Ryobi 21-Inch Self-Propelled All-Wheel-Drive Mower Review

Introduction

Competition in the cordless products category gets tougher each year as consumers become more accustomed to untethering everything from earbuds to vacuums to chainsaws. Each year, lawn mower brands roll out improvements in charging times, runtimes, power, and more. Ryobi, for instance, recently introduced its Whisper Series of lawn-and-garden tools, which is designed to be the quietest yet. I tested the mower to find out how loud it was, in addition to exploring its other notable features.

Ryobi: A Trusted Brand

Ryobi is a part of Techtronic Industries, and since 2000, Ryobi has been an exclusive partner of The Home Depot. Techtronic Industries is also the parent company of Milwaukee and Hoover, so it’s adept at understanding what home improvement–minded consumers and tradespeople want.

Ryobi 21-Inch Self-Propelled All-Wheel-Drive Mower: At a Glance

Rating: 8.5/10

Product Specs

• Runtime: Up to 70 minutes
• Drive: Self-propelled, all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel drive options
• Deck size: 21 inches
• Weight: 77 pounds

PROS

• Slices easily through dense, thick-bladed grass
• Evenly cuts and distributes grass clippings for a cleaner-looking finish
• Both handle and self-propel paddle height are adjustable for greater user comfort
• Handles fold down for compact, vertical storage
• Self-propel feature works even when blades are turned off to always move easily

CONS

• Included charger holds only 1 battery at a time
• Sensitive self-propel paddles take some getting used to
• Might be too heavy for some users to maneuver or for those working on very uneven terrain

Get the Ryobi 21-inch self-propelled all-wheel-drive mower at The Home Depot for $899.

What is the Ryobi 21-inch self-propelled all-wheel-drive mower?

The Ryobi lawn mower is a heavy-duty electric mower that boasts a brushless motor for excellent power efficiency and comes complete with two 40V 6-amp hour (Ah) lithium-ion batteries and a rapid charger. It features an option to use all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, and it comes with a 21-inch cutting deck with a two-blade cutting system underneath.

Users can adjust the blades to cut grass between 1 inch and 4 inches tall and seven height adjustments are controlled by a simple lever. It also includes three grass-disposal options—bagging, mulching, or side discharge—as well as a new integrated mulch plug that toggles from mulching to bagging.

To make mowing even less of a chore than with its predecessor, this Ryobi RY401210 features Smart Trek self-propel paddles designed to easily match the mower’s speed to the user’s pace. Paddles are right on the handle, so users simply push them to adjust propulsion. The paddles also move up or down to adjust their position for user comfort. A speed selector button, also on the handle, slides left to right so users have even more control over the mower speed. A simple switch controls the drive system from all-wheel to rear-wheel.

Bright LEDs on the mower deck illuminate the surrounding space at sundown and around dense trees and brush. Its light aluminum handle folds down for more compact storage, and the mower can be stored vertically for even more space-saving convenience.

How easy is the Ryobi lawn mower to set up?

There is virtually no setup required with the Ryobi. Simply pull it out of the box, lift the handle, and adjust the handle to one of the two height options. Charge each of the batteries, although this had to be done one at a time since the charger only holds one battery. The batteries came about 25 percent charged and each took a little under an hour to charge fully.

The only other setup necessary is for those who want to use the side-discharge chute or the bag for clippings. Attaching the collection bag to its frame was a bit cumbersome because the attachment clips were stiff and tight, but once it was on, it was easy to attach behind the deck.

Is the Ryobi lawn mower easy to maneuver?

The self-propulsion on the Ryobi is formidable, and it’s necessary for a lawn mower of this weight. At 77 pounds with batteries, it’s a hefty mower to maneuver on anything but flat terrain. Once a comfortable speed setting is found, however, maneuvering the Ryobi becomes much easier. The self-propel paddles took some time to get used to using, especially on high speed settings. Making U-turns on hills can be a bit challenging due to the mower’s weight.

The mower also has rear-wheel drive, which can be switched to with the push of a button. However, there wasn’t much noticeable difference in maneuverability or speed between the all-wheel-drive option and rear-wheel drive.

How powerful is the Ryobi lawn mower?

The Ryobi lawn mower delivers excellent power efficiency with its brushless motor. It slices easily through dense, thick-bladed grass and mulches evenly. The cross-cut multiblade system ensures a better overall cut, producing even cuts and finer clippings for a better-looking lawn.

How long do the batteries last?

Ryobi states an official runtime of 70 minutes with both batteries. Based on testing, this runtime seems feasible for most users with smaller yards. The batteries charge quickly and efficiently, ensuring minimal downtime during mowing sessions.

How quiet is the Ryobi Whisper Series lawn mower?

The Ryobi lawn mower is quieter than gas-powered mowers, making it a great option for noise-conscious users. While it may be slightly louder than some electric mowers, it still provides a quieter mowing experience overall.

Should you buy the Ryobi Whisper Series lawn mower?

The Ryobi lawn mower is a great option for users with larger yards and dense lawns. It delivers a powerful and efficient mowing experience with minimal maintenance required. While it may be on the more expensive side for electric mowers, the performance and features of the Ryobi make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a high-quality lawn mower.

Meet the Tester

Beth Cranston, an editor at BobVila.com, tested the Ryobi 21-inch self-propelled all-wheel-drive mower. With over a decade of experience in writing and editing, Beth focuses on all things home improvement. Her experience with low-maintenance lawn care makes her a valuable tester for lawn and garden products.