54" Ryobi Zero Turn

[goddom]

I was looking to get a new mower and I happened upon the new electric zero turns. Most of them were to small for what I needed but Ryobi came out with the 54" model and it can cut 3-4 acres. I was thinking this might not be enough if I had particularly long or wet grass but I figured, even if I had to cut one part of the yard, then the rest the next day it wouldn't be the end of the world. I just like the idea of not having to fiddle with all the belts and carb and such. Also, I am realizing that its kind of nice not having to run to the gas station or store fuel. Its all charged up and I go.

My biggest complaint, after having cut a couple times - once after heavy rains, and then when it was a bit dryer - was that the wheels would divet the grass if I made a hard turn. I think the rear wheels might need to be a bit bigger.

I will say this is my first zero turn mower ever, so maybe compared to others it might have other drawbacks, but so far I am pretty happy with it. I made a video review so you can see and hear what it sounds like.

 

[RalphVa]

We bought a 42 inch Ryobo ZT480e. Haven't really had enough grass to grow to properly test how well it cut yet. Cuts fine the sprigs coming up from the dry grass.

Uphill tire spins easily on a very slight uphill slope when sideways and stopped. Climbs hills forward like a billy goat and works fine backing down slopes. Compound slopes are a problem. Went skidding down a slope that is also sideways into my neighbor's tall grass. I will not be taking it down the hill to assist in doing the trails unless the JD is out of commission.

Does fine for our hilly side/back yards and our relatively flat front yard. Can mow everything very fast, as it is twice the width of the Ryobi 21 inch crosscut, which is a real champ.

Gone completely gasless for grass mowing. Sold both gas lawn mowers and the 40v, inadequate, Kobalt grass whip and mower.

 

[RalphVa]

Oh, I removed that grass deflector. Just have the mulcher plug on the discharge. Came with it.

 

[goddom]

We bought a 42 inch Ryobo ZT480e. Haven't really had enough grass to grow to properly test how well it cut yet. Cuts fine the sprigs coming up from the dry grass.

Uphill tire spins easily on a very slight uphill slope when sideways and stopped. Climbs hills forward like a billy goat and works fine backing down slopes. Compound slopes are a problem. Went skidding down a slope that is also sideways into my neighbor's tall grass. I will not be taking it down the hill to assist in doing the trails unless the JD is out of commission.

Does fine for our hilly side/back yards and our relatively flat front yard. Can mow everything very fast, as it is twice the width of the Ryobi 21 inch crosscut, which is a real champ.

Gone completely gasless for grass mowing. Sold both gas lawn mowers and the 40v, inadequate, Kobalt grass whip and mower.

Yeah, I was noticing some issues on hills, but I chalked it up to the grass being wet. I don't have to many hills, so haven't tested that to much.

I have been moving away from gas when I can.

 

[RalphVa]

Yeah. A bother to run out and get the gas and then to pour it in, etc. Also have oil changes, belts to replace or to put back on when they come off, air filters, spark plugs. I figure you save about $200/yr in going electric for each gizmo. No belts, no gas, no oil.

 

[Handloader109]

I don't care how good this mower is, Warranty is ONLY ONE YEAR on the batteries..... So some short time after that, when a battery fails and you have to spend $500 on a replacement (guess) or even the REAL possibility that a replacement battery won't be available, get back to us on the purchase. While I'm not anti electric, nothing battery operated will last a decade, while most of the zero turns sold will do that if reasonably cared for.