Ryobi RYAC160 16 Inch Electric lawn mower: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The Ryobi 16-Inch Corded Electric Walk Behind Mower provides a solid, budget-friendly option for managing small to medium sized lawns. This lightweight, compact mower offers a powerful 11 amp motor, sturdy 16-inch cutting deck, and maneuverability for navigating around trees, flower beds, and other lawn obstacles.

While not as feature-rich as more expensive models, the Ryobi 16-Inch mower provides reliable cutting performance for homeowners seeking an electric, cord-dependent alternative to gas mowers. With easy starting, quiet operation, and no oil, gas or tune ups to worry about, this Ryobi mower makes an attractive choice for small property owners who want an emissions-free, low maintenance way to cut the grass.

Power and Motor

The Ryobi RYAC160 electric lawn mower comes equipped with a reliable 12 amp motor. This provides adequate power for residential mowing needs. The 12 amp motor generates enough torque to cut through moderately thick grass without bogging down.

One nice feature of the motor is that it plugs into a standard 120 volt household outlet. There's no need for special high voltage hookups. This makes the mower highly convenient for the average homeowner to use.

The 12 amp motor translates to about 1.5 HP (horsepower). This power rating is on the lower end for electric mowers, but sufficient for smaller yards under 1/4 acre. Homeowners with larger properties over 1/2 acre may want to consider a mower with a more powerful motor.

Overall, the power and motor performance of the Ryobi RYAC160 is ideal for small to mid-sized yards. It provides enough cutting power without requiring heavy-duty electrical connections.

Cutting Deck

The Ryobi 16-inch electric mower features a sturdy steel cutting deck. At 16 inches wide, the deck offers enough cutting width for small to medium lawns up to about 1/3 acre. The deck materials and construction feel solid and durable, built to withstand impact with obstacles like tree roots without easily bending or warping.

The cutting height is adjustable between 1-1/4 to 3-3/4 inches, in five different height positions to allow customization for the type and length of grass. Adjusting the cutting height is straightforward - simply lift the spring-assisted levers located at the base of the wheels. The textured levers provide good grip, and the height adjustment clicks securely into each setting.

As with any mower, it's important to keep the underside of the deck clean to maintain smooth cutting performance. The deck design includes a washout port to attach a garden hose, making cleaning quick and convenient.

Overall, the 16-inch cutting deck is thoughtfully designed for maneuverability and durability, ensuring this compact electric mower can handle typical residential mowing needs. The adjustable heights allow flexibility in grass-cutting length depending on user preferences and lawn conditions.

Handling and Maneuverability

The Ryobi RYAC160 electric mower weighs about 78 pounds, which is quite light for an electric lawn mower, making it easy to push and maneuver around the yard. It has 7-inch front wheels and 10-inch rear wheels which roll smoothly across grass, allowing for precise steering and control. The rear wheel drive helps propel the mower forward to maintain consistent speed in thicker grass. Customers report that the mower handles very well on flat terrain and slight slopes, though steep inclines can pose a bit more of a challenge. The lightweight but sturdy construction and smooth-rolling wheels make it fairly nimble and easy to turn, whether going along straight rows or navigating around landscaping or flower beds. The folding handle also allows for compact storage. Overall, the handling and maneuverability cater well to most medium to smaller-sized residential lawns with gentle terrain variances.

Additional Features

Mulching

The Ryobi RYAC160 is specially designed with mulching capabilities that recut grass clippings into fine particles which are then fed back into the lawn, acting as a natural fertilizer. This reduces the need for bagging and allows the mower to operate efficiently.

Bagging

If you prefer to remove your grass clippings, this mower's large 20.5 gallon bag collects them effectively. The top container design makes emptying the bag simple and hassle-free. The large capacity bag means fewer stops for emptying.

LED Headlights

The mower comes equipped with bright LED headlights allowing you to mow in the evenings or on overcast days with poor visibility. The single toggle switch conveniently activates both headlights simultaneously. The headlights provide ample illumination while in operation.

Noise Level

The Ryobi RYAC160 operates at approximately 76 dB. This dB rating is in line with what you could expect with most average electric mowers with similar motors and design.

The 76 dB rating makes the Ryobi RYAC160 suitable for suburban use and acceptable at most times of the day. With an electric mower, you can avoid the high-pitch whine emitted by some gas models. However, at 76 dB you may still want to avoid using it early morning or late evening when noise could disturb neighbors or people trying to sleep.

Overall the noise level is not excessively high or offensive for an electric mower. The lack of real loudness is a key benefit of electric models, and the Ryobi RYAC160 delivers a solid, middle-of-the-road dB rating for a standard-sized electric lawn mower.

Ease of Use

The Ryobi 16-Inch cordless electric lawn mower is easy to use, with simple controls, folding capabilities, and an easy assembly process. The push-button start is conveniently located in the center of the handle for a smooth start every time. The variable rate speed control can be easily adjusted in a few steps up to one's comfort level.

The push lever on the handle makes it a breeze to fold the lawn mower into a compact position. The folding edges do not have rough edges and make it easy to fold smoothly. Locking the handle in this position keeps the mower safe for compact storage and transport. Assembly of the mower on delivery is straightforward, with simple instructions included. The various parts, like the bag, handle, and wheels, can be attached smoothly in minutes.

Overall, many reviewers have praised the easy-to-use features and intuitive design of the Ryobi electric lawn mower. The easy maneuverability allows one to glide effortlessly across the lawn and the simple controls ensure the mower is always responsive and efficient for any job.

Maintenance

The maintenance with the Ryobi RYAC160 is fairly straightforward.

Cleaning: Since it has a cordless electric motor, there are no oil or gas residues to clean. Periodically removing debris buildup under the mower deck is recommended, using a deck washout port to attach a water hose. Regularly check under the deck for accumulated grass clippings. The plastic housing and metal surfaces can be wiped down with a damp cloth.

Storage: For storage, make sure the mower is cleaned, the cord is neatly wrapped, and it can be stood upright on its back wheels in a garage or shed so it takes up less floor space. Check the owner's manual for full winterization instructions if storing over the winter or long-term.

Blade Replacement: The blade can be removed using standard tools by following the directions in the owner's manual. Replace it once a year or when it shows signs of wear for optimal cutting performance. Use only replacement blades made specifically for this model.

Pros and Cons

The Ryobi 16-inch electric lawn mower has a number of strong qualities, but there are some downsides as well.

Pros

• Quiet electric motor
• Cord retainer keeps extension cord out of the way
• Lightweight and easy to maneuver
• Mulching and bagging capability
• Compact size good for small yards
• No gas or oil needed

Cons

• Short cord length may require multiple outlets
• Doesn't work well on thick or wet grass
• No electric start
• Not designed for large lawns
• Motor may strain in deep grass

The Ryobi mower works well for a small urban yard with an accessible power outlet. The electric design means no smelly gas or oil, and it operates very quietly. Maneuverability is good thanks to the lightweight body. Downsides relate to the power limitations of the electric motor, including possible difficulties with long or thick grass. Check your lawn conditions to see if this mower meets your needs.

Conclusion

The Ryobi RYAC160 16 Inch corded electric lawn mower offers a powerful 2.0hp motor with 16" cutting deck that can handle yards up to 1/4 acre. It is not self-propelled, but the 10 inch composite wheels provide good maneuverability. The included 4-position height adjustment range enables cutting grass from 1.6 to 3.1 inches. The 35 liter bag capacity also means less emptying.

Overall, it's a basic, but durable corded mower that is relatively easy to use and maintain for small to medium yards. The key advantages are the powerful motor, solid build quality, quiet operation, and height adjustment options. Downsides are the lack of self-propulsion and mulching capability. Without the cord, runtime is unlimited.

For homeowners with small to medium sized lawns up to 1/4 acre who prefer corded electric over gas or battery power, the Ryobi RYAC160 is a recommended option with good power and performance at an affordable price point. It's ideal for those seeking a basic but capable push mower that will get the job done.