Ryobi Z turn mower face off! [it's HUGE]

[@anthonygross1963]

Great review, can’t wait to get my 80V next month!

[@bluefrog12345]

Same here. My current push mower is on its last days and falling apart. Fingers crossed it doesn't get delayed.

[@RossMalagarie]

Live Free and Tool On the one with the lead acid batteries you could just change out with Lifepo4 Lithium batteries with more amp hours for better run times and longer lives compared to the lead acid stock batteries?

[@KenCrow-fu3tc]

Ty we just bought our Ryobi Mower. This video was very helpful

[@TheBitsonEffect]

I'm a huge Ryobi fan, every piece of lawn equipment and power tool I use is Ryobi. I have the 38" 100AH (480EX) steering wheel model and I love it. I also have a big wall of the Link Modular System. All that being said, not sure I'm a fan of this. Don't get me wrong, lithium ion was the way to go, BUT...the joystick? I haven't tried one yet so I don't know, but it seems like it would feel like you were riding in an electric wheel chair. I love mowing! And one of the things I love about mowing is the steering wheel or the bars on a zero turn. I love the FEEL of mowing. I don't see that happening with the joystick. I don't need to lounge and drink coffee when I am mowing. I want to mow! That's my three cents anyway. Thank you for the review.

[@livefreeandtoolon]

Thanks for your comment, I would encourage you to find a Home Depot that has these in stock and try it out it’s interesting at first if you’re used to a Z turn but then it just becomes an extension of yourself

[@philmateleven1510]

Have you had a chance to try it yet? Not being cramped behind the steering wheel or lap bars is pretty nice.

[@TheBitsonEffect]

@@philmateleven1510 - Not yet. I'm sure I will get a chance soon though!

[@Broskibrother]

I just hate how they elimated all left handed users with the new one. it would make it very odd for me to use

[@YellowBoltTC]

Just use the new ego it has a steering wheel, way better

[@StariusPrime]

I think “eliminate” is a bit strong. Left handed people used arcade and video game joysticks for decades, the same ones right handed people use. You get used to it. In fact, in such situations I switch between hands depending on the game. You might think this doesn’t totally apply to mowing, but my father and I just got the iDrive mower and I can tell you that nearly 40 years of playing video games has been more than enough training to use this mower. 😆

[@scidav87]

Exactly. I HATE stuff that's made for right handed people.... Trash

[@2down4up]

My current yard is about 400sq feet and I want a bigger lot just to have one of these things!

[@livefreeandtoolon]

Easy fix, mow all the neighbors yards

[@2down4up]

@@livefreeandtoolon 😂 I guess I could do that. Save the HOA some money!

[@JC-nq3ux]

I think i need that coffee mug now that I purchased this mower. 1 more week till i get my 54"

[@philnolan7193]

Why does the new one have big (80V) batteries and small (40V) batteries? Does one set do the driving and set does the cutting? Or do the big ones do the drive and cut, and the small ones do the controls, lights etc?

[@livefreeandtoolon]

They all work together, the 40v combine to help the 80v

[@markwicker2664]

They throw in the 40V batteries to increase the cutting time while also giving you a reason to buy other 40V Ryobi OPE.

[@philmateleven1510]

Ryobi knows their customers likely have other 40v tools so they already have the batteries. Using the 40v to extend the runtime is convenient as is charging the 40v in the mower.

[@onestop2446]

2nd season on 48v ryobi 50 Hours of use currently nothing need to replace. So far the mower has same performance that i had first day. Blades i believe needs to be sharpen And i know you guys want to hear about BATTERY , No charge drop i always kept on charge while not in use. Several time dropped down to 15% Usually to 55% When im done. 100AH model approximately give 2 hours of continuous running blades on high and wheels on slow. 25% if run another 15 20 minutes 15% left. KEY FACTOR. I still recommend to choose the double power Mower compare to size of your lawn. 100AH 2 to 3 ACRE recommended but for slow and nice clean cut its only good for a ACRE.

[@qua7771]

I had mine about 5 years, and just replaced the batteries. I think it has 144 hours. My yard isn't very big. A typical suburban lot. I keep mine on the charger when not in use as well. I found batteries on Amazon for $600 for the set. Installation was a little harder that it it should be in my opinion. They could have designed it to be easier. I broke a wire on the charging port, and had to order another one. Overall, I'm satisfied with this mower.

[@Garcia....]

Excellent post! 👍

[@johntowers1213]

why on earth did they switch to a one hand control and still put the deck adjustment on the same side as the joystick?

[@livefreeandtoolon]

But how would you drink your coffee?! Haha

[@philmateleven1510]

Get the 30" version. The deck height adjustment is on the left and the control screen is further forward.

[@ericluebehusen8764]

Nice video. I have the 48v 115ah 54" SLA ZT mower, and there are a few things I need to highlight: 1) Accessing the 4 SLA batteries is a major pia. 4x60lbs, on one sliding tray... wtf. I bought a Harbor Freight 500lb capacity adj height flatbed roller that is a life saver. Even then, there are a lot of steps. If you are not physically able, that is a HUGE issue. 2) The SLA batteries run ~$350/ea, and my first set lasted 2.5 seasons. Thankfully Ryobi sent me replacements on them, but you're looking at spending $1200-1500 every 2-3 years on batteries. 3) I'd love to know how long the Lithium batteries last cos they are $$$$$. I spoke to the battery shop about LI batteries, and for 1 SLA equivalent it was $800-900. Maybe I wouldn't need 4 tho... something I'll look into. 4) How much do Ryobi's LI batteries cost? And they look like proprietary. SLA you can buy any that match and fit. I would prefer the faster charging and maintenance free Lithium version, but having never used it and not knowing battery life/cost, I dunno. Be a nice addendum video. $0.17

[@mct8888]

Wish they made a lithium version of the 38" steering wheel model!

[@livefreeandtoolon]

Yup

[@philmateleven1510]

You can upgrade the lead acid to lithium very easily.

[@paulherring8959]

@@philmateleven1510 If the 42" originally came with lead acid batts then you'd have to do the upgrade by BUYING those LI batts. I'd expect that to be extremely expensive to do.

[@davidfinigan4565]

How much run time would be added installing an additional 80 volt battery in empty compartment on 42 I drive Ryobi?

[@livefreeandtoolon]

I think its 4 acres

[@billmalec]

How much are replacement batteries? Why do reviews not mention this? Can you even get them?

[@livefreeandtoolon]

For which mower? For the 80v each is 800.00 and I think for the 100 ah is around the same

[@billmalec]

@@livefreeandtoolon $800 for...one... battery? Can you even get them at this moment if you ordered one?

[@livefreeandtoolon]

@@billmalec not that I've seen

[@billmalec]

I'll stick with my 14 year old Cub 2554 that I just replaced the belts on last year for the first time. 500 hours. Once a year oil change is nothing. I'd hate to have a dead battery and be stuck.

[@busybud2]

One thing I'm curious about as no one seems to cover it.... How will the mower handle hitting a large rock or stump and/or would it suffer damage?

[@livefreeandtoolon]

The blade will stop and the motor will protect its self you have to turn off and back on the motor

[@busybud2]

@@livefreeandtoolon Thank you very much!

[@jesserush3552]

How much is the price of the 80v

[@mellowjammer]

Based on the build quality, your experience with Ryobi products, and the fact that there are many electronic components in these units, what is your best guess on the life expectancy of a battery zero turn aside from the battery life?

[@Cyberdine.Systems.Model-101]

Does the new 80v come with a mulching plug/cover?

[@livefreeandtoolon]

Yes

[@Cyberdine.Systems.Model-101]

@@livefreeandtoolon thanks 😊

[@K0gashuk0]

I would pay the extra for the 80v model but I dont want the joystick.

[@gooberminther3tik25]

How many sets of keys do I need😱 4311, I can't get the 1st key inserted withdrawn. 5 is enuf already. A clue on where the "...data plate..." where recorded serial number, for purposes of 5 year registration protection. That's gawd's coverage on batteries. Wud B Appreciated/

[@johnstephenson-km2td]

Just bought the 80v. Still on the learning curve but it's much more comfortable than a gas zero turn and I don't have to transport fuel! It gives a great cut but I'm tempted to install a seatbelt due to some rutted areas. The design and quality appear to be first rate!

[@kellygibson4653]

I have the I Drive 50V with 30" deck.. Absolutely incredible mower. Once you learn the joystick it gives you great control and finesse to stay close to your borders, trees, etc. It charges from around 30% to 100% in approx. 45mins. Plenty of power for any type of mowing and grass height.

[@cm.5023]

Awesome video, I do wish they had just upgrated the batteries instead of switching to the I-drive but we humans are good at adapting.

[@JZONE14U]

The only thing I hate is when you press the breaks it actually cuts off the power completely, making you put it back in neutral pushing the joystick down and then up restarting the equipment from the beginning, totally rediculous.. But I still love it. I just wish the breaks could function like in a car, not like a shut off switch.

[@paulexplainsit]

Totally agree!

[@JZONE14U]

So terrible on slopes too

[@paulexplainsit]

@@JZONE14U I have a few slopes and had no issues, but I have the 54" which has more batteries and is heavier, which might make a difference

[@TLOaks_]

Nice informative video but $7,000 for the 80V is a deal killer.

[@SG-bb8pq]

Is it safe to max out the compartments with every battery? More juice? More power?

[@livefreeandtoolon]

Yes it’s safe, it just increases the run time

[@SG-bb8pq]

@@livefreeandtoolon thank you!

[@ronaldnixon4689]

Never had a need for four cup holders, but i guess one would get thirsty waiting for the battery to charge :)

[@trekerdan]

The 54inch doesn't come with blade boost

[@waldyworld926]

curious, at what price point were you able to get your 80v Ryobi at? Did you have to pay the latest $1,000 increase?

[@livefreeandtoolon]

6k

[@moestrei]

History of the standard Ryobi ride ons with lead acid batteries shows that those batteries are clapped out after only 2 years. However there are plenty of examples for a lithium upgrade but then you pay more in total than for a new lithium mover to start with.

[@scidav87]

It would be nice if they could put the joystick on the left side. So much nicer that way

[@Robloxgrl1]

Why wud it better on the left side?

[@byancey80]

Just wish I could swap my lead acid batteries in my 48 volt 54 inch to the lithium ion ones. Literally bought mine 60 days before they released the 80v

[@philmateleven1510]

You can. Most people do it after their lead acid ones give up and need to be replaced.

[@warzonefitness8937]

I've had mine three summers, still mows 3.5 acres every 4 days, make sure you use it as much as possible per cut, charge it back to 100 before using again and always keep it plugged in. Mine sits in an unheated garage in Mexico NY, the snow Capital region of the country, the mower does just fine, your going to like the handles far better on yours trust me

[@stevewalls5628]

Awesome video, thanks. So I have the old Ryobi 42 zero turn love it! Question can I switch to a lit battery and if so will it charge with the charger I have now ? Thanks

[@moestrei]

The short answer is yes / no.

[@kpath74]

They need to have all the batteries removable like Ego. I don't own a third car garage to put that into to charge. I could put it in my shed, but don't want to have a 20 foot cord on my lawn charging it all the time. I guess I'll have to wait for a couple more years for Ryobi to make that happen.

[@Agent77X]

Like know the cutting speed mph! 6, 8, or 10 mph during cutting!😊

[@arminius301]

I would never buy the 80V version. You'll be stuck with having to buy Ryobi's overpriced proprietary ludicrously priced 80V packs (and they're lithium ion, not LiFePo4 which are the best). The 48V version gives you 1000's of options to upgrade to LiFePo4 of any price range or AH capacity you choose. I bought a used Zero Turn Ryobi and I dig this thing. Will probably have to throw the old AGM out and upgrade to LiFePo4.

[@3sidesofeve711]

That idrive is a no go for me. I want precise control using 2 hands. They should have put money into attachment plates to put a top cover on it.

[@RichM1967]

I've owned a Ryobi mower for the past year. Fact the batteries worked fantastic for the first few months, I have an acre of land to mow, I'd get done with 40-50% -- Today it's down to about 20% after only a year. Think about your cell phone and how well it worked when you first got it, and after a year or two the battery just doesn't last as long. Electric mowers are the same -- at this rate I'll be buying new batteries for mine at $200 per battery within the next year or so just to continue to mow my lawn. Gas powered mower -- The last one I owned lasted over 10 years with minor maintenance to the engine. This is a fantastic mower but realize the cost is going to be significantly more than Gas.

[@greenmachine6146]

I've heard this a lot and I haven't had the same experience. I have .82 acres of hilly terrain and have been using my 480ex for 3 seasons (just hit 100 hours). Battery life is exactly as new. I am curious how the lithium performs.

[@johnadair6108]

So you compared old tech with new tech from the same company. A more useful comparison might have been Ryobi and the EGO Z6.

[@603me.]

On some level this appeals to me, but it's hard to make an economic case for them, especially the 80v. Even at current gas prices, the price premium makes the payback period prohibitively long unless you have a lot of acreage and mow frequently. Looking at the 42" zero turns on HD, the 80v is $1600 more than the gas Cub Cadet, and $2600 more than the cheapest Toro. My current Craftsman yt3000 has a 2.5 gallon tank. Let's say I use half a tank each time I mow (probably less). At current gas prices I would have to mow 256 times to save in gas the difference between the CC and the 80v (assuming similar fuel efficiency). I'm also in NH, and I believe a similar area of the state. Even if I somehow needed to mow 52 times per year, it would take 5 years to break even. Longer if the batteries needed replacement in that time. And I don't mow anywhere near 52 times per year. Even if you paid to have it serviced each year, it's not shortening the break even period by much. I would assume that there are more 80v tools coming. And if you could pair the ZT and the included batteries with bare tool equipment like a tiller or snowblower (using the included 40v), that might make it worthwhile. But afaik, for example, the snowblower can only be had as a kit. And it too sells for a pretty premium over a comparable gas machine. To be sure, convenience and noise are not frivolous factors, but for me, I'm not sure they're worth that much.

[@603me.]

Okay so I commented just before the very end, when you mentioned spending $60/wk in gas. In that case, the economic argument can be made, even in NH where you wouldn't be using them all year. But it's definitely a case by case situation.

[@MidniteSon]

I agree, the price is too high. You often can get pre-owned ZTRs (both electric and gas) for typically 1/3rd the price of them new. I'm interested to see how much these drop once the mowing season comes to an end; maybe they will go back to their introductory price announcements.

[@penitent2401]

most people are not switching to electric mower and large tools for the cost reduction. If you run a business then gas power is the way to go, but electric for personal use has major advantages in convenience and ease of use if you are willing to pay bit extra. Zero maintenance or fumes, no fluids or having to buy and store fuel, batteries fits other tools, and everything will happily sits in the garage or a corner for a year and be good as when you left it, there's no fluids to clog or leak or freeze. You are paying more for convenience and ease of use.

[@603me.]

@@penitent2401 I'm aware. I own some cordless ope. My point is that, for me, that convenience is not always worth the premium. Weed wacker? Yup. Chainsaw? That too. But for a ride on mower, that price premium is so high that I have to consider the economics. Or more simply, for my $6k would I rather have a mower (and convenience, etc) or a mower and $1600-2600 of gas and other stuff? Which do I value more? This is fundamental to every economic decision we make, whether we think of it explicitly or not.

[@603me.]

Now if we're talking about the two stage snow blower, for example, my choice might be different. It's still a large premium over an equivalent gas machine. But the convenience factor is more valuable to me in winter than summer. And the 40v batteries can be used in other tools, bolstering it's economic argument. So I find myself really considering making that switch.

[@drewsquickfix]

that joystick is a joke, when I mow I like something to hold on to. a steering wheer or the 2 hand bars on a zero turn. WHO WANTS TO MOW A LAWN IN A LARGE OFFROAD ELECTRIC WHEEL CHAIR??

[@philmateleven1510]

I do. I don't need a steering wheel or lap bars to feel like a man.

[@drewsquickfix]

@@philmateleven1510 I think the remote control stick is harder to use has nothing to do with being a man the bars are simple Left Right forward reverse much easier to turn

[@philmateleven1510]

@@drewsquickfix The joystick is left right forward reverse as well.

[@drewsquickfix]

@@philmateleven1510 I guess it's an acquired feeling using a joystick ivern construction equipment before and most of them use the bars

[@mikebertolette7254]

After watching many videos about these new electric riding mowers it seems the only real use of a battery is start a gasoline engine

[@dankmoves]

Agree! Much more practical!

[@ShaneHm2]

The controls on the 80V model is terrible by the looks of it. I wouldn't even accept it for free, EGO zero turns looks like they are the better choice

[@thatonegirlazu9847]

Don’t get it. Save your money and buy a commercial gas mower

[@livefreeandtoolon]

Why

[@ss4goku9695]

I wanted to get one of these but was slightly out of my budget. Got a 42" ariens edge, regret the purchase every time I have to get gas and do an oil change.

[@MidniteSon]

@@livefreeandtoolon Because the price will drop 1K in September. Also, I've demoed the 30" version, and the traction was piss poor out of the box. Maybe if they didn't have small wheels and slick turf tires, they would be better. That products market price should be $3,500 to 3,999 (the same as when they introduced the product), not 5K for just a 1 acre mower.

[@Steveoh34]

@@MidniteSon Why do you think the price will drop $1,000 in September?

[@MidniteSon]

@@Steveoh34 All these zero turn mowers were introduced with prices that started that way. Before they were actually released, they had two price hikes to due to start of mowing season and supply shortage.

[@Robloxgrl1]

I find that the joystick is harder to maneuver than the 2 levers.