As we are jumping headlong into the joys of yard maintenance season, how is your trusty Push Mower holding up? Still using a gas mower eh? Almost two years ago I tried my best to bring you over to the battery operated mower contingent and you’re still holding out? Well I got my hands on the new Ryobi 40v Self Propelled Push Mower (RY401120) and stack it up against its predecessor.
*This review has been sponsored by Ryobi Outdoor Products. Affiliate links are included.
Ryobi 40v vs Ryobi 40v
Similar to new car models or maybe even an iPhone, it can be tough to tell what upgrades you get with each iteration. For this comparison we’ll be looking at the new Ryobi RY401120 vs 2018’s RY40190. Both are 40 volt, 20″ self propelled mowers, but there are changes.
With only a battery to charge and swap out, maintenance on these mowers is ridiculously simple. No winterizing and no oil or fuel to change. With a push button start and a pull of an adjustment handle you’re on the go in seconds.
The stance on the new RY401120 is slightly different with a lower angle while the handles telescope in leaving about an inch or two longer than the RY40190. In my opinion, it makes the mower a little back loaded, which, when paired with a loaded clipping bag causes a slight wheelie effect. Especially with the self propelled function engaged.
Noticeable immediately is an update to the battery storage. Rather than a side by side compartment you have a jet fighter cockpit which gives a little more room for the included 6.0 Ah 40v battery. The telescoping handle lock is a much needed upgrade as well. With the RY40190, if the latch came unhooked (which occasionally happened with bumpy rides) the mower would shut off. The push down toggle locks securely in place and eliminates this issue altogether.
A Worthy Successor?
If you’ve been on the fence about ditching your gas mower and picking up a battery operated mower then now is a perfect time. Ryobi got a lot right with their last few models and continue to tweak the little things to make this model even better. With a run time on a single 6Ah battery lasting 45 minutes to an hour, for a small city yard like mine, it’s a perfect addition to city life lawn care. The self -propelled function, in my opinion, is too fast for me even set on “min”. But Ryobi has already solved that issue with the next model up, called “Smart Trek” technology that adjust the speed to how much pressure you push on the handles. I’ve used it at a tool event… and it’s amazing.
If you already own another Ryobi 40v mower, then there are a few upgrades that make life easier, but the gap isn’t so large that you need to upgrade immediately. Also… where did the handle on the front go? Granted the old handle had a very uncomfortable texture to grab on to… but it was useful!
Ryobi Outdoors continues to shine with the RY401120. The quietness, the convenience and the ease of use makes the switch from a gas powered mower an easy decision. Just remember to grab a few 4.0 and up batteries the next time Ryobi Days rolls around, because there’s nothing worse than running out a juice halfway through a job if you’re mowing and weed-eating with the same platform.
The Ryobi 40v RY401120 Self Propelled Push Mower is available at the Home Depot on sale at the time of this post for $379.
~Lazy Guy
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*This post has been sponsored by Ryobi Outdoor Products. I have been provided with product in exchange for my opinion. My opinion is my own.
