Browsing the Bunnings website and noticed my mower had dropped in price. Been using this model for about 2 years now and still going strong. Is my second battery mower and can’t see myself going back. Don’t forget to register it on Ryobi website to extend the warranty to 6 years.
Comes with a 6ah battery and the 4a fast charger too.
Depends on the size of your lawn. For a small lawn, you don’t need a noisy petrol mower
Nope
Most [petrol] lawn mowers produce noise levels ranging from 85 to 100 decibels (dB), while electric mowers typically generate around 56 to 80 dB
Not even close
My 56v Ego doesn't come close to the noise my tiny 2-stroke makes. They both have pros and cons, but braindead comments like this add absolutely no value to the discussion.
What is a "small lawn"?
Which battery mowers have you had, and what issues did you have with them?
I've had this mower for 4 years, so I can probably add some value:
Ryobi has limited height settings. A half step would be helpful, possible you could adjust the height plate thing yourself if you're handy and it's a problem.
Battery life with the 4Ah is enough for my small 500m2 suburban block. I also have the slow charger and have never needed anything faster, so the charger with the above deal would be a little extra insurance if you have range anxiety!
These mowers are so light and therefore easy to get up and down steps and manoeuvre that your wife/kids will happily help. This wasn't possible with my previous cast iron self propelled beast of a thing that I was reluctant to give up (but incredibly happy now that I did). I'm also happy to get petrol out of my garden shed
Curious to know. How much yard is there in your 500m2 block?
@denzel: ok, I admit posting the size of my block wasn't helpful at all! I probably only have 150m2 of lawn, give or take a bit. But battery life for me never goes under half
We do about 1500m2 with one 4ah 36v battery with the above 46cm Ryobi.
I'm not the OP but I got a Ryobi 36V battery mower I think in around 2020 to replace my broken petrol mower, and used it until around 2021.
Likes: lightweight, quiet, don't have to pull to start, low maintenance, no stink.
Dislikes: felt flimsy, somehow not enough torque to cut through grass once it got a little bit longer/thicker, and the chute to the grass catcher was narrow/poorly designed so it clogged constantly even with regular mowing.
None of the problems I had were 'battery mower' problems - you can have all those issues with a petrol mower. But I swapped for an old petrol mower with my brother-in-law who has much less grass and we both lived happily ever after.
As a general statement I think that currently, for the same price point, there tend to be petrol mowers which are more powerful, more durable, and more functional than the battery options on the market so they are a better option if you don't care about noise/smell/maintenance.
Comments like this are interesting.
It highlights the real issues.
Battery powered tools need to stop being green washing rubbish and get serious.
Commercial battery mowers are getting there, domestic units will follow.
If you took a GOOD petrol mower chassis and smacked a GOOD electric motor, inverter/speed controller and battery combo on it just about every issue would be resolved.
Make it at least a 12 cell solo battery unit (~44v) or a dual 10cell (2 x 37v) battery unit.
Could have more torque than a petrol unit, ESC can adjust power dynamically reducing energy use on easy grass and providing more power on thick / damp grass.
A decent chassis, solves all those very valid design issues, (flimsy, bad chute, height adjust issues).
It's do-able… someone just gotta do it.
@virtual81: There are plenty of electric mowers with aluminium decks. It's like everything, be prepared to pay a bit more and there are much better quality options available.
@wombat81: The guy wrote that much but you only noted the deck?
Just speaking of height as an example, not sure how much would be qualified as "a bit more", but the $1000ish Ego 56v I am using can't mow low enough hence I need to hire a petrol mower once a year to scalp and dethatch.
Please let me know if any electric ones can go lower than 10mm with "a bit more".
@wombat81: Not debating the existance of steel or alu decks in electric.
I'm debating the fact that the ratio of steel / alu decks on electric vs steel / alu decks on petrol is overwhelmingly skewed toward the petrol units.
And even when you do filter out plastic vs steel / alu decks you're not left with many options, their setup might still be lacking (ie inability to drop to lower heights etc..etc..) hence the suggestion that the idea of taking an existing petrol designed deck and adapting it to electric.
@virtual81: Agreed.
The tech is definitely there it is not spaceship science, but the more I am into lawns the more I feel the market study is not there yet. The manufacturers take for granted that petrol mowers are for hardcore lawn lovers, and electric ones are for newbies who don't care as much so they dont want to make better ones.
But honestly, I'd argue that electric mowers are for lawn enthusiasts. By nature they are super easy to use, which means you’ll likely mow more often and actually enjoy it. It’s like having better hand tools that tradies prefer for a quick and nice job.
While petrol mowers seem to be for folks who aren’t really into lawn care. They’re built for dealing with overgrown grass after infrequent mowing sessions. And because they’re harder to use, people end up mowing less, which just makes the problem worse.
But the thing is most people dont care (or don't have an adequate lawn due to the stupid housing market) so the market is not there yet for the manufacturers to make a change.
Except for the part where it's not an electric mower.
For me, a mower is the one piece of garden equipment I'm happier with petrol.
How I weigh things personally:
The ryobi mowers are quite plasticly and just aren't that robust. Height adjustment also seems lacking. I'd consider it more environmentally friendly to hold onto a mower 15+ years than replace one every 5.
Battery mowers are still decently loud so need ear protection regardless.
More power even than the 36V units, and 4 stroke, so no need to mix anything (and practically never needs oil). Can't stand 2 stroke equip.
Rarely need to refill a 5 litre can.
No need for more batteries for my other bits of garden equipment given a mower is a relatively high draw device. Or a separate 36V setup more likely
Finally in terms of the ecosystem I've had two separate ryobi batteries need to be opened up and reset with the wire trick. That would be pretty damned annoying for someone without the right tools to work through that problem. Doesn't breed confidence.
I'd consider it more environmentally friendly to hold onto a mower 15+ years than replace one every 5.
This. Same with cars.
Yep, I have to agree here. Not to mention battery mowers cost way more compared to a petrol one, can also get second hand petrol mowers for cheap.
I have owned 36v ozito steel deck and a Ryboi 36v similar to this, and also long borrowed (almost one year) a Ego 56V. Happy with all of them for my 200m2 front and 400m2 backyard Kikuyu.
I am confident in calling myself an entry-level enthusiast because I am happy to mow every fortnight and constantly check the lawn condition. For me an electric mower is the best thing ever to put up and use straight away not like the petrol ones I had years ago which was really discouraging.
However, when it comes to the season for scalping and dethatching, the electric ones are not helping at all, they simply can't go low enough (25mm minimum height vs less than 10mm for some gas mowers). I have to hire a gas one but I hate the process of calling to book, taking the trip to get it, providing ID, cleaning it a bit but still getting the boot dirty, and cleaning it again after finishing the job, but still getting the boot dirty again, finally return it to get the bond back.
I am seriously considering buying a petrol one but again, really dont want to fuss with oil, stale petrol, and yank to start, meh.
Maybe I should buy a 36v sacrificer to detach more frequently.
Try the ozito ultra battery.
@NoBargainNoLife: Ultra battery has higher wattage output, good for power demand tools, if you're not satisfied with the result, just return the battery.
However, when it comes to the season for scalping and dethatching
Where do you live? I have found that consistent mowing at reasonable heights actually promotes grass health and allows it to "crowd out" weeds.
@serpserpserp: Desont really matter where you live. If you dont want your lawn to be spongy (full of thatch and dead roots underneath) you need to scalp and dethatch once a year. Otherwise the base will build up. Many people dont care but I do.
After scalping and dethaching your lawn will come back in a couple of weeks and much healthier to crowd out weeds.
Greatest decision I made was to get a battery mower. My wife now pulls out and mows the lawn when it needs to be done. Easy to use and operate - and if you keep your grass short it gets the job done. It’ll never get through an overgrown lawn like petrol but battery has many many other tangible benefits
The greatest decision I made is keeping the petrol mower, so have my quiet me time and beer afterwards in weekends!
@boomramada - you came off second best. @flashi007 can do exactly what you do, except he doesn't even have to lift a finger ;)
A 200cc mower is enormous, at a quick look i can't even find a domestic mower that size.
I've bloody well expect it to perform well.
Bigger thing beats smaller thing, what a surprise?
But really… this whole "petrol tool better than battery tool" rubbish is just that… rubbish.
If you were to go out and find a bigger battery driven mower it will beat a smaller petrol mower… again, no surprise.
Battery stuff is great now, and continues to improve.
If i enter the markey to buy a mower I'll be considering them.
What sort of run time are you achieving with this? Assuming medium-length grass?
I’ve got majority kikuyu lawn and about 400sqm of grass and the 6ah does the lot in one go.
I've got the cheaper one with 4ah battery and it does front and back no worries, even if the grass is a bit long. I'm in the region with about 600 square of grass to cut.
Probably the way to go if you want to scalp / or do Reno’s. This one only does 25mm lowest setting but for a majority of people it’s perfect.
You've saved it from landfill, this is the most eco-friendly way.
This one or the ozito 36v kit for the same price? Specs look to be similar. Main difference from a cursory look is that this has a 6ah battery vs the 4ah battery that comes with the ozito.
Depends which ecosystem you want in on. The batteries are the most expensive part.
Well, i did just buy 2 sets of ozito batteries + the window washer + the angle grinder and multi tool from ozito. However, 2x 6ah batteries from ozito would cost me $278. So this ryobi 36v mower seems like it can stand as its own deal with a battery.
Could you get the $89 ozito twin pack from this deal for the ozito mower instead of the 2x 6ah batteries? https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/889271
@ayaka: Those 4ah batteries are great value, but the 5.2ah and above batteries from Ozito offer higher peak power.
The Ozito with a pair of 5.2ah batteries would be amazing.
Ozito is 2x18v…. and those 18v batterys fit into a lot more tools than what the 1x36v ryobi can. Id go 2x18v always.
I'm inclined to agree. I have a lot of 18V Ryobi stuff so it's annoying that the Ryobi 36V mowers are not 2x18V.
I'll probably get an Ozito and make/buy adapters to use the batteries for my other tools
The older model was 2x18v. I have one for a several years now. Bought it second hand since the current 18v model is a single battery. Just replaced the batteries and it’s like new.
@fox81: Newer HP brushless model. Seem to be able to run on a single battery as well, where as the old model always need two.
Tool only $449, $599 with single 6ah battery. Very pricey indeed
@fox81: I own this one and the only thing that annoys me is the small deck size. Other than that, it's a beast. I live out west and our lawn is a mix of rubbish grass and broadleaf (like green panic) and the HP chews through it.
I had the base model and it was hopeless. It'd probably suit somebody with a small, flat, perfectly turfed yard.
@fox81: I read the description. Two batteries give you double the time not doubling the power.
A single 18V ONE+ 6.0Ah battery delivers up to 25 minutes* of runtime. Two 18V ONE+ 5.0Ah batteries provide up to 40 minutes of runtime.
@sicaboy: The victa 18v mowers played this games they would write 18v/36v on the box give 1x 18v battery
Place 2 batteries for noticeable uplift of Power
The 18v ryobis i have, runtime is much longer with 2x 18v , has a peak power higher for longer,
I probably wouldn't say they are comparable in terms of power. Ive tried both
The Ryobi supports 2 X 36v so you have the option of running 2 36v at the same time, it pretty good even on long or buffalo grass wthout skipping a beat.
So you're saying that the Ryobj was more powerful.
My understanding with this ryobi model is that you can only use one battery at a time, the $799 one is the one that cam use 2 at once..
If you are looking at the grass trimmers too, the Ryobi 36v are quite highly rated (even across US based youtubers).
Because it's 1x 36v battery instead of 2x18v batteries on the ozito the trimmers, the Ryobi are much better balanced and weigh less fully loaded.
I am currently thinking to go Ryobi 36v garden tools and stick with Ozito 18v for everything else
I feel like I am a fork in the road as well. Just trying to plan ahead. Feels like ozito is better value for money with most other stuff. Also their rrp is much better if i need to buy somehting without eaiting for a sale.
No stock (R36LMW16)
This the non X model, whatever the difference is between this 46cm 6ah kit at $799 (R36XLMW16)
https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-36v-hp-46cm-6-0ah-brushles…
X model (which i got) has battery boost - so both 36v batteries can be used while in the mower. This model has 1x active battery and 1x storage slot.
The X also has the wiring run inside the frame handle (not really a selling point though).has some other aesthetic/design variations too.
Looks like this one has a rear flap, whereas the X has no cover when nothing is connected - options are mulch plug or bag only.
X also has a 6a fast charger included as well.
When I got it, this model was 699 so it was justifiable to pay the extra IMO.
Ordered one, plenty of stock in NSW
Seems like it has good reviews too
Had this model for a couple of years. Works great unless I let the grass grow too long - and by too long, I mean 30cm+.
I LOVE not having to go and fill jerry cans. My line trimmer uses the same battery,
I think my favourite part is how quiet it is.
Wow, the whole she bang for slightly more than just 1 ego 7.5ah battery.
And before people comment 'oh but ego's quality' yeah nah I bought the whole ecosystem and have battery and lawnmower issues.
Yeah Ego's stuff is good, but I have battery issues and probably won't replace them at the price they want for them.
3/3 of the batteries I got have got charging issues now, 2x7.5ah and 2ah. I just ordered a knock off version from ebay so see how that goes.
real men use ozito
No idea why this comment got downvoted lol
I have a Ryobi 36v 6Ah mower. It definitely has its benefits but the battery technology still has a long way to go. My first battery completely died one day and will no longer charge. My second battery no longer lasts mowing the whole yard and you can’t charge it immediately as the battery is too hot so I have to leave it sitting for 30 minutes+ before the charger will let it charge again, making mowing the lawn a long process.
When a new battery costs half of the overall price it’s not cheap to keep replacing old batteries.
Unfortunately, really have to watch for the black friday sale for batteries.
From memory:
2022 was 2x 4Ah for 249.
2203 was 2x 4Ah for 299.
2024 was 2x 5Ah for 299.
Much better than buying individually, but sadly only available for a few weeks while stock lasts.
Are those sales at Bunnings or Ryobi direct? I’ve never seen the 36v models do any sales on batteries, unlike the 18v version.
At this point I’m tempted to buy a Chinese knock off because they are 1/5th price.
I wouldn't go too cheap! I'm sure there are plenty of well made non-genuine alternatives, but this is the exact scenario that the CFA generally warn people about.
I'd also be installing a smoke detector near your charger!
@PhilToinby: I bought cheap knock off 18v's around 2011/12. They were dead within a year.
I've got 3x 4Ah ryobi 18V that all have build dates in 2013 that are still kicking strong.
Looks like no swing back blades? Just a bar. Any conversion kit?
Same as Ozito 36v steel deck.
IMO let the technology improve. My neighbour has one and he practically mows his lawn every fortnight due to beating the grass height. Otherwise he'll be in trouble due to lawnmower being gutless and can't hack the tall grass. YMMV
Does your neighbour have an 18V or 36V mower? That sounds like my experience with 18V. Upgrading to 36V should be much better.
36V. He swears by it and loves it, but he did say that his frequency of it cutting the lawn has increased. All we hear is him constantly cutting the lawn. I have an old ICE Victa, yes it's loud but balsy. I cut every month at a minimum with tall grass. Tech is still not there IMO
Yeah even with the 36v mine struggles with longer grass or wet grass so I either have to mow more often or mow at a higher level….. which makes me mow more often also.
@Slo20: Time is money they say. You're saving on fuel and maintenance costs but is offset on frequent cutting time and battery replacement/depletion. I'm sure a few more iterations of technology will iron this out.
@vinni9284: I hear you but what's the point of having a lawn and letting it overgrown? They can't use the lawn anyway if it's overgrown so whats the point of owning something that they can't use it? Just pave it or go synthetic in that case, or hire someone to mow it if their time worth that much money.
@NoBargainNoLife: Well i don't really have to stress or worry about cutting the lawn due to growing too high and having a gutless, electric mower. When i decide that it's too tall, I'll cut it. No need to live at the garden because I'll be saving $60 year on fuel and oil. You still have to trim the edges of the synthetic grass as they grow weeds. A few neighbours around here has done that and it looks ugly, especially with weeds hanging off the edges. They don't even do the nature strip considering they never will own it therefore still need to cut
@vinni9284: The part of the synthetic was just a joke and sarcasm. Dont do it.
The cost of fuel and oil is negligible hence no one else talks about it all. It is about the time and frustration you spend dealing with petrol mowers vs electric ones you can pull out and run.
I have owned petrol one for many years before switching to electric ones. I spend way less time and effort on the electric ones. I am sure your neighbours would regret it if they had a petrol one, and surprised by how much more effort they gonna make with it.
If I happened to leave grass grow tall I would much prefer to run the electric mower multiple cuts, rather than living in the garage wishing the petrol ones would start with the stale fuel.
BTW, for tall grass, even for petrol ones, it's better to run multiple times anyway for better cuts and easier to push.
If you read my other comment on this post, you'll see that I only use a petrol mower once a year to scalp the lawn and manage the roots. Electric mowers don't go low enough for this. That's the one thing I miss about petrol mowers. However, most people probably aren't familiar with scalping and dethatching, or simply don't want to bother with it. For most people, including myself with my 600m² Kikuyu lawn, an electric mower is more than enough.
@NoBargainNoLife: All good. I see your point. At the end of the day, I will still use my petrol & oil ICE guzzler mower that I have to pull the ripcord 20 times for it start that runs around 80dB. Still love it, with its frustrations. YMMV (as per my previous post)
@vinni9284: Yeah, can't have the best of two worlds with current tech, so each to their own.
Once the electric ones can go lower than 10mm and still have enough power I will not need to hire one anymore.
I had a 36V Ryobi (had, it broke first day so I took it back and got a petrol mower instead), I wasn't impressed with how it cut my grass (typical grass height after it rains for a couple of days).
By breaking down and me having to return it I think it ultimately did me a favour. YMMV
Why the heck would you mow it every fornight? They're rookie numbers. I mow once if not twice a week. Surely you want it to look like an Augusta fairway and not a St Andrews rough…
Every fortnight is a long time inbetween mows for aus grass in summer. It should be weekly to keep on top of it.
Even with my petrol mower I have to do it weekly to make sure it's not too long.
If a battery mower can do fortnight cuts, I'm impressed
Tbh, I'm guessing the frequency of my neighbours mowing, however it's running very frequently. I can wait way longer with my ICE mower.
I can wait way longer with my ICE mower.
The other posters are trying to explain that this is not a good thing. The longer you wait, then the shitter your lawn gets !!
@Nom: Yep. I'll crack open a beer and say cheers to my neighbour when he's mowing his lawn … again. I'll do mine when it suits me as my mower won't get struck.
I bought the 36v 4ah last week :(
Do you know what the difference is between those two models? I've tried to look online but they seem nearly the same except the 6.0ah vs 4.0ah
As per description on the Bunning’s website: “ 25% more power than the previous model (RLM36X46S52)” - which looks exactly the same as the RLM36X46BL above, except it looks like the kit used to come with 5ah battery instead of 4ah.
So overall the R36LMW16 is a newer model and 25% more powerful
I have the 18v model and it doesn't go tall enough for my grassy needs. Seems to have limited height adjustment. I don't want to cut too low because then you have to cut twice a week to keep that height.
easternculture on 22/01/2025 - 01:00 Comment score below threshold.
