I‘ve been researching the latest electric mower models hitting the market in 2023, and two impressive new options really caught my attention – the Hart 40V self-propelled mower and Ryobi‘s beastly 80V cordless model. If you‘re looking to ditch gas and upgrade to a greener battery-powered mower, how do these two compare? Which might be the right fit your lawn and budget?
Let‘s dig into the key factors I discovered around performance, features and value. I‘ll also outline recent improvements, as well as which enhancements we might expect down the road. My goal is to provide a helpful head-to-head analysis so you can determine the better long-term investment for your home and yard.
At a Glance: Specs Showdown
Before jumping into details, here is an at-a-glance specs comparison I put together:
| Specs | Ryobi 80V (RYPM8010) | Hart 40V (HLPM061US) |
|---|---|---|
| Deck Width | 30" | 21" |
| Batteries (included) | 1 x 80V 10Ah | 2 x 40V 6Ah |
| Estimated Mowing Time | 90+ minutes | 60 minutes |
| Warranty Length | 5 years (mower + battery) | 5 years mower, 3 years battery |
| Current Retail Price | TBD (est. $1,500+) | $598 |
So right off the bat, we observe a wider cutting path for Ryobi but longer coverage with the two swappable Hart batteries. Let‘s analyze what these specs mean for your potential experience mowing the lawn.
Power, Batteries and Efficiency
Cordless mowers live or die by available power, battery life and charging times. Gas mowers easily outpace electric models in raw strength – but recent battery-powered designs like these close the gap dramatically when it comes to practical home use.
The Ryobi 80V packs a serious punch courtesy of its giant single 80V 10 Ah battery resembling a small briefcase. Comparatively, the Hart runs on a pair of lower voltage but still potent 40V 6 Ah units. Testing shows both can easily cut normal yard grasses.
Now, Volts x Amp Hours measures total energy capacity. So despite differing voltages, these mowers deliver roughly similar battery life lasting 45-90 minutes per charge. However, Ryobi‘s beefier 80V battery sustains extra torque to spin its wider mowing deck.
I‘m also impressed that both utilize advanced brushless electric motors rather than old-school brushes. This results in markedly higher energy efficiency and performance over time versus dated tech. So that‘s an important longevity consideration as batteries degrade.
Cutting Deck Designs
Let‘s move on to deck sizes and construction. Here we observe a major difference – the formidable 30" cutting swath of Ryobi‘s 80V contrasts against Hart‘s more compact 21" width.
In practical terms, Ryobi‘s spacious mowing deck can cut ~50% more grass per pass – a huge boon reducing mows for larger 1+ acre plots. It also incorporates dual blade sets laying opposite directions for a cleaner, more efficient chop.
But Hart‘s moderate 21" deck width better suits average residential plots under 1/2 acres for tighter maneuvering. And lacking the extreme cutting torque needs, Hart‘s 40V battery capacity proves fully sufficient for maintaining modest yards.
I‘m pleased both utilize rugged composite deck shells rather than metal – much more durable and rust-resistant. The flip side is these decks can‘t be welded or repaired if seriously damaged. But they do let you replace blades as needed.
Ease of Use
Convenience and simplicity keep homeowners mowing happily year after year. Here again both Hart and Ryobi score well thanks to smart quality-of-life touches. Their dual lever systems make self-propulsion intuitive to engage. Just squeeze the bar and go!
Hart helpfully supports hot-swapping its twin batteries mid-mow for uninterrupted cutting. Meanwhile, Ryobi‘s formidable single battery avoids any capacity guessing games. Just charge fully and you‘ve got 90+ minutes of carefree runtime.
For storage and transport, Ryobi‘s massive battery complicates matters somewhat unless you opt for the higher cost dual-battery kit. And there‘s no getting around its beastly overall weight. Hart‘s lighter 40V model (just 52 lbs total) is simpler for moving or hanging vertically in tight garages.
Recent Upgrades
Excitingly, early 2023 brought several enhancments for both models over initial versions:
Hart 40V
- Longer battery life via improved lithium-ion cells
- Upgraded steel blades for durability and cutting performance
- Smoother self-propulsion system for easier speed control
Ryobi 80V
- Reinforced mowing deck shell withstands impact damage
- More efficient brushless motor increases runtime
- Variable speed self-propel drive makes speed adjustments simpler
So nice to see meaningful tech upgrades rapidly translating to improved owner experiences in just the first season!
Price Considerations
Now for the million dollar question – how much do these slick new cordless models set you back?
Hart wins big on upfront value – snagging theirs with two batteries for just $598 retail means lower initial payment. But Ryobi‘s 80V monster justifies a sizable premium…when itssticker price gets announced.
Early estimates place it stratospherically over $1,500! And that massive single battery alone sells for $900 (!). Big ouch for your wallet. However, stretched over a 5+ year lifespan including likely battery replacement, Hart‘s total cost could converge closer.
Ultimately Ryobi asks you to pay the premium for ruggedness and insane cutting power. Hart tempts budget-focused buyers through battery flexibility and smaller scale optimal for average lawns. Which makes more sense depends on your needs and finances.
Which Is the Best Cordless Mower Overall?
We‘ve covered a lot of ground comparing these two battery-powered walk-behinds! So which reigns supreme?
For sizable 1+ acre plots or future whole-yard electrification, Ryobi‘s 80V is a lawn taming monster. Its 30" cutting deck breadth and formidable performance reliably mow down vast grasses without the headaches of gas.
But if you just need a green mowing upgrade for modest urban or suburban plots under 1/2 acres, Hart‘s 40V model offers a compelling balance of value and quality. Dual swappable batteries provide runtime flexibility many competitors can‘t match.
I hope mapping out their strengths and weaknesses gives clarity for choosing what‘s right for your needs. The good news? Both Hart and Ryobi make going cordless in 2023 very tempting through technology that now rivals gasoline mowers. Lower maintenance and environmental friendliness? Yes please!
Have additional questions I didn‘t cover? Want to share your firsthand experience with either model? Let me know in the comments! I‘m here to provide tailored guidance exploring your cordless mowing options.
