The Ryobi RY48ZTR100 is an extraordinary electric zero-turn mower with a 42″ deck that operates off battery power to cut lawns efficiently. Is it something people can rely on? The answer is yes; with today's technology, battery-powered brushless mowers are becoming the latest trend.
These mowers are perfect for those who care about the environment and keeping the noise pollution down in the neighborhood. It also helps with the operator's hearing as they are mowing their lawns.
Comparison
All Ryobi brushless zero-turn mowers have the same basic features. However, there are a few minor differences in the line-up with the Ryobi RY48ZTR100 compared to the other two. The other two mowers are the 115AH 54″ and the 75AH 42.” The Ryobi RY48ZTR100 and the 75AH 42″ have four brushless motors, while the 115AH 54″ has five brushless motors. There is more power for a larger cutting capacity. The Ryobi RY48ZTR100 is the lightest of the three in weight. It weighs in at 597 pounds.
| Specs | RY48ZTR100 | RY48ZTR75 | RY48140 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | 48V 100 Ah | 48V 75Ah | 48V 115Ah |
| Deck Size | 42″ | 42″ | 54″ |
| Cutting Height | 1.5″ – 4.5″ | 1.5″ – 4.5″ | 1.5″-4.5″ |
| Max Speed | 7 mph | 7 mph | 7 mph |
| Weight | 597 lbs. | 617 lbs. | 796 lbs. |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Power
There are four brushless engines operated off of 48 volts 100 Ah battery power. After using this mower, the power is impressive as it cut like any other mower on the market. It has a standard 120V outlet for charging, and its top speed is 7mph. All mowers will strain a little when hitting tough patches, but this baby keeps chug-a-lugging along. On estimate four out of five people are impressed. I am one of those four.
The four brushless motors offer unquestionable torque for the drivetrain systems and the blade cutting action. It operates off of dual-drive levers, which are typical with zero-turn mowers.
Features
The features of the Ryobi RY48ZTR100 make this a favorite among the zero-turn mowers. They are as follows.
- Totally Electric: There are no belts, spark plugs, oil, filters, or gas. Everything is run off of charged battery power.
- Battery Power: Upon one fully charged battery, the mower can cut up to three acres of land without hesitation.
- Four Brushless Motors: Deliver the undisputed torque for the drive system and the blade operation.
- Convenience for Operator: The mower has LED lights, a USB charger for smartphones, cup holders, and enclosed storage compartments.
Cut Quality
The quality of cut the Ryobi RY48ZTR100 offers the user is exceptionally well. Some accessories can be added to the deck, like the mulch kits and bags for cleaner yards, but the four brushless motors can deliver the power to the blades for cutting through all types of grass.
There is even enough battery power to cut up to three acres non-stop on a single charge. Using the mower regularly once a week delivers the best cut quality possible for the lawn.
The deck design is that of a homeowner's version. It is not built like most commercial decks. The residential mowers have the rounded deck, while the commercial decks have the squared-off one. They have the rolling casters to prevent the deck from cutting in the ground and offer the best cut for an electrical mower with no belts attached. The four brushless motors keep the blades turning.
Durability
The Ryobi RY48ZTR100 is durable and reliable in both the rugged steel frame and within the mechanics. It is built to last with a three-year limited warranty. This covers the parts and labor. With a warranty of over two years, I find most are promising and deliver on their promise of durability. For the battery, there is a one-year warranty.
The weakest points can be argued, but I would have to say it would be the deck since it is not built like the commercial grades. Accidents happen, and sometimes we misjudge on a turn. Too many bangs on the deck can cause the deck to bend. It would then push the deck into the blades. Once this happens, the blades will cut through the steel over time. Once these decks bend, it is hard to bend them back, and you lose some trust in the material.
Comfort
The seat and the large footrest area make this mower extremely comfortable. The seat has four different positions the user can easily adjust. With the overmold dual-drive levers, it is easy to steer and maneuver whether going straight, reverse, or zero turns. There are 12 different positions for the deck height options that are also easily adjustable from 1.5″ to 4.5.” There is no suspension for the seat or the mower, but I find it takes the bumps pretty well without throwing the user all over the place.
Aesthetics
The mower has a rugged steel frame design and has a heavy-duty 42″ deck. Just looking at the mower, it looks like it can take a beating. That speaks for itself in first impressions, but I have seen how impressive it is when using it. The added features of enclosed storage compartments help keep items needed in the mower when the mower is cutting out in the field.
Those with a Yeti or insulated cup can keep their cold water, lemonade, or their flavor of drink with them while riding around cutting grass. It also has a USB charger to keep your phone charged so the user can listen to the music or have the phone available for any emergencies or awaited phone calls. The LED lights allow the user to operate the mower at night to keep cutting after dark.
Build Quality
The mower is built with high-quality lightweight parts that make it reliable. Because the components are lightweight, the entire weight of the mower is under 600 pounds. The exact weight is 597 pounds. It has a deck size of 42″, which is perfect for having two blades which makes a better cut, and it can cut large areas and still pass through most gates. The mower is built with a 12 position deck that offers a cutting height of 1.5″ to 4.5.” Excluding the battery, the entire mower has a three-year limited warranty on the build, parts, and labor.
Pros / Cons
The pros and cons can only come from those who have used the Ryobi RY48ZTR100, and this is something we can help you with on a decision.
Pros
- Great for the environment with no carbon emissions
- Little to no maintenance with the brushless motors and no belts needed.
- The mower is comfortable and spacious, with an easily adjustable seat and lots of foot space.
- Easy to maneuver
- Can cut three acres nonstop
- Because of the brushless motors, the mower is quiet.
- It has a massive amount of torque.
Cons
- Bad traction for the drive tires for the amount of torque.
- If the landowner has more than three acres or a lot of starting and stopping, the battery will not make the entire cut.
Our Rating
| Performance: |  (4 / 5) |
| Cut Quality: | (4 / 5) |
| Durability: | (4 / 5) |
| Comfort: | (4 / 5) |
| Price: | (4 / 5) |
| Overall: | (4 / 5) |
Price
The price of the Ryobi zero turn mower is at a good price point in comparison to other electric zero turn mowers. It is found at Home Depot. A good mower to compare this Ryobi mower to is the EGO electric zero turn mower. They are very comparable machines.
Wrapping It Up
The Ryobi zero turn mower is a well sought-after mower that people are switching to. Most people who go to brushless usually never go back to gas motors. This Ryobi mower may be one of those to change the user to brushless.
What Do You Think?
What do you think of this Ryobi electric zero turn mower? Are you planning to get the this mower? Let us know in the comments!
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Images are from Ryobi.
