Ryobi lawn mower maintenance. RYOBI Lawn Mower: 5 Reasons to Get an Electric…

RYOBI Lawn Mower: 5 Reasons to Get an Electric Lawn Mower For Your Yard!

I’ve been a die-hard RYOBI outdoor tools fan since I started teaming up with them several years ago. One of my favorite products has always been the RYOBI lawn mower (the electric lawn mower, might I add), and for a good reason: when we moved into this old 1970’s home back in 2010, my husband bought a clunker of a gas-powered lawn mower that I could never use.

I couldn’t quite muster up enough strength to pull the doggone cord and push the required buttons (that little bulb-thingy). I don’t know what all the parts are called. You know, that cord thingy. Is that a throttle…? Okay–tangent. Back to the story.

What I can tell you is that after that first awkward attempt, I left grass cutting my husband.

And I’ll be honest with you, I’m not the type of woman that is known to “leave” anything to a man.

Thankfully, I got my hands on the last three models of RYOBI 40V electric lawn mowers, which have been a game-changer for being able to take care of my grass (or, in my case, my weeds, since we have very little grass).

Let’s talk about the 5 reasons why, if you’re a homeowner, you definitely need to dump your gas-powered and get an RYOBI electric lawn mower, too!

Reason #1: You’re a Weakling

Okay, I’m being facetious here (and I do include myself in this population!). But the truth is that gas-powered lawn mowers require pulling a starter cord. If you’ve ever tried it, you know how it feels like you’re about to pull your arm off. It’s like a comedy show for the neighbors to witness, am I right?

If you’re lacking upper arm and body, or you’ve got a shoulder problem or gripping issues, this could be really difficult.

Because RYOBI’s lawn mowers are 40V battery-powered, starting their lawn mowers are only a 2-step process (like their newest mower): pull the lime green handle and then push the “BLADE” button. BOOM, you’re up and running in literally 3 seconds. No struggling. No ripping your arm out of your socket. It’s that easy. And makes me look like less of a clown in front of unsuspecting neighbors.

Reason #2: It’s Self-Propelled

The latest thing in electric lawn mowers is something called “self-propelled.” This basically means that instead of you “heaving and ho’ing” your lawn mower around your yard, you’re letting it do the grunt work for you. You’re simply guiding it.

The previous model of RYOBI electric lawn mowers (which you can still buy from The Home Depot), had this helpful dial that allowed you to tell the lawn mower how quickly to go. It took some getting used to because if you weren’t expecting it, you might be dragged across the yard (don’t ask me how I know this….HA!).

But what I liked about it is that the uphill slope of my yard was the easiest thing to mow! Set that baby in the middle of MIN and MAX and I simply babysat it while it did its job.

The newest self-propelled RYOBI lawn mowers have something called Smart-TREK™ technology which makes it more intuitive. As you walk faster, it moves faster. As you slow down, the mower slows down. It’s like taking your trained lawn mower pet out for a walk around your yard!

Reason #3: It’s Super Quiet!

When hubby would run the old gas-powered lawn mower, you’d hear it from inside the house. Heck–when the guy across the street mows his grass, you hear it from inside the house! I’ll admit that the sound of a loud, gas-powered lawn mower is one of the sounds of summer that instantly makes me want to open the Windows and let in a little sunlight (and noise pollution in the afternoon).

But the sound of a gas-powered lawn mower at 7 a.m. on a Saturday morning when you’re stirring from a lazy sleep is not quite as inviting!

The RYOBI electric lawn mower is so quiet that not only do you not disturb your neighbors, but it’s so quiet that it doesn’t rattle you to the core while mowing. There are no uncomfortable vibrations in the handle. And I don’t even need hearing protection because it’s not ear-splitting!

Reason #4: It’s Better For the Environment

Let’s be honest about something, shall we? Global warming is definitely real. Emissions from many sources, including gasoline, are killing this planet. We have the technology to dump gas. I won’t get all political on you, but those are the facts. You can’t argue with fact. If we can run cars on electric, we can certainly run all of our lawn tools on electric, as well. Zero emissions mean we’re protecting the environment. You don’t have to feel guilty about harming the environment every time you mow your lawn (or when you’re doing any other type of lawn maintenance!)

Reason #5: There’s No “Off-Season” Maintenance Needed

Gas-powered lawn mowers require replacing the oil, spark plugs, air filters, removing the excess gas, adding fuel stabilizer…Who knows how to do all of that?! Surely not me. Without that maintenance, you might risk not being able to start your lawn mower the following season. But with RYOBI electric lawn mowers, simply remove the 40V battery, fold it up, and store it out of the way until spring comes again.

The Most Annoying Thing About Electric Lawn Mowers

Now that I’ve told you all the reasons you need to get an electric lawn mower, now I’ve got to tell you the single biggest annoyance about electric lawn mowers (or, rather, about all electric lawn tools). Because you know life isn’t perfect and negatives do exist. So here is my biggest complaint about electric lawn tools:

It’s annoying when the batteries die on you!

This has happened to me on more than one occasion, and it really has nothing to do with a brand. Let’s just call this what it is–ahem–user error.

When you transition from gas to electric, you’ve got to have enough battery power to keep things going until you’ve finished the entire job. Battery-powered lawn mowers and lawn tools are just as powerful as gas-powered, but if you’re not running on a full charge, you’ll run out of power before you even work up a sweat from the sun beating down on you.

Therefore, here are some solutions to combat batteries dying on you in the middle of yard clean up with your electric lawn tools:

• Fully charge your batteries. Set up a charging station so that your batteries are always fully charged and ready. Which leads me to my next point….
• Have at least 4 to 6 batteries on hand. Notice how I said “keep your batteries fully charged.” That’s plural for more than one. Depending on how many electric lawn tools you have, including the size of your yard, you’ll need enough power to last throughout the entire yard clean-up. The RYOBI 40V 6.0 Ah Lithium-ion battery will last for an entire 1/2 acre on a single charge, which is great! But you’ll also likely be using an electric 40V hedge trimmer….a 40V string trimmer for the details…and more, so be sure to have several batteries available to keep you going when you’re in your flow. One thing I love about the RYOBI electric lawn mowers is that it accepts a 40V battery, but also allows you to store an additional battery on deck so if the battery runs out, you can quickly swap them, for continuous mowing. LOVE that!

While I’m pointing out dual battery slots, I should mention that the RYOBI backpack blower just came out! It actually uses two 40V batteries! This is more than enough power to blow all the leaves and debris from your yard before the batteries run out! electric tools should be made with this capability.

My house sits on 1/3 of an acre, so the new RYOBI 40V 20 inch brushless Smart-Trek self-propelled mower is the perfect option for me. I like that I can easily fold it up and find a place for it in the garage that doesn’t take up much space.

My Outdoor Overhaul Makeover Challenge!

This month I’ve started tackling my yard (both front and back) for our annual outdoor challenge. RYOBI and I teamed up to inspire readers and views on my YouTube channel to tackle their yard, as well. (Watch our “BEFORE” and “AFTER” makeovers from last year’s challenge).

This year, three other bloggers have joined and we’re using our RYOBI electric mowers, string trimmers, and blowers to turn our yards into hangout spots for our friends and family this spring and summer!

IN PROGRESS!

So far, I’ve gotten new front doors that the Home Depot came to install. I love how modern they look! The challenge will be making the rest of the exterior look just as modern!

Now I just need to finish cutting that grass…trimming those hedges….pressure washing the front step and sidewalk, and getting the walkway trimmed and edged.

WEEK 1: See my “BEFORE” Space!

In Week 1, I showed you what my yard looked like (watch below). For Week 2, I am tackling the front yard: mowing the grass, pressure washing the front walkway, clipping the hedges, and updating my mailbox. Curb appeal is important! You don’t want people pulling up for a get-together, only to gasp when they see how broke-down your front yard looks, right?! LOL

Week 3 I’ll be tackling the back patio and fire pit seating area!

This poor mailbox is getting an update, along with some string trimmer clippings of the weeds and grass around the bricks! Oh–and pretty flowers will be planted, as well.

So What Do YOU Think about Electric Lawn Mowers and Yard Tools?

This past weekend when I was at the Home Depot PROspective event in Atlanta, I was able to speak to many companies embracing electric technology. I asked one of the reps, “Do you know of any companies that are not getting on the electric tools bandwagon?” His response was eye-opening. He said that it’s not companies that aren’t welcoming the technology, it’s some die-hard gas-powered customers who are not willing to give the technology a chance.

That was eye-opening. But I’m pretty sure that gas-powered tools are a dying breed when it’s so evident that electric lawn tools are:

• Better for the environment (no emissions–hello!)
• Affordable
• Quiet
• Easier to use for all people, no matter size or physical abilities (not just burly men)
• Easier to stow away off-season.

I’m honored to be working with RYOBI Outdoor tools to get the word out about the benefits of electric lawn tools!

Join the Outdoor Overhaul Makeover Challenge 2.0!

As I transform my yard with the help of RYOBI tools, be sure to stay tuned and see my progress! And don’t forget to check out the progress of my fellow bloggers as they make over their yards! If you’d like to participate in the challenge, be sure to share a “BEFORE” and “AFTER” picture of your yard makeover on Instagram, and tag @RYOBIToolsUSA and @ThriftDiving with the hashtags #RYOBIOutdoorChallenge and #HangoutChallenge! Check out the official rules here.

Good luck and check out my fellow bloggers’ progress in the challenge!

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First-Time Lawn Mower Buyer? Here’s How To Pick the Right Mower for Your Lawn

Choosing the right lawn mower for your first home or rental doesn’t have to be a challenge. Knowing the size of your lawn, your limitations, and your budget can help.

Ok, so you bought your first home, your grass is getting unruly, and you don’t have a lawn mower for routine lawn maintenance. Don’t dwell on those stares from Chuck and his “perfectly manicured lawn”; you can get the right tool to kick your grass, too. So how do you pick the correct self-propelled, electric riding mower, lawn tractor, or zero-turn mower for your lawn?

How do I know what mower to buy?

First-time lawn mower buyers should take factors like their level of mobility, lawn size, topography, and budget when choosing the right mower for your landscape. For instance, a suburban home with a ¼ acre of lawn space probably doesn’t require a high-dollar riding mower.

However, if physical concerns preclude you from pushing a self-propelled mower, a small riding mower can speed up your lawn maintenance and take the strain off your back and knees. over, a riding mower or lawn tractor with a hydrostatic transmission and 22 horsepower will have little issue traversing steep hills on a sloped property.

Still, electric self-propelled units take swappable power packs like the RYOBI 40V batteries. Better yet, some can cost under 200 and tackle a small lawn with relative ease.

What is the right size mower?

According to Popular Mechanics, ¼ acre lawns or smaller are self-propelled territory. Further, anything above that size might warrant a riding or zero-turn unit for ease, time management, and comfort.

Of course, these are simply guidelines. Some owners with large properties might not have the budget for a gleaming, new commercial zero-turn mower. In those cases, a preowned model or having the patience to use a riding mower is an option.

Additionally, zero-turn mowers tend to have the easiest time balancing large lawns and tight spaces. Still, zero-turns are often more expensive than lawn tractors. For instance, Lawn Love says the average lawn tractor costs around 3,515. However, the average zero-turn costs about 1,535 more than the home-use tractors, for a total of 5,050.

What type of lawn mower is easiest to use?

The easiest lawn mowers to operate and maintain are small, self-propelled units. Furthermore, some of the most straightforward mowers today are electric models, like the EGO Power and RYOBI Dual Blade 21-inch self-propelled mowers. Both models earned top scores from The Spruce for ease and performance.

over, manufacturers like CRAFTSMAN, Toro, and Honda produce many gas-powered mowers with decks larger than 20 inches. While running a tool with an internal combustion engine (ICE) isn’t as straightforward as seating a removable lithium battery, these gas-powered units are cheap and straightforward.

When it comes to choosing a lawn mower for home use, most American renters and homeowners will get the job done with a self-propelled unit. However, in some rural and large-lot landscapes, a small-deck application might not cut it.

Ryobi RM480E Battery Powered Riding Mower Review

Bridging the gap between battery powered solutions and the traditional riding mower, the Ryobi RM480E is quiet, feature-rich, and nearly maintenance-free.The batteries—if they last as long as your typical golf cart—should be expected to run for 5 years (maybe more). After that, replacements will run you around 110-140 each. That means that while you’re not paying for fuel, you could have a 440 to 560 bill every 5-10 years depending on your use. Keep the mower charger plugged in to maintain the batteries and that time should trend towards the long side. Compared to gas products, that might be close to a wash—but with the added benefit of less maintenance and no winterization.

With all the developments in battery powered outdoor power equipment (OPE), one thing has been elusive. There are not many sources for battery powered riding mowers. The Mean Green Nemesis NXR mower was the first we personally saw, but its 8,999 starting price hardly seems affordable for the average homeowner. The Ryobi battery powered riding mower comes in as the first sub-3,000 battery-powered riding mower that offers all of the conveniences of an electric mower for the consumer. The nearest competitor is the 42-inch Cub Cadet RZT-S42 Zero for 3,999. Is the RYOBI RM480E mower for everyone? Probably not, but finding the best electric battery lawn mower is about more than price—you have a myriad of factors at play.

Why a Battery-Powered Riding Mower?

While this is a hands-on review, I think it’s also good to address why you would want to buy a battery powered riding mower. For starters, this mower requires almost no maintenance. Since the twin brushless motors driving the dual 19″ blades use direct drive, there are no belts to maintain. No gas engine also means no spark plugs, fuel, or air filters to replace. Finally, a battery-powered mower uses no gas, so fumes and winterization become a thing of the past. Sound convenient? It is. This may be the single biggest set of reasons why you’d want to consider paying the premium for a Ryobi battery-powered lawnmower over other gas-powered models.

You may also simply want a more eco-friendly mowing solution. If your yard is bigger than what can be done with a battery-powered push mower, the Ryobi RM480E would be your nearest and most affordable option.

Convenience Features for the Ryobi RM480E Riding Mower

With the Ryobi RM480E battery powered riding mower, you pretty much just charge it up and get going. It uses four 12V lead-acid batteries. That gives you a 48V system with a 75Ah, 4000Wh power plant. Those batteries, combined with the three direct-drive brushless motors (the third is on the drive train) deliver two hours of runtime. That should be enough to cover up to two acres of land on a single charge. This system also makes it easy to replace the batteries once the 3-year warranty expires.

While the Ryobi battery-powered riding mower can run for two hours, charging should be done continuously when not in use. Keeping the riding mower plugged in and charged is the best way to maintain and care for those four sealed lead-acid batteries. In this way, the Ryobi riding mower operates much like an electric golf cart.

Control Panel

Unlike most riding mowers, sitting in the Ryobi RM480E is like riding in a high-tech go-kart. The control panel is much more advanced than your traditional mower and features an easy-to-read LED gauge for both battery level (bars) and total hours operated (numerical readout).

At the top of the panel is the blade engagement knob. Pull it up, and the blades engage. Slap it down, and they’ll stop rotating. Below that, you find the direction control switch and buttons for the cruise control and LED headlights. The keyed switch is below the digital gauge as is the USB port. To the right of the entire panel lies a vertically-oriented space that can hold your smartphone. There’s also an override for mowing while in Reverse gear.

Comfort and Seating

The seat on the Ryobi battery-powered riding mower has a couple of springs to cushion the ride and an adjustment lever to slide it front and back. This mower uses a steering wheel, so it operates in a way that’s more familiar to those who may not have mastered a traditional zero-turn. And this isn’t a zero-turn mower—but it’s got a fairly tight turning radius nonetheless.

Just like a go-kart—which, again, the Ryobi riding mower resembles more than a little—the accelerator is on the right, and the brake is on the left. The foot pedal is easy to depress, but there is a bit of lag when you get it started. This is a mixed bag. You wouldn’t want a sudden acceleration when you hit the pedal, but at times it felt a little bit on the sluggish side. If you like to drink water or something when you mow, a cup holder is located behind and to the left of the seat. It’s just behind the deck height lever and can hold only smaller containers.

Ryobi Riding Mower Blades Brakes

Push down the Ryobi riding mower brake all the way, and you can engage the parking brake on the left just below the steering wheel. Be sure to do this when you park the mower after the job is done.

The Ryobi RM480E uses twin 19″ blades that are driven directly by two brushless motors. That gives this mower a 38″ cutting deck. There are twelve (12) height options for the deck, from 1.5 to 4.5-inches. One problem we ran into repeatedly, was that the location of the deck height lever is easily dislodged when you exit the mower. I hit it nearly every time and had to reset it before mowing.

The Ryobi RM480E is led by scalping wheels which keep the blades and deck from digging in when you come to a hill or uneven ground. A mulching plug is included and was simple to install. I left it in for our testing.

Getting Up to Cruising Speed

The Ryobi 48V riding mower also includes cruise control. The cruise control is activated by a button on the console and holds the speed wherever you have it set. I used it constantly during my testing as it’s easy to engage and disengage. Headlights would seem odd, except for the fact that the mower is really quiet compared to comparable gas-powered models. For the first time ever, you really can get away with mowing the lawn in the evening. The mower isn’t silent, mind you, but the drive motor and spinning blades are the only noise sources. From the seat, we measured 92 dB SPL, which is about the same noise you get from a 48-inch zero-turn prior to spinning up the blades. It’s also about 6-7 dB SPL less than a typical gas-powered product like the Exmark Radius X Series zero turn mower or the John Deere ZTrak Z355E in cutting mode.

Since the Ryobi battery powered riding mower uses brushless motors, the Reverse gear is unique. Rather than the levers of a typical ZT or a manual gearshift, the RM480E uses a simple rocker switch for Forward, Neutral, and Reverse. If you want to cut in reverse, however, you need to push an additional button on the control panel. Once activated, the blades will continue to spin when you reverse the drive.

Using the Ryobi Battery Powered Riding Mower

The mower drives quickly when the blades aren’t engaged—around 8mph. With the blades spinning, speed drops to around 5mph. In reverse, you go a bit slower—just 3mph. Cutting was authoritative over typical grass. We did, however, run into an unusual drought here in Central Florida. We had to wait over a month before the grass was anywhere near mowable. When it finally began to rain—man, that grass shot up quickly! That gave us a nice mix of short and tall grass areas.

In some places, the grass was more than a little unruly. Those areas required a significant decrease in speed in order to not stall the blades. This is definitely going to be atypical for most users—but be aware that if you wait too long, you’ll need to adjust your cutting technique accordingly.

The ride on the Ryobi battery powered mower is a tad on the bumpy side. Some of that is a factor of the smaller frame and seat. It was by no means uncomfortable, but you do experience a lot more movement. This goes hand-in-hand with the expected yard size that would accompany this mower. A yard over 1 to 1-1/2 acres would definitely benefit from a more comfortable ride and seating.

Cruise control worked really well, and the lack of a zero turning radius means you’ll likely end up with more of a circular cutting pattern as opposed to back-and-forth. You can touch the brake to disable cruise control or deactivate it via the push button switch.

Ryobi RM480E Battery Powered Riding Mower Features Specs

• Speed: 8mph (drive), 5mph (cutting), 3mph (reverse)
• Deck height: 12-position (1.5 – 4.5 in.)
• Deck width: 38-inches
• Blades: 2×19″ precision cut steel
• Side-discharge, mulching, or bag (option)
• Cruise control
• USB charging (1.0A)
• LED headlights
• Drive: Rear-wheel (Fwd/Rev/Neutral)
• Run-time: 2 acres/2 hours
• Weight: 595 lbs.
• Seat: Adjustable w/dual springs
• Control panel: Battery level, hour meter
• Start key
• Operator presence control
• Parking brake
• Optional accessories: 2-bin soft bagger with bagging blades, mulching blades
• Retail price: 2699 (75Ah battery)
• Retail price: 2899 (100Ah battery)
• Bagger: 299
• Replacement blades

Conclusion

So back to our initial discussion: Is the Ryobi battery powered riding mower good for everyone? Probably not—but this is an impressive product that comes in at a significantly lower price than every other battery-powered model currently on the market.

I think the 75Ah model works well for those whose yards fall in the neighborhood of 3/4 to 1 acre. Exceed that size, and you want to pay the 200 premium for the 100Ah model. It will get you to that 1-1/2 acre lot size or more. A larger deck and some more speed also come in handy.

If your yard is under 1/2 acre, then the Ryobi RY40180 40V brushless mower might be a more economical solution.

The batteries—if they last as long as your typical golf cart—should be expected to run for 5 years (maybe more). After that, replacements will run you around 110-140 each. That means that while you’re not paying for fuel, you could have a 440 to 560 bill every 5-10 years depending on your use. Keep the mower charger plugged in to maintain the batteries and that time should trend towards the long side. Compared to gas products, that might be close to a wash—but with the added benefit of less maintenance and no winterization.

We enjoyed using the Ryobi riding mower. It really is nearly maintenance-free. I can appreciate that and look forward to more innovation from Ryobi and others in the area over the coming years.

Clint DeBoer

When he’s not playing with the latest power tool, Clint DeBoer enjoys life as a husband, father, and avid reader—especially the Bible. He loves Jesus, has a degree in recording engineering, and has been involved in multimedia and/or online publishing in one form or another since 1992.

Clint’s career has covered nearly the entire realm of audio and video production. After graduating at the top of his class with an Associates Degree in Recording Engineering, he began working for the famed Soundelux studios in 1994, one of the largest post-production companies specializing in audio for feature films television. Working on a myriad of feature films, Clint honed his skills as a dialogue editor, foley editor, and sound designer. Years later, he moved into the expanding area of video editing, where he served as the company’s senior AVID video editor for three years.

Working for such clients as Universal Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Paramount Home Entertainment, NASA, Universal Studios, Planet Hollywood, SEGA, NASCAR, and others, Clint DeBoer dealt extensively with client management as well as film video editing, color correction, and digital video MPEG compression. He also carries several THX certifications (Technician I and II, THX Video), and is ISF Level II Certified.

After founding the CD Media, Inc. publishing company in 1996, he went on to help start or grow several successful online publications, including Audioholics (as Editor-in-Chief for 12 years), Audiogurus, and AV Gadgets. In 2008, Clint founded Pro Tool Reviews followed by the landscape and outdoor power equipment-focused OPE Reviews in 2017. He also heads up the Pro Tool Innovation Awards, an annual awards program honoring innovative tools and accessories across the trades.

Crediting God and his excellent staff for the success of what is now the largest power tool review publication in the industry, Clint DeBoer hopes to see continued growth for the company as it rapidly expands its reach. Pro Tool Reviews critically reviews hundreds of hand tools, power tools, and accessories each year to help inform users about the best and newest products in the industry. Reaching everyone from the construction industry professional and tradesman to the serious DIYer, Pro Tool Reviews helps tool consumers shop better, work smarter, and stay aware of what tools and products can help put them at the top of their game.

Why Is My Ryobi Lawn Mower Not Cutting Grass?

Ryobi is a well-known brand producing various products, including lawnmowers. However, like many products, these mowers may encounter issues every now and again, like failing to cut grass efficiently.

This can be a frustrating issue, especially if the mower is brand new or has only been used a handful of times.

• Ryobi lawn mowers may encounter problems such as failing to cut grass efficiently.
• Common causes of this issue include blade dullness or damage, a clogged deck, improper cutting height, and power issues.
• Solutions to these problems include replacing or sharpening the blade, cleaning the deck, checking the belt, and adjusting the cutting height.

There are a couple of reasons that might be causing the issue, including blade dullness or damage, a clogged deck, an improper cutting height, and power issues. Luckily, several of these issues are easy enough to fix with a bit of elbow grease.

Blade Dullness or Damage

The blade is the first thing you should check when your Ryobi lawn mower isn’t cutting grass as it should. Blade issues are common culprits behind this particular problem, as a dull or damaged blade won’t be able to chop the grass efficiently. This can do more harm than good to your lawn, so it’s best to remedy the issue as soon as you find it.

Replacing the Blade

Examine the blade on your lawn mower. If the blades are dull or damaged beyond repair, it might be necessary to replace them entirely. While this can be a nuisance, the good news is that replacement blades are typically readily available from various retailers, including Home Depot and Lowe’s.

When you purchase your replacement blades, ensure you choose an option that is compatible with your specific Ryobi lawn mower model. Additionally, it is recommended that you purchase OEM parts to ensure the best fit and performance.

Sharpening the Blade

If the blade of your Ryobi lawn mower is still in good shape but is definitely dull, sharpening instead of replacement can be the best solution. Sharpening the blades can restore their cutting ability and prolong their lifespan, so it’s well worth the effort.

You can use a few different methods to complete the task, including using a bench grinder, a rotary tool, or a sharpening stone. When sharpening the blade, ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions to a tee and wear protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses.

In addition, it is recommended you balance the blades after sharpening them, as this helps ensure they rotate evenly and don’t cause additional damage to the mower or lawn.

Clogged Deck

A clogged deck is another common culprit preventing your Ryobi lawn mower from efficiently slicing through your lawn. This can happen when grass clippings build up under the deck, effectively creating a clog and preventing the blades from cutting properly. Here’s how to address this problem:

Cleaning the Deck

When dealing with a clogged deck, your first step should be to clean the underside of the deck. Start by turning off the mower and disconnecting the spark plug wire to prevent the mower from starting accidentally.

Next, tilt the mower on its side with the air filter facing up. Use a putty knife or a scraper to chip away any built-up grass clippings from the underside of the deck. If the grass is caked onto the mower and too hard to chip off, wet the underside of the deck with a hose to loosen things up.

Once the grass clod softens, scrape it from the mower deck. After scraping, use an air compressor with a nozzle or wand to get rid of any grass bits left over from cleaning.

Checking the Belt

Sometimes, cleaning the deck won’t resolve the problem. In this case, you’ll need to check the belt. If the belt is worn or loose, it can cause the blades to spin too slowly, resulting in poor cutting performance.

So, to remedy this problem, start by removing the belt cover on the deck and inspecting the belt for signs of wear or damage. If the belt is worn or damaged, replace it with a new one. If the belt is overly loose, adjust the tension by moving the idler pulley or adjusting the belt guide.

If you’re having trouble adjusting the belt tension, refer to your owner’s manual for further assistance.

Cutting Height

An improper cutting height is another common issue with Ryobi lawn mowers that fail to cut grass properly. Luckily, this problem entails a simple fix without any overly complicated steps, so you can be on your way in as little as a few minutes. Here’s how to adjust the cutting height:

Adjusting the Cutting Height

Before you start, check your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to adjust the cutting height on your specific model. The exact steps may vary based on your Ryobi model, so you should be able to find specific instructions there.

Turn off your mower before attempting to adjust the cutting height. Generally, you’ll find a lever or knob that you can use to adjust the height of the cutting blade.

Once you figure out how to adjust the cutting height, you’ll need to figure out the best height for your lawn. This answer will hinge on the type of grass you have and the season.

For example, if summer is in full swing, it’s usually best to cut it shorter to keep it from drying out. Of course, avoid cutting it too short, as this can leave it susceptible to pests and diseases. On the other hand, it’s usually best to leave it longer during the winter to protect it from the cold.

Once you determine the best cutting height based on factors specific to your situation, adjust the mower accordingly. Remember, you should avoid cutting the grass too short, as it can cause problems. So, take no more than ⅓ of the total grass height at a time and slowly work your way down to the desired height over several mowings.

After adjusting the height, your last step is to test the mower on your lawn to ensure it’s set at your desired height. If it isn’t, adjust the settings until you achieve the desired results.

Power Issues

Power problems are another common culprit behind Ryobi lawn mower issues. If your mower isn’t cutting grass as it should, it could be the result of power issues. Here’s what you should check:

Checking the Battery

First, check the battery to ensure it has a full charge. If the battery is partially charged or dead, the mower won’t have enough power to cut the grass, leading to less-than-satisfactory results. Remedy this issue by charging the battery.

However, if the battery is fully charged but still isn’t working properly, try cleaning the battery terminals. Sometimes, dirt and debris can accumulate on the terminals, leading to complications with the battery and power.

If the battery is charged and the terminals are clean, try replacing the battery. Over time, batteries can lose their ability to hold a charge, resulting in power issues.

Checking the Power Cord

If the battery isn’t the issue, the power cord is the next place to check. Examine the cord for visible signs of damage and ensure it is plugged all the way in. If the cord is damaged, you’ll need to replace it to restore power and function to the mower.

If the cord looks fine and is plugged in all the way, check the outlet. Verify the outlet is working by plugging in another device. If the outlet isn’t working at all, try plugging the mower into a different outlet.

If the above solutions don’t work, the problem may lie with the motor or another internal component. In these cases, it’s best to take the mower to a professional for repairs.

Conclusion

Overall, the Ryobi lawn mower is a reliable and efficient tool for keeping your lawn looking neat and tidy. However, if you’re experiencing issues with it not cutting grass properly, there are several steps you can take to fix the problem.

Firstly, make sure the blades are sharp and in good condition. Dull blades can cause the mower to leave uncut grass and damage your lawn. Secondly, ensure that the throttle is set to full power to give the mower enough energy to cut through tough grass. Thirdly, avoid mowing wet grass and adjust the cutting height if necessary.

If you’re still having issues with your Ryobi lawn mower, refer to the user manual or contact Ryobi customer support for further assistance. With proper maintenance and care, your Ryobi lawn mower should provide you with years of reliable service.

Last update on 2023-07-21 / Affiliate links / Somes Images and Data from Amazon Product Advertising API