RYOBI and DeWalt are two renowned gardening tool manufacturers, producing unique and valuable electronic mowers for years. This sparks the question: “Which is the best, RYOBI 40V vs. DeWalt 20V mower?” Both these products are brushless and self-propelled, made of high-end materials for precise cutting.
The RYOBI 40V and DeWalt 20V mowers are 3-in-1 mowers operated on batteries. They are also priced the same with almost similar cutting deck sizes. Their running and charging time is also identical, with RYOBI having an edge of 10 minutes over its counterpart. So, are there any differences between both?
Evaluating the distinctive features of both mowers can help us decide the winner of this RYOBI 40V vs. DeWalt 20V Mower one-on-one. This guide includes a detailed comparison of these mowers and 5 interesting facts about both. So let’s dive in!
RYOBI 40V Mower vs. DeWalt 20V Max Mower: Side-By-Side Comparison
RYOBI 40V Mower | DeWalt 20V Max Mower | |
---|---|---|
Best for | Small, medium, and large-sized lawns | Small, medium, and large-sized lawns |
Height Adjustment | 1.5 to 4 inches | 1.5 to 4 inches |
Motor | Brushless | Brushless |
Cutting Deck | 21 inches | 20 inches |
Mowing Options | 3-in-1; side discharge, mulching, and bagging | 3-in-1; side discharge, mulching, and bagging |
Operation Time | Up to 70 minutes | Up to 60 minutes |
Battery | Two 6Ah | Two 10Ah |
Battery Power | 40V | 20V |
Warranty | Lifetime limited warranty for deck; 5-year tool warranty; 3-year battery warranty | 3-year limited warranty |
Price | $599.0 | $550.80 |
- Brushless motor and (2) 20V MAX batteries that work simultaneously
- 3-in-1 feature for mulching, bagging, and side discharging
- Heavy-duty 20-inch metal deck
- Best for properties up to 1/4 acre
- Folding handle and lift handles for easy transport and compact storage
Please Note: As of July 19, 2023, the DEWALT 20V MAX Lawn Mower is currently unavailable on Amazon. If you are unable to locate this product elsewhere, please check back later.
RYOBI 40V vs. DeWalt 20V Max Mower: What’s the Difference?
RYOBI 40V and DeWalt 20V Max mowers are one of the most affordable options in the market. They offer exceptional performance, like a high-end mower, with reasonable charging and running time. You will find no major difference between their prices as well.
However, both do vary a little in terms of mulching experience. Let’s understand the most prominent between RYOBI 40V vs. DeWalt 20V Mower to see what suits your preferences the most.
Power System
The RYOBI 40V mower features an efficient brushless motor that delivers immense power like a gas-powered machine. It is a self-propelled mower that trims large-sized lawns with varying grass lengths.
This RYOBI mower comes with a load sense technology that stops the blades whenever there is too much load on the machine. As a result, it boosts efficiency and power like that of a high-end mower.
On the other hand, the DeWalt 20V max mower also comes with a brushless direct drive motor that gives users high-voltage performance. Instead of the back, the motor is located on the mower’s front wheels (similar to a gas mower). This allows you to turn the mower at different angles and control it easily.
Regardless of your yard’s length, the mower possesses enough power to cut through it on a single battery. However, if you run out of it, you’ll still have the second battery as a backup. The mower has an auto-sensing technology that offers higher revolutions per minute (RPM), allowing you to cut through different grass lengths.
The capacity and performance of RYOBI and DeWalt’s power systems are almost the same. Both have powerful engines with advanced sensors that provide efficient cutting.
Runtime
What’s good for a mower if it doesn’t have a long runtime? Fortunately, both RYOBI 40V and DeWalt 20V mowers operate for a sufficient period to mow a medium to small-sized yard. The RYOBI 40V mower comes with two 40-volt batteries with 6Ah power each. The mower also has an onboard space for storing the second battery.
Many gardeners struggle with electronic mowers with batteries incapable of mowing large-sized lawns on a single charge. But that’s not the case with the RYOBI 40V mower. Its two 6Ah batteries are powerful enough to mow a yard at least 1.5 times again. You will have a runtime of up to 70 minutes on a single charge.
Meanwhile, the DeWalt 20V max mower also comes with two batteries of 20V and 10Ah of power. On a single charge, you can have a runtime of 60 minutes maximum. However, remember that the runtime depends on trimming 1⁄3 of the grass length, height adjustment, and the number of batteries you use.
Simply put, both lawn mowers have high-performing batteries, but RYOBI 40V has 10 minutes more runtime than its counterpart. So, we can call RYOBI a winner in this department.
Height Adjustment
Height adjustment is a crucial factor in electric mowers that makes or breaks your mowing efforts. A mower with improper or insufficient height adjustment won’t give you the desired cutting experience. As a result, you’ll be unsatisfied even after spending lots of time mowing the lawn.
Again, there is a tie between RYOBI 40V vs. DeWalt 20V mower regarding the height adjustment. The RYOBI 40V mower has a 10″ high-wheel design with seven settings for height adjustment. This allows you to easily input the grass height in your lawn from 1.5” to 4”.
The best part is that the RYOBI 40V has single-point height adjustments. This means you can set the mower’s deck height single-handedly from one place instead of prying levers on the wheels.
Meanwhile, the DeWalt 20V mower comes with six options for height adjustment. You can set your lawn’s grass height from 1.5” to 4”, similar to the RYOBI mower.
However, the DeWalt mower has a dual-lever height adjustment. Many gardeners don’t find it good since the mower doesn’t display height-adjusting numbers on its rear wheels. As a result, you’ll have to measure the distance between the deck and the ground to set the mower accordingly.
Blades
You’ll find no significant difference in the blade quality and performance when comparing RYOBI 40V vs DeWalt 20V mower. Both have sharp, precise blades on the cutting deck that evenly cuts the grass and make your lawn look well-maintained.
The RYOBI mower has an inch-bigger cutting deck than DeWalt, which is good. But the difference isn’t massive enough to be noticed. Both mowers are powerful enough to give good cutting results in multiple conditions and terrains. So, whichever mower you choose, you’ll be in for a treat.
Mulching
The RYOBI 40V and DeWalt 20V max mower have 3-in-1 mowing options. You can use the bagging, side discharging, or mulching functions when trimming your lawn’s grass. The mower also offers easy lift bag removal in a single motion. It allows you to quickly eliminate the content of the grass catcher bag and maximize your time and efforts.
Once you’re done mulching, you can fold the RYOBI 40V mower through its one-touch handles made of aluminum. This promotes convenient storage of the mower in different locations. This feature is also available in the DeWalt 20V.
With both mowers, you can achieve a clip-free mulching result in your lawn. Who doesn’t love an even, well-maintained yard?
Outstanding Features
Of course, there is no definite winner in this RYOBI 40V vs DeWalt 20V mower one-on-one. So, how can you know which one is better? To help you decide, we have listed some outstanding features of both mowers.
Therefore, evaluate your preferences and see what features you want the most. Here are some characteristics of the RYOBI 40V mower:
- Telescoping, quick-release carrying handles for convenient, vertical storage
- Hassle-free operation
- One push-button to start the mower
- Powerful LED headlights
- An onboard battery compartment for the second battery
- On-the-fly drive changes
A few distinctive features of DeWalt 20V mower include the following:
- Strong steel deck
- Power boost mode
- Occupies 70% less space when stored folded than in operation
- The auto-sensing technology boosts higher rpm to cut thick grass
- Dual-lever height adjustment for versatile cutting
- Low noise level
Warranty
If you’re still unsure, you should look for the warranty both mowers offer to stay on the safe side. Luckily, both mowers offer a significant warranty duration. The RYOBI 40V mower comes with a limited lifetime of warranty, with a 5-year tool warranty and a 3-year for the battery and charger.
On the other hand, the DeWalt 20V mower comes with a 3-year limited warranty with a year of free service. The company also ensures 90 days of customer satisfaction. So, decide wisely, as you’ll be safe either way.
Things Included in the Box
With RYOBI 40V and DeWalt 20V mowers, you will receive all the essentials in their box for the best mowing experience. This means you don’t have to buy anything separately and start mowing as quickly as possible.
The RYOBI 40V mower has a 40V 6Ah battery, a 40V rapid charger, and the owner’s manual. Meanwhile, the DeWalt 20V mower includes two 10Ah MAX batteries, 20V MAX* 1.25 Amp charger, a safety key, and an instruction manual in the box. It also comes with a collection bag and a side discharge chute.
RYOBI 40V vs. DeWalt 20V Max Mower: 5 Must-Know Facts
We know it’s hard to decide the winner between both mowers since their performance and features are similar. However, there must be a winner, right? You can’t spend money on buying both! So, let’s go through the 5 must-know facts relevant to this RYOBI 40V vs DeWalt 20V mower one-on-one.
- RYOBI 40V and DeWalt 20V mowers require a key to start working. You can store it in the battery compartment to not lose it anytime.
- Both mowers come with load sensors that stop the blades when too much load is ahead. However, it could be a bummer if the technology stops the mower during thick grass mulching.
- The battery life of RYOBI and DeWalt mowers is 70 and 60 minutes, respectively. However, DeWalt’s customer reviews show that many users complain about the mower’s runtime. It can stop working after 20 minutes!
- RYOBI 40V and DeWalt 20V mowers come with foldable handles, so you can easily store them anywhere. The DeWalt mower takes 70% less space when folded than in operation.
- You don’t have to use oil or gas to operate these battery-powered mowers. Instead, to start mowing, find the push-start button on your RYOBI 40V or DeWalt 20V mower.
RYOBI 40V Mower and DeWalt 20V Max Mower: Recent Updates
RYOBI and DeWalt have made a few updates since February 2023, including:
RYOBI 40V Mower:
- New features: EdgeGuard is a new feature that helps prevent the mower from cutting the edge of your lawn. This makes it easier to get a clean cut.
- Adjustable mowing speed: You can adjust the speed of the mower with a dial on the handle. This makes it a lot easier to mow larger lawns.
DeWalt 20V Max Mower:
- Increased battery life: The battery is now capable of mowing up to 0.75 acres on a single charge.
- Improved comfort and control: It is more comfortable to use the 20V mower because the deck height is now more adjustable.
- Improved cutting performance: There is a new, more powerful motor that makes the 20V mower better suited for mowing overgrown and thick grass.

©DeWalt – License
RYOBI 40V Mower and DeWalt 20V Max Mower: What’s Next?
Possible future updates for the RYOBI 40V Mower and the DeWalt 20V Max Mower in the next six to 18 months include:
- Improved battery technology: The technology used in batteries is constantly improving. We can expect to see batteries with longer runtime and faster charging.
- Improved comfort and control: These mowers will become easier and more comfortable for consumers.
- Improved safety features: Safety is important, and this is why we can expect both mowers to have newer, more advanced safety features.
RYOBI 40V Mower vs. DeWalt 20V Max Mower: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?
Now that you know the differences between RYOBI 40V vs. DeWalt 20V mowers, you can decide which is the right choice. Remember, no “perfect-for-all” mower exists in the market, as one device may give you different results than your friend’s. That’s because a mower’s performance depends on the outside temperature, the grass length, and the user’s technique.
We can call this RYOBI 40V vs. DeWalt 20V mower comparison a tie since they are similar in most features. However, RYOBI’s battery capacity and power are better than DeWalt’s. Other than that, you’ll find identical features in both mowers.
So, we suggest you opt for RYOBI 40V as it has a slight edge over its counterpart. However, if you want to try the DeWalt 20V mower, there is nothing wrong with it. Just make sure to check the customer reviews for both brands before buying.
- DEWALT 20V MAX Lawn Mower, 3-in-1, 2 Batteries (DCMW220P2)
- Brushless motor and (2) 20V MAX batteries that work simultaneously
- 3-in-1 feature for mulching, bagging, and side discharging
- Heavy-duty 20-inch metal deck
- Best for properties up to 1/4 acre
- Folding handle and lift handles for easy transport and compact storage

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