RYOBI 40V Mower vs. Dewalt 20V Max Mower: Which One Wins?

RYOBI and DeWalt stand as two of the most trusted brands for cordless, battery-powered lawn mowers. Their 40V and 20V Max mower models represent the latest in electric mowing technology. Homeowners aiming to ditch the hassles of gas mowers face an important question – should I choose the RYOBI 40V or the DeWalt DCMW220P2?

While the RYOBI offers a higher voltage battery system and the DeWalt touts clever space-saving design, both deliver premium brushless motors and modern features. This head-to-head guide will compare every aspect of these two battery mowers to crown an overall winner.

Key Similarities and Differences

The RYOBI 40V and DeWalt 20V Max represent two of the top battery-powered push mowers in their class. At first glance, they share some core similarities:

• Brushless motors – Both utilize brushless direct drive motors that are more powerful, efficient and durable than older brushed motors. They hold consistent blade speeds better when mowing thick grass.
• 3-in-1 deck – Both allow bagging, mulching or side discharge mowing with easy conversions between functions.
• Battery run times – Both run for 50-70 minutes on a charge depending on grass conditions.
• Height adjustment – Both allow height adjustment from 1.5 to 4 inches.

However, some key differences do exist:

The higher voltage and cutting width of the RYOBI allows it to power through thicker and wider grass, especially on slopes. The DeWalt offers neat storage size perks thanks to its folding handle.

Both represent leading options in the cordless electric mower space. Now let’s do a deeper dive on the pros, cons and key distinctions.

Power System Comparison

When analyzing any electric mower, the power system represents the engine that drives performance. Gas mowers utilize combustible engines while battery mowers rely on voltage from lithium-ion battery packs coupled with electric motors.

The RYOBI 40V system provides ample juice to spin blades for up to 70 minutes of mowing. Equipped with two 40V 6Ah batteries (that‘s 240 watt-hours total), the motors have capacity to spare.

Homeowners describe the 40V system delivering sufficient torque and speed to power up slopes and mulch through thicker grass with ease. The inclusion of load sensing tech ensures power gets smoothly transferred for optimal cutting efficiency.

Pros

• Plenty of voltage/capacity for larger yards
• Load sensing tech enhances power transfer
• Same power as some gas mowers

Cons

• Higher voltage batteries are more expensive
• Requires 4 batteries for max range

The DeWalt 20V Max utilizes a beefy 20V/10A battery pack design, but runs two packs simultaneously for a total of 400 watt-hours. While lower voltage than the RYOBI, the double battery design allows the DeWalt motors to produce similar raw power.

The dual battery factor explains how DeWalt achieves up to 60 minutes of cutting time from the lower 20V packs. Homeowners definitely notice a power difference between single 20V battery operation compared to double. The double setup enables solid hill climbing traction and manages thicker grass well.

Pros

• Dual 20V battery design is clever workaround
• Provides plenty of cutting power
• Single battery swaps easier than RYOBI

Cons

• Requires purchasing 4+ batteries for max yard coverage
• Noticeable drop in power with just single battery

In summary, the RYOBI leverages a higher voltage single battery design while the DeWalt splits the voltage over two battery packs running simultaneously. Both achieve ample cutting power for most residential needs. To maximize yard coverage, both require investing in additional backup battery packs.

Cutting Efficiency

Lawn mowers get judged harshly on their cutting efficiency – that is how quickly, cleanly and evenly they cut grass. Judging cutting efficiency requires analysis of blade design, deck construction and adjustment features.

When it comes to blades, both the RYOBI and DeWalt utilize dual sharp edged metal blades within their cutting decks to slice grass cleanly. The RYOBI employs a 21-inch cutting deck vs 20-inches for the DeWalt. Homeowners note both mowers leave behind an even cut whether bagging or mulching.

The mowers permit adjustable cutting height from 1.5 to 4.0 inches to handle anything from lawn scalping to flower bed edging. The RYOBI uses a single adjustment lever while the DeWalt requires dual levers.

Pros of Both

• Sharp dual blades suit all mowing modes
• Even flat cuts avoiding tracks/lines
• Height adjustment from 1.5 to 4 inches

Cons of Both

• Plastic (non-metal) cutting decks
• No rear wheel indicator marks on height settings
• DeWalt needs two levers for height change

When assessing cutting efficiency, there appears little difference in operation between the mowers. The RYOBI does claim a 1-inch wider cutting deck, but homeowners should achieve similar quality and evenness of cut from both models.

Runtime Comparison

Battery runtime stands critical for any cordless tool, especially mowers tasked with yard work. Gas mowers enjoy continual refueling, giving them indefinite runtime. Battery mowers must make due on single charges lasting 30 to 90 minutes depending on model.

The RYOBI 40V touts upwards of 70 minutes of mowing on a single fully charged battery. That translates to roughly 1.25 hours of cutting time with the 6Ah batteries. Dropping to lower capacity 4Ah batteries shortens run times closer to 50 minutes.

The DeWalt 20V Max manages 60 minutes per fully charged pair of batteries. Run times drop to 30-40 minutes utilizing just a single charge battery.

What happens if the battery dies mid-mow? Both the RYOBI and DeWalt feature battery compartments to stash an extra pack as backup. But the RYOBI only fits one while DeWalt houses two.

Most homeowners praise the extended run times of the 40V and 20V Max models compared to lower voltage battery mowers. But to extend yard coverage further, additional backup battery packs make a worthy investment, especially for larger lawns.

Mowing Convenience

Beyond just power and cutting efficiency, homeowners demand lawn mowers deliver a convenient, comfortable user experience. Let‘s see how the RYOBI and DeWalt battery mowers compare when grading features that impact convenience.

Handing and Maneuverability

The RYOBI utilizes rear wheel drive paired with a set of larger 10-inch front wheels that aid pivot turns and handling on slopes or uneven terrain. Weighing in at 75 pounds, the mower feels substantial, but not overly heavy.

Meanwhile the DeWalt leans on a front wheel drive system with 7-inch front wheels allowing tight 20-inch turning capability. At just 52 pounds, the DeWalt glides smoothly across flats, though offers less grip for steep sections.

Pros

• RYOBI – Better sloped terrain handling
• DeWalt – Extremely maneuverable and lighter weight

Adjustment Features

The RYOBI’s single-point height lever simplifies transitions between cut settings. Adjustable speed control via a speed dial also grants flexibility when moving between thicker grass areas vs finish trimming.

The DeWalt utilizes dual adjustment levers which homeowners complain feels awkward to flip when altering cutting height. Outside of a power boost button for thicker grass, no other convenience controls exist.

Pros

• RYOBI – Single lever height adjust + speed dial
• DeWalt – None

Transport and Storage

Both models fold into surprisingly compact form factors for vertical storage in garages or garden sheds. However, the unique dual handle design of the DeWalt does allow it to shrink down a full 70% compared to operating mode. The 20V model just bests the RYOBI when space comes at an absolute premium.

Pros

• DeWalt – 70% smaller storage footprint
• RYOBI – Slightly better vertical lift handles

Safety Features

Safety first represents an important mantra for any power tool, especially those with fast spinning blades. Cordless mowers reduce certain risks by avoiding hot gas engines and emissions, but what other precautions do the RYOBI and DeWalt offer?

Fire Protection

Gas mowers always run a slight risk of igniting underlying debris or suffering mechanical combustion failure. Battery mowers eliminate this liability.

However the RYOBI 40V takes things a step further by encasing its lithium-ion batteries within a steel chamber for maximum fire resistance. This prevents accidental ignition from a damaged battery. Both mowers deploy automatic blade braking when the bail handle gets released.

Protection Zones

Unfortunately neither model currently offers automated safety detection regions around the perimeter to halt blade spinning if an object gets too close. More premium self-propelled mowers are beginning to utilize sensor systems detect objects/people and stop blades automatically to prevent contact accidents.

So safety still requires the operator staying alert. But the lack of hot surfaces or emissions does limit the overall risk areas.

Warranties

Battery and electric mowers carry a higher starting price than their gas counterparts. This means the included warranty offers critical peace of mind should problems arise down the road.

The RYOBI 40V manages to outshine the DeWalt by including double the overall coverage time with their equipment. Here‘s how the warranties stack up:

• RYOBI
  • 5 Year Warranty – Mowing deck and hardware
  • 3 Year Warranty – Batteries and charger
• DeWalt
  • 3 Year Limited Warranty – Entire mower
  • 1 Year Service Contract

Homeowners applaud RYOBI for providing up to 5 years of assurance against defects. The DeWalt protection, while still fair for the industry, lags at just 3 years for the entire mower.

Extended accessory and battery coverage delivers excellent long term value. RYOBI wins out with the backing of additional years to replace worn parts.

Recent Upgrades

Both companies actively iterate their technology with upgrades to improve reliability, convenience and cut quality. Here are some of the latest improvements rolled out within the last year for these mower models:

RYOBI 40V Upgrades

• EdgeGuard Tech – Preventing deck from cutting lawn periphery
• Adjustable Mowing Speed – Customizable via speed dial

DeWalt 20V Max Upgrades

• Increased Battery Life – Up to 45 minutes per charge
• Better Height Adjustability – Wider increment settings
• Powerful Motor – Handles thick and damp grass better

Future Outlook

Over the next 2-3 years as battery and motor tech continues advancing, buyers can expect:

• Even longer runtimes per charge
• Safety detection and auto-stop features
• Increased brushless motor power efficiency
• More intuitive control options via touchscreens or apps

RYOBI vs DeWalt – Which is Better For You?

Both the 40V model from RYOBI and 20V Max system by DeWalt stand impressively as leaders for cordless battery powered mowers. They achieve gas mower-like power and cut quality while eliminating toxic emissions and simplifying maintenance.

For consumers seeking the full power to tackle large, complex yards – especially those with slopes or uneven terrain – the RYOBI 40V makes the most sense. Homeowners praise its substantial motor torque and voltage to muscle through all sorts of grass conditions while the smoother single battery design simplifies swaps. Just make sure to budget for extra batteries.

Buyers wanting maximum long term value also benefit from RYOBI’s outstanding 5 year equipment warranty – rare for the battery mower industry.

Meanwhile homeowners with smaller, flatter lawns that demand a compact storage footprint will cherish the DeWalt 20V Max solutions. The dual 20V battery arrangement proffers plenty of juice while the brilliant vertical fold design chops its storage size drastically. Less voltage does hamper its sloped terrain handling however.

In the end, for delivering the best overall blend of power and cutting performance wrapped with long term protection, the RYOBI 40V conquers its rival to claim the title of premiere battery mower champion!

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I hope this comprehensive face-off guide helps highlight the pros, cons and key distinctions buyers must weigh when selecting between these two impressive battery-powered smart mowers. Please comment any questions below!