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RYOBI 18V One+ Hybrid Lawnmower Review & Test

·By SmartTonte
Review
RYOBI 18V One+ Hybrid Lawnmower Review & Test

Introduction

In the world of battery-powered lawnmowers, the market is vast, and the choice often comes down to a compromise between runtime, power, and practicality. The RYOBI 18V One+ Coupe Hybrid Lawnmower 37 cm presents itself as an innovative solution to this dilemma. This product is not confined to a single power source. Thanks to its hybrid technology, it promises to combine the freedom of cordless with the safety net of a backup mains power supply. Here, we analyze this mower from the perspective of lawn care, breaking down its specifications, real-world performance, and positioning in the electric gardening equipment market. The goal is to determine if this hybrid concept delivers on its promises for the modern garden owner.

Key Strengths

The main selling point of this mower rests on three major advantages that consistently appear in feedback.

  • Battery/Mains Hybridization: This is its most distinctive feature. The ability to run on two 18V One+ batteries or directly plugged into a mains socket eliminates the primary anxiety associated with battery-powered equipment: running out of power mid-task. This offers unparalleled flexibility, especially for gardens whose size is on the limit of the batteries' runtime.
  • Integration into the One+ Ecosystem: For users already equipped with Ryobi 18V tools, this point is decisive. The mower uses the same batteries as over 200 other tools in the range, simplifying battery management and reducing entry costs.
  • Appreciated Maneuverability and Ergonomics: With an announced weight of around 16 kg (without batteries) and a 37 cm cutting width, users often describe it as light and easy to maneuver. The folding handle and removable 45-litre grass collection box are also praised for making storage and emptying easier.

Weaknesses

Despite its innovations, the product shows certain limitations, mainly related to its electrical configuration and usage.

  • Limited Power in Difficult Conditions: As with the majority of 18V mowers, the power can prove insufficient when faced with tall, dense, or damp grass. Feedback indicates that under these conditions, the machine can tend to clog or show signs of weakness, especially in battery mode.
  • Highly Variable Runtime: Runtime is closely linked to the condition of the lawn. While the provision of two 5.0 Ah batteries is generous, users report that activating the mulching function significantly reduces runtime, sometimes by half. The area covered can therefore fluctuate greatly.
  • An 18V System Versus High-Voltage Competition: On paper, an 18V configuration may seem modest compared to dedicated mowers operating at 36V, 40V or more. The latter generally offer more torque and better endurance for demanding tasks.

Detailed Product Analysis

Cutting System and Lawn Performance

The mower uses a classic rotary cutting system and offers three discharge modes: collection in the 45L box, side discharge, and mulching. The mulching system is practical for recycling finely cut grass clippings into nutrients for the lawn. Testers highlight that the EasyEdge function, which allows the front wheel to be offset for mowing close to edges, is a smart detail that improves the finish.

The cutting height adjustment range is from 2 to 7 cm over 6 positions, covering most needs, from a close cut to a higher decorative cut. The material of the deck is not precisely detailed, but feedback indicates a general construction judged to be solid, typical of Ryobi tools aimed at the general public.

Runtime, Charging, and Battery Ecosystem

This is the core of the debate. With the two supplied 5.0 Ah batteries, Ryobi announces a theoretical cutting area of about 570 m². User feedback gives a more nuanced picture. For well-maintained lawns of 250 to 400 m², the two batteries generally seem sufficient. On the other hand, for 400 m² and above, or if the grass is tall, it's common to need a recharging phase or to switch to mains power. The included fast charger allows a battery to be recharged in about an hour, a reasonable time that allows for an effective break.

The real strength, confirmed by experts, is the guarantee of never being stopped. If the batteries are depleted, plugging into the mains takes over. This makes it an ideal product for those who don't have a lawn perfectly calibrated to the battery runtime or who dread the idea of being left stranded.

Noise, Weight, and Build Quality

Compared to a petrol mower, the noise level is necessarily much lower, which is a major advantage for user comfort and the neighborhood. Its moderate weight, coupled with 20 cm wheels, contributes to good maneuverability, even on slightly uneven ground. The 2-year warranty, extendable to 3 years under registration conditions, is standard and reassuring for the segment.

For Which Type of Garden and User?

The RYOBI 18V One+ Hybrid 37 cm finds its ideal audience in small to medium-sized gardens (up to 400-500 m²) and for regular maintenance. It is perfectly suited to:

  • Owners already invested in the Ryobi One+ ecosystem.
  • Those looking for a quiet, maintenance-free (oil, petrol, spark plugs) alternative to petrol mowers.
  • People who want cordless freedom but are reassured by the possibility of plugging in if needed.

On the other hand, it will be less suitable for:

  • Large areas (+600 m²) without a nearby power point.
  • Very uneven ground or lawns consistently left to grow tall between mowings.
  • Users seeking the raw power and long runtime of a dedicated high-voltage (40V/80V) mower.

Technical Specifications

CharacteristicDetail
ModelRYOBI 18V One+ Coupe Hybrid Lawnmower 37 cm (RY18LMH37A-250)
Power SourceHybrid: 2 x 18V One+ Batteries OR Mains 230V (cable not included)
Batteries Included2 x 5.0 Ah Lithium-Ion
Cutting Width37 cm
Cutting Height6 adjustable positions from 20 to 70 mm (2 to 7 cm)
Cutting SystemRotary, with choice of Mulching, side discharge, or collection
Collection Box Capacity45 litres
Motor TypeElectric motor (brushless not specified)
WeightApproximately 16.5 kg (machine only, without batteries)
Wheel Diameter20 cm
Key FeaturesFolding handle, collection box level indicator, EasyEdge function
Warranty2 years (extension to 3 years possible under conditions)

What Users and Testers Say

The synthesis of 123 customer reviews (average rating of 4.4/5) and expert analyses reveals clear trends.

Recurrent praise focuses on:

  • Hybrid Flexibility: The possibility to plug in is hailed as an "anti-stall insurance". Users appreciate being able to finish their work without stress.
  • Lightness and Maneuverability: Terms like "light", "maneuverable", "easy to store" come up often.
  • Quiet operation and lack of emissions.
  • General performance on normal grass: For regular maintenance mowing, results are judged very satisfactory.
  • Integration with the One+ range: A strong point for brand loyalists.

Criticisms and reservations concern:

  • Real-world runtime: Several users note that the advertised runtime is hard to achieve, especially with the mulching function activated or if the grass is a bit tall. For a 400 m² garden, it's common to need both batteries.
  • Power sometimes limited: Some feedback, like that from a user with 400 m², indicates that "when it grows too much, it keeps clogging" and that the power in battery mode is "less noticeable" than in mains mode.
  • Entry price: Although not discussed here, the inclusion of two large batteries represents a cost. For someone who doesn't yet own Ryobi tools, the initial investment needs to be considered.

Web experts confirm this analysis, emphasizing that it is a well-thought-out mower for regular domestic use on a medium-sized area, but it can show its limits in extreme conditions. No major structural flaws are reported.

Conclusion

The RYOBI 18V One+ Coupe Hybrid Lawnmower 37 cm is much more than a simple battery-powered mower. It's an intelligent proposition that concretely solves the problem of battery anxiety. Its hybrid concept is not a gimmick, but real insurance for finishing your mowing under any circumstances. It excels in its role as a primary mower for an urban or medium-sized, well-maintained garden, where quiet operation and ease of use are priorities.

However, it must be considered for what it is: a high-performing tool in its 18V segment, but not a workhorse for neglected or very large plots. Its runtime and power limits in difficult conditions are the trade-off for its lightness and integration into a shared tool ecosystem.

Our verdict: It's an excellent choice, especially if you are already a user of the Ryobi One+ platform. For newcomers, it's a practical and reassuring entry point into the world of cordless electric gardening, provided expectations are aligned with medium-sized areas and regular maintenance. Its versatility and stress-free operation make it a particularly convincing product for the modern user seeking efficiency and peace of mind.

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