Bosch Robotic Lawnmower vs. Ryobi 40V Mower: Which One Wins?

Maintaining the perfect lawn is a challenging feat. It requires the ideal equipment to ensure your yard is neat and has an appealing aesthetic. One such piece of equipment is a lawnmower. 

While many lawnmower brands are in the market, Bosch and Ryobi are among the most renowned. The former recently released the Bosch Robotic Lawnmower, while the latter released the Ryobi 40V Mower. These two models have since revolutionized the world of cordless lawnmowers. Both are battery-powered lawnmowers with high performance and design features that make trimming your lawn more effortless than when using contemporary gas-powered grass cutters.

You may wonder which of these two lawnmowers offers better value for money. For instance, though the Bosch Robotic and Ryobi 40V are great mowers in their capacities, they have some shortcomings that set them apart. This article provides a detailed review of the Bosch Robotic Lawnmower vs. Ryobi 40V mower. Let’s get to it!

Bosch Robotic Lawnmower vs. Ryobi 40V Mower: Side-by-Side Comparison

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09/16/2023 03:49 am GMT

Bosch Robotic Lawnmower vs. Ryobi 40V Mower: What’s the Difference?

When presented with two options, comparing their features, pros, and cons is paramount to choosing the best option. This is especially relevant to the Bosch Robotic and Ryobi 40V Mower comparison, where making a blind choice could cost you tremendously. The models’ significantly different features impact their functionality and optimal operating conditions.

Below is a technical review of the Bosch Robotic Lawnmower vs. Ryobi 40V mower.

Power Source

The Bosch and the Ryobi 40V are electric-powered mowers. So rather than relying on gas refills for energy, they have rechargeable batteries for power. This technology allows the mowers to perform more efficiently and reduces emissions, which is excellent for the environment.

The similarity in power sources extends to the type of batteries the mowers use: lithium-ion batteries. However, they have different specs, which culminate in differing functionality. The Ryobi 40V has a larger battery, making it more powerful and efficient than the Bosch Robotic Lawnmower.

Running on a 40-Volt lithium-ion battery with an 8Ah capacity, the Ryobi 40V mower is ideal for large yards. The powerful battery has dual active ports that can run the mower for at least fifty minutes before recharging. 

Nonetheless, given its larger battery capacity, the Ryobi 40V mower has a longer charging time than the Bosch Robotic lawnmower. It takes around four hours for the Ryobi 40V mower’s lithium-ion battery to reach full capacity, which may be inconvenient when mowing a large yard.

On the other hand, the Bosch mower operates on a slightly smaller 18-Volt Lithium-ion battery. Despite the small capacity, the robotic lawnmower runs for 1hour on a full charge. Similarly, charging takes a shorter time as it only needs an hour to reach full capacity once it is plugged in. The fast charging speed is attributable to the battery capacity.

A key distinctive feature of the Bosch lawnmower is its self-charging lithium-ion battery. The battery can recharge itself while operating, increasing its operating time. As such, the lawnmower can work independently with little intervention.

Mowing Height

Some people like their lawns trimmed to the ground, while others prefer relatively long but neat grass. Consequently, most lawnmowers are configured with different cutting heights to accommodate different preferences.

The Bosch mower has a small cutting height range suitable for people who prefer short grass in their yards and lawns. The lawnmower can cut your grass to a height of one to two inches. The robotic mower has sensors that adjust the cutting height between the two dimensions based on your liking.

The Ryobi 40V mower, on the other hand, offers a broader range of cutting heights. You can set your desired size on the adjustment lever from 1.5 to four inches and release the machine to your lawn. This feature makes the Ryobi 40V great for trimming diverse grass types, especially tall grass. 

With a versatile adjustable mowing height that allows it to cut various grass types, the Ryobi 40V Mower undeniably does better than the Bosch Lawnmower on this spec.

Deck Size

While you want to keep your lawn tidy and improve your home’s aesthetics, you also want to take the shortest time possible. A lawnmower’s deck size is essential when accounting for speed and efficiency. Mowers with large deck sizes are often more efficient, making them ideal for people with large lawns.

The Ryobi 40V mower has a larger deck than the Bosch Robotic lawnmower. The Ryobi 40V comprises a 20-inch deck that covers a large area, reducing its trimming time. Therefore, if your home is an averagely-sized plot of land (around 0.35 acres) on familiar terrain, it will get the job done in no time. 

Alternatively, the Bosch Robotic lawnmower has a smaller deck size, designed with a cutting width of 7.5 inches; this is not ideal for large lawns. However, it is convenient for tight and narrow spaces. The mower can navigate easily through small spaces and ensure the grass is neatly cut. 

Ultimately, the Ryobi 40V mower wins this category, given its deck size is almost thrice that of the Bosch Robotic.

Controls

As with all modern equipment, robotic and electric-powered lawnmowers can pose a challenge to those unfamiliar with the technology. Thus, when picking between the Bosch Robotic lawnmower and the Ryobi 40V mower, choosing one whose controls are simple and easy to understand is prudent. Easy-to-use control features save you time and mitigate accidents. Despite the Bosch Robotic and Ryobi 40V being cordless electric mowers, they have fundamentally different control features. While one is almost entirely automated, the other requires some manual control.

Bosch Indego App

The Bosch mower has advanced technology, allowing users to control it with minimal contact. The mower is connected to a mobile app through which users control various features, including mowing time and cutting height. Similarly, it is fitted with state-of-the-art sensors that allow it to maneuver through obstacles. 

Ryobi Cruise Control

On the other hand, the Ryobi 40V mower has limited automation besides its self-propelled mowing feature. Foremost, you must press the start button on the control panel on the handle to power the mower. You must also pull the self-propel levers toward the handle to engage the self-propelled feature. However, refrain from using this feature or starting the mower before setting up the equipment on your lawn to mitigate possible injuries.

Like the Bosch Robotic lawnmower, the Ryobi 40V mower has a cruise control feature that moderates its speed when the self-propelled feature is engaged. It is adjusted at the control panel set at the handle. This is ideal for setting the cruise speed to match your walking pace, as you will follow it around as you adjust various settings; it is not fully automated.

So, if you find using a fully automated mower easier, the Bosch Robotic lawnmower is the way to go. However, if you want a semblance of physical control over your landscaping, the Ryobi 40V is a formidable option.

Adaptability

Always account for your yard’s terrain when choosing the best-fit lawnmower. While some yards have an even landscape, others have hilly terrain with obstacles. Consequently, different mowers have distinct features to cater to diverse geographies.

The Bosch Robotic Lawnmower is designed to flourish across different terrains. Whether it is a hilly landscape or a flat surface, the mower’s terrain-following features enable the equipment to adapt and work efficiently. The adaptability features extend to the weather as the mower thrives and works despite the elements.

On the hand, the Ryobi 40V mower has design features specialized for relatively rough terrains. The mower has large wheels that make it easier to traverse through hilly and rocky areas and a 7-position single-point height adjustment to enable you to cut grass in any terrain.

Bosch Robotic Lawnmower vs. Ryobi 40V Mower: 5 Must-Know Facts

• The Bosch Robotic lawnmower is fully automated and controlled through a mobile app, while the Ryobi 40V mower is a walk-behind, cordless electric lawnmower.
• The Ryobi 40V mower can hold two batteries, giving you extra mowing power. However, you have to connect the backup battery manually.
• The Bosch has robust sensors that ease movement through rough terrain. 
• The Bosch lawnmower moves autonomously to its charging point when out of energy.
• The Ryobi 40V mower comes with essential accessories on purchase, including a chute, mulcher, and bag.

Bosch Robotic Lawnmower vs. Ryobi 40V Mower: Which One is Better?

Whereas we have highlighted the must-know differences between the Bosch Robotic and the Ryobi 40V mowers, you may still wonder which option is better. Well, both mowers have outstanding features and are suitable for different scenarios.

However, the Bosch Robotic lawnmower edges out the Ryobi 40V mower, given that the primary goal of cordless lawnmowers is to simplify mowing and save time. The robotic mower is almost fully automated, meaning you must not walk behind it, as with the Ryobi 40V mower.

This does not mean the Ryobi 40V mower is a terrible option. It is cordless, has powerful self-propelled blades, and has a large deck size, suitable for mowing large yards. It also provides a better range regarding mowing height.

Ultimately, the lawnmower you acquire will depend on your preferences, intended use, and available budget.

Recent Developments for the Bosch Robotic Lawnmower and Ryobi 40V Mower

Both Bosch and Ryobi continue to improve their products. Some new advancements for the lawnmowers include Bosch’s release of a revamped lawnmower model with improved battery life, an increased cutting width, and a more powerful motor. Bosch has also developed a virtual boundary wire system that allows users to map out areas for the mower to avoid, such as garden beds and more. Ryobi has also released an updated version of its mower as well with similar upgrades to battery life, motor power, and a larger cutting deck. The new Ryobi model has an added unique feature called “Mulching Mode,” which signals the mower to mulch the grass clippings to improve overall lawn quality.

The Future of the Bosch Robotic Lawnmower and Ryobi 40V Mower

While both mowers feature top-of-the-line technology, we can expect to see even more advancements for these products in the future. In the following six to 18 months, we could potentially see features such as increased battery life, improved obstacle detection and avoidance, improved scheduling and automation features, and integration with smart home devices.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Birgit Reitz-Hofmann/Shutterstock.com.