Kobalt 40V Mower vs. Ryobi 40V Mower: Which One Wins?

The quest for the perfect lawn can be tough, but with the right mower, it doesn’t have to be. Two of the best contenders in the world of electric lawn mowers are the Kobalt 40V Mower and the Ryobi 40V Mower.

The Kobalt 40V Mower and Ryobi 40V Mower are both excellent choices for homeowners looking for an electric lawn mower. Comparing their features can help identify which one is better suited to the user’s specific needs. Thus, it is crucial to look at factors such as cutting swath, deck type, deck adjustment, cut height adjustment, and cutting range when making a decision.

Let’s take a closer look at the features of each mower to find out.

Kobalt 40V Mower vs. Ryobi 40V Mower: Side-By-Side Comparison

Feature	Kobalt 40V Mower	Ryobi 40V Mower
Model Number	KMP 5040-06	RY40190-Y
Cut Height Range	1.38″ – 3.75″	1.5 to 4 in.
Assembled Weight	65 lbs	44.7 lbs.
Warranty	5-year limited	3 years
Drive Type	Rear wheel drive	Rear-wheel self-propelled

Kobalt 40V Mower vs. Ryobi 40V Mower: What’s the Difference?

Kobalt and Ryobi are two popular brands in the world of electric lawn mowers, and both offer 40V models that have gained a lot of attention. While both brands boast powerful motors, long battery life, and easy-to-use designs, some key differences between the two models are worth considering before making a purchase.

To assist you in making an informed decision regarding your lawn care requirements, we will be discussing the differences between the Kobalt 40V mower and the Ryobi 40V mower. Let’s explore.

Performance

The Kobalt 40V mower has a 19-1/4″ blade that spins at 2780 RPM under light loads, which is slower than other models tested. However, under heavier loads, the blade tip accelerates by 22.6 MPH, ramping up to 3174 RPM or 181.7 MPH. For cordless mowers, the cutting power is fairly standard. It can handle weekly cuts and wade through a few extra days of growth.

The kitted 40V battery can mow around 1/4 acre on a single charge, with a runtime of about 30 minutes for maintenance mowing. The Kobalt 40V cordless mower is quiet, producing 79 dB(A), and has an adjustable lever throttle for an easy-to-use self-propelled drive. The steel deck is preferred over plastic decks for its durability, and the single-point cutting height adjustment means the user only has to bend over once.

The Ryobi 40V mower has a 20″ deck and a brushless motor that delivers high performance with a longer runtime than previous models. Its dual battery system allows users to power through over an acre of grass without the hassle of a cord.

The mower is compatible with all Ryobi 40V lithium-ion batteries, including the high-capacity 6.0Ah battery that provides extended runtime. Its adjustable cutting height ranges from 1.5 to 4 inches, and the deck is made of lightweight materials for easy maneuverability. The Ryobi 40V mower features a push-button start and 3-in-1 mulching, bagging, and side discharge capabilities.

Setup Process

The Kobalt 40V mower is simple to assemble with an easy-to-follow manual that takes only a few minutes. After unpacking, users only have to attach the handlebar and grass catcher. The mower is easy to adjust and operate, and users can easily switch between mowing and bagging modes.

The Ryobi 40V mower is also easy to assemble and comes with a detailed manual. Users only have to attach the handle and the grass catcher, and it takes about 5-10 minutes to set up. The mower’s dual battery system is easy to switch between, and the cutting height adjustment is effortless to use.

Design

Due to its durability, the steel deck of the Kobalt 40V mower is preferred over plastic decks. The single-point cutting height adjustment is convenient for users as they only have to set it once. The adjustable lever throttle is easy to use, and the self-propelled drive is efficient. The Kobalt 40V cordless mower is quiet, producing 79 dB, and has a compact design that is easy to maneuver around obstacles.

The Ryobi 40V mower is lightweight and easy to maneuver around obstacles. Its 20″ deck is made of lightweight materials, making it easy to move the mower around the yard. The mower has a push-button start and 3-in-1 mulching, bagging, and side discharge capabilities. The dual battery system provides extended runtime, and the mower is compatible with all Ryobi 40V lithium-ion batteries. The cutting height adjustment ranges from 1.5 to 4 inches, and the mower has a durable design.

Battery Life

The Kobalt 40V mower has an included 40V battery, which lasts 32 minutes for maintenance mowing. While this time will decrease if the user is dealing with a lawn that has gotten overgrown, the drive set at 2.5 MPH enables 11,293 square feet of cutting or 0.26 acres. A 1/4-acre or smaller lawn is just the right size for using just the battery in the kit. However, additional batteries can be purchased to extend the runtime.

Depending on the thickness and height of the grass, the Ryobi 40V mower can offer a running time of approximately 35 minutes by using its 5.0Ah lithium-ion battery. This battery life can mow up to 1/4 acre with a single charge. Additionally, Ryobi offers a variety of batteries with different capacities to extend the runtime as needed.

Care and Storage

Maintaining the Kobalt 40V mower is effortless and comparable to maintaining any other cordless electric lawn mower. Users should avoid getting the motor and battery wet and always store the mower indoors in a dry place. After use, the battery should be removed from the mower and charged fully before storage. The blade should be sharpened once a year, and the underside of the mower should be cleaned after every use.

The Ryobi 40V mower is easy to maintain and store, and its care is similar to that of the Kobalt 40V mower. Keeping the mower and battery dry and storing the mower indoors is recommended. After use, the battery should be removed and charged fully before storage. It is recommended to sharpen the blade annually, and the underside of the mower should be cleaned following each use.

Cutting Area

The Kobalt 40V mower can mow right around 1/4 acre on a single battery charge. With a 19-1/4″ blade, the mower easily cuts through a maintenance load at 2780 RPM or 159.1 MPH blade tip speed. Under heavier workloads, the speed can increase by up to 22.6 MPH, with a top speed of 3174 RPM or 181.7 MPH.

The Ryobi 40V mower can mow up to 1/4 acre with a single charge of the 5.0Ah lithium-ion battery. The mower is equipped with a 20-inch deck that makes cutting large grass areas easier and faster. It also features a 2-in-1 mowing system that offers bagging and mulching capabilities, making it easy to switch between the two without the need for additional tools. Additionally, the mower has a single-lever height adjustment that allows the user to quickly adjust the cutting height.

Kobalt 40V Mower vs. Ryobi 40V Mower: 9 Must-Know Facts

• The Kobalt 40V mower is capable of mowing 1/4 acre per charge of the included 40V battery, which lasts for about 32 minutes for maintenance mowing.
• With its 40V battery, the Ryobi mower can easily mow up to 1/4 acre on a single charge, providing approximately 35 minutes of usage.
• The Ryobi 40V mower has several height adjustments, ranging from 1.5 inches to 4 inches.
• The Kobalt 40V mower is a quiet machine, producing 79 dB during operation, which is safe per OSHA standards.
• Ryobi 40V mower features a 2-in-1 mowing system that allows for bagging and mulching.
• The adjustable lever throttle of the Kobalt 40V self-propelled mower provides an easy-to-use feature for the self-propelled drive.
• Kobalt 40V uses a traditional steel deck, while Ryobi 40V uses a plastic deck.
• A single-point cutting height adjustment is available in the Kobalt 40V mower, requiring less bending to adjust the height.
• Both mowers have a push-button start, adjustable handlebars, and a folding design for easy storage.

The Kobalt 40V Mower vs. Ryobi 40V Mower: Pros and Cons

Kobalt 40V Mower Pros	Kobalt 40V Mower Cons
Good cutting power, handling weekly cuts, and able to push through extra days of growth.	Slower than other models when tested under a light load.
The self-propelled drive system is easy to use with an adjustable lever throttle.	Shorter runtime of 32 minutes may not be enough for large lawns, but additional batteries can be purchased.
Steel deck construction provides durability and is able to withstand wear and tear.	Blade tip speed is mid-pack when tested under a heavy load.
Quiet operation at 79 dB makes it safe to use without ear protection and won’t disturb neighbors.	Some mowers with single-point cutting height adjustments can become loose over time.

Ryobi 40V Mower Pros	Ryobi 40V Mower Cons
Cutting power is strong enough to handle thick grass and larger lawns.	The battery life may not be sufficient for larger lawns or if there is excessive overgrowth.
The battery life can last up to 35 minutes, depending on usage.	The blade speed may not be as fast as other cordless mowers.
It has a single-point height adjustment system for easy maneuvering.	The self-propulsion feature may not be as strong as other models.
It has a large cutting deck size, which can cut more grass at once.

Kobalt 40V Mower vs. Ryobi 40V Mower: Which One Is Better?

The Kobalt 40V mower and Ryobi 40V mower have their own strengths and weaknesses; ultimately, which one is better for you will depend on your specific needs. The Kobalt 40V mower has decent cutting power and can handle weekly maintenance cuts and mid-length grass. Its quiet operation makes it a good option for those who want to mow early in the morning or late at night without disturbing their neighbors. It also has a solid feature set, including an adjustable self-propelled drive and a steel deck. However, it has a relatively short runtime, making it more suitable for those with smaller lawns.

Conversely, the Ryobi 40V mower exhibits a marginally superior cutting performance, boasting a swifter blade speed compared to the Kobalt 40V mower. Additionally, its cutting range is slightly more expansive, rendering it a more suitable alternative for individuals with medium-sized lawns. Moreover, its runtime is longer, making it an optimal choice for those with larger lawns. Nevertheless, some users may find the mower’s noise level to be a disadvantage. Furthermore, the Ryobi 40V mower’s deck is less durable than that of the Kobalt 40V mower.

Ultimately, both mowers are good options for those looking for a battery-powered mower, and the choice between the two will come down to individual preferences. The Kobalt 40V mower may be the better option if you prioritize quiet operation and sturdy construction. If you need a mower with a longer runtime and a larger cutting area, the Ryobi 40V mower may be the better choice. It’s important to consider what features are most important to you before making a decision.