut quality and duration. Finally, they include their “High Lift Bagging Blade” set, which provides greater suction for bagging and leaves your yard free of clippings.

The Ryobi mower comes with stacked, two crosscut blades making the quality of the cut better, by creating smaller grass clippings.

Quietest Cordless Mower Winner  – Stihl

One of the most often asked topics concerning cordless mowers seems to be how much noise they make.

To gain a relative comparison of noise, we ran a basic decibel test to measure the loudness of the mowers in a controlled environment. The test consisted of running each mower in our barn, on a concrete surface with the deck lifted to its full height. Each mower was tested in the same spot on the floor, and the decibel meter was at the same height and relative position as an average user.

Note: the mowers were tested on top of a concrete slab. In practice, when utilized on a lawn, these mowers are significantly quieter.

When the ECO mode is selected, the mower operates at a lower RPM for situations requiring less power. This increases energy efficiency and battery runtime as well as reduces the noise of the mower. To switch the ECO mode on, swing the battery cover open and hit the ECO select button, and then close the lid.

We ran the test for enough time to have the mowers reach a maximum and stable rpm speed. Many of the mower motors start at a high RPM and then cycle down to a slower speed to save energy. The quietest mower we tested was the Stihl which measured in at 79 decibels.

A three-way tie for second at 80 decibels was Greenworks, Snapper, and Toro. Coming in the loudest mowers were the Ego and Makita XMLCT1 at 88.5 decibels.

There are five mowers that have a turbo feature which increased the noise decibels between 3.5 to 5.0 DBS.  Milwaukee, Echo, Stihl, Greenworks, and Toro. When in turbo mode, which Milwaukee calls “High lift mode,” the Milwaukee was the loudest mower we tested at 90.0 decibels. High lift mode uses a higher blade speed to achieve additional airflow and increased grass lift to deliver better quality mulch or bagging results.

Cordless lawn mowers allow you to cut your lawn efficiently and quietly, with none of the noise, gas, oil, or maintenance that comes with gas-powered solutions ~ ROB

Gas vs Cordless Mower  | Noise

For comparison, the average gas lawnmower produces 95–100 decibels. The noise measurements for our test mowers averaged 82.6 decibels. When compared to a loud gas mower, these cordless mowers cut sound energy by over 20 times when compared to a 100 dB noise level.

Many towns have enacted noise ordinances that limit the times of day you can mow with a gas mower. Cordless mowers are unaffected by these ordinances.

Most Grass Cut | Cordless Mower Run-time

Run-time used to be a big question in the minds of people considering the purchase of battery-powered tools. Huge advancements in battery technology have made cordless mowers a viable option for users. The million-dollar question on everyone’s mind is how much grass will a cordless mower cut on a battery charge?  Mowing run time will vary greatly depending on the height of grass, the thickness of grass, and the type of grass.

Best Cordless Mower Run-time Procedure

We measured and marked mowing lanes for each mower and kept track of the time and total distance that each mower traveled.

Grass Conditions: The grass we mowed was field-quality, green and white clover, and approximately 6-7 inches high. Every mower was set at its highest cut setting, 4″. We set each mower to its maximum speed if it were self-propelled. We asked the operators of non-self-propelled mowers to move at a comfortable pace. It was interesting to note that a 40-year-old man in good shape pushing a mower was faster than most of the self-propelled mowers.)

If any mower completed mowing its entire marked lane, we lowered the mower deck by one additional inch and re-cut that lane. Once the mower stopped running, we used a measuring wheel to measure its final resting spot.  Some mowers have dual batteries that will operate separately. In this instance, if the batteries were provided in the kit, we doubled the calculations to come out with our total distance mowed.

Most Grass Cut | Run-time Winner – Milwaukee

The winner of the most grass mowed in this year’s Best Cordless Mower Head-to-Head goes to Milwaukee.  The M18 mower runs on two 18V 12 Ah batteries.  These power banks propelled Milwaukee to run for 14,936 feet or 2.83 miles.  The total cutting area was 26,138 square feet, a truly impressive amount of grass for a battery-powered mower. The final ranking is based on the area the mower can cut with the total batteries on board. We also showed a column of data on area per watt-hour just as additional information. Ultimately what users are most interested in, is how much area can I mow on a single charge.

Just behind Milwaukee was the Kobalt 80V, mowing a distance of 14,017 feet and 24,540 square feet in our test. The Kobalt is powered by a single 6 Ah battery.

Rounding out the top three was the EGO mower. A single battery powers the EGO like the Kobalt and this kit came with a 10 Ah battery.  The EGO was able to run for 10,868 feet or 2.06 miles, cutting grass over a 19,000 square foot area.

Watt-Hours

It’s important to note that all 16 of these mowers have different battery Amp-Hour, capacities, and voltages.  Comparing one tool’s battery capacity to another by referencing “Amp Hours” is a common practice but an inaccurate and misleading one.  Watt-Hours is calculated by multiplying the voltage (actual load voltage, not the MAX that some companies advertise) by the battery pack Amp-Hours. This calculation allows us to compare the total energy available to do the work based on both the voltage and size of the battery pack (amp-hours).

For example, we can take a look at the two leaders of the runtime/area mowed test, Milwaukee and the Kobalt 80V.  The Milwaukee uses two batteries at 18V and 12 Ah a piece.  Each battery has 18V*12Ah equaling 216 Watt Hours capacity.  Adding both batteries together yields 432 WH onboard and supplied with the kit.  The Kobalt has a single 80V Battery rated at 6Ah with a Watt-Hour capacity of 480.  The takeaway here is that even though the Milwaukee has two batteries each with an advertised 12 Amp Hour, and the Kobalt has a single with “only” 6 Amp Hour, the Kobalt has a larger/more energy-rich battery.

Since we already gathered the data we went ahead and calculated the Area (sf) / watt-hour mowed for each mower kit in the test.  This value is a crude measurement of the efficiency of the mower at cutting grass given its battery capacity.

While an interesting exercise that helps explain how some mowers with smaller batteries outperformed those with larger ones, we feel that this data and any kind of battery normalized performance is irrelevant in this case.  We set out to find which mower “Out of the Box” could cut the most grass.  If you already own batteries of a particular mower platform, this could greatly swing your decision to invest in a particular mower if run-time and cutting area is a concern.

Speed Test – Winner – Milwaukee and Toro

After performing our runtime test, many of the mower operators shared that they wished that their mower moved faster. We decided to test the highest setting propelled speed of the mowers. We set up a 100-yard dash to see who was the fastest. Two crew members were assigned per mover; one operator and one to record the time.

Because many of the mowers require several feet to ramp up speed, we started every mower 6 to 8 feet in front of our timing line. Once the wheels hit the orange line the timer started. Once the wheels hit the 100-yard mark the timer stopped. We tested each mower twice and recorded the average time. There were two mowers that were not self-propelled, the Black and Decker and the Kobalt 40V. These mowers did not compete in this test.

Milwaukee and  Toro tied as the fastest mowers, with an average time of 51 seconds.

ECHO and Ryobi tied for third place, with an average time of  57.5 seconds, and the turtle in the race was the Snapper mower coming in at 78 seconds.

Ergonomics and Features– Winner Ryobi

All 16 mowers have fairly similar features, we considered the following features for this category…

1. Handles
2. Propulsion
3. Controls
4. Foldability / Storage
5. Deck Adjustment
6. Mulching
7. Bagging

For the ergonomics/features, we evaluated seven areas. These included the adjustability of the handle, the effort of maneuverability, human factor in the ease of foldability and storage, deck adjustment, ergonomics, and propulsion/control ergonomics.

The Ryobi shined in this category with 10-points. This 40V HP brushless whisper series 21″ all-wheel-drive mower, has a super easy push-button start, and an onboard lever to choose from: mulching, or bagging.  The 7-position single point height adjustment quickly changes the height from 1″ to 4″. We thought the handle was super comfortable with no hot spots or pinch points. The self-propelled paddle lever being adjustable is a nice feature allowing the user to pick their desired setting. The variable speed control is in a perfect position to adjust on the go without having to take your hand off the handle.

The external fuel gauge ensures was clear and easy to see the battery charge and the one-touch aluminum folding handles store this mower horizontally or vertically into a more compact package.

EGO came in a close second place at 11-points, with its simple and intuitive adjustments and controls. EGO provides an excellent user experience. Most of the control and adjustment buttons or levers are bright green making them easy to find. Our crew also liked how quick and easy the mower handle folds for storage, as well as, the comfortable rubber over-mold handle grip.

Echo came in third with 13-points, with simple, intuitive, and ambidextrous controls. The contoured handle, while comfortable does not allow multiple gripping positions, and the crew noted that while the controls were easily accessed, they were spread out a bit, requiring the operator to remove the hand from the handle. There is NO variable speed paddle, and it has a separate on/off the headlight switch.

Notable Mentions

The DEWALT mower has an “average ” 45-degree pronated grip. The propulsion control lever has little to no modulation. Fine control is difficult to achieve and appears to be a mechanical clutch mechanism. The auto-adjusting speed slows down the mower blade over easy-to-cut grass, and because the propulsion is based on a mechanical clutch it also slows down your pace (at exactly the time when you want to speed up). Slow speed necessitates the operator to extend and hold their fingers, which is awkward and causes hand fatigue. When walking over gravel while pushing the mower, it cannot be propelled without the blade spinning, which could result in a flying item hazard.

The Makita (not PRO) has excellent controls that are easily accessed on the top of the handle assembly. You do however have to move your hand from the handle to access them. It does have an easily adjustable deck height and the handle is all metal making it very durable.

In the last two years, the biggest upgrade to mowers seems to be in the lower tier mowers – Ethan

The Makita Pro has similar features as the other Makita but is way more solid a build. The crew noted that the speed control is a bit off the reach, making awkward adjustments on the fly.  It has excellent controls, easily accessed on top of the handle assembly, you do have to remove your hand from the handle.

Overall the crew felt that the Makita Pro was easy to use, maneuvered fine and the self-propulsion can be left on its turn as the mower speed is slower.  The mower is a bit slow on the speed-up – ramp-up speed which is one reason many of the crew users did not turn off the self-propulsion on turns.

The crew noted that the mower bogged down in 7” inch clover set at 4” deck height.  Operating on two batteries, this mower has a compartment for 4 batteries with a switch between the 2 with a knob on the motor, so you do not have to open the lid to access it. A battery led shows all 4 battery charges at the same time.

When set at mid-range [or lower] we noted that the front right wheel was not touching the ground. The crew all felt that in terms of cut quality it would have a negligible difference on the cut, as this measurement off was 1/8” strong.

The Makita Pro has two handle height adjustments that require a tool to set.   This is a heavy machine, with front and rear lift points, it is truly built for daily Pro use.

The TORO has what they call a “Personal Pace” self-propel drive, which is a  sliding handle grip that slides along with the handle frame – as you push it forward,  it starts propulsion and controls it. It definitely takes some getting used to. The arched [rounded] shaped handle is unique looking, and comfortable but has side-to-side slop possibly causing it to rack. Other than the propulsion system this mower is no-frills and could use an upgrade. (Cannot be propelled without the blade spinning, requires each wheel lever to adjust the deck height Handle does not telescope).

The SNAPPER has a self-propelled sliding handle similar to the Toro, Snapper calls it “step-sense” The Snapper has a variable speed that is built into the Step-sense handle feature. Unlike the Toro, the variable speed can be locked out with a locking knob on the handle deck. Lightweight. This is a no-frill mower, with no lift points.

Maneuverability Winner – Black and Decker and Kobalt 40V

Because they were not self-propelled, the Black and Decker and Kobalt 40V mowers were more maneuverable than the others. To move tightly with self-propelled machines, the user must disconnect the propulsion. The operator must press against the propelling mechanism to turn the mower tightly.

The Black and Decker is super light, very maneuverable, and great for smaller framed people or folks who might have issues with a heavier mower. Because of the weight and no propulsion, this makes trimming around gardens and trees incredibly easy.

The same can be said about the Kobalt 40v, due to the not having a self-propulsion, this mower is geared to smaller yards or a yard with lots of maneuvering around planting beds.

Milwaukee took 2nd place and was the best maneuverability in the self-propelled mowers. This was due because of the short wheelbase front to back. The mowers with the longest wheelbase ranked towards the bottom.

The maneuverability of push mowers is especially important when trimming around gardens, trees, and other landscaping features. The ease with which the mower turns is largely due to the wheels and mower weight.

EGO took third place, and the crew noted that by applying pressure with your palm you can easily engage the self-propelled system. When mowing, users discovered that easing up on the drive button made for smoother, tighter turns.

The Hart mower lost a wheel on one of our maneuvering tests. It looks like the nut /washer on the wheel could benefit from a Nylock nut. Based on this, Hart received a low score in the fit and finish the scoring. The mower itself once repaired maneuvered well.

Deck Height Adjustability Winner – Kobalt 40V and Kobalt 80V

All of the mowers, with the exception of one, we tested include a single-lever, deck height adjustment feature. This sure does beat adjusting each wheel like the old-style mowers we grew up with.

The winners of this category were the Kobalt 40V and 80V due to a combination of their large lever, they both have a strong return spring and are easy to engage. They both feature a 7 deck-height adjustment option, ranging from 4″ at its highest to lowest at 1-1/4″ setting.

Ryobi, Milwaukee, and Stihl came in a close second due to their large handle levers, spring-assisted, and easy-to-use lifting and lowering levers.

The only mower that still has individually adjustable wheels is the Toro. Due to this, we had no choice but to put it in last place for deck adjustability – that’s just archaic.

“Come on Toro! Individually adjustable wheels? Nobody has time for that… it’s 2022!” – SCOTT

Notable Mention

The crew liked the EGO deck adjustment height lever. It has a nice handle but agreed that it was tough to actuate. We assume in time the spring might loosen up and might be easier to raise and lower. 

Some mowers had knuckle-busting setups that would cause the user to hit the lower part of the handle assembly when adjusting the mower for taller cutting.

Compact Design & Storage Size Winners – EGO and Ryobi,

Garages tend to get taken over by mowers, trimmers, and tools throughout the summer, so foldability and storage are crucial to some people. Furthermore, cordless mowers CAN be stored upright without the worry of spilling gas or filling the engine cylinder with oil.

The entire crew considered factors such as; telescopic handles, pivot points, grab handles, and the ability to stand upright on its own while evaluating how easy it was to set up and fold down each mower.

We examined these aspects and attributes as a group and then scored them on a scale of one to five, with one being the best.

There was a three-way tie for the most compact mower in this category. When folded, the EGO, Ryobi, and Hart have the smallest storage space. They are incredibly compact and can easily be stored vertically or horizontally.

EGO

The EGO mower is easy to fold and store compact. You can hang it from the front handle or store it upright. The handle can be telescoped in and out using two side levers. To fold the handle down horizontally, simply pull a large, easily accessed lever. If needed, the EGO additionally has two handles for easy carrying.

Ryobi

The Ryobi mower has a single pull lever to open to fold the handle. Once folded it is very compact and easily stands vertically. The Ryobi had one rear carrying handle the no telescoping features.

HART

The “fast-fold” feature on the Hart mower is a lever that pulls up for a quick, smooth handle fold. There is no need for a telescoping feature because of the short handle, and it folds up extremely compact.

The one mower that does not fold is the Makita PRO grade. We believe that commercial mowers are not meant to store. They are put in a trailer and come off at every site. With that being said the Makita Pro mower has front and rear lift points and is truly heavy duty! A workhorse for sure!

Best Cordless Mower Price Winner – Black and Decker

One of, if not the most sought question is going to be how much money are these mowers.  We always mention that one big factor is what battery platform you are working off of. Well, we think that for cordless mowers that might not be the case. There are several brands on this list that do not manufacture power tools and the majority of the ones that do have larger voltage systems for their mowers.

At the time of publication, these prices are mowers that come in a kit form. Some of these mowers can be purchased in big box stores, or on the web at Acme Tools, or other retail websites. Below is a chart of how these mower kits are sold and the components in each kit.

Coming in at the lowest cost is the Black and Decker CM2043C which will run you $347.0.0 and is a great mower for someone who is mowing a smaller area. The mower deck is plastic and is a “no-frills” mower that will get the job done for your average homeowner. Cutting at roughly 1/4 acre on a single charge, this mower can handle your weekly lawn cut!

With a price of $399.00, the Skil mower comes in second place as the lowest-priced mower. Powered by Skil’s PWRCORE 40V battery, this mower covered a lot of grass on our tests! Covering more than 1.5 miles of mowed grass, this Skil finished mid-pack. It is lightweight and has a telescoping handle for great storage.

The Kobalt 40V mower is the third-ranked lowest-priced mower at $429.00. This mower also has a steel deck and provides about 45 minutes of continuous cut on a 40V 6.0Ah battery. This is a good choice if you are already using other 40V Kobalt Outdoor Power Equipment!

On the flip side, the Milwaukee 2823-22HD comes in at the highest mower and will run you $999.00. That being said, it shined in our area mowed testing, it won the fastest mower test and has some sick features like multiple LED lights. This mower ships with (2) M18 12.0 Ah batteries which probably make up half the cost of the mower!

Best Cordless Mower – Milwaukee

These tests and evaluations are very difficult, take a lot of time, and are ultimately limited in scope as we’re not a professional testing company. We also cannot do long-term testing that would shed light on durability. In order to choose the best cordless mower, all six [6] evaluated categories were scored and ranked 1 through 16, to define the winner. We then tallied those category numbers to come up with a total number. The lower the number the better.

The Milwaukee M18 21″ Self-Propelled Dual Battery Mower took the crown on Best Cordless Mower of 2022. This mower is powerful, running on (2) M18 12.0Ah batteries! It was super fast in our speed test and it covered over 14, 936 feet mowed. That is 2.83 miles of mowing. It ran at full speed for over 44 minutes which is up at the top of the pack when it comes to run time. The team really appreciated its great ergonomics, foldability, maneuverability, and nicely thought-out design!

The team was impressed with the fit and finish of the handles, controls,  steel deck, and overall durable design of this mower. The rear wheel self-propelled drive allowed this mower to move fast and maneuver well.

Many of the crew members who used the mower commented on how quick the throttle to the motor reaction was.  

Milwaukee claims that its optimized steel deck design, higher blade speed, and airflow deliver increased lift which reduces missed grass blades and clumps for better quality grass cutting. Our team noted that the mower’s higher blade speed helped, and did not stall the mower in taller grass.

The blade and propulsion reached full throttle in under 1 second. The throttle or “Active Speed Management Paddle,” as Milwaukee refers to it allowed us to easily adjust mower speed to walking pace. The Milwaukee delivers 10 ft-lb cutting torque and a variable speed self-propel: 0 MPH – 4 MPH.

Many of the crew liked and commended the futuristic 4 location LED light design, although we all agreed that lights on a mower are not an important feature.

As a Milwaukee cordless tool user, I immediately recognized that the two 12Ah batteries with this unit separately cost $500, and can be used in my other high-demand tools. That makes this mower much more attractive to me and puts it in the $400 range. ~ ROB

Lastly, the single-point height adjustment, 2-point carry handles, and easy vertical storage allowed this mower to rise quickly to the top.  As professional contractors, we also like that the Milwaukee mower batteries will run Milwaukee tools.

Our hats go out to The EGO POWER+ 21″ Select Cut XP Self-Propelled Mower which continues to crush its competitors when it comes to outdoor power equipment. This mower is no slouch and it finished right under the winner. It has great ergonomics, cut just over 2 miles at 10,868 ft on a single 56V 10.0Ah battery. This machine will cut anything you throw in front of it. Having the ability to turn off the self-propel feature avoids accidental flying hazards while moving the mower over non-grass areas. 

The team liked that you can engage the “Touch Drive” self-propel function with the touch of your palm, and control the variable speed with a dial with your other hand.  The Ego delivers 8.3 ft-lb cutting torque and a variable speed self-propel: .9 MPH – 3.1 MPH

The Ego also has a 7-position cutting height adjustment from 1.5″- 4″ and bright LED headlights. Ego’s Select Cut Multi-blade Cutting System is equipped with three, interchangeable lower blades; the Mulching Blade, High Lift Bagging Blade, and Extended Run-time Blade.

Ryobi and Stihl tied for third with 30-points.

The Ryobi was the only all-wheel-drive lawn mower. It features two interactive battery ports, and a fast and easy  7-position single-point height adjustment from 1″ to 4″. The crew appreciated the external fuel gauge, LED lights, and one-touch folding handles but were impressed by the integrated mulch plug which engages with a simple one-handed lever.

The Stihl RMA 510 V performed exceptionally well in all of our tests with exception of the speed test. Users wished that this awesome mower self-propulsion was a little faster.

The Stihl was highly maneuverable with an easy-to-use variable speed setting control, allowing mowing speed between 0.6 mph to 2.8 mph. Our crew was impressed with this mower’s fit and finish, especially the durable, 10-inch rear wheels and 8-inch front ball-bearing wheels.

Our team liked that it offers seven adjustable cutting heights, and the handlebar adjusts to three height positions for user comfort. The Stihl is priced $100 less than the Ego and Ryobi, and $300 less than the Milwaukee.

Best Cordless Mower Value Winner – Greenworks

The ECHO mower is our best value winner. This mower competed with the big boys for sure. It scored 6th in the overall finish scoring and came in 5th with a cost of $499.00.

The ECHO scored top three in the fit and finish speed, and ergonomics categories.  It has simple, intuitive, and ambidextrous controls. This machine gives you seven adjustments for cutting increments between 1 and 4-inch cutting heights and an auto-switch dual-battery dock.

Overall the team thought you would get the best bang for your buck, or should we say “cut for your green.”  

Final Thoughts

The noise, odor, and maintenance that come with owning a gas-powered mower are no longer an issue for cordless mower owners. Coupled with other cordless outdoor power equipment, you can now keep the gas to your cars. Cordless outdoor power equipment has come leaps and bounds since its inception and it continues to impress us.

Gas mowers have been around for over 100 years but with powerful lithium-ion battery technology, they are really competing with gas-powered mowers!

Thanks for following and please check out our other Head 2 Head tests!

Best Cordless Mower 2022 | Tool Testing Review Video

Best Cordless Mower 2022 is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Ryobi Introduces New 80V Li-Ion Zero Turn Mowers

RYOBI is excited to introduce the most powerful products to date from the #1 Cordless Lawn & Garden Brand: RYOBI 80V HP Lithium Zero Turn Riding Mowers. These innovative riders deliver true gas performance and the equivalent of 35 horsepower* by combining the power of 80V Lithium-ion Batteries, Advanced Electronics, and Brushless Motors. Innovative 40V Battery Ports allow users to extend runtime and tackle more terrain than ever before, up to four acres*. The all new iDrive Intelligent Drive System delivers the precision and speed of traditional two-handed paddle drive ZTRs, with a single intuitive joystick control.

All New Design

Last year we reviewed the Ryobi 48V 54″ Zero Turn Mower (Lead Acid Battery) and it really impressed us. This year Ryobi is releasing three new mowers all updated to their 80V Lithium Battery platform. Some of the new features include a new control system, brushless motors and improved electronics.

From Ryobi:

HP Technology harnesses the 5 high-performance Brushless Motors to deliver power, runtime, and speed. The units feature RYOBI’s popular CROSS CUT dual blade system to deliver superior mulching and enhanced cutting performance. Powered by (3) 10AH RYOBI 80V Lithium-ion Batteries, these revolutionary ZTRs deliver best-in-class performance and can take on the toughest jobs. These innovative Riding Mowers also feature 4 onboard 40V battery ports, compatible with existing RYOBI 40V Battery platform, extending runtime and allowing users to tackle up to 4 acres. This rider also features a rubber side discharge chute for easy maneuverability around objects, gates, and fences while mowing.

RYOBI 80V HP Lithium Zero Turn Riding Mowers are designed from the ground up with premium features to deliver a superior experience every time. RYOBI iDrive is an intelligent drive system that maximizes convenience and maneuverability with an innovative joystick that replaces the two-handed operation of traditional zero-turn mowers. Turn on a dime with a 360 degree turning radius, all with a single hand. Monitor battery life, runtime, drive speed, and cut speed on the LCD Display Screen, or from your phone on the all new RYOBI Riding Mower App. Tackle the next job with the integrated Supercharger, allowing for a full recharge in just two hours.

RYOBI’s family of 80V HP Lithium Zero Turn Riding Mowers combines superior design with premium features to deliver top-tier performance. Users can expect maximum power, performance, and runtime in all three different deck configurations: 30″, 42″, and 54″. Experience the pure-electric performance of clean power without the emissions and fumes of a traditional gas riding mower and virtually no maintenance. Take your lawn care to the next level with RYOBI 80V HP Lithium Electric Zero Turn Riding Mowers.

RYOBI’S line of 80V HP Lithium Zero Turn Riding Mowers combines a superior design with premium features to deliver top-tier performance. These new 80V Zero Turn Riding Mowers deliver maximum power and are available in three different deck configurations: 30″, 42″, and 54″. Experience the pure-electric performance of clean power without the emissions and fumes of a traditional gas riding mower and virtually no maintenance. Take your lawn care to the next level with RYOBI 80V HP LIthium Electric Zero Turn Riding Mowers.

80V LITHIUM ZERO TURN RIDING MOWER FAMILY

RYRM8010 – 80V HP 30″ Deck
RYRM8021 – 80V HP 42″ Deck
RYRM8034 – 80V HP 54″ Deck

This exciting new line of RYOBI 80V HP Zero Turn Riding Mowers will be available exclusively at The Home Depot and Homedepot.com in various configurations starting in Spring 2022

Ryobi New 80V Lithium Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mowers is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Milwaukee 21” Self-Propelled Dual Battery Mower 2822HD Review

Milwaukee 21" Self-Propelled Dual M18 Battery Mower

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Milwaukee
Model number: 2822HD
Price: 999.00
Power source: M8 battery
Weight: 85

While the Milwaukee 21” mower is geared towards the professional landscaper it is worth a look for anyone who wants a very solidly built cordless battery-powered lawnmower, especially if they’re on the M18 battery platform.

Milwaukee introduced this mower with a high lift steel deck that mulches grass into finer pieces and provides a “Best-Cut” quality. In addition, they highlight a torque performance that is greater than a 200 cc gasoline mower. Since the 36v electric motor powers it, the blade reaches its full power and its top speed in under one second. So, we wanted to put this new equipment through its paces and see how it performed when pushed to the max.

TBB selected a lot that was overgrown with a combination of grasses, weeds, and whatever else nature grew in a plot of land at the front of one of our construction sites. We expect the Milwaukee 21” Self-Propelled mower will excel when mowing a well-manicured lawn. But how would it perform at an overgrown, rugged development parcel?

Milwaukee 21” Self-Propelled Dual Battery Mower 2822HD Kit with 2 Batteries 12.0 Ah

Specifications and Features

• Drive Type: – Rear-wheel drive self-propelled
• Deck size: 21″
• Commercial-grade steel deck
• Single point cut height adjustment delivers 1” – 4” deck height range in ½” increments
• No gas, emissions, oil mixing, or pull starts
• POWERSTATE Brushless motor delivers more torque than a 200-cc gas mower
• Self-propelled with variable speed adjustment wheel (0 MPH – 4 MPH)
• Variable Speed Selector and Active Speed Management Paddles to adjust walking speeds
• 2 bay battery compartment for 2 M18 Red Lithium High Output 12.0 Amp-hr. Batteries
• 3-in-1 design allows for mulching, bagging, or rear side discharge
• Front and Side LED lighting provides 180-degree visibility in low light
• 4 LED Battery fuel gauge faces operator during use
• Ergonomic Handle with recessed bail bar design
• Vertical storage capability
• Handle height adjusts to one of three handle heights
• Blade rotation speeds 2,800 – 3,300 RPM in High Lift Mode
• Grass catcher bag holds up to 2 bushels of grass
• Weight with supplied batteries – 85lbs
• Measured Noise level -77.9 dB no load on pavement 71.6 dB while mowing.

2823-22HD Kit Includes

•       M18 FUEL 21″ Self-Propelled Dual Battery Mower (2823-20) (1)
•       REDLITHIUM HIGH OUTPUT HD12.0 Battery Pack (48-11-1812) (2)
•       Dual Bay Simultaneous Rapid Charger(48-59-1802) (1)
•       Grass Bag (1)
•       Mulch Plug (1)
•       Rear Side Discharge Chute (1)

First Impressions | Milwaukee 21″ Battery Lawnmower

Unpacking and Assembly

Unpacking the mower and setting it up was extremely easy. The packing materials are top quality meaning that the shipping bumps and bruises did not reach the inner box and the mower arrived in perfect condition.

The assembly of the Milwaukee 2823-20 mower was simple. The instructions were clear and the entire process took less than 5 minutes from a loose set of parts to a finished and ready-to-go mower.

Manufactured Quality

While we were assembling the mower, we noted that the hardware and mower pieces were excellent in quality. The pieces fit together with no issues. We noted that even the bolts that hold the handle together showed a great deal of thought.

These bolts have a section of the threads machined out so that the user can know when the knob has been backed off a sufficient amount to enable the user to fold up the mower handle. The threads at the end capture the knob threads and ensure that the user can fold the handle and the knob does not fall off the end of \the bolt.

We tried the fit of the mulch plug, the rear side discharge chute, and the grass catcher. Each of these parts fit with no difficulty and we could easily install and remove.

We took a look at the underside of this mower and liked what we saw. First, we checked the wheels for run-out and felt no excess tolerances between the wheels and the axles. Unlike some of the competitors’ offerings, the Milwaukee precision is top-notch.

Another design element we liked was the front of the mower having what might best be described as a skid-plate-like design. The molded-in ridges should allow the mower to climb over debris and obstacles just like a skid plate works on a real off-the-road vehicle. Given that we were about to go mow down a rugged plot of land, we were glad to see this feature, knowing that the mower might have an easier time climbing over rough ground and over obstacles.

The Milwaukee has the look and feel of a mower that was built for daily nonstop use by professional landscapers In short, this high-quality Milwaukee mower is made for the long haul.

Controls and Adjustability

The Milwaukee 21” Self-Propelled Dual Battery mower is clearly targeted for the professional landscaper or owner that needs a high-quality lawn care mower. The 2823-20 is fully featured with all the controls that these applications require. The features are detailed and keyed to the diagram, below.

1. Start Blade Button

   The switch is located on the operator’s right-hand side near the Safety bar. It is a large and well-positioned switch that stands out because of its size and white background. Users will get familiar with this control because the mower does no cutting until it is engaged. The bail bar must be held against the mower handle to keep the Start Switch depressed to start the blade motor. The Start Blade Button will remain locked inward as long as the Bail Bar is held down.

2. Safety Bail Bar

   The user must engage the Bail Bar before the mower self-propulsion or blade motor will work. Milwaukee did a nice design job with integrating the Safety Bar into a recess in the mower handle. We used the mower extensively and did not even feel the Safety Bar during that time.

3. Self-Propel Speed Dial

   This control sets the speed (from 1 – 5) that the mower will move. We recommend that the user set this at a relatively low setting and then increase the speed that is comfortable. The mower has a lot of torque and when the variable speed paddle is engaged, the mower will very quickly reach that speed and can startle a user or cause the user to lose control of the mower. The user can reset the Self-Propel Speed Dial while the mower is moving.

4. Variable Speed Self-Propel Paddle

   Users can vary the speed of the mower with this control on a proportional basis. When it is fully depressed, the mower will reach the maximum setting on the Speed Dial. Users can also modulate the position of this Paddle to throttle the mower speed slower for going around obstacles or other reasons. Milwaukee designed this Paddle to be used by either hand and it works well even when one thumb is used. One feature of the Paddle is that it is available whenever the mower is powered. The blade does not need to be spinning to use the self-propelled feature.

5. High Lift Selector

   High Lift mode increases the speed of the blade from 2800 rpm to 3300 rpm. Users may want to engage this mode for situations where Better bagging or finer mulching is needed. In the fall if the user wants to pick up leaves in the bag, the higher lift and faster blade speed will certainly assist in ensuring the lawn is clean after the mower makes a pass. Engaging the High Lift Mode will light up an LED next to the selector to remind the user that they selected this mode of operation.

6. LED Light Switch

   For low light operations, users can turn on the headlights and sidelights to illuminate the surface to the front and sides of the mower. Toggling this switch will turn on and turn off these lights.

7. Fuel Gauge LED

   Milwaukee put the LED Fuel Gauge for the battery status on the rear of the mower facing the operator. That way, they can see instantly the remaining amount of battery power. At full charge, all four LEDs illuminate. When the batteries reach one LED, the batteries are pretty well spent. However, When the juice is critically low, the remaining LED will flash. Shortly thereafter, under load, the mower will stop working. This LED cycle gives plenty of warning to prevent the user from being far away from the next set of charged batteries.

8. Blade Height Adjustment Lever

   Milwaukee designed a single lever height adjustment to raise and lower the whole mower deck. The lever is located on the right side from the operator’s point of view. This lever moves the deck elevation from 1” above grade to 4” above grade. It has stops at ½” increments between the highest and lowest adjustment. Users can easily change between these stops by moving the lever out of a detent and positioning the lever to a new location. While it takes a bit more force to move the deck higher, the amount of effort required is small and easily accomplished.

9. Handle Height Locking Pins

   Milwaukee’s designers provided three height positions for the mower handle. The lowest position places the heel of my hand at 36 ¼’ above ground. The middle adjustment puts my hand at 40 ½” above ground while the highest adjustment is 44 ¾”. I personally felt the highest setting is too tall for my comfort. I used the mower mostly at a medium height and was still comfortable on the lowest setting.

Getting lost in the weeds

During this first testing, we subjected this mower to conditions it may not have been designed to routinely undertake. Our test patch was on the other end of the spectrum from a finely manicured lawn and may have been better suited for a brush hog than a mower. We estimated that the grass was approximately 9” average height as gauged by the height when compared against a 5-gallon construction bucket.

When we used the side rear discharge chute, the mower resembled a hay bailer with the debris shooting out the side. Surprisingly, the mower did not bog down even when we cut down small bush-like growth and dense iron grass clumps.

The mower senses when the speed drops and almost instantly provides more power to compensate for the additional load. The user can hear the change in pitch when this happens. The mower recovery time to increase the speed is almost instantaneous.

First Cut

We started the test patch with the mower deck at 6 ½” high. That way, we could go through the highest grass and weeds and frankly miss anything that was concealed in the grass. We used the mulching plug for this cut to see if the mower would choke on the amount of material it was chewing up. It did not and cut through the materials with no trouble at a relatively high speed. Our typical speed on the first cut was between 3 ½ and 4. The first cut lasted ½ an hour and used one unit of power out of four

Second Cut

Once the initial cut was completed, we lowered the deck to a 2-inch height. We used the side rear discharge chute during the second cut and re-cut the plot of the ground. Again, the Milwaukee mower did not hesitate in slicing through the grasses.  We took 20 minutes to complete the second cut and had one unit of power remaining. This portion of the test really challenged the mower, and we moved an impressive and large mass of grass material. Near the end of the second cut, we took a couple of areas and lowered the deck down to the lowest deck setting.

The Milwaukee mower went through this material and the old clippings with no issues. The only thing we noticed was that at one point in this test, the clippings stopped coming out of the chute. When we turned the mower over, we found a stick that lodged itself across the discharge chute and built up a plug of grasses that stopped the grass clipping discharge. The mower did not show any issues with this instant conversion to a mulching process. It was only apparent that nothing was coming out of the chute.

Final Cut

The final portion of the test was taking the mower to another part of the site and cutting a more conventional grass lawn to see how much longer the battery would run on one LED’s worth of power and how the mower would behave when we exhausted the batteries.

The mower lasted another 15 minutes in the remaining lawn area. We continued to use the side rear discharge chute as this represented the lightest load for the mower. When the batteries are nearly depleted, the single LED on the fuel gauge starts to flash to indicate the end of the power. While it was in this flashing state, we hit a dense patch of grass and the mower simply stopped. Lights out and no power.

In total, we used the mower for 65 minutes of torture testing time. Throughout that time, the Milwaukee mower had no difficulties with anything we asked it to cut. In the easier grass areas, we felt like the Milwaukee mower clearly outperformed a gasoline mower. It was much quieter, creates no exhaust fumes, and was as agile and easy to use as any mower we have ever used. Quite an impressive first experience.

Noise

One of the biggest questions readers have asked about cordless mowers seems to be how much noise do they make?

We did a basic decibel test to measure the sound pressure of this mower to get an idea of how much noise it makes. The test consisted of running the mower with the deck raised to its midpoint level sitting on the asphalt slab in front of our construction trailer. We held the decibel meter at approximately user ear height. The decibel meter used an ITU-R 468 frequency rating.

We ran the test for thirty seconds – enough time to have the mower reach a maximum and stable rpm speed. The blade speed reaches a maximum rpm rate in less than one second. We extended the time to be consistent with the dB reading we took in our Cordless Mower Head-to-Head test in 2020. That way, we could see how Milwaukee stacked up.

Readings

The Milwaukee registered an average reading of only 77.9 dB on asphalt – about the same amount of noise as one experiences when a car passes at 65mph. The noise we measured while mowing averaged 71.6 dB which is a reduction of approximately 40% in noise energy from the reading on the asphalt. The Milwaukee mower was quieter than any of the mowers in our 2020 Cordless Mower Head-to-Head by2.5dB.

This mower is very quiet. Your neighbors may not even know you are cutting your lawn when they are inside their homes.

Note that both of these sound levels are well below the OSHA limit requiring hearing protection over a period of an 8-hour shift. That is one reason our operator did not wear any hearing protection.

Comparison

For reference, the average gas lawnmower produces approximately 95 – 100 dB. Compared to a 100 dB noise level, the Milwaukee 2823-20 mower at 78.9dB reduces the sound intensity energy you hear by over 100 times compared to a loud gas mower. (Decibels are a logarithmic scale, 14 decibels difference is approximately 20 times louder). Many communities in our area have adopted noise restrictions that limit the time that you can mow with a gas mower. Please note that the sound pressure value was measured while running on top of an asphalt slab. In practice, the Milwaukee mower was much quieter when used on a lawn.

Storage and Transport

Milwaukee’s engineers and designers produced a mower for the pro-market. To this end, Milwaukee’s handle stores best vertically with the handle in a straight configuration. Pro landscapers are all about efficiency and speed, so a folding handle is usually a negative feature as that keeps them from getting on and off the job more quickly. Homeowners may want to take the time to fully fold the handle as they typically have a good amount of space.  I personally don’t want to fiddle with a folding handle and would keep the handle straight.

One well-thought-out feature of this mower is the big handles on the front of the deck and the back of the mower. Allowing it to be easily picked up and put in the back of a truck or trailer. The Milwaukee mower is no lightweight piece of equipment, and the two handles make it much easier to lift.

Overall

This is a great mower designed and built with the professional in mind and the quality/price reflects an excellent value.  The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21” Self-Propelled mower is an impressive OPE tool and will stack up well against its competition.

I was one of the leads in the Toolbox Buzz 2020 Cordless Mower Head-to-Heat that we published in June of 2020. In comparing this Milwaukee to the results I saw in that H-2-H, the Milwaukee 21” mower would have killed it in many of the critical categories we reviewed. I would stack this mower up against the top finishers from that comparison.

I am glad Milwaukee produced a compelling offering in this market. Great job.

Kit pricing will be $999.00 with a product availability of April 2022.

Milwaukee 21” Self-Propelled Dual Battery Mower 2822HD Video Review

Milwaukee 21″ Self-Propelled Dual M18 Battery Mower is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Toro Cordless 60V MAX 21″ Recycler Self-Propelled Mower (Model 21356)

Toro 60V MAX 21″ Recycler Self-Propelled Mower

3/5

Manufacturer: Toro
Model number: 21356
Power source: Cordless
Motor size: 60V
Weight: 75 lbs

Specifications & Features | Toro 21″ Cordless SP Mower (Model 21356)

• Motor Size: 60V Brushless (w/ single 6Ah battery)
• Cutting Modes: Mulch or Bagged
• Area Coverage: 0.33 acre (single charge)
• Deck width: 21 inches
• Deck Material: Steel
• Total Cutting Position: 9
• Position Range: 1.25-3.75 inches
• Vertical Storage: Yes
• Self Propelled: Yes (single speed setting)
• Warranty: 3 Year (full battery) + 2 year (full mower)

Overall Power & Performance

The Toro 21356 60V Mower had solid power that handled all the common mowing tasks asked of it. It doesn’t produce a constant, high torque; but that is the Flex-Force power system in action. It adapt the torque and power based on the resistance on the blade. Since my yard wasn’t overly long it wasn’t significantly taxed. That said, I did notice the motor ramp up on the few areas with heavier oak leaf debris. I did most of the mowing in the mulching mode (that’s my standard) and the clippings were average size with an overall clean cut. The performance of the bagged set-up did leave something to be desired.

Bagging Design

The Toro 21356 60V Mower has a dual-sided catch point design. the metal bag frame is recessed on both top sides to keep the bag in place. The issue with Toro’s execution of this design is that the fit of the bag against the back of mower isn’t well form fitted. Because of this I experienced some leaf blow out where the bag met the back of the mower. Once the bag was partially filled with grass/leaf clippings, then the additional weight improved the “seal.”

Bag Removed to show Clippings on Top & Left Edges

Features and Adjustability

This was the most disappointing part of my experience with the Toro 21356 60V mower. As listed above, this mower does sport a self-propelled feature as well as adjustable height deck and quick fold up storage design. And while these are very useful design features, Toro’s execution of them wasn’t great.  Here are some of my key takeaways from these design features:

• The is only a single position (height/angle) for the handle. And while it was a comfortable height for me (5′ 7″) it was a bit high for my son who often does the push mowing on our property. It would also be a bit low for taller users.

Single Upright Locking Point 

• There is no speed adjustment on the self-propelled feature. And the mower is on the faster side when compared to other adjustable self-propelled mowers i’ve used. it wasn’t an uncomfortable speed but for a $500 mower I was hoping to see an adjustable self-propelled option.
• The adjustable height deck is designed around individual tension-based levers on the wheels. But the retaining set point on the mower housing is set into plastic. Again, when compared to other cordless mowers in this category I would have liked to see a single setting lever or a heavier-duty deck adjustment design.

• There is not a hose connection for integrated deck spraying and cleaning. Again, at $500 this would have been a nice (and inexpensive) feature to include.
•  I really liked the design of the quick-release cam-based knobs for the fold up storage design. They are quick and easy to use.

Safety and Ergonomics

My favorite safety feature on the Toro 21″ Cordless SP Mower, Model 21356, is the removable start “key.”  It quickly clicks into place and offers a second layer of security for running the mower. This comes in handy in two primary situations. If you are changing the blade or cleaning the mower deck and want to make sure there is no chance of accidently starting the mower. Typically I always remove the battery but this gives you a send option. It is also handy when storing the mower to prevent theft or deter unauthorized use. And while I’m more concerned about my younger kids mowing without my permission than theft, this is another safety step to prevent that.

The overall ergonomics for this mower are fine. The start and self propelled levers are designed at a comfortable angle to hold. The handle angle and height were natural for my to use for 30 mins of continuous mowing. The overall vibration and noise level were on par with other cordless mowers I have used and I had no issues with them. The battery loaded and unloaded easily and the handle design made it easy to pull it out from the docking port inside the mower body

Final Thoughts | Toro 21″ Cordless SP Mower (Model 21356)

The Toro 21″ Cordless SP Mower (Model 21356) is an overall good not great mower. It delivers ample power via the 60V Flex-Force Power System which automatically adjusts the motor RPMs based on required cutting power. It is an overall basic yet streamlined baseline design. This mower produced an overall quality cut and with an easy to adjust cutting height set-up. The fold-up design works well and the cam-based design of the knobs is convenient. At $500, the mower would benefit from additional features commonly found on competitor mowers in the same price and power range, namely: adjustable self-propelled speed, dual-blades, integrated hose attachment for deck cleaning, LED lighting, and a multi-position handle. If you already own Toro 60V platform tools then this mower is a no brainer.

Toro 21″ Cordless SP Mower Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Ryobi 48V HP 54″ Model RY48140 Zero-Turn Electric Mower Review

Editors Note: This mower is a significant investment for users so we tested two separate units with two different editors. Wes reviewed one and is the primary editor on this review. Todd Fratzel, Editor-in-Chief, also reviewed and unit and contributed to this article. It is out hope that the perspective from two users and a full Summer of operation will give readers a great perspective on this mower.

54" Zero Turn Electric Riding Mower

4/5

Manufacturer: Ryobi
Model number: RY48140
Price: $4,599.00
Power source: 48V Battery System
Weight: 796 Lbs.

This tool review will offer an initial impressions look at the Ryobi 48V HP zero-turn mower. The abbreviate version is; if Ricky Bobby from Talladega Nights designed a Power-Wheels that also cut grass, you would end up with the Ryobi 48V HP mower. Hell yeah!

Specifications

• Deck Size: 54″
• Weight: 796 Lbs.
• Cutting Height: 1.5″-4.5″
• Deck Height Positions: 12
• Deck Construction: Fabricated/ Welded Steel
• Battery System: 48V 115 Ah
• Charging: 120V Outlet
• Cutting Area Per Charge: Up to 3.5 Acres
• Replacement Batteries: Leoch Model LDC12-115
• Warranty: 3 Year Tool / 1 Year Battery

Unboxing the Ryobi RY48140

The mower was dropped shipped to my home for the review process. It comes packaged in a metal shipping crate and requires some basic assembly. Primarily the handlebars and seat. This is easily done with the provided hand tools, but an impact wrench and socket set greatly speed up the process.

The battery storage area is located under the seat. A total of four 12V batteries are used to power the mower. The batteries are connected in series with each other to provide the 115 Ah system. The batteries are lead-acid Leoch Model LDC12-115 that are commonly found in golf carts. Replacements can easily be found on Amazon as well as with power equipment shops. The battery cables must be connected during the assembly process.

There are a total of three electric motor housings on the deck assembly. Each housing has a twist-lock cable connection located on the top. This design is similar to the Ryobi 40V auger. The individual motors also resemble and sound similar to the Ryobi auger and walk-behind mowers.

The Testing Process

The last year has changed the lawn care and property maintenance world forever and my house was no exception. My home is situated on 2.3 acres that I cleared and leveled over the last few years. The lawn is maintained with a 54″ gas-powered zero-turn however, the Ryobi took over this task upon arrival. In addition, my wife has taken over the responsibility of cutting the grass. It became a welcome escape for her while working from home for the majority of the last year. The majority of the feedback on the performance of the Ryobi 48V HP zero turn will come from her firsthand experience.

Perspective such as this is applicable now more than ever. Especially when considering the number of homeowners who discovered the joys of lawn care over the last year.

Standout Features of the Ryobi 48V HP Zero-Turn

Fabricated Steel Mower Deck

The 54″ cutting deck on the Ryobi is made from 10 gauge welded steel. This is an extremely desirable feature of the mower because it adds strength and durability to the machine. The majority of homeowner machines have stamped steel decks which are far more prone to bending and damage. The Ryobi deck can easily be leveled. There is a simple process for this outlined in the manual.

Cup Holders and Storage

There is an unbelievable amount of storage on this mower. The left side features two deep cup holders as well as a storage compartment with a spring-loaded lid. The right side features an additional storage compartment with a spring-loaded lid. These compartments are large enough for big phones and other devices. Or to pack a lunch.

These are features that I typically don’t pay much attention to. Usually, my phone goes in my pocket, and music is played on a Bluetooth headset. But my wife was a huge fan of this option. She reminded me that women’s pants or leggings typically don’t have pockets. Which I never would have thought of on my own. My leggings are strictly for yoga.

USB Charging Capability

A single USB charging port is located on the right console. This port provides 1A output and has a spring-loaded cover. A nice bonus feature, although I have not found a need to use it. On the other hand, Todd found it very useful as he lives in a rural area and his phone is roaming while mowing and it was handy charging as he mowed.

Manual Parking Brake

There is a large manual brake pedal on the center of the deck. This brake works well for slowing the machine down on hills or for sudden quick stops. The brake latches into place to serve as a parking brake as well. The parking brake engages and disengages easily using the toe area of the foot.

Easy to Use Control Panel

All of the controls on the Ryobi RY48140 are simple and intuitive to use. The mower deck PTO control is a large upward pull knob. This design is consistent with the manual of operations for traditional mowers. Individual push buttons control the LED light bar, as well as lower-speed drive and cut modes. The large circular battery gauge clearly displays the charge level of the mower.

Fast and Easy Deck Height Adjustment

The Ryobi deck height is adjusted with a large manual lever. The lever is easy to reach and move while seated. There are a total of twelve cutting height positions that range from 1.5″ to 4.5″. There is a plastic “Auto Stop Plug” that Ryobi includes as well. This plug is inserted at a preferred deck height and acts as a quick reference point. Adjusting the deck is extremely easy although I find myself guessing the height occasionally due to a lack of labeling on some of the detents.

The Ryobi Wants to Go Fast

With a top speed of 7 MPH during travel or cutting, the Ryobi 48V HP mower is built for speed. There is a separate brushless electric motor attached to each rear wheel. While 7 MPH may not be the fastest mower on the market, the responsiveness and on-demand torque of the Ryobi 48V HP give the operator an experience that is unmatched. The power and speed are instantaneous from the second the controls are moved. There is zero lag or delay. This experience shocked me at first, but I grew to immediately love it. Similar to the first time sitting in an electric car and experiencing the break-force torque when putting the pedal to the floor.

However, this on-demand speed is somewhat of a hindrance to the Ryobi too. If not careful, it is extremely easy to whip the mower from side to side during tight turns, similar to over-steering in a skid-steer machine. Over-steering with the Ryobi will cause burnout spots in your lawn damaging the grass. The low-speed setting on the mower will limit the top speed to 5 MPH and reduce the possibility of this. The low-speed option is also recommended for slopes, tight spaces, and inexperienced users.

Ryobi 48V HP Cutting Performance

The quality of cut produced by the Ryobi 54″ zero-turn is excellent during ideal mowing conditions. The three factory OEM blades are sharp and efficient.  While the quality of cut may not be up to standard with elite golf courses, it was more than acceptable on my very average grass. As I mentioned before, the ability of the operator to control the speed of the machine will be a huge factor in determining cut quality. In the picture below, grass that was pushed over instead of cut can be seen. This is common at first when learning to adjust the mowing speed for the density of the grass. The blade speed won’t match the drive speed in demanding cuts without operator adjustment.

The side discharge chute on the cutting deck does a great job at broadcasting the clippings and keeping the deck cleared. A bagging attachment is available separate from Ryobi.

King of the Hill?

Steep hills and zero-turns are not a great pairing. Unfortunately, zero-turn mowers are inherently prone to flipping over on steep grades due to their design. The Ryobi is no exception to this issue. Due to the weight distribution and operator positioning of the 48V HP, there is a true risk of tipping backward if attacking a hill head-on. A controlled downhill cut is a much safer tactic. I discuss the weight distribution further, later on in this article.

Controlling the mower on the downhill also presents some issues. The mower wants to move forward once it gains momentum. As an operator, I was forced to pull backward on the control levers aggressively to slow the mower down. At this time, it often experienced a strange glitch in the control system. While pulling all the way backwards in the controls, the drive system would shudder and continue moving forward. The controls would need to be brought back to a neutral position to be reset and then pulled backwards again. This process often caused the wheels to lose traction and spin out or lock up and slide causing burnouts in the grass.

This issue only occurred during downhill cutting on steep grades. One of the best parts about what we do is the ability to discuss issues with manufacturers. The Tool Box Buzz crew brought our concerns to Ryobi and met with their project management team. They shared with us that the steering issue is likely the result of a built-in fail safe to preserve the battery system. They informed us that they are working on an improvement to fix this issue.

When climbing steep slopes the mower seems to lack sufficient power. This is odd at first because the mower itself can churn through some incredibly thick grass. When we inquired about why the mower struggled up slopes we were told it’s a balancing act between power demand (amp draw) on the batteries and keeping the batteries in a safe zone. Below is an image in Todd’s yard showing approximately the steepest slope he could drive up. That slope is roughly 30 degrees and while the mower was able to climb it, it was definitely at the top of it’s range. We suspect newer versions of this type of mower will greatly benefit from upgrading to Li-Ion batteries instead of the lead core ones being used in this version.

Ryobi 54″ Zero-Turn Battery Run-Time

The elephant in the room is how long does the battery last? Well, that’s complicated. According to Ryobi, the 48V HP zero-turn will cut up to 3.5 Acres on a single charge. This capability is possible thanks to the huge 115 Ah battery system I mentioned earlier. I am unclear how Ryobi determined or calculated this number, but I am unable to replicate the testing exactly. Instead, I can share my real-world experiences with the battery system’s performance.

My lot is 2.3 total acres. The majority of it has been cleared and leveled with a lawn planted. Under regularly maintained conditions, I am able to cut the full lawn, including backyard hills, sides of the driveway, etc… approximately 1.75 times on a full charge. However, we experienced a week and a half of rain and the grass grew in some areas between 8-10″ tall. In conditions such as these, the batteries were completely depleted after 1:23:23 of continuous cutting.

I also experienced somewhat compromised performance cutting with a partially charged battery. Starting at 40% charged, cutting a week’s worth of regular growth, the battery dropped to 5% charge in 32:46. At 5% battery life the cutting deck automatically shuts off to maintain enough power to get the mower back to an outlet. Cutting in the lower cut speed mode will conserve power, but without consciously adjusting the speed as well this mode will lead to more missed areas of cutting.

Todd’s yard is 1.33 acres and not very flat. In fact, most of it has some slopes to it. He was able to mow the entire yard on approximately 85% of the battery charge leaving just around 15% battery life at the end of mowing.

48V HP Battery Charging

The large battery inverter that Ryobi includes to charge the 48V HP system features 60 Hz of output. The charging port is located on the rear of the mower, behind the seat. Charge time is stated as “overnight” and that has proven true in my experience. When completely depleted, the batteries will require between 10-12 hours to fully charge.

Price and Availability

The Ryobi RY48140 is available now as a Home Depot exclusive. At the time of writing this article, the 54″ mower retails for $4,999.00. That is a serious price tag, but this is a serious piece of outdoor power equipment. The optional bagger assembly costs an additional $349.00. Even at base pricing, the Ryobi is in the same price range as an entry-level commercial gas-powered zero-turn. The Ryobi warranty covers the mower for three years and the batteries for one year.

Is the high price tag worth it? I can’t answer that in a general blanket statement. This mower is the future. That $5K is buying the end-user a front-row seat to the future of lawn care and OPE. The ease of maintenance, zero emissions, incredible performance capability, and unbelievably quiet operation will all make that initial expense easier to justify in my opinion.

To purchase the Ryobi 48V HP zero-turn mower directly from Home Depot, follow the Buy Now button below.

Room for Improvement With the Ryobi 48V HP

As much as I enjoyed using the Ryobi during testing, there were several issues I discovered that I feel warrant discussion. The first being the overall size and balance of the mower. All four batteries are located in a storage compartment under the seat. This shortens the wheelbase of the mower, however, it concentrates the majority of the weight and bulk of the machine to the same area as the seat. This places the operator higher up in the area and results in a pretty rough ride. My wife constantly described the Ryobi as “bouncy”. It is excellent and smooth while riding over flat ground, however, it hits dips and divots hard.

At 796 pounds, the Ryobi is heavier than my 52″ gas mower. In spite of that, the Ryobi still feels top-heavy and awkward at times. Particularly on steep slopes or inclines. I felt the Ryobi slide more when dialing back the speed downhill.

The handlebar construction is also a shortcoming. The control bars mount via two bolts that allow for some adjustability and pivoting for individual users. The extra room for adjustment also means that the handlebars can experience unwanted movement should the bolts become loose. This happened to me several times when cutting and compromised my ability to control the mower properly.

It became enough of a reoccurring issue that I have to check the bolts for tightness before taking the machine out. The issue occurs regardless of the use of thread locking compound. I would happily sacrifice adjustability for solidly securing handlebars. Ryobi told us they are addressing this issue in future releases.

Overall Impressions of the Ryobi RY48140

Ryobi has always maintained a stronghold in the battery OPE market with its 18V and 40V offerings. However, this new 48V  HP 54″ zero-turn mower is a quantum leap forward for the future of battery lawn care. Even now after having logged hours of use between my wife and I, I am still amazed every time I flip the power switch and take off.

I failed to mention how quiet this machine is overall. While cutting, the decibel output measures just under 80 decibels at the ear. A reduction of noise like this enhances the enjoyment of using the mower exponentially. It becomes almost meditative cutting the grass while enjoying a podcast or music and not blowing out my eardrums trying to hear the media over the motor.

When considering the quiet engine noise, speed, and power, along with reduced emissions and maintenance, I think it is clear why I believe the Ryobi to be the future of lawn care. While this machine is not designed or built for commercial use, it will serve the demanding homeowner or landowner exceptionally well.

The initial investment is steep, but the benefits are so great that I would highly recommend taking the plunge if you are considering upgrading your own lawn care capabilities. In the meantime, I plan to continue to run the Ryobi as a direct comparison to my Scag 52″ Liberty Z zero-turn. I will follow up on this review with a comparison article when finished.

Ryobi 48V HP 54″ Zero-Turn Mower Video Review

Ryobi 48V HP 54″ Zero-Turn Mower Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

WORX NITRO 40V Brushless 21″ Self-Propelled Lawnmower  (Model WG753)

WORX NITRO 40V Brushless 21" Self-Propelled Lawnmower

3.5/5

Manufacturer: WORX
Model number: WG753
Power source: Cordless
Motor size: 40V
Weight: 63.3 lbs (bare tool)

The WORX NITRO 40V 21″ self-propelled mower is a fully-featured mower comparable in most ways to a standard gas mower. But I was skeptical that a battery mower platform would actually meet my expectations. My lawn is a good testbed, not only because of size (1/2 acre), but also because of multiple spots with protruding roots, crushed-rock edges, and soil rippling near my leach field. Let’s start with the Specifications and Features for the WG753.

Specifications & Features | WG753

Specifications:

• Cutting Height: 1.6 – 4 in.
• Deck Size: 21 in. (20″ cut diameter)
• Height Adjustments: 7-Positions, single-side
• Functions: Side-discharge, Bagging, or Mulching
• Estimated Run time: 35-40 Mins (2x 5Ah batteries)
• Weight 63.3 lbs (bare tool)

Features:

• Integrated folding handle
• Brushless Motor
• Variable-speed, self-propelled
• Auto-Intellicut feature auto adjusts motor performance
• LED light

Power & Performance

The WORX WG753 40V mower has very good overall power. It achieves its overall 40V power level by simultaneously using 2x 20V batteries. I was concerned a battery-based mower would be underpowered. This one isn’t. And I was concerned that 2x 20V batteries wouldn’t be comparable to other 40V cordless mowers. It was. And there are some definite benefits in the overall performance of a cordless mower. First, it was considerably  quieter than a traditional gas-guzzling mower. I had no issues completing all the cutting I needed to get done.

Auto-Intellicut

You know because you can hear the Auto-intellect feature ramp the motor power. It does this to draw max power when required and conserve power when cutting conditions are easy.

Auto-IntelliCut is smart technology inside the lawn mower’s motor. It automatically senses when grass conditions are higher and thicker. Instead of bogging down during these conditions, the lawn mower cutting capabilities speed up to cut more efficiently. On the other hand, when the grass conditions are less demanding, the lawn mower will utilize its lower setting to conserve battery runtime.

I also loved the mower’s reliability vs. gas platform.  With the WG753 there was never a question of how many pulls to get it going? or do I need to clean the carbs? or did I winterize it correctly when I stored it in the unheated shed? This is the case for any battery-based mower though. Where the WG753 really sets itself apart is its simple yet highly adjustable design and overall good performance for an easy to use machine.

The ability to easily switch (more on ergonomics later) between 3 different cutting modes is fantastic. Most of the mulching mowers I’ve used before require a mulching plug insert. The WG753 does not. It’s one less piece to lose and didn’t affect the mulching performance at all.

Battery Status Indicator

Another great feature on this Worx mower is the location of the battery charge indicator light. Most cordless tools now include a battery charge indicator on the battery itself. Old news. But Worx took it a step farther and built an indicator panel onto the back of the tool so you can see it while mowing. It makes for a very convenient way to see how much juice you’ve got left. Although between both batteries, I was able to cut most but not all of my 1/2 acre lawn (website said 1/4 on 2x 5Ah batteries).

Adjustable Self-Propelled Design

The Worx WG753 also features an adjustable self-propelled design. It’s pretty straightforward to operate and has 2 advantages. First, it allows you to match the cutting speed to the shape of the lawn. Rough or long lawn? drop the cutting speed down. Trying to mow before the light runs out? crank the speed up to max. Second, it also allows you to conserve battery life by lowering the self-propelled speed. It’s not a huge battery saver but gives you increased functionality so I thought it was worth a mention. While I didn’t see the top speed listed on the specifications or in the owners manual, the mower feels quick when set to max speed.

Ergonomics & Adjustability

So there were some ergonomics design features I really liked and some that I didn’t.

Positives

• Ease of reaching switches and levers
• Effectiveness of the mode changing lever
• Design of the height adjustment handle

I liked the placement of the switches and levers. This seems minor but it allowed me to easily adjust the self-propelled speed without having to stop cutting. Their placement also allowed me to comfortably and quickly adjust the deck height.  The mode lever let me effortlessly switch between cutting modes. When you switch to mulch mode, the handle slides a metal gate over the rear bag chute hole. No plug required! The height adjustment handle is placed off to the operators right when changing the setting. This means your body position is naturally centered over the height gauge arrow with a perfect line of sight. It also allows you to use your weight to adjust the height even with the resistance of taller grass.

Drawbacks

• Angle of the grip
• Max height of the push handle setting
• Need to tip mower back to see battery indicator status lights

My biggest gripe with this mower’s ergonomics are the design and angle of the handle. It feels awkwardly vertical and not positioned at a natural wrist angle. It wasn’t as uncomfortable on the lowest handle height setting or when gripping the handle off to the sides. But it was definitely less comfortable than other mower handle designs I’ve used before. I was also curious how tall someone would have to be to comfortably use the tallest handle height setting. It seems angled extremely high but since it’s adjustable this is no big deal. Lastly, while I love the thought that went into the inclusion of the battery status indicator light, the LEDs are not angled back enough or bright enough. The only way i could see them on a partly sunny day was to tip the mower back 20 or 30 degrees. And with dogs and kids running around that not a safe decision! But the fact that it has this feature when many competitor models don’t means its not really a knock on Worx.

Overall Impression | WG753

The WORX NITRO 40V lawnmower is their flagship self-propelled mower. The overall quality and design features are very good but not great. It combines the 3 essential mowing functions (side discharge, bagging, and mulching) into a light yet powerful mower. And the WG753 stores vertically when not in use to take up minimal space. It is perfect for lawns up to 1/4 acre in size. There are a few things that could be redesigned to make it truly reach its full potential. And at $440 it feels slightly overpriced. But if the handle grip angle feels comfortable to you when you test it out, then you should definitely consider the WG753. Especially if you already have other WORX 40V tools in your kit!

WORX NITRO 40V Lawnmower Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz