Ryobi is a well-known power tool manufacturer and more recently ventured into the outdoor power equipment sector. In doing so, they’ve expanded beyond their tried and true 18V line into larger battery packs more suited for this larger equipment. This includes their 40V and 80V line lawnmowers.
Recently, Robi unveiled a new 80 Volt mower that’s taking on other lawnmowers on the market. It is significantly larger and suited for even the biggest backyards. Meanwhile, their 40V line includes several different lawn mower options, not to mention weed eaters and blowers. These 40 Volt mowers are very similar to traditional gas mowers. In our Ryobi 80V Mower Vs Ryobi 40V Mower below, we explore both mowers in detail.
Ryobi 80V Mower vs Ryobi 40V Mower: Side-by-Side Comparison
| 80V Ryobi | 40V Ryobi | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | RYPM8010 | RY401140US |
| Deck size | 30″ | 21″ |
| Price | Unknown | $700 |
| Batteries | 1-80V 10 Ah | 2-40V 6 Ah |
| Runtime (with included batteries) | 90 Minutes | 70 Minutes |
| Warranty | 5 Year Mower/5 Year Battery | 5 Year Mower/3 Year Battery |
- Power Source: Corded Electric, Battery Powered
- Material: Polypropylene
- Colors: Gray, Black, Green
- Style: Cordless
- Cutting Width: 21 inches
- 7 Positions
Ryobi 80V Mower vs Ryobi 40V Mower: What’s the Difference?
80V mower is larger and designed for bigger yards. However, it is also much more powerful thanks to its larger battery pack. But that isn’t to say Ryobi 40V isn’t a great mower. In fact, most users will find it perfect for their needs. So let’s take an in-depth look at what sets them apart.
Models
The Ryobi 80V is the only model push mower currently in that battery lineup. Ryobi previously had other 80 Volt mowers, but they were all discontinued as they rebooted the product line. In contrast, Ryobi 40V lineup has a number of options.
Our comparison will look at the Ryobi RYPM8010 in the 80V line. Then for the 40V, the RY401140US. Both mowers include batteries and many accessories, which we will explore further in a moment. But you can also purchase other bundles with the 40V mower minus batteries or other tools.
Power
While both mowers are part of Ryobi’s lineup, they couldn’t be more different. Both use a brushless motor which is fairly common in most electric mowers today. The two batteries are entirely different, with the 80V more closely resembling the power of a gas-powered mower.
With that in mind, the 80V also has a much larger deck as well as four spinning blades which consume a significant amount of power. On the other hand, the 40V has just a single blade that it needs to spin in order to cut. We’ll get into runtimes shortly, but you should know that the 80V does have a significantly longer runtime than the 40V.
Where the 40V stands out is that it holds two batteries, and the RY401140US does come with two. This is a major improvement over some of the other electric mowers in the market, such as Ego ones that do not have space for two batteries. Unfortunately, it does not automatically switch between the two, so you will have to use the included key to change what battery is drawing power.
The Ryobi 40V includes 2-6 Ah batteries. Although these are not the largest especially compared to other mower batteries, they will provide a good runtime of 70 minutes when both are used. Meanwhile, the Ryobi 80V comes with a single 10 Ah battery pack which Ryobi claims will be able to handle 90 minutes of runtime or cut an entire acre.
Deck
Both mowers have a stronger composite deck than cheaper plastic ones and aren’t susceptible to rust. But if you are concerned, the 40V does actually come with a lifetime deck warranty. They also use solid replaceable steel blades. The 40V has a 21-inch deck, while the 80V has a massive 30-inch deck.
While having the ability to cut large swaths of grass sounds amazing, you may find it difficult to maneuver smaller spaces. The 80V uses crosscut blades, two blades stacked on each other. Additionally, it uses two pairs side-by-side to achieve a wide cutting area.
Accessories
The accessories that come with each mower are nearly identical. With both the 40V and 80V Ryobi, you get a mulching kit, a clippings bag, and a discharge chute. This way, you can choose the mower function and change it on the fly without having to worry about purchasing any other accessories. In addition, you also get the respective charger for each mower.
Ease of Use
Both mowers operate very similarly and are equally easy to use. They function like most other electric mowers on the market, where all you have to do is insert a battery, press a button, pull back the lever, and start mowing. The biggest difference in operation is that the 80V uses a single large battery pack while the 40V can hold 2 smaller batteries.
Some mowers on the market, like the DeWalt 20V, require you to have two batteries in at a time, but that is not how the 40V operates. Instead, you can choose to have either one or two batteries in and use the included key to switch between the two. Both mowers are also self-propelled with rear-wheel drive, and best of all, the wheel speed is completely adjustable for your comfort.
Pricing
Electric mowers tend to be more expensive than their gas-powered counterparts. This additional cost is mainly due to the expensive batteries. However, the higher price tag may be validated by the fact that you don’t have to mess with gas and that maintenance is significantly less. Additionally, you can use electric mower batteries in other power equipment, therefore, spreading out the cost.
The Ryobi 40V has an MSRP of $700. That includes the mower, 2-6 Ah batteries, plus a charger. Fortunately, the mower is commonly on sale and often priced at $600, which is still pricier than other electric mowers. The 80V, by comparison, does not have a price announced yet; however, Ryobi has made the battery available, and it costs about $900.
Warranty
The warranty is one of the most important things you should consider, especially for expensive purchases like this. Having a long warranty period not only guarantees years of use but also affirms a company’s faith in its products. Because Ryobi sells 40V and 80V mowers, you probably think they have the same warranty, but they do not.
The Ryobi 40V has a fairly standard 5-year warranty on the mower, with a 3-year warranty on the batteries. But surprisingly, they include a 5-year mower and battery warranty with the 80V. This is very unusual as all of the other Ryobi batteries only come with a 3-year warranty. But this extended period is likely due to the extremely high costs of the 80V batteries.
Battery Lines
One last thing you should consider is the product lines that go along with each battery. Even though both mowers are made by Ryobi, they use completely different battery systems. The 80V mower uses a very large battery pack that is currently used in only their new riding mowers. Not to mention, this likely isn’t a battery platform you would want to invest in because the batteries are so expensive.
The 40V line of tools is much more robust, having been out for a number of years now. Ryobi makes 40V tools like blowers and weedeaters, which you can use these mower batteries in. Unfortunately, you can’t use the regular 18V Ryobi batteries with any of the 40V tools. However, you should consider the 40V mower if you plan to purchase outdoor products like a weedeater or edger.
Ryobi 80V Mower vs Ryobi 40V Mower: 5 Must-Know Facts
- Both mowers are made by Ryobi, but they are designed differently and the batteries cannot be interchanged.
- The 80V mower has two sets of blades side by side, like a riding mower.
- The Ryobi 40V has a single blade, while the 80V has a crosscut, two blades stacked on each other.
- Both mowers have a composite deck that is durable and will not rust.
- Ryobi has not unveiled the price of their 80V mower, but it will likely cost over $1,000.
Ryobi 80V Mower vs Ryobi 40V Mower: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?
At this point, the obvious winner should be clear. But this comparison is a little more complicated because the arguably better mower probably isn’t the best fit for most users. The reason is Ryobi 80V is substantially larger and will likely be overkill for most residential homes.
However, a larger electric mower would be beneficial in commercial settings like hotels where they want to keep noise to a minimum. But even so, you are better off purchasing one of the newer electric riding mowers. In addition, the cost for the Ryobi 80V will likely be astronomically high, considering the battery alone is nearly $900.
In contrast, the Ryobi 40V feels like an average electric mower, which is competitive with the 56V Ego and 40V Kobalt. Although it comes with a pretty high price tag, it also provides value. Its 2 batteries deliver over an hour of cutting time which should be sufficient for most yards. Additionally, you could still purchase extra batteries if necessary.
Ryobi’s 40V lineup has been around for a little while now and has many tools, such as snow blowers, hedge clippers, weedeaters, and even a tiller. Even if you don’t need any of those tools right now, you will have to purchase them later without buying expensive batteries. Overall, the Ryobi 40V will be the best pick unless you have a specific need that the 80V meets.
- Power Source: Corded Electric, Battery Powered
- Material: Polypropylene
- Colors: Gray, Black, Green
- Style: Cordless
- Cutting Width: 21 inches
- 7 Positions
Ryobi 80V Mower and Ryobi 40V Mower: Technology Updates
Recently, both the Ryobi 80V Mower and Ryobi 40V Mower have seen several noteworthy technology updates:
Ryobi 80V Mower
In April 2023, Ryobi introduced a software update for the 80V Mower, unveiling a novel feature known as EdgeGuard. Designed to enhance the precision of lawn trimming, EdgeGuard employs an intelligent sensor to identify the proximity of the mower to the lawn’s edge. This functionality triggers an automatic reduction in speed and eventual cessation, preventing accidental cuts at the lawn’s perimeter. Additionally, this update encompassed bug fixes and performance optimizations, contributing to an enhanced user experience.
Ryobi 40V Mower
In June 2023, Ryobi presented a software update for the 40V Mower, heralding the arrival of Dynamic Torque Control. This innovative feature operates by dynamically adjusting the mower’s power output in response to varying terrains. By detecting changes in ground elevation and contour, a sensor within the mower intelligently modulates its power to ensure optimal performance, particularly on uneven surfaces. Like its counterpart, this update also encompassed bug fixes and performance enhancements, further refining the mower’s functionality.
Delving into the specifics of these updates, it’s evident that Ryobi is committed to refining and optimizing its mowers’ capabilities:
- EdgeGuard: This technology employs a sensor-based approach to safeguard the lawn’s perimeter. By detecting proximity to the edge, the mower’s velocity is autonomously reduced, culminating in a halt, thus avoiding inadvertent trimming.
- Dynamic Torque Control: A sensor-driven mechanism, this feature dynamically adjusts the mower’s power output, tailoring it to the terrain’s characteristics. The sensor detects changes in ground slope, prompting the mower to adapt power delivery for optimal performance.
- Brushless Motor: Employing an innovative brushless motor design, these mowers exhibit heightened efficiency and durability. Absence of traditional brushes results in reduced wear and power loss, ensuring sustained performance over time.
- Wider Cutting Width: An expanded cutting width amplifies mowing efficiency by covering more ground in each pass. Particularly advantageous for larger lawns, this feature translates to reduced mowing time and increased productivity.
Ryobi 80V Mower and Ryobi 40V Mower: Looking Forward
In the forthcoming six to 18 months, anticipate a series of noteworthy technology enhancements for both the Ryobi 80V Mower and Ryobi 40V Mower:
- Enhanced Battery Life: Building upon their already commendable battery life, Ryobi is reportedly delving into pioneering battery technology. The aim is to elevate the battery life of these mowers by an impressive 50%, enabling extended and uninterrupted mowing sessions.
- Intelligent Mowing: While the Ryobi 80V Mower and Ryobi 40V Mower currently incorporate fundamental smart features, such as self-propelled and mulching modes, a new era of intelligent mowing is on the horizon. Rumors suggest Ryobi is developing advanced smart functionalities, including a GPS-enabled navigation system that crafts tailored mowing patterns. Moreover, a collision avoidance system is purportedly in the works, aimed at preventing the mower from encountering obstacles.
- Enhanced Durability: Although the existing construction of the Ryobi mowers is sturdy, efforts are underway to fortify their durability. Ryobi is said to be exploring novel materials and construction techniques that promise enhanced resistance against impacts, weather elements, and wear and tear.
- Innovative Features and Accessories: Building on its tradition of augmenting lawn care products with new features and accessories, Ryobi is poised to introduce a fresh array of options for the Ryobi 80V Mower and Ryobi 40V Mower. These might include a cutting-edge robotic mowing system designed to automate lawn maintenance, as well as a versatile snow blower attachment that can efficiently clear driveways and walkways during winter months.
