Ryobi 80V Lawn Tractor Review: A 6-Month Experience with the 46" Fully Electric Model

Originally Released 10/28/2023

If you’re considering switching to an eco-friendly, battery-powered lawn tractor, this Ryobi 80V lawn tractor review based on six months of real-world use offers valuable insights. This review dives deep into the Ryobi 46-inch fully electric lawn tractor, exploring its features, performance, and durability. Whether you have a flat or hilly yard, this review will help you decide if this electric mower fits your lawn care needs.

Overview and Key Features

The Ryobi 46" electric lawn tractor is designed for homeowners seeking a clean, quiet, and emission-free mowing experience. Its standout feature is the fully electric drivetrain powered by three high-capacity 80V, 10 amp hour lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are housed inside the tractor in a convenient suitcase-style design, allowing easy removal for charging or transport.

Hitch receivers on both the front and rear allow you to attach various implements. For example, I have a striping kit mounted on the rear, and there is potential to add auxiliary batteries for implements that require 12V power, as the tractor itself doesn’t provide a dedicated 12V hookup.

Storage compartments are thoughtfully placed around the tractor. There’s a rear storage area with USB-C and USB-A charging ports to keep your devices powered during work, along with additional compartments near the steering wheel and a cup holder for convenience.

The seat is comfortable and adjustable, providing a good level of support for longer mowing sessions. I also installed a bungee cord (not included) to help lift the grass discharge chute for better clipping dispersal. The chute itself is made of durable rubber, which resists breakage or bending if it contacts an obstacle.  It also protects anything it comes in contact with by flexing.

Cutting Deck and Blade System

The cutting deck is constructed from steel, adding to the unit’s heavy-duty feel. The 46-inch model features three blade motors, each powering a dual blade cross-cut system for a total of six blades. This setup delivers a clean, high-quality cut that I appreciate, especially when mowing at slower speeds for striping.

Anti-scalping wheels are positioned strategically across the deck to protect your lawn and maintain an even cut. There are five in total: front, rear, and middle front wheels. The blade height adjustment ranges from 1.5 inches up to 4.5 inches, and I typically mow on the highest setting for healthier grass since I do not irrigate.

Controls and Operation

The Ryobi 80V lawn tractor is user-friendly with straightforward controls. It has pedals for forward and reverse motion, with a safety feature that disengages the blades if you attempt to mow in reverse without pressing a dedicated override button.

Other notable controls include:

• PTO Engagement: Pull to engage blades, push to disengage.
• Cruise Control: Easy to activate for consistent mowing speed.
• Ignition Key: Three positions - Off, Auxiliary (for powering accessories), and On.
• Drive Speed Settings: Low, Medium, and Transport (fastest). I usually mow in Low for better control, especially on hills.
• Blade Speed Settings: Low, Medium (default), and High. Lower blade speed extends run time, but I find Medium gives the best balance of cut quality and battery life.

Battery Life and Charging

The tractor’s three 80V batteries provide a solid runtime, but actual cutting time depends on your mowing style and terrain. On my roughly one-acre property, I typically get between 45 minutes to an hour of mowing at medium blade speed and low drive speed. Because I mow slowly and focus on striping, I usually only complete part of my lawn before needing to recharge.

Charging is straightforward with the Ryobi rapid charger, which can recharge all three batteries simultaneously while still installed in the mower. From a fully depleted state, charging takes about two hours, but since I rarely run the batteries completely empty, my typical recharge time is closer to one hour.  While its recharging I do the push mow areas and trimming.

If you find yourself stranded mid-mow with a dead battery, you can remove the individual battery modules and charge them separately using the same charger. This feature is especially helpful if your mower stops far from your home, as it’s easier to carry the batteries inside than to tow the tractor back.

Performance and Terrain Considerations

The Ryobi 46" electric lawn tractor performs well on flat and gently rolling terrain. However, my property has some hilly areas, and I learned an important lesson when one of the drive controllers failed after several months of use.

The drive controller failure caused the tractor to become immobile (though the blades still operated). Ryobi’s customer support was excellent—they responded quickly and sent a technician who repaired the unit onsite within about a week to a week and a half.

The technician advised that mowing hilly areas should be done when the tractor’s batteries are at a high state of charge. Mowing hills when the battery charge is low puts extra stress on the drive controllers, increasing the risk of failure. I now make a point of tackling the hills first and recharging midway if necessary to avoid running below 25-30% charge on slopes.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Eco-friendly, emission-free operation
• Quiet and smooth mowing experience
• Comfortable, adjustable seat with ample storage
• High-quality cut with six-blade dual blade system (though longer non-turf grasses may not mow as cleanly)
• Convenient battery removal and built-in rapid charging port
• Good customer support with onsite repairs
• Five-year warranty on mower & batteries for peace of mind

Cons

• Limited 12V power output for accessories—requires auxiliary battery for implements
• Drive controller sensitive to overheating on hilly terrain at low state of charge
• Run time may be insufficient for larger or very hilly properties without recharging
• Rapid Charger is not rated for outdoor use (it should be for outdoor power equipment)

Who Is the Ryobi 46" Electric Lawn Tractor Best For?

This lawn tractor is an excellent choice for users with a lawn area up to about an acre, especially if the terrain is mostly flat or gently rolling. If you prioritize clean, quiet mowing and want to avoid the hassle of gas, oil changes, and emissions, this tractor delivers well.

However, if your yard has steep hills or is larger than an acre, you may find the need to recharge mid-mow frustrating. The drive controller’s vulnerability to overheating at low state of charge on slopes is a consideration to keep in mind.

Additionally, if you plan to use battery-powered implements, be prepared to add an auxiliary battery, as the tractor doesn’t supply 12V power output directly.

Final Thoughts

After six months of use, the Ryobi 46" 80V fully electric lawn tractor has proven to be a solid, well-designed machine with some caveats. The excellent cut quality, comfortable operation, and eco-friendly features are definite highlights. The one drive controller failure was a setback, but Ryobi’s responsive support and onsite repair mitigated that issue.

For those with flat or gently rolling lawns up to an acre, this tractor is a great investment, especially with its five-year warranty backing. If your property is hilly or larger, consider your mowing routine carefully to avoid running the tractor at low battery levels on slopes, and be ready to recharge mid-mow.

Have you tried the Ryobi fully electric lawn tractor? Share your experiences, and if you’re still deciding, I hope this review helps you make an informed choice for your outdoor maintenance needs.

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