Occasionally, or when working in a smaller area with less snow, shoveling your way through the driveways and patio may be understandable. However, if you reside in a region where heavy and frequent snowfall is the norm, you should toss them to the side and get a snow blower. And if you have the right tools at your disposal, you can finish this job quickly. As well-liked as gas-powered power tools are, there is no denying the rise of battery-powered alternatives due to their environmental advantages and general ease of use and maintenance.
Ryobi is one of the companies that have seized the initiative and acted swiftly. And they have certainly not left snow blowers behind with decently priced options up their sleeve. So if this has piqued your interest, stay tuned as we dive into the Ryobi Snow Blower Review.
Ryobi Snow Blower Review • Sustainable alternatives?
Ryobi Seisakusho Co. Ltd. was founded in Japan in 1943 and has been in operation ever since. In 1968, the business decided to focus exclusively on power tools, and it hasn’t looked back. Ryobi has attempted to make cordless battery-powered machines a household staple rather than small gas engines, with twelve manufacturing units spread across six countries.
Additionally, the firm has created some fantastic products for the year 2022 that come in various construction materials and snow blower stages, so you have many options. This, combined with the advantages of battery-powered equipment, such as no emissions or noise and little to no maintenance, is sure to pique your interest. And if you have any questions about the available products, fret not; we’ll go over each of them in great detail.
RY40890VNM 40V HP Brushless 18″ Snow Blower Kit
Manufacturer Specifications:
- Product weight: 46 lbs.
- Body material: Plastic.
- Auger material: Rubber.
- Auger Width: 18″.
- Stage type: Single-stage.
- Traction: Wheel drive.
- Voltage: 40V.
- Capacity: 6 Ah.
- Clearing depth: 10″.
- Clearing width: 18”
- Discharge distance: 25′.
- Plowing capacity: 1300 lbs/min.
- Warranty: 5-year limited warranty, 3-year battery warranty.
Overview:
This introductory model is the most compact and, for that reason, the most budget-friendly option. Despite being push-propelled, the model still makes light work because it is incredibly lightweight, as evidenced by its construction typically being made of rubber and plastic. The blower is conveniently powered by the included 40 V 6.0 Ah battery and charger, eliminating the fuss of a gas-powered unit. Brushless motors further improve performance by reducing frictional losses.
All this leads to a clearing width of 18 inches, a clearing depth of 10 inches, and the capacity to throw snow up to 25 feet away at the rate of 1300 lbs per minute. The snow throwing is efficiently controlled with the directional chute, and the LED lightbar ensures uninterrupted work even when it gets dark quickly in winter. Additionally, you can store the blower easily as the handles are collapsible and guarantee peace of mind with the tool and battery warranties. Ryobi batteries are also compatible with their 40 V product range, which is excellent versatility.
Pros:
- Brushless motor.
- Rubber metal augers.
- 180-degree directional chute.
- Push-button start.
- LED light bar.
- Includes battery and charger.
Cons:
- Underpowered.
- Does not work well with wet snow.
- The battery subsequently loses power.
RY40862VNM 40V HP Brushless 21″ Snow Thrower Kit
Manufacturer Specifications:
- Product weight: 48.5 lbs.
- Body material: Plastic.
- Auger material: Rubber.
- Auger Width: 21″.
- Stage type: Single stage.
- Traction: Wheel drive.
- Voltage: 40V.
- Capacity: 5 Ah.
- Clearing depth: 13″.
- Clearing width: 21”
- Discharge distance: 35′.
- Plowing capacity: 1200 lbs/min.
- Warranty: 5-year limited warranty, 3-year battery warranty.
Overview:
This model is a step up from the prior with certain enhanced features but is similar. The significant change can be seen in the blower’s active battery port count and the inclusion of two 40 V 5 Ah lithium-ion batteries, significantly improving performance quality and extending runtime. The power of two batteries operating simultaneously, along with a brushless motor, capacitates the blower to clear snow up to 13 inches deep and throw it to a distance of 35 feet at the rate of 1200 lb per minute.
The above blower has a 21-inch auger with a variable speed setting to optimize effectiveness. The other features, including the directional for controlled snow throwing, the LED headlight bar for low visibility situations, and the collapsible handle for simple storage, are essentially the same. The warranties will take care of any problems, and the batteries are compatible with other range-wide equipment.
Pros:
- Brushless motor.
- Dual battery ports.
- 180-degree directional chute.
- LED headlight bar.
- Batteries and charger included.
Cons:
- The machine stalls frequently, primarily upon hitting something.
- Clogging is also a frequent occurrence.
- Suboptimal design.
RY408101VNM 40V HP Brushless 21″ Whisper Series, Snow Blower Kit
Manufacturer Specifications:
- Product weight: 52 lbs.
- Body material: Plastic.
- Auger material: Rubber.
- Auger Width: 21″.
- Stage type: Single stage.
- Traction: Wheel drive.
- Battery: OP40753 – 40V 7.5Ah Battery.
- Voltage: 40V.
- Capacity: 7.5 Ah.
- Charger: OP406VNM – 40V Rapid Charger.
- Input: 120V, 60Hz, 295W.
- Clearing depth: 13″.
- Clearing width: 21”
- Discharge distance: 35′.
- Plowing capacity: 1200 lbs/min.
- Warranty: 5-year limited warranty, 3-year battery warranty.
Overview:
This model is entirely the same as the previous 21-inch model, but for people who may have felt that 5 Ah is insignificant for them. Not to get too deep with the technology here, but you may be aware that the amp hours of a battery are directly correlated to its run time, which is why we have a new model for dual 40V 7.5 Ah battery ports. Another difference in this model is in its name itself with being the quietest machine.
And as we are already aware of the minimal amount of noise a battery-powered device makes, you can certainly use your imagination to ascertain just how quiet this model might be. The 21-inch clearing width, 13-inch clearing depth, and throwing capacity can also be seen in this model. And similar bells and whistles of a LED lightbar and collapsible handles.
Pros:
- Brushless Motor.
- Chute Control.
- Electric Start.
- Headlight.
- Variable Speed.
Cons:
- The plastic gears damage very quickly.
- Does not work well on wet or heavy snow.
- Machine stalls frequently.
RY40870VNM 40V HP Brushless 24″ Whisper Series, Snow Blower Kit
Manufacturer Specifications:
- Product weight: 187 lbs.
- Body material: Metal.
- Auger material: Steel.
- Auger Width: 24″.
- Stage type: Two-stage.
- Traction: Wheel drive.
- Battery: OP40605 – 40V battery.
- Voltage: 40V.
- Capacity: 6 Ah.
- Charger: OP409 – 40V rapid charger.
- Input: 120V, 60Hz, 295W.
- Clearing depth: 21″.
- Clearing width: 24”
- Discharge distance: 55′.
- Plowing capacity: 2050 lbs/min.
- Warranty: 5-year limited warranty, 3-year battery warranty.
Overview:
This Ryobi snow blower model is in a league of its own as it has not just taken things up a notch but changed everything entirely. Starting with the build of the blower, we witness metal and steel parts primarily making the machine a lot more durable. This also makes the machine heavier but worry not as the self-propelled function with variable speeds for greater control saves the day. This is also the only two-stage model within the brand, which implies that the auger is paired with an impeller for an enhanced snow-throwing capacity.
Not one or two, but four 40V 6 Ah batteries with dual brushless motors improve the performance by a mile. Dual port rapid chargers are also included in the purchase, so you waste no time. All of the above features amount to a 24-inch clearing width, 21-inch clearing depth, and a snow-throwing capacity of 55 feet at the rate of 2050 lbs per minute. Several nifty features adorn this model, like a push button start, directional chute levers, battery fuel gauges, 2.3 Watt LED lightbars, and quite impressively heated grips.
Pros:
- Brushless Motor.
- Chute Control.
- Electric Start.
- Headlight.
- Heated Handles.
- Self-Propelled.
- Skid Shoes.
- Variable Speed
Cons:
- Significantly more expensive.
- Underpowered, and the battery only lasts for a short time.
- A design flaw in the chute does not allow it to stay in place 90 degrees in either direction.
- Several buyers had issues with starting the blower, significantly when temperatures dropped.
Customer Feedback | Ryobi Snow Blower Review
This delighted buyer lists all the things they like about Ryobi snow blowers. They mention, “We ordered this online, and Home Depot delivered it quickly. Setting it up took very little time (look in the battery compartment for the instructions and hardware). The handle folds with a flip of the lever to become small and compact while being stored, and it is light and straightforward to move.
Hold the handle and push the button to start; no complicated procedures are required. Squeeze clips and a handle allow you to adjust the throw height and direction of the chute. Because of how simple to operate it is, my husband even uses it to clear the neighbor’s driveway. I anticipate using this to teach my teenage children their upcoming lessons.”
Another buyer proves very helpful to potential customers as he points out the good and bad of the machine and articulates it neatly, along with possible solutions to the common issues within the model. He mentions, “Although it wasn’t perfect, it surpassed my expectations, so I gave it five stars. There are some drawbacks; the biggest one is that it only clicks when it starts when it is cold. If the temperature is -25 or higher, I place my heater next to it for an hour before using it. It’s nearly impossible to push without (or with dead) batteries, which is the second flaw in the lack of a “neutral” drive gear.
Everything else is acceptable overall, given the price. I always have issues with gas engines and pulling starts, so I find this reliable despite being more expensive than a gas unit. It worked well for me when we received record-breaking snow this winter. It ran for an hour on four 4×6-mah batteries, two 2×5-mah batteries, and two 2×4-mah batteries. I’m pleased with it all around. Because I already own other 40v tools (a blower, a mower, a hedge trimmer, a pole hedge trimmer, and a weed trimmer),
I’m pleased with this one and its batteries (and the free blower promo). There are undoubtedly drawbacks to the device; most reviewers have complained that it won’t start in the cold; I hope they can resolve this by briefly heating the device!”
While on the other hand, this buyer was filled with buyer’s remorse as they mentioned a terrible experience. They said, “I bought one because this concept is fantastic. We returned it and got another because we were told it was defective when it wouldn’t run when it touched the snow. The next snowfall arrived, and did not run when it touched snow. I attempted to contact a tech, but all they said was, “take it,” while trying to charge me.
My quick Google search revealed that this is a persistent issue. The issue ought to be resolved by Ryobi. After another day of shoveling snow by hand and a subsequent trip back to the store, I discovered I was without a snow blower. What kind of snow blower breaks down in even a half-inch of snow? Terrible quality and junk products.”
FAQs | Ryobi Snow Blower Review
How to use a Ryobi snow blower?
The snow blower should be turned on and positioned for the first pass before the discharge direction is altered using the chute. When ready, pull the auger lever to start plowing the snow and engage the drive control to advance. Once you’re finished, release the drive lever and auger.
How long does a Ryobi snow blower last?
The battery performance may shift based on the work done, but a maximum battery run time of 30 to 45 minutes is observed in the models discussed today.
Where can I buy Ryobi snow blowers?
Ryobi snow blowers are available on e-commerce websites like Home Depot, Walmart, and Amazon. You can also find those on the official product website.
Closure | Ryobi Snow Blower Review
As we close our Ryobi Snow Blower Review, we hope our detailed report helped you somehow. A snowblower can be a necessity or luxury, depending on where you reside. Whatever it may be, you should think wisely before buying any power equipment, as they generally clock in at higher prices. And not to uphold all the benefits of being an informed buyer, which not only leads you to a satisfactory product but also helps you understand what you are looking for in the first place.
Ryobi snow blowers are a great initiative in the battery-powered market, adding a little something to every model. Still, you are free to be a critical judge of everything they need to do better. The brand and sustainable alternatives generally have a long way to go, and you can certainly consider them. If you have any further queries, please feel free to contact us and have a great shopping experience.