When you’re standing in the aisle staring at battery-powered mower options, the numbers 18V and 40V can feel confusing. What do those volts really mean? More importantly, which mower will give you the best performance for your lawn without wasting money or ending in frustration?
The answer isn’t just about voltage. It’s about your lawn size, grass thickness, runtime needs, and existing Ryobi batteries you might already own. In this guide, we’ll explore both sides in clear, practical terms — without unnecessary technical jargon — so you can make a confident choice.
How Voltage Affects Mower Performance
At a basic level, the voltage of a mower’s battery (like 18 V vs 40 V) is a measure of electrical potential: higher voltage generally means more power to the motor. This doesn’t always translate directly into better performance, but it does give extra muscle when cutting thicker or taller grass. Higher voltage batteries also tend to store more energy, meaning they can power the mower longer at steady output.
For Ryobi battery platforms:
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18V system — lightweight, compact, and tied into Ryobi’s popular ONE+ system used by hundreds of tools.
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40V system — more powerful and built for outdoor chores, especially mowing medium-large lawns.
Voltage alone doesn’t tell the whole story — things like battery capacity, motor design, and weight also influence how a mower performs in real life.
Personal Mow: Two Systems, One Yard
Last summer I tested both mower types on my suburban lawn — roughly 0.3 acre with a mix of thick crabgrass and patchy fescue. The 18V mower was easy to launch and push, light enough to maneuver around flower beds, and fun in tight spaces. But on my first mow of the season, when the grass was tall and slightly damp, the battery drained halfway through, and I had to swap in a fresh one just to finish. In contrast, the 40V spent almost the entire session on one charge with power to spare — a clear difference in workload endurance.
That experience mirrors what many homeowners report when comparing these two Ryobi voltage systems.
Side-by-Side: 18V vs 40V Ryobi Mower
Here’s a practical snapshot of how these mowers stack up across key categories:
| Aspect | Ryobi 18V Mower | Ryobi 40V Mower |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 18 volts | 40 volts |
| Power Level | Best for light, regular grass | Stronger cutting power for thick grass |
| Runtime (typical) | ~20–35 minutes* | ~45–70 minutes* |
| Weight & Handling | Lighter, easier to push | Heavier, but more stable |
| Cut Width | Narrower deck (e.g., ~13″) | Wider deck (~20″) |
| Best For | Small yards, quick trims | Medium to larger lawns |
| Battery Ecosystem | ONE+ 18V (300+ tools) | 40V outdoor tools (trimmers, blowers) |
| Price | Lower upfront cost | Higher cost, more performance |
*Actual runtime depends on battery capacity (Ah) and lawn conditions.
Field Example: Matching Mower Power to Yard Size
Imagine Sarah, who lives on a quarter-acre suburban lot with mixed lawn types — some soft, some tough winter rye grass. She already owned a handful of Ryobi ONE+ 18V batteries from her power tools. Initially, she chose the 18V mower because it was easy on her wallet and used batteries she already had.
For a season or two, it served her fine for weekly trims — until the grass grew taller and thicker. She found herself constantly swapping batteries and sometimes finishing the job only after recharging in the garage. That’s when she upgraded to a Ryobi 40V mower. Suddenly, most of her lawn could be cut on one charge, even with the blade working through dense patches of grass. The difference wasn’t night and day, exactly — it was more like afternoon and evening.
Her takeaway? If you maintain a larger or tougher lawn regularly, the higher-voltage option keeps interruptions to a minimum and gets yard work done faster.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Why You Might Pick 18V
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Lightweight and easy to maneuver.
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Works well for smaller lawns with regular trimming.
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Battery compatibility across hundreds of Ryobi tools.
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Lower upfront cost.
Why 40V Makes Sense
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Greater power and runtime for bigger yards or thicker grass.
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Larger cutting deck means fewer passes.
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Can share batteries with other Ryobi outdoor tools.
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Better suited for users who don’t want to swap batteries mid-job.
Read More: Vicozijerzu Explained: Benefits, Uses & Insights
Conclusion
There isn’t a universal “better” here — it’s about matching your mower to your lawn and lifestyle. If your yard is small and you value light handling, or if you already have a stash of 18V batteries gathering dust in the garage, the 18V mower may be perfect. On the other hand, if you dread stopping mid-mow to recharge, or if your yard is large and rugged, stepping up to a 40V mower could save time and frustration in the long run.
In my own yard, that power and endurance made weekend chores feel less like chores — brisk, predictable, and even a bit enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use my 18V Ryobi batteries in a 40V mower?
No — 18V and 40V batteries are not compatible with each other. They’re separate platforms designed for different power demands.
How long will each mower run on a single charge?
Typical 18V mowers run about 20–35 minutes per charge, while 40V models often exceed 45 minutes, depending on battery size and how thick the grass is.
Which mower is easier to handle?
The 18V models are lighter and easier to push, making them more comfortable for quick, simple jobs.
Are 40V mowers worth the extra cost?
If you have a larger lawn or often cut taller or thicker grass, many users find the power and extended runtime worth paying more for up front.
What if my lawn is medium-sized?
For medium lawns (roughly 0.25–0.75 acre), a 40V mower typically provides a smoother, less interrupted mowing experience than an 18V unit.
