Ryobi 40v Cordless 21″ CrossCut Mower
Ryobi 40v Cordless 21″ CrossCut Mower Review – Model RY40HPLM02K2
There’s no greater pressure for a homeowner than living next to that neighbor—the one whose lawn is so flawless you half expect it belongs on the cover of a landscaping magazine. He mows in perfect diagonal stripes and trims edges so sharp they could slice bread. Meanwhile, your own lawn is giving “patchy rebellion” vibes. If you’re going to survive the silent judgment wafting over the hedges, you’ll need more than determination—you’ll need a lawn mower that can turn your turf into a masterpiece.
Benefits of cordless
Cordless lawn mowers offer a winning combination of convenience, efficiency, and sustainability that gas mowers just can’t match. With no fuel to buy, store, or spill, they save money over time while eliminating the fumes and noise that come with gas engines. They’re lighter, easier to maneuver, and start with the push of a button—no more yanking a stubborn pull cord on a hot summer afternoon. Plus, they require far less maintenance since there are no oil changes, spark plugs, or carburetors to fuss with. Add in the fact that battery power produces zero direct emissions, and it’s clear that cordless mowers are not only easier on your back and your wallet, but also on the planet.
If you’re a homeowner who’s flirted with the idea of ditching gas for battery power, Ryobi’s new RY40HPLM02K2 (the 21″ CrossCut self-propelled mower kit) is the kind of product that makes the switch feel less like a sacrifice and more like an upgrade.
Below, we break down every important feature, how it performs in action, and why it’s an excellent residential cordless mower.
Features / Specifications
- Blade Size – 21″
- Cutting Height – 1″ – 4″
- Torque – 9.66 lb-ft
- Bag Capacity – 2 Bushels
- Weight – 79.2 lbs.
- Mowing Functions
Bagging
Mulching
Side Discharge
RY40HPLM02K2 Kit Components
The RY40HPLM02K2 is a 21-inch, 40V HP brushless, multi-blade, self-propelled lawn mower that is sold only as a kit
Kit components include:
- (1) RY40HPLM02 – 40V HP BRUSHLESS 21″ SELF-PROPELLED MOWER
- (2) OP40605 – 40V 6AH LITHIUM BATTERIES
- (1) OP406A – 40V RAPID CHARGER
CrossCut multi-blade system
The CrossCut deck uses a multi-blade configuration that delivers cleaner, more consistent cuts and better mulching performance.
The crosscut blade system on the Ryobi mower works a lot like running a fine-tooth saw over your lumber—you’re not just hacking through, you’re making clean, controlled cuts. Instead of relying on a single blade, Ryobi runs a dual-blade setup stacked for a crosscut pattern. The top blade handles the heavy lifting, knocking the grass down, while the lower blade follows up to shred and mulch it finer. That means you get a cleaner cut across the lawn, fewer stragglers sticking up, and a smoother finish overall. Think of it as the difference between ripping a board rough with a circular saw versus giving it a clean pass with a finish blade.
Runtime
The runtime of this mower varies depending on the batteries used. This kit comes with two 6.0Ah batteries and is estimated to last approximately 75 minutes of operation, depending on the grass conditions.
Ryobi’s Projected Runtime
⁃ (2) 6Ah batteries → 75 minutes
⁃ (2) 8Ah batteries → 100 minutes
⁃ (2) 12Ah batteries → 150 minutes
Performance
There’s something satisfying about taking a look after your lawn is mowed and thinking, “wow, I did that”. Our lawn has historically been cut short. We set the deck height to 2″ and started at a slower speed. It was easily determined that we could up the speed and felt that 3/4 of the way was the most comfortable to operate.
The mower demonstrated solid performance and left the lawn looking nice and clean after each pass. The self-propel helps on gentle hills and makes longer lawns less of a workout.
With Ryobi’s smart electronics, the mower kicks into Turbo mode when it detects thicker / heavier grass and then eases back to normal once you’ve passed that area. This not only saves battery but also keeps the blade running at the right speed, which is optimal for a clean, consistent cut.”
For typical suburban homeowners with anything from a postage-stamp yard to roughly ¾ of an acre, this mower checks most boxes: power, runtime, quieter operation, and reasonable maintenance overhead.
Handle / Controls
The handle controls on the Ryobi RY40HPLM02 can seem overwhelming at first glance. Once established, what each button function does it’s pretty intuitive to navigate.
Monitor runtime and blade life, activate turbo mode and lights, and adjust self-propelled speed – all at your fingertips
Turbo Mode – Instantly achieve maximum power when tackling tough grass by turning on the turbo mode. Turbo mode is ideal for longer, thicker patches of grass; however, the longer you are in turbo mode, the less battery life you will have.
Speed Selection – The mower uses a variable-speed self-propel system with rear-wheel drive. The self-propel is smooth and makes longer mowing sessions less tiring. 75% speed was the most comfortable for us while operating.
Start Button / Engage Bar / Speed Paddle – To start the mower, you push the big, bright yellow “start button”. Hold the safety bail and then press the speed lever. This gets you moving. Staying straight for nice, clean, crisp lines is on you now, and it’s worth mentioning that the faster you have the speed selection, the harder it is!
LED Light
The Ryobi Cross Cut mower comes with an onboard LED headlight, which isn’t something we normally look for since cutting grass in the dark isn’t part of our routine. That said, it’s a handy feature to have when daylight runs out sooner than expected or if you need a little extra visibility in shaded areas. It’s not a game-changer for most jobs, but it does add some flexibility when you’re in a pinch.
Deck Height Adjustment
The Ryobi 21-inch Cross Cut mower keeps things simple with its single-point height adjustment lever, and I’m a big fan of that. Instead of wasting time adjusting each wheel one by one, you just move one lever and you’re set—it’s quicker and a lot less hassle. The deck gives you 10 different cutting heights from 1 inch up to 4 inches. So, whether you’re keeping up with a weekly trim or tackling a thicker lawn, you’ve got plenty of range to get the cut you want.
Build Quality
Ryobi’s mowers are built with durability and longevity in mind. Their decks are built with heavier gauge steel, solid plastic housings where appropriate, and organized battery compartments that keep packs out of the way and any chance for wet grass contact.
We appreciate the tool-free deck access for blade changes/cleaning, a huge grass bag (2 bushels) with a fill indicator, and decent wheel traction.
Noise
Noise is substantially lower than gas; some Ryobi “Whisper Series” units advertised big reductions in sound, and while the RY40HPLM02K2 isn’t marketed exactly as the “Whisper Series,” the battery platform itself is inherently quieter than a traditional gas engine.
Ryobi RY40HPLM02K2 Cost
Pricing on this mower varies depending on promotions at the time of purchase. This mower is sold exclusively at Home Depot. Ryobi appears to have positioned the RY40HPLM02K2 as a slightly better value kit than previous models, though final pricing depends on when you purchase it. Shop sales and bundles remain the homeowner’s best tactic for getting the most bang for the buck, and currently, this kit sells for $649.00
Ryobi – 40v 21” Cordless CrossCut Mower
Final verdict
For homeowners looking for a true gas alternative that’s quiet, low-maintenance, and capable of producing a lawn that looks like you cared about it, this mower is a compelling option.
In the end, a good cordless mower isn’t just about trimming grass—it’s about trimming costs, cutting emissions, and cutting down on the time you spend wrangling extension cords or making gas runs. You’re saving money in the long run, doing your part for the environment, and yes, finally closing the gap between your lawn and that flawless green carpet next door. Because nothing feels quite as good as knowing the only thing greener than your grass… is your neighbor’s envy.
