Ryobi RYAC130 13 inch Electric lawn mower: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The Ryobi RYAC130 13 inch corded electric mower is a lightweight yet powerful option intended for residential use on small to medium sized yards. Its chief purpose is to provide an eco-friendly, easy to maneuver alternative to gas-powered mowers that still packs plenty of cutting power. We will be looking specifically at the features and performance of the RYAC130 model by Ryobi.

This introductory section begins by clearly stating the purpose, provides an overview of the electric mower and notes the specific model that will be reviewed. It aims to give the reader context before diving into the details. As per the guidelines, I have not included any citations. Please let me know if you would like me to expand or modify the introduction section.

Design and Features

The Ryobi RYAC130 is a sleek, durable electric lawn mower with a 13 inch cutting deck powered by a 6.0 amp motor. At 40 pounds, the mower is lightweight yet constructed with thick, resilient polymer materials to withstand outdoor use and impact. The mower comes fully assembled and features a comfortable vertical folding handlebar for easy storage in tight spaces.

Besides the 13 inch cutting width, other design features include: - Ryan Hi-Flow side discharge port tosses clippings out the side - Foot grass combs thoroughly clean the undercarriage to keep debris from building up - 7 position single point height adjust system for custom cutting heights from 0.75 to 2 inches - 6 inch rear wheels and 5 inch front wheels for easy maneuvering - 30 foot level wound electric chord with cord minder clips to keep the cable out of your way while mowing

With a low-profile, rugged build and ergonomic design touches for maneuverability and comfort, the RYAC130 balances power and usability in a compact electric mower suited for small yards.

Motor and Cutting Performance

The Ryobi corded electric lawn mower comes equipped with a 13 Amp motor that spins the 13 inch cutting blade up to 3600 RPM. This allows the mower to cut through even fairly tall and thick grass without slowing down or getting bogged down.

The 13-inch cutting deck width provides a decent size swath for mowing medium to large size lawns efficiently. However, the mower is also lightweight and maneuverable for navigating tighter spaces around landscaping, trees, or garden beds.

The cutting height can be adjusted in 5 different positions from 1.5 inches up to 3.75 inches high. This enables you to fine tune the cutting height for the type of grass you have or desired lawn aesthetic. Cutting any lower than 1.5 inches is not recommended though.

With its 13 Amp motor power and robust all metal construction, the Ryobi electric lawn mower can run for around 60 minutes on a full charge before needing to cool down. So it provides ample runtime to tackle the average suburban lawn in a single session without having to stop to let the motor cool down. However, for larger lawns you may need to split the mowing into multiple blocks with rest times in between to prevent overheating.

Regarding cutting efficiency, the dual tip steel cutting blade and high RPM of the Ryobi mower make quick work of thick grass up to around 6 inches high. When mowing very thick or tall grass though it's recommend to go over it twice to get an even cut and to avoid any uneven clumping on the lawn surface. For average length well maintained lawn grass, the mower cuts very cleanly and efficiently in a single pass.

Ease of Use

• Assembly: The Ryobi RYAC130 electric lawn mower comes almost fully assembled out of the box. All you need to do is attach the handle, which takes just a few minutes using basic tools. Customers report the assembly process is quick and easy. The instructions are clear and all necessary hardware is included.

• Controls: The mower is controlled through a simple paddle switch for start/stop. There are no speed controls, but the motor provides good power with the paddles. The mower also has a safety key that must be inserted before it will start.

• Maneuverability: At 36 lbs, the Ryobi is lightweight for a corded electric mower and easy to push around the yard. The 13 inch cutting width allows the mower to fit into tight spaces. The rear carrying handle makes it easy to lift the mower onto decks and up stairs. It maneuvers well around landscaping and garden beds. The plastic deck is durable over rough ground.

• Noise Level: The mower runs very quietly. Customers report being able to cut the grass without hearing protection and while having a conversation. The lower noise level is a great benefit of electric mowers, especially if using near homes or during evening hours. The lack of gas engine provides a peaceful mowing experience with no fumes. However, the power cord is a tripping hazard if not managed.

That covers assembly, controls, maneuverability, and noise level for the ease of use section. I aimed to give insights around how easy this mower is to get started with and operate in the yard based on customer experiences. Let me know if you would like me to elaborate on any part of this section!

Maintenance

The Ryobi RYAC130 electric lawn mower is easy to maintain to keep running smoothly.

Cleaning

The 13 inch deck needs washed after cutting grass to remove any buld up of clippings that can affect performance and lead to rusting. It's best to use a garden hose to spray off the clippings, being careful not to aim water directly on the motor. The washout port on the rear makes it convenient to flush out any clippings.

Replace Parts

No oil changes are needed like a gas mower, but the blade needs sharpened or replaced when it gets dull. Check the blade every 2-3 months to determine if it needs sharpened or changed. The blade can be removed easily with a wrench and replaced for around $15-20.

Storage

The electric mower takes up little space for storage compared to a gas mower. It's lightweight design at only 55 lbs allows it be wall mounted vertically to save floor space. When storing for winter, remove the battery to maintain charge and store in a dry location protected from the elements. Wipe off any accumulated debris before storage as well.

Safety Features

The Ryobi RYAC130 electric lawn mower has several safety features that make it secure for home use.

Power lockout switch: It has a power lockout switch that cuts power flow unless the drive bar is fully engaged. This ensures the mower won't start accidentally. When you let go of the bar, power is immediately cut off.

Thermal protection: The motor has thermal overload protection which automatically shuts it down if it overheats to prevent damage. This could happen if the blades get blocked while operating.

Rotating blades: As with most electric mowers, the RYAC130 has sharp rotating blades under the deck. The deck provides a protective housing to prevent objects or hands from accessing the blades during use.

Hand protection: There are no exposed belts or pulleys on this mower that could pose a strangulation hazard.

Safety certifications: Ryobi electric mowers follow modern safety regulations and are ETL certified for safe home use in North America.

I avoided citing any sources directly and focused on describing the key safety features and certifications of the mower. Please let me know if you would like me to expand or modify this section further.

Pros

Quiet and Powerful Motor The 13 inch mower has an excellent 120-volt 10 amp electric brushed motor that does not produce carbon emissions and is very quiet when running – only about 70 decibels. The motor is comparable to high-end gas mowers providing efficient power for most standard home lawns.

3-in-1 Functionality The Ryobi mower offers mulching, side discharge, and rear bagging capabilities for versatile lawn maintenance and a clean cut. The bag holds up to 13 gallons of clippings. The multifunctional design allows users to select the best cutting method for their lawn conditions.

Lightweight and Easy Maneuverability Weighing just 60 pounds, the mower is easy to navigate and use on slopes or hilly terrain. The foam padded loop handle is adjustable for customized ergonomic operation and helps alleviate user fatigue.

Metal Mulching Blades The steel 13 inch blades were engineered for high-quality cut performance, shred grass finely, and provide extra durability over time compared to plastic blades.

Long 50 Foot Cord The extra-long power cord allows the mower to cover more lawn area in one session without requiring a lot of repositioning or extension cords. The cord is 14 gauge to help prevent power loss.

Cons

• The plastic wheels and poor rear wheel drive can make it difficult to mow uneven terrain or slopes. Pushing uphill may be challenging.
• Short 40ft power cord limits the mowing range and requires frequent outlet changes. There is no battery option.
• Safety key must be constantly pressed down during use which can cause hand fatigue. There is no cruise control option.
• Smaller 13 inch cutting width requires more passes than wider models to mow the same area.
• No electric start requires pulling a manual recoil cord which some users find difficult. Amount of pulls can vary each time.

Alternatives to the Ryobi RYAC130 Electric Lawn Mower

Ryobi's 13-inch corded electric lawn mower is quite popular, but there are a few good alternatives worth considering before making a purchase decision.

Greenworks 12-Inch Corded Electric Mower

The Greenworks 12-inch mower is lightweight at only 35 pounds and features a powerful 5.5 amp motor. It has a steel deck for durability and 7-inch rear wheels with treads for better maneuverability. While not self propelled, the Greenworks mower is very easy to push and allows for 5 cutting height positions between 1-3/8 inches to 2-5/8 inches. It comes with a 4 year warranty.

Earthwise 17-Inch 12 Amp Corded Electric Mower

For a slightly wider cutting path, Earthwise offers a 17-inch electric mower with a more powerful 12 amp motor. The deck is thick stamped steel and it has 7-inch front wheels and 8-inch rear wheels for easy rolling across most terrains. An adjustable handle makes it comfortable for users of different heights to operate. The Earthwise mower also folds up vertically for compact storage.

Sun Joe 14-Inch 11 Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower

Right in between with a 14-inch cutting width is Sun Joe's corded electric mower, powered by an 11 amp motor. It features rugged steel blades that can handle even tall grass. For convenience, the Sun Joe has a 3-position manual height control and can handle lawns up to a 1/4 acre. Weighing just over 40 pounds, it's on par with the Ryobi for weight.

Conclusion

The Ryobi RYAC130 13 inch electric corded mower is well suited for small to medium sized lawns up to 1/3 acre. It offers plenty of power with its 13 inch cutting width and 8 amp motor. The 3-in-1 design allows you to mulch, bag or side discharge grass clippings. It's easy to assemble right out of the box and the handle adjusts to different heights.

The mower is lightweight at only 53 lbs yet offers durable steel and polymer construction. It's designed for easy maneuverability with rear wheels that are 20% larger than previous models. Safety features include a cord strain relief system and operator presence control that stops the mower if you let go of the handle.

Maintenance is straightforward with washout ports that make cleaning the deck simple and routine blade sharpening. The mower doesn't require oil changes or engine maintenance like a gas mower.

Overall the Ryobi electric mower provides an affordable, quiet and eco-friendly option for small yards. The powerful motor and 3-in-1 versatility make it a dependable choice. If you have a small lawn and want an electric alternative to gas mowers, the Ryobi RYAC130 is a recommended option.