Hey there – lawn looking a little shaggy lately? Well before you decide between gas, electric or even a grazing goat, let‘s explore two of the latest battery-powered mowers options by leading toolmaker Ryobi.
In this corner we‘ve got the Ryobi 80V – an absolute beast of a mower boasting brute strength and intimidating steel claws 30 inches wide. And in this corner, the leaner but technologically advanced Ryobi 40V model, flaunting sleek ergonomic styling with the latest in smart sensing capability. Age old questions beckon – brains or brawn? Skill or will? Let‘s dive in and compare what really counts when it comes to selecting your weapon of grass destruction.
Contenders At A Glance
| Model | 80V | 40V |
|---|---|---|
| Photo | [photo] | [photo] |
| Battery Voltage | 80V | 40V |
| Cutting Width | 30" | 21" |
| Motor | Brushless | Brushless |
| Smart Features | EdgeGuard | Dynamic Torque Control |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
| Average Price | $1200 | $600 |
So those are your players – and we can already spot some clear differences in size, specs and pricing. But raw stats will only reveal so much – we need to scrutinize what performance characteristics truly impact mowing experience. Follow me, and we‘ll use data, science and some good ol‘ dirt-under-the-fingernails wisdom to evaluate how these models compare under the hood…
Power & Performance
Gas mowers have long held an advantage generating maximum muscle to massacre menacing meadows. But battery technology has advanced by leaps and bounds, closing the power gap while leaving fossil fuels back on the trailer hitch. Let‘s crunch the numbers on what electric wattage Ryobi packs behind their blades.
| Metric | 80V | 40V | Gas Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 80V | 40V | N/A |
| Max Voltage* | 96V | 48V | N/A |
| Torque Rating | 190 Nm | 65 Nm | ~3-4 hp |
| Max Blade Speed | 3800 rpm | 3300 rpm | 3400 rpm |
| Cutting Rate Max | 30" x 3800 rpm = 114,000 in/min | 21" x 3300 rpm = 69,300 in/min | Varies |
*Note: Max voltage indicates peak discharge rate, often higher than nominal rating.
Based on torque and blade velocity, the Ryobi 80V can shred through over 100 feet of grass per minute thanks to brute strength and an extra wide maw. That equals serious miles logged hour after hour.
While the 40V model trails at just under 70 feet per minute, it still delivers ample juice for most suburban plots. Unless you‘re harvesting hay, 40 volts of mechanical menace should suffice.
Both leverage efficient brushless motor technology minimizing friction and heat. Translating to longer running times plus years of reliable service with practically zero maintenance compared to gas engines. If you value convenience and physiology over revving, roaring dinosaurs – advantage battery power.
Turf Tactics
Now raw velocity tells only half the turf tale – actual mowing time depends on yard geography and the tactics we deploy. Let‘s gameplan out battery strategy for battles against 15,000 ft^2 fields of glory:
- Ryobi 80V = 30" cutting width → ~500 linear feet per pass → ~30 passes to cover 15,000 ft^2 → ~90 minutes run time
- Ryobi 40V = 21" cutting width → ~350 linear feet per pass → ~43 passes → ~60 minutes with both batteries
No question the widened battlefront of the 80V conquers more grass in fewer sorties. But the 40V proves no slouch either – especially flanking electrolyte reserves on dual batteries. Either mower wields enough wireless stamina for assaults on standard plot sizes.
So while generational gaps in voltage and vigor divide these two models on spec sheets – both rate ready and eager to be unleashed on most suburban terrain. Except perhaps the most neglected rural ranges far from the nearest outlet. Ah, sweet freedom from fossil fuels!
Cutting Decks: Clipping Capacity
Any mower is only as strong as its spine – namely that rotating blade platter responsible for slicing strands all day. Let‘s compare the protective armor and ammunition supply equipping our contenders for nonstop shredding:
| Spec | 80V Deck | 40V Deck |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 30" | 21" |
| Height Adjust | 1.5"-4" | 1.25"-3.75" |
| Material | Steel | Steel |
| Coating | Powder | Powder |
| Blade Metal | Heat Treated Alloy Steel | Alloy Steel |
| Total Blades | 4 | 1 |
| Blade Bolt Torque | 70 Nm | 50 Nm |
Given its commercial aspirations, the Ryobi 80V naturally opts for the widened battlefront to accelerate assaults – sweeping 30 inches per pass. Its four blades team in tandem pairs, leveraging 700 watts of brushless motor torque to slice with a staggering combined bolt force exceeding 250 newton meters at the spindle.
Meanwhile the 40V incorporates a svelte single blade and trimmer 21 inch assault width ideal for precise maneuvers. Rated for 50 Nm bolt torque and 165 watts input power – no slouch by residential standards but overshadowed by its bulked up brother.
Both wield a similarly tough powder coated steel deck resistant to dents, rust, and attacks by garden saboteurs. While cutting height adjustment range falls slightly lower on the 40V to handle low trimming duty.
No matter which flank you enlist in the sortie – each wheelhouse proves strong enough for most neighborhood terrain. But hardcore hedge warriors may crave the 80V‘s heavy metal resources once boundaries expand.
Battery Assets & Artillery Reserves
Like any conflicts of attrition, winning the yard war depends on supply lines fueling the front lines. Gas requires ongoing risky fuel runs – whereas battery brigades benefit from safer lithium ion logistics. Let‘s audit sustainable energy assets:
|
|
80V | 40V |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Voltage | 80V Li-ion | 40V Li-ion |
| Battery Cells | 30+ | 20-30 |
| Battery Capacity | 10.0 Ah | 6.0 Ah x2 |
| Charging Input | 88.5V 6A | 58V 3A |
| Runtime Max* | 90 min | 70 min |
| Charging Time | 110 min | 50 min |
| Cycles Until 80% Capacity | 500-800+ | 500-800+ |
*Note: Claimed maximum runtime under ideal conditions
On paper, Lithium Ion clearly carries the day in energy resilience and refresh rates. While upfront outlays outweigh gas, reduced lifetime operating costs balance the ledger over years of service. And conveniently cadet recruits need no fuel mixing, winterization, or priming – just charge and discharge.
Analyzing ammunition capacity – the Ryobi 80V arrives battle ready with mondo 10.0 Ah reserves capable of sustaining an hour and a half of brutal blade combat. Impressive…but so too the twin 6.0 Ah magazines slotted in the 40V – yielding over an hour of sliced and diced action. Both ample for meeting neighborhood demands.
Reinforcements stand ready as well – lithium ion cells easily maintain 80% of original capacity for 500+ discharge and regen cycles. Translation – years of reliable tools operation with minimal degradation. And worn batteries get demoted to lighter duties like flashlights and radios.
So whether you roll heavy with high capacityadvances – or tag team lower voltage cells in sequence – lithium ion matériel benefits over gasoline resupply logjams remain decisive.
Creature Comforts
Beyond lighting up landscapes with pure mowing might – we civilized suburbanites value refinement. Perks including:
- Saving sanity by silencing engine roar
- Wielding weapons with easy ergonomic styling
- Streaming our choice cuts vs cranking classic vinyl
- Letting machines massage away miles on autopilot
Let‘s audit how our deluxe electric infantry platoon accommodates modern creature comforts:
|
|
Noise Level dB(A) | Weight | Controls | Drive | Bluetooth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80V Mower | ~65-75 | 100 lbs | Variable trigger speed + height lever | Self propelled variable speed rear wheel drive | No |
| 40V Mower | ~65-75 | 75 lbs | "Smart Sense" variable speed trigger + height lever | Self propelled variable speed rear wheel drive | App connectivity for firmware updates |
Note: Decibel ratings estimated based on comparable electric mowers
Hark – do you hear that? Exactly…NOT the noxious whir of gas motors! Both models mute mechanical mayhem to below typical 75dB suburban noise averages. Your choice playlist should drown any remaining sound and fury.
Ergonomics check out as well thanks to lightweight polymer construction with adjustable handlebars to suit owners of any height. Plus self propulsion glasses the grass with speed tailored to your walking pace. Forget old fashioned brute push power!
The 40V modernizes further via Bluetooth LE allowing firmware updates from Ryobi‘s smartphone app – no cables required. Expect more electronic leash functionality soon so you can check charging status and runtime from the porch.
While a behemoth by any measure – even the hulking Ryobi 80V rates manageable thanks to rear wheel drive assistance. No Arnold biceps needed to tame this one!
Safety & Security
Inevitably mainstreaming militaristic machines into civil company carries risk. Whether physical harm, property damage, or stained socks – liability looms. Let‘s review safety protocols governing our automated allies:
STOP Interlocks: Physical bail switches must be held continuously to enable blade rotation – release immediately halts cutting.
Enclosure Shields: Exposed belts and blades secured under deck guards with detection interlocks.
Battery Disconnect: Single switch cuts total pack voltage for risk free transport and storage.
Overload Protection: Onboard fuses and thermal cutoffs prevent overheating or overload conditions.
Tip Kill: Blade disengagement halts instantly if mower tips beyond reasonable angles of operation.
UL Certification: Rigorous 3rd party evaluation ensures electrically powered systems meet U.S. safety standards.
Lock-out Security: Keyed switch disables unauthorized use – critical with expensive lithium ion appetizers attracting thieves.
While no perimeter soldiers patrol 100% risk free, both Ryobi models appear well engineered to minimize casualties. Proper handling and protective gear further cushions the campaign. Just mind debris projectiles, slope angles, weather hazards and property perimeter ops. Safety third after bloodlust and freedom!
We‘ve reviewed power and performance. Cutting capacity. Battery reserves. First world features. And safe operating doctrine. Now to declare winning field promotions.
For sheer specifications and squad heroics among discerning infantry connoisseurs – the Ryobi 80V easily achieves 5 star ranking. With brute strength cutting rates exceeding above 100 feet per minute, plus extreme runtime reaching 90 minutes, all from formidable 30 inch battle decks – size clearly wins for those seeking total domination.
Yet overkill has its costs – namely wallet pain near $1200 once batteries get factored. And few residential battles demand this degree of advanced weaponry. Grandiose gear likely just ends up gathering dust in the armory most days.
Meanwhile the Ryobi 40V presents a more practical balance of yard tackling talent. Its 21 inch cutting width, 60-70 min battery life and lighter weight hull handle most suburban skirmishes with ease. Not to mention Bluetooth app connectivity and a 40V equipment ecosystem extending versatility into other tools like snowblowers. Oh and a much easier $600 pricetag.
Sometimes in war and lawn care, skill trumps scale. And in my book, the Ryobi 40V‘s blend of features, performance and value secure its position as the best cordless mower for most homeowners. Military grade overkill seems better suited to rural ranges and expansive estates. Hey, maybe you can schedule the 80V for occasional tours of duty at my place!
Either way, may your lawncare crusades win swift and decisive victories this season. The technology march only brings more fearsome advancements from battery powered battalions…