Lawn care maintenance isn’t easy, so mower brands like Ryobi offer advanced technology to make the task manageable. But as with all brands, not all their products are made equally. If you don’t want to get a mower that poorly matches your needs and expectations, our lawn care specialists determined the best units in this Ryobi riding mower review.
Reviews of the Top Ryobi Riding Mowers
1. RYOBI RY48130
Massive riding lawn mowers can be hard to maintain and store, so we were delightfully pleased when we bumped into RYOBI RY48130. This low-maintenance unit has no sparkplugs, filters, or belts. Given that it’s battery-powered, users can expect quiet and zero-emission operations.
Besides having a lower price tag than some of its competitors, this RYOBI unit runs with three brushless motors. You may not know it, but this type of engine delivers power similar to gas mowers.
The cutting operation during the entire test was efficient and convenient, all thanks to its cruise controls and different cutting options.
What We Like
- Durable and low-maintenance unit
- Affordable than most mowers of the same size
- Environment-friendly and battery-operated
- Has powerful motors and convenient controls
What We Don’t Like
- More suitable in smaller lawns
- Needs to be charged after operations
2. RYOBI RY48111
Being cheap is not offensive [1] if you’re buying a great product like RYOBI RY48111. Unlike the traditional gas mowers, this unit operates with a 100Ah Lead Acid Battery that produces fewer sound emissions during the cutting operation.
Equipped with a dual blade, its mower deck has a cutting width of 38 inches. Its easy deck adjustments are also the main reason why we included this unit in our list.
Equipped with cruise control features, maneuvering this riding mower in bumpy slopes on the lawn is easy. You will not be burdened with a riding mower that fails to forward or reverse when working on your lot. It also has LED lights, which help us to operate the unit any time of the day.
What We Like
- Convenient and efficient cutting operation
- Lower price tag than other options
- Includes multiple deck accessories
- High-powered and long-lasting battery
What We Don’t Like
- Recommended in smaller spaces
- Product availability may vary
3. RYOBI RY48ZTR75
If you’re not so tight on the big ol’ wallet, RYOBI RY48ZTR75 is another option you can consider. While it’s not as affordable as other models, this zero-turn mower impressed our testers with its four brushless motors and 75Ah batteries.
Specifically made for complex landscapes and medium-sized lawns, this unit boasts 42 inches cutting width. Its deck is made of alloy steel material, making it highly suitable to use in any land condition. On top of that, it has multiple deck positions that can be adjusted manually.
The advanced control settings like slow-speed functions and LED headlights also made our test drive easier.
What We Like
- Have advanced control configurations
- Adjustable mowing deck positions
- Displays remaining run-time and battery
- Easy to maneuver in complex slopes
What We Don’t Like
- More expensive than other options
- Product warranties may vary
Ryobi Riding Mower Buyer’s Guide
Power
When purchasing battery-operated equipment, it is essential to consider the power capacity that aligns with the size of your lawn. The riding mowers included in this review are suitable for small to medium-sized lawns. They offer a power runtime ranging from 1 to 2.5 hours per charging session, typically covering mowing areas of approximately 1 to 2.5 acres. Selecting a mower with an appropriate power capacity ensures sufficient runtime to efficiently mow your lawn without interruptions.
Cutting Deck
The mower deck is basically the body of your cutting equipment, so it’s best to get one that’s made of steel or aluminum for added durability. The size of the deck will also depend on how big the lawn area that you’ll be mowing. For instance, a 42-inch riding lawn mower is ideal for medium-sized lawn.
Control Panel and Lighting
Overall, the riding mower product line under Ryobi has a pretty reliable control panel. If you’re a user who prefers sturdy switch gears, these units are the best ones our testers would recommend. Listed mowers also include LED work lights, which means you can work on your lawn even at the break of dawn.
FAQ
Where are Ryobi riding mowers made?
Ryobi riding mowers are made in Shelbyville, Indiana. This location was the only known US manufacturing site of the brand, and its product line was launched around 1985. Besides riding mowers, the company also offers different lawn and gardening tools suited for new homeowners.
Our Top Pick For a Ryobi Riding Mower:
RYOBI RY48130
After the series of tests we conducted, our lawn care experts decided to hail RYOBI RY48130 as our top pick in this Ryobi Riding Mower Review. Besides having an affordable price, this unit has everything one needs to maintain a small lawn, from an adjustable deck to work lights. We also took into consideration its easy controls that suit trimming beginners.
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