Model: RYOBI 48V Brushless 54 in. 115 Ah Battery Electric Riding Zero Turn Mower
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I looked into that but it was like $1800 for that. While I found Li mowers zero turn for around $4000. Seems to me it would be better to just buy one that came with the batteries and chargers and such. It was not on sale and was 60V 8 AH six batteries. 2.5 acres.
I would not even consider this unless it went down to $2000. The Greenworks 60 was 42" but it also goes up to 8 MPH.
Yeah I wouldn't pay anywhere near this, there was a firesale for 499 of a certain model in store only last year I believe, and with lead acid based riders being a dead end tech I wouldn't be surprised to see what's left of the stock get liquidated this fall, maybe not quite that cheap based on how quickly they got scooped up for that price but HD generally starts at half of MSRP which would still be 500 less on this and it's I believe the highest capacity of them.
I mow 2+ acres. It is not a golf course. In fact I need deck parts on hand during the summer because it is a ruff grounds. A deck and blade can get banged around pretty hard around trees, over gopher holes, dogs, cats, children all dull my blade.... A spare belt, Mandrels and blades are things I might need quickly during a mowing day. The parts I need are plentiful.
I kind of doubt that the decks will handle the abuse I put mine through. Most deck blades are driven by a belt. If a blade hits a rock the belt slips and the blade might might even bend. I fear these electric deck motors that replace the $25 belt and pully system used on my 20yr old craftsman is going to be considerably more to maintain. They might even be more fragile. Bound to be much harder to find too. I am good for 1or 2 belts a year and a Mandrel every other, but those parts are all common today and will be for the foreseeable future.
It is not just that the lead acid batteries do not last, but it could be other areas of durability that could be of issue as well. I love the concept but before I spend $3.5k and another $1.5k for a lithium upgrade, I want to know if it is the only problems these have. For $5k I could get a quite proven, respectable and durable mower of similar size that would last for a decade or more with simple maintenance.
My old Kohler has been treating me good, knock on wood, and if it died tomorrow, I don't think I would consider this just yet.. You guys are welcome to be the first. I will wait until there is a few more generations in to it.
On a Side note I saw Husqvarna (AYP) has started killing off internal combustion assembly plants down south. I think I saw 2k layed off to build this stuff in Mexico. It might soon be the last call for personal choice on mowing options soon. The last GM/Toyota V8 is this year, the last internal combustion lawn tractor is soon to follow.. Save your money for that last call..
If I go with something like this it might as well be the Roomba version of this. If we take tech this far in to it, we might as well go the full automatic mowing and bypass this completely. It could be much lighter if my big arse is not on it. Batteries could be smaller. Mowing could be automated greatly.
Only problem the men in America would have with the Roomba mower is the wife wont need you! or you wont get that solitude of just you, the mower and a can of beer.. It is "my time" when I mow.. no talking.. no texting.. I would miss that if I had a Roomba mower, but I could survive.. I might go fishing.
I was in Costco and saw the one they sell. Looked durable, but we are almost talking car prices on these. I just want to wait a few years more to see if we can get some standards on batteries, motors ect.. Is there parts available and what are common maintenance costs are. You might not be getting repairs if no one has parts. When your mower is down and they say a part is back ordered for 3 months, What are your options? Remember a manufacturer is only required to provide or direct you to a source of a part for the duration of the warranty. These are bound to get orphaned.
I got one of these specifically because of the terrible lead-acid batteries. They're awful batteries, but they're dead simple and easy to replace with anything that can push 48v. Just a positive and a negative cable. If you get some commonly-available 12v self-managing LifePOS batteries, you can even use the charger that comes with the mower (though I use a NOCO li ion charger).
There are often a bunch of cheap models on craigslist, too. I saw an RM480e for like $1500.
The newer generation uses Ryobi's superior Li+ batteries and I'm assuming I'd be locked in. I don't know; maybe those are easy to replace, too.
This thing used lead acid batteries. Only lasts an year or 2 according to the reviews.
I am on year three of using mine. Batteries now start at 70% and end at 25% for my small-medium sized yard (just under 2 acres of grass, minimal obstacles). Used to finish north of 50% easily. Once they are dead, I intend to drop in LiFePO4 batteries. Outside of battery concerns I am very pleased with the mower. It handles my yard quickly, and with nearly no maintenance compared to my old POS Husqvarna.
Then they must learn to play in the streets and keep the hell of my lawn! JK.. It was a bountiful day to mow in MN today and I did.. 3hrs of silence except for the vibration of the 15hp between my knees... No kids or dogs were harmed.... today! hehehe..
Woah guys, sheesh. Everyone hating on this mower but I've had the 48" 100ah version for two years cutting my almost an acre yard (200'x200') and my batteries haven't diminished at all. I cut down to 70% and recharge. Lead acid batteries can last a long time if they're maintained. All the hate is from improper storage and use. Ryobi messed up by claiming it can cut 3+ acres. It shouldn't cut more than 1 and you won't kill the batteries. Once the SLA batteries discharge below 50% you are eating up their recovery for sure. I know some other guys that have been running theirs fine for 4+ years. Whereas my other friend with the same size yard has had his gas mower in the shop once or twice each year ($100+ each trip) and says his uses about 1.5 gallons of gas ($4-$5) per mow. So he's spending about $200 per year in gas plus shop visits. I haven't had to do anything but sharpen my blades. Also, the ease of mowing and steering controls are super nice. So buy it if you want the nicest mowing experience ever and if you want to save money and time. Even spending $800 to replace all the batteries in several years still beats gas, belts, engine maintenance, etc.
I mow 2+ acres. It is not a golf course. In fact I need deck parts on hand during the summer because it is a ruff grounds. A deck and blade can get banged around pretty hard around trees, over gopher holes, dogs, cats, children all dull my blade.... A spare belt, Mandrels and blades are things I might need quickly during a mowing day. The parts I need are plentiful.
I kind of doubt that the decks will handle the abuse I put mine through. Most deck blades are driven by a belt. If a blade hits a rock the belt slips and the blade might might even bend. I fear these electric deck motors that replace the $25 belt and pully system used on my 20yr old craftsman is going to be considerably more to maintain. They might even be more fragile. Bound to be much harder to find too. I am good for 1or 2 belts a year and a Mandrel every other, but those parts are all common today and will be for the foreseeable future.
It is not just that the lead acid batteries do not last, but it could be other areas of durability that could be of issue as well. I love the concept but before I spend $3.5k and another $1.5k for a lithium upgrade, I want to know if it is the only problems these have. For $5k I could get a quite proven, respectable and durable mower of similar size that would last for a decade or more with simple maintenance.
My old Kohler has been treating me good, knock on wood, and if it died tomorrow, I don't think I would consider this just yet.. You guys are welcome to be the first. I will wait until there is a few more generations in to it.
On a Side note I saw Husqvarna (AYP) has started killing off internal combustion assembly plants down south. I think I saw 2k layed off to build this stuff in Mexico. It might soon be the last call for personal choice on mowing options soon. The last GM/Toyota V8 is this year, the last internal combustion lawn tractor is soon to follow.. Save your money for that last call..
If I go with something like this it might as well be the Roomba version of this. If we take tech this far in to it, we might as well go the full automatic mowing and bypass this completely. It could be much lighter if my big arse is not on it. Batteries could be smaller. Mowing could be automated greatly.
Only problem the men in America would have with the Roomba mower is the wife wont need you! or you wont get that solitude of just you, the mower and a can of beer.. It is "my time" when I mow.. no talking.. no texting.. I would miss that if I had a Roomba mower, but I could survive.. I might go fishing.
I was in Cosco and saw the one they sell. Looked durable, but we are almost talking car prices on these. I just want to wait a few years more to see if we can get some standards on batteries, motors ect.. Is there parts available and what are common maintenance costs are. You might not be getting repairs if no one has parts. When your mower is down and they say a part is back ordered for 3 months, What are your options? Remember a manufacturer is only required to provide or direct you to a source of a part for the duration of the warranty. These are bound to get orphaned.
Too Much to read before you spend $4000? Your loss..
I saw 2 EV Mowers at my Costco In fact that is the only mowers they had in the store. Seemed to be of high quality, but that was based on looks. You tube has had folks reviewing these. Most complaints are about the batteries. I worry about durability. These are still to new to say if they are as durable or even close.
I have the 42 inch version. Got it for $3600 two years ago.
The good:
- Cuts well
- Quiet
- Very user friend to work on. (Non-proprietary parts, everything labeled, same size bolts to remove the cover)
The bad:
- Lead acid batteries. In my third season I started having random issues where the mower would cut out despite just starting to mow and being above 95% charge. I didn't feel like dealing with getting my mower out to a dealer that services Ryobi so investigated myself. One of the four batteries was more heavily discharged than the other four despite the mower being reported as a full charge. Basically the three batteries and the weak forth would show a full charge voltage early keeping the forth battery from fully charging. Got my harbor freight smart battery charger (basically Desulfates the battery and then varies charging speed until it's fully charged). Did this in May and it's been flawless since.
When the Lead Acid finally give up the ghost I will be putting in some LiFePO4 batteries. My lawn isn't that big so I can drop the capacity to save cost and have the longevity of that chemistry.
Overall I'm happy with it. Wish I lucked out with the $500 clearance for the 54 inch deck.
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I would not even consider this unless it went down to $2000. The Greenworks 60 was 42" but it also goes up to 8 MPH.
I kind of doubt that the decks will handle the abuse I put mine through. Most deck blades are driven by a belt. If a blade hits a rock the belt slips and the blade might might even bend. I fear these electric deck motors that replace the $25 belt and pully system used on my 20yr old craftsman is going to be considerably more to maintain. They might even be more fragile. Bound to be much harder to find too. I am good for 1or 2 belts a year and a Mandrel every other, but those parts are all common today and will be for the foreseeable future.
It is not just that the lead acid batteries do not last, but it could be other areas of durability that could be of issue as well. I love the concept but before I spend $3.5k and another $1.5k for a lithium upgrade, I want to know if it is the only problems these have. For $5k I could get a quite proven, respectable and durable mower of similar size that would last for a decade or more with simple maintenance.
My old Kohler has been treating me good, knock on wood, and if it died tomorrow, I don't think I would consider this just yet.. You guys are welcome to be the first. I will wait until there is a few more generations in to it.
On a Side note I saw Husqvarna (AYP) has started killing off internal combustion assembly plants down south. I think I saw 2k layed off to build this stuff in Mexico. It might soon be the last call for personal choice on mowing options soon. The last GM/Toyota V8 is this year, the last internal combustion lawn tractor is soon to follow.. Save your money for that last call..
If I go with something like this it might as well be the Roomba version of this. If we take tech this far in to it, we might as well go the full automatic mowing and bypass this completely. It could be much lighter if my big arse is not on it. Batteries could be smaller. Mowing could be automated greatly.
Only problem the men in America would have with the Roomba mower is the wife wont need you! or you wont get that solitude of just you, the mower and a can of beer.. It is "my time" when I mow.. no talking.. no texting.. I would miss that if I had a Roomba mower, but I could survive.. I might go fishing.
I was in Costco and saw the one they sell. Looked durable, but we are almost talking car prices on these. I just want to wait a few years more to see if we can get some standards on batteries, motors ect.. Is there parts available and what are common maintenance costs are. You might not be getting repairs if no one has parts. When your mower is down and they say a part is back ordered for 3 months, What are your options? Remember a manufacturer is only required to provide or direct you to a source of a part for the duration of the warranty. These are bound to get orphaned.
There are often a bunch of cheap models on craigslist, too. I saw an RM480e for like $1500.
The newer generation uses Ryobi's superior Li+ batteries and I'm assuming I'd be locked in. I don't know; maybe those are easy to replace, too.
Please don't mow the dogs, cats, or children.
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Wat 600
An "investment" is an outlay of money for income or profit. Perhaps you just meant "price," or are you shorting mower stock?
I kind of doubt that the decks will handle the abuse I put mine through. Most deck blades are driven by a belt. If a blade hits a rock the belt slips and the blade might might even bend. I fear these electric deck motors that replace the $25 belt and pully system used on my 20yr old craftsman is going to be considerably more to maintain. They might even be more fragile. Bound to be much harder to find too. I am good for 1or 2 belts a year and a Mandrel every other, but those parts are all common today and will be for the foreseeable future.
It is not just that the lead acid batteries do not last, but it could be other areas of durability that could be of issue as well. I love the concept but before I spend $3.5k and another $1.5k for a lithium upgrade, I want to know if it is the only problems these have. For $5k I could get a quite proven, respectable and durable mower of similar size that would last for a decade or more with simple maintenance.
My old Kohler has been treating me good, knock on wood, and if it died tomorrow, I don't think I would consider this just yet.. You guys are welcome to be the first. I will wait until there is a few more generations in to it.
On a Side note I saw Husqvarna (AYP) has started killing off internal combustion assembly plants down south. I think I saw 2k layed off to build this stuff in Mexico. It might soon be the last call for personal choice on mowing options soon. The last GM/Toyota V8 is this year, the last internal combustion lawn tractor is soon to follow.. Save your money for that last call..
If I go with something like this it might as well be the Roomba version of this. If we take tech this far in to it, we might as well go the full automatic mowing and bypass this completely. It could be much lighter if my big arse is not on it. Batteries could be smaller. Mowing could be automated greatly.
Only problem the men in America would have with the Roomba mower is the wife wont need you! or you wont get that solitude of just you, the mower and a can of beer.. It is "my time" when I mow.. no talking.. no texting.. I would miss that if I had a Roomba mower, but I could survive.. I might go fishing.
I was in Cosco and saw the one they sell. Looked durable, but we are almost talking car prices on these. I just want to wait a few years more to see if we can get some standards on batteries, motors ect.. Is there parts available and what are common maintenance costs are. You might not be getting repairs if no one has parts. When your mower is down and they say a part is back ordered for 3 months, What are your options? Remember a manufacturer is only required to provide or direct you to a source of a part for the duration of the warranty. These are bound to get orphaned.
TLDR, Cosco has a b&m store?
I saw 2 EV Mowers at my Costco In fact that is the only mowers they had in the store. Seemed to be of high quality, but that was based on looks. You tube has had folks reviewing these. Most complaints are about the batteries. I worry about durability. These are still to new to say if they are as durable or even close.
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The good:
- Cuts well
- Quiet
- Very user friend to work on. (Non-proprietary parts, everything labeled, same size bolts to remove the cover)
The bad:
- Lead acid batteries. In my third season I started having random issues where the mower would cut out despite just starting to mow and being above 95% charge. I didn't feel like dealing with getting my mower out to a dealer that services Ryobi so investigated myself. One of the four batteries was more heavily discharged than the other four despite the mower being reported as a full charge. Basically the three batteries and the weak forth would show a full charge voltage early keeping the forth battery from fully charging. Got my harbor freight smart battery charger (basically Desulfates the battery and then varies charging speed until it's fully charged). Did this in May and it's been flawless since.
When the Lead Acid finally give up the ghost I will be putting in some LiFePO4 batteries. My lawn isn't that big so I can drop the capacity to save cost and have the longevity of that chemistry.
Overall I'm happy with it. Wish I lucked out with the $500 clearance for the 54 inch deck.