Ryobi RY40190 Review
20-Inch 40-Volt Brushless Lithium-Ion Cordless Battery Self Propelled Lawn Mower
80Good!
3.7 / 5 from 48 users
$499.95
We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you.
We spent 6 hours reading reviews from customers and experts. In summary, here's what users think:
10 reasons to buy
Several users report that the battery life is enough to mow mid-sized lawns on a single charge, suggesting that the battery capacity is adequate for typical residential use. (10 reviews)
“i can do front and back with one charge, i have a mid size lawn.”
“I have a small yard so the batteries did not run out.”
“Mowed a good 45 to 50 minutes still impressive”
“battery life 4 stars ⭐️”
“there was plenty of charge in the battery to do the entire front, side, and back yard of our lawn and it's almost 1 acre”
“Battery works great. Does midsize lawn without having to recharge.”
“The battery life is more than sufficient for my 1/3 acre lawn, and the battery recharges very quickly.”
“battery lasts about half an acre which is pretty damn good”
“Got it with a 6aH battery and it seems to last fairly well.”
“I have a 500 square foot lawn and this mower will cut it no problem only using a half charge.”
Users report that the mower is easy to handle, start, and maneuver. This suggests that the Ryobi RY40190 is user-friendly even for those who may not be familiar with lawnmowers. (10 reviews)
“I like that all you have to do is charge the batteries push a button and then its ready to go.”
“It completely moves under its own power I have a crab grass horrible lawn it never stopped moving”
“Works like a dream, better than a gas mower!I am a 68 y.o. woman and this has made it easy for me to mow my own grass!”
“As a 69 yr old lady this works well. Easy to start and maneuver”
“Lightweight and we love it.”
“The Ryobi was lighter in weight so it's easier to store, push and pull, the cutting deck height adjuster was easier to use, and the push handle was more comfortable”
“Just plug the battery in and it goes.”
“So glad I didn’t give up. It is light, compact, and so quiet.”
“OMG this thing is awesome. No worrying about the gas sitting or starting issues”
“Charging the battery is simple! Thanks”
The mower is quiet, so it's less likely to bother people in neighborhoods where loud noises are a concern. (8 reviews)
“Does the job quietly”
“More quiet then a fan in my house”
“Quiet, efficient, no muss, no fuss.”
“But is quiet and handles this country grass quite well.”
“It is light, compact, and so quiet.”
“Much quieter so I can actually wear headphones and listen to music”
“Very quiet.”
“It is really quiet”
The mower features easy height adjustment for the mowing deck, enabling users to customize the cutting height to their lawn's specific needs. (4 reviews)
“if ur grass is very high, gradually step down the size height adjustment”
“The mower height is easily adjusted.”
“the cutting deck height adjuster was easier to use”
“Single lever height adjust is great if you've ever had to deal with those horrible metal adjusters that rust and cut your hands”
The mower is noted for being lighter compared to some competitors, which can make it easier to push, pull, and store. (4 reviews)
“The Ryobi was lighter in weight so it's easier to store, push and pull”
“It is light, compact, and so quiet. My yard is a steep hill, so the weight factor really matters.”
“Liked the weight, very light.”
“extremely light”
Multiple reviews mention that the mower is well-built and sturdy, indicating that it is likely to be durable over time. (2 reviews)
“the lawn mower is sturdy and works amazing”
“the salesman said the metal deck (surrounded by plastic) was just a little thicker than the EGO so it seemed safer too”
Users like that they can change the speed settings to find the best mowing pace, which makes the mower easy to use. (2 reviews)
“the speed level is adjustable, if u use middle speed its enough juice to do both lawn and even trim”
“I've only used the lowest speed so far and that is plenty fast enough.”
The ability to fold the mower is highlighted, making it a space-saving option for those with limited storage space. (2 reviews)
“folds up very nice and space saver”
“there is only 2 positions to lower and raise the handle and 1 to slide the handle all the way up and 1 to go down all the way for storage”
The mower is self-propelled, which reduces the effort required to push it, especially on challenging lawns. (2 reviews)
“It completely moves under its own power”
“wanted to stay with Ryobi for a self-propelled”
The presence of a storage compartment for a spare battery is noted, which is handy for users who wish to have a backup battery on hand. (2 reviews)
“It also has a place for a spare battery.”
“the Ryobi also had a separate storage compartment for the battery when not in use”
4 reasons not to buy
Users report that the Ryobi RY40190 started to fail after about a year, with issues such as stalling and failure to turn on. It also took a long time to get fixed. (6 reviews)
“we have now had 2 of the battery operated 20" Ryobi mowers and both have now failed within months of each other after being owned for about a year. They were initially constantly stalling (more than 30 times) while cutting a tiny lawn. One went for repairs. It was in the shop for 4 months while they "waited for parts". Finally got the mower back, worked for 2 cuts and now won't even turn on. The other mower has now been in the shop for 2 months and is still not repaired.”
“This happened continuously. I had to cut the lawn walking backwards so I didn't put downward pressure on the handle which would trigger the safety cutoff. ... I sent it back to Ryobi 4 mo ago. I haven't heard a peep.”
“Then, after 10 months, the self-propel got stuck in the on position. Made it impossible to mow, trying to hold it back against the highest self-propel setting.”
“Except that the new mower would randomly cut out. The problem continued after several cuts.”
“Minimum 12 week delay for warranty repair in summer for same issue it was brought in for 2x prior.”
“it does last long or stay on long enough. I kept having to restart it”
There are complaints about the quality of the cut, with the mower missing or not cutting all blades of grass in its path. (5 reviews)
“I have used lawn mowers for many years and I have never seen a mower that misses or just doesn’t cut all blades of grass in its path.”
“This mower has a lousy blade that cuts very unevenly, infact in order to get a good level cut I have to go back over what I mowed twice.”
“discovered it did not cut my Bermuda grass at all where my old 20V cut on the second notch”
“Will not cut more than the tips of grass without bogging down.”
“I have it at the lowest setting and it barely even cuts the tops off of grass or weeds.”
Some users report that the battery takes a long time to charge. (4 reviews)
“it does take a while for charge the battery but its fine.”
“Oh, and we can't forget the battery that takes half a day to charge”
“It takes entirely too long to charge battery”
“Takes hours to recharge”
The cost of replacing the battery is noted to be high, with one user stating it is nearly $150. (3 reviews)
“Be prepared to cough out almost $150 when the battery dies.”
“for only 45 minutes of run time that costs $150 to replace”
“The batteries have a short lifespan and are expensive to replace.”
Bottom Line
The Ryobi RY40190 is a user-friendly, self-propelled mower ideal for mid-sized lawns, with a battery that lasts a single mow. It's quiet, lightweight, and features adjustable height and speed, making it a breeze to handle. It folds for easy storage and has a compartment for a spare battery. While sturdy and easy to use, some users face issues after a year, such as stalling, and note it can miss grass or take a while to charge. Battery replacement costs are high.
Facts
| Brand | RYOBI |
|---|---|
| Cutting Width (in) | 20 inch |
| Features | Electric Start , Mulching , Bagging |
| Max Cutting Height | 4" |
| Min Cutting Height | 1-1/2" |
| Power Source | Battery |
| Category | Self Propelled Mowers |
| Warranty | 5 Years |
| Weight | 55 lbs |
| Additional Info | 5.0 Ah Battery and Charger Included, Rear Wheel Drive, Gas Like Power, LED Light, Telescoping Handle |
Video Reviews
Tips for Ryobi RY40190
- Battery life will depend on self propel usage and grass height and thickness. It is recommended to purchase a backup battery to ensure uninterrupted use.
- For the best cuts, sharpen the blades before the next season.
Special Features
- Refurbished Product Assurance: This mower is like a second-hand car that's been made to feel brand new. It's been checked out, cleaned up, and is ready to go, but might come in a plain box.
- 40-Volt Brushless Lithium-Ion Battery: It's battery powered, so you won't need to deal with gas or cords. It's strong like a gas mower but quieter and cleaner for the air.
- Self-Propelled Rear Wheel Drive: It moves itself forward, which is easier on your back, and does a great job going up slopes and keeping your mowing lines straight.
- Intelligent Brushless Motor with Load Sensing Technology: The mower's brain knows when the grass is thick and tough, so it cuts tougher when needed but saves energy when it's easy going.
- Extended Runtime: You can mow for a longer time without needing to recharge the battery, thanks to its smart energy use.
- 20-Inch Cutting Deck: The cutting part is nice and wide, so you cover more lawn in less time.
- 2-in-1 Mulching and Bagging: You can either chop the grass up fine to feed your lawn or collect it in a bag to keep things tidy.
- 7-Position Single Lever Height Adjustment: You can easily change how short you want to cut your grass with just one lever.
- Reduced Maintenance: You won't have to fuss with oil changes, spark plugs, or filters. It's a lot less work to keep it running well.
- Compact Storage: The handle folds down so you can store the mower without it taking up too much room in your shed or garage.
FAQ
- Q:
Can the Ryobi RY40190 be used without the bag?
- A:
Yes. The mower can be used without the bag. Simply insert the mulching plug after removing the bag and you’re all set.
- Q:
Does the battery charger have a 110v input or 110v to 240v input?
- A:
The battery charger has an input of 110v only.
- Q:
Do you need to keep the batteries attached to its charger over the winter?
- A:
It is recommended to remove the battery from its charger once fully charged and store in a dry and warm location to get the best of its battery life.
- Q:
What material is the mower’s deck made of?
- A:
The mower’s deck is made out of plastic.
- Q:
Can the mower’s speed be adjusted?
- A:
Yes. The RY40190’s speed can be changed.
- Q:
Can the mower be used on slopes?
- A:
Yes, the mower is lightweight and has self-propel. It does very well on sloped yards.
Similar Products
 |  |  |  |  | |
| Name | EGO Power+ LM2102SP | Greenworks 80V 21" | Greenworks MO80L510 | Greenworks 40V 21" | EGO Power+ LM2135SP |
| Final Score | 99 Superb! | 97 Superb! | 93 Great! | 92 Great! | 89 Good! |
| Category | Self Propelled Mowers | Self Propelled Mowers | Self Propelled Mowers | Self Propelled Mowers | Self Propelled Mowers |
| Power Source | Battery | Battery | Battery | Battery | Battery |
| Cutting Width | 21 inch | 21 inch | 21 inch | 21 inch | 21 inch |