If you’ve been shopping around for a new electric mower, then you’ve probably come across the Hart 40V and Ryobi 40V. Both are excellent choices that offer very comparable specs. However, their prices are a little different, and there are a few other variations that you may have missed. Both mowers are solid options, but you should familiarize yourself with their differences.
Besides having a slightly higher price, the mowers have very comparable runtimes and even an identical warranty. Therefore, your purchase decision will likely come down to which brand you prefer and whose batteries are more beneficial. Another difference is that Hart is exclusively sold by Walmart, while Ryobi is sold by Home Depot.
Hart 40V Mower vs Ryobi 40V Mower: Side-by-Side Comparison
| 40V Hart | 40V Ryobi | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | HLPM061US | RY401140US |
| Deck Size | 21″ | 21″ |
| Price | $598 | $700 |
| Batteries Included | 2-40V 6ah | 2-40V 6ah |
| Runtime (with included batteries) | 60 Minutes (Estimated) | 70 Minutes |
| Warranty | 5 Year Mower/3 Year Battery | 5 Year Mower/3 Year Battery |
Hart 40V Mower vs Ryobi 40V Mower: What’s the Difference?
We’ve already mentioned that the Ryobi and Hart 40V mowers are very similar, but we will still take a deep dive into all of the similarities, as well as the differences. This includes looking at specific models and then comparing the specs of each.
Power is going to be relatively similar, but the way the batteries work is a little different, as is the pricing. We will also go over the warranties and ease of use for each mower.
Models
Hart and Ryobi both make several different mower models in their respective 40V lineups. These models are all unique, and you can even get Hart mowers in various deck sizes. In the Ryobi 40V line, you will also find a number of different models, with some having extra features, like crosscut. Additionally, you can purchase the mowers in bundles that include batteries and chargers.
- Power Source: Corded Electric, Battery Powered
- Material: Polypropylene
- Colors: Gray, Black, Green
- Style: Cordless
- Cutting Width: 21 inches
- 7 Positions
For our comparison, we have chosen one mower from each line that is very similar. For Hart, we will look at the HLPM061US, which is a 40V, 21″ mower. Then, in the Ryobi line, we will look at the RY401140US, which is also a 40V, 21″ mower. Both models also include 2 40V 6ah batteries, as well as their respective chargers.
Power
The Ryobi 40V and Hart 40V are two great mowers to compare power with because they are evenly matched. Similarly, the runtime on the mowers is very comparable with the included batteries. The great thing is that 40V mowers tend to be a sweet spot between power and pricing. While you can get larger 80V mowers, with Ego even making a 56V, a 40V mower is more than powerful enough.
A great feature of both the Ryobi and Hart is that they have room for two batteries but don’t require both to operate. This way, you can have both in the mowers for extended run time, or use one at a time so you can have the other charging. The only downside is that the Ryobi mower requires you to manually switch between the battery that is drawing power, whereas the Hart changes automatically.
Another similarity between the Hart and Ryobi mowers is that they both use brushless motors to turn the blades. Older mowers used brushed motors which could eventually fail or need replacing.
The newer brushless mowers not only provide for a long life, but they are also more efficient. While on the topic of power, you should be aware that you can only charge one battery at a time with the included chargers.
The Ryobi 40V mower includes two 6-ah batteries, as mentioned. These two batteries provide a runtime of about 70 minutes. The Hart also includes two 6-ah batteries, but they do not provide an estimated runtime. Instead, Hart states that their mower can cut up to 3/4 of an acre when both batteries are used. We estimate that to be around 60 minutes of cutting time.
Deck
Ryobi and Hart both make their mower decks in a very similar way. Each uses a composite material that is a type of plastic rather than the steel that you would find on gas-powered mowers.
The benefit of composite decks is that they are lightweight and durable; plus, you don’t have to worry about rusting. Most electric mower manufacturers have moved to composite decks, but you can still find a few steel ones.
Even though the decks are made of composite material, both mowers still use a steel blade which is replaceable. The two mowers have 21″ decks which are the same size that you would get with most gas mowers. If you want a nicer cut, Ryobi also makes crosscut models which have two blades stacked on top of each other.
Accessories
The Hart and Ryobi mowers both come with everything you need to start cutting grass. They each come with two batteries and a charger, as mentioned above. In addition, Hart and Ryobi include a clipping bag to catch debris if you wish.
Otherwise, you can use the included discharge chute or mulching kit. Most electric mowers today come with these accessories, which are a great addition.
Ease of Use
Having an easy-to-use mower is important regardless of whether it is gas or electric. But electric mowers really simplify the grass-cutting process by taking out the need to mess with fluids or worry about whether or not it will start. While you won’t get quite the power, you would with gas, the Ryobi and Hart 40V are both more than powerful enough to deliver impressive results.
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The two mowers operate similarly, requiring putting in a charged battery, pressing the start button, and pulling back the lever. Each mower has an adjustable self-propelled speed which is controlled by a separate lever. The one benefit of the Hart is that it automatically switches between the two battery slots, whereas the Ryobi uses a “key” that must be flipped when the first battery is depleted.
Pricing
Pricing tends to be the most important factor for many consumers, and purchasing a mower is no exception. The prices of the Ryobi and Hart 40V mowers are actually pretty close, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take pricing into consideration. While the bundles we chose come with a battery and charger, you may not need them if you already own batteries in these tool lines.
The Hart 40V comes in at $598, which includes the two 6-ah batteries and a charger. In comparison, the Ryobi 40V mower has an MSRP of $700 and also comes with two 6-ah batteries and a charger. The $100 price difference is pretty significant. However, these are the suggested retail prices, and the two mowers do tend to go on sale.
Warranty
Another important factor to consider is the warranty that each manufacturer offers. While you hope to never need a warranty, the fact of the matter is that electric mowers, and especially their batteries, do fail.
Having a longer warranty period simply ensures that you get the most value for your money, with the mower being guaranteed to work for a longer period of time. The similarities between the Ryobi and Hart actually continue with their respective warranties.
Both companies offer a five-year warranty on the mowers and a three-year warranty for the batteries. This is a pretty standard warranty that you will find on most other power tools. But, remember that you do have to purchase from an authorized retailer to get the manufacturer’s warranty.
Battery Lines
A major factor that you may want to consider are the battery platforms that both mowers use. Even though the batteries from the Hart and Ryobi mowers are exactly the same size, they are not interchangeable.
However, you can use the batteries in other products offered in their respective lineups. Both Hart and Ryobi have other 40V power tools that you can use the batteries in. Even if you currently are not in the market for other tools, you should consider the product offerings.
That way, when you do need a weedeater or blower down the road, you won’t need to purchase more batteries. Hart and Ryobi offer a range of outdoor power equipment that uses 40V batteries, including edge tools, blowers, weedeaters, and hedge clippers.
Updates on the Hart 40V Mower and the Ryobi 40V Mower
The Hart 40V Mower and the Ryobi 40V Mower have had a few updates since February 2023.
- Features: Hart released one for the 40V Mower called “Dynamic Torque Control.” It automatically adjusts the mower’s power output based on terrain. Ryobi released a new feature for its mower called “EdgeGuard.” This helps prevent the mower from cutting the edge of your lawn, making it easier to get a clean cut.
- Versions: Hart’s new version allows users to adjust the mower’s speed with a dial on the handle, making it easier to mow larger lawns. Ryobi’s updated 40V Mower includes a mulching feature so users can mulch their lawn clippings.
What’s Next for the Hart 40V Mower and the Ryobi 40V
There are a few things that could happen to the Hart 40V Mower and the Ryobi 40V Mower in the next six to 18 months:
- Software updates: Both mowers may have software updates that improve their features.
- New technology: Hart and Ryobi could use new technology in the 40V Mowers. This technology might include brushless motors that are more efficient and longer-lasting. It could also be battery packs that charge faster and hold more power.
- New features: The companies may add new features to the 40V Mowers. These might be a self-propelled feature or a battery life indicator.
Hart 40V Mower vs Ryobi 40V Mower: 5 Must-Know Facts
- The Hart and Ryobi mowers use same-sized batteries, which provide similar runtimes.
- Both mowers have 21″ composite decks, which are comparable in size to gas mowers.
- The Hart and Ryobi can cut for approximately one hour with the included batteries, but you can also purchase extras.
- Hart and Ryobi offer other tools in their 40V lines, so you will want to check out the other options.
- Hart and Ryobi are both manufactured by TTI, which also makes Ridgid and Milwaukee.
Hart 40V Mower vs Ryobi 40V Mower: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?
This is the point in the article where we’d normally tell you which product to run out and buy. But the truth is that these two mowers are so similar that we can’t state that one is dramatically better than the other. It is possible to argue that the Ryobi is built better and, therefore, the mower to go with. However, its higher price may not be justified by an arbitrary argument that it is built better.
One thing that we didn’t get to mention above is that the Ryobi has a lifetime deck warranty. While both mowers are built with strong composite materials, the fact that the Ryobi’s deck has a lifetime warranty is a great selling point. Beyond that, the Hart and Ryobi have identical warranties, the same deck sizes, and they even include the same-sized batteries.
With all that said, if both mowers were the same price, we would go with the Ryobi. The truth is that Hart hasn’t been around as long and even though they are manufactured by the same parent company, Ryobi has a proven track record. The one thing we don’t like about the Ryobi is its “key” that you have to rotate in order to choose which battery is drawing power.
But the fact that both mowers have enough power to cut for over an hour is great and will be more than enough for most yards. One final consideration is to look at all of the other power tools that are offered in both the Ryobi and Hart 40V lineups to see which has better options. Also, if you already have batteries or tools in one of the lineups, then it would be best to stick to that brand.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Virrage Images/Shutterstock.com.
