If you‘re trying to decide between the Hart 40V and Ryobi 40V cordless electric mowers, I‘m here to make that choice crystal clear for you. After extensive research comparing specs, reviews, and real-world performance, I can conclusively say that the Ryobi 40V Brushless Mower is the winner in this head-to-head matchup.
Here‘s why the Ryobi 40V edges out the Hart 40V mower in our book:
- More power and better cutting from dual blade system
- Longer maximum runtime (up to 90 min on a charge)
- Quieter operation for comfort and neighbor-friendliness
- Lifetime warranty on the deck shell for peace of mind
- Trusted Ryobi brand name and reputation after 30+ years
That‘s the quick takeaway. But keep reading for the full scoop on how these two cordless mowers compare across all the key categories. Let‘s dig in!
Power and Performance – Where Raw Cutting Ability Matters Most
When buying any lawn mower, you obviously want to make sure it has the muscle and stamina to power through your grass. Nobody wants to end up with a weak mower that poops out halfway through cutting the lawn!
Luckily, both the Hart and the Ryobi 40V models deliver plenty of cutting power and performance for average residential yards.
They each use a potent 40-volt lithium-ion battery system. Lithium-ion packs are superior to the old nicad batteries found in early cordless mowers – they hold a charge longer, deliver power more efficiently, and have a much higher cycle life. There‘s a reason nearly all cordless power tools now use lithium-ion!
In addition, these mowers utilize advanced brushless electric motors rather than old school brushed motors. Brushless motors have better torque, run cooler, and require less maintenance. It‘s just a better overall design.
So with their 40V batteries and high-tech brushless motors, both the Hart and Ryobi can spin their blades at over 3,000 RPM – plenty fast to slice through grass.
Most real-world reviewers say these mowers handle average length grass without hesitation. They power through standard suburban yards of up to half an acre no problem.
However, when working in really thick or overgrown grass, the Ryobi does have noticeably more muscle. Numerous users mention the Ryobi powers through the nastiest growth while the Hart slows down a bit more.
Why the power advantage on the Ryobi? It most likely comes down to the unique dual blade system. With two blades stacked vertically, it simply eats through grass better compared to the single blade on the Hart.
So for pure cutting capability, the Ryobi 40V just slightly edges out the Hart thanks to those dual stacked blades. When the grass gets really rough, the Ryobi will muscle on through while the Hart is more likely to bog down.
Cut Quality – Going for that Crisp, Manicured Look
Now that we‘ve compared the raw grass-chopping power, let‘s look at the quality of cut each mower leaves behind.
Again, the Hart and Ryobi are pretty comparable overall. The 21-inch deck size both use is ideal for most residential plots. It leaves a uniform cutting pattern without leaving unsightly missed patches.
You can adjust the cutting height on both mowers from 1.5 to 4 inches, allowing you to maintain the perfect length for your grass type and preferences.
But there is one feature that gives the Ryobi an advantage even in standard conditions – the dual CrossCut blades.
With blades stacked on top of each other, the Ryobi makes twice as many cutting passes per revolution. This leaves behind an extra smooth, almost golf course-like cut.
The Hart, like most mowers, has just a single blade. It works fine and makes quick work of your grass. But side-by-side with the Ryobi, you can see the difference those dual blades make in cut quality and consistency.
So if creating lawn striping envy amongst your neighbors is a top priority, the dual-blade cutting system on the Ryobi 40V helps it stand out.
Features and Ease of Use – Mowing Bliss Starts Here
We expect our modern cordless tools to be packed with features that make the job easier and more enjoyable. Both Hart and Ryobi understand this, but Ryobi wins out again when you compare the user-friendly extras built into each mower.
For example, the Ryobi employs "EdgeGuard" guide rollers on either side of the mowing deck. These keep the mower square and prevent scalping or missing strips near borders or landscaping. It takes the human error out of edging and gives clean lines.
The Hart lacks any edge guide system. You have to carefully eyeball and manually steer the mower in order to not miss rows or cut into flower beds. EdgeGuard is much more convenient and precise.
Another small but handy feature on the Ryobi is the push button start. With the Hart, you have to pull the bail lever just like on a gas mower. Push button start makes the Ryobi feel more modern.
Both mowers allow bagging, side discharge or mulching of clippings. But Ryobi‘s mulching kit is tool-free and inserts easily compared to the underside plug on Hart which takes more effort to engage the mulch function.
There are a couple advantages for the Hart 40V as well, like built-in LED headlights and automatic battery switching. But overall, the Ryobi offers extras that make mowing simpler and more convenient.
Runtime – Don‘t Get Caught with a Dead Battery!
No one wants their cordless mower dying 3/4 of the way through cutting the lawn, forcing them to wait hours for a recharge. That‘s the dreaded "zombie mower" phenomenon.
Luckily, both Hart and Ryobi built the runtime on these mowers to handle average property sizes with room to spare.
Equipped with (2) 6.0Ah batteries, Hart estimates the 40V model will run for about 60 minutes total. Through real-world use, most owners report 45 to 75 minutes per charge.
The Ryobi with the same 6.0Ah batteries advertises 70 minutes, and users say it‘ll typically run for 60 to 90 minutes on a single charge depending on conditions.
So Ryobi edges out Hart yet again when it comes to max runtime thanks to superior efficiency and the dual CrossCut blades that require less power compared to twin blades.
But both mowers should have ample juice for an average 1/3 to 1/2 acre lot on one charge. Worst case is you might need to pause to swap batteries or recharge mid-mow on a larger property.
If that‘s a concern, you can splurge for higher capacity 7.5Ah or 10Ah battery packs from either brand. That‘ll guarantee non-stop mowing for even the biggest suburban lawns.
For most homes though, the included 6.0Ah batteries will humming along happily until the mowing job is fully complete.
Noise Levels – Saving Your Ears and Your Neighbors
A major benefit of electric mowers over gas is how much quieter they are. Gas mowers roar loudly at up to 95 decibels, which can damage hearing over time and really tick off neighbors.
The Hart 40V and Ryobi 40V models operate 60 to 70 decibels – much quieter than even a normal conversation (~60 dB).
This is a game changer that allows mowing at sunrise or sunset without creating a ruckus. No more needing ear protection just to cut the grass!
When comparing noise levels specifically between Hart and Ryobi, the Ryobi does run slightly quieter. The unique dual blade design emits lower frequency vibration. Combined with good acoustic engineering, it really minimizes noise pollution.
So if having the absolute quietest operation is critical to keep your family happy and avoid noise complaints, the Ryobi once again beats out the Hart 40V mower.
Cost Comparison – Get the Most Bang for Your Buck
For most shoppers, the price is a primary factor in choosing one mower or another. You want the best product possible while staying within your budget.
MSRP for the models we evaluated are $700 for the Ryobi and $598 for the Hart. However, Ryobi mowers are often heavily discounted at major retailers.
Real-world prices tend to be closer to $550 for the Ryobi and $450 for the Hart with comparable battery kits. So the Hart typically costs about $100 less.
Is that $100 savings worth losing out on the extra power, features and reputation of Ryobi? Not to most buyers. But others on a strict budget consider that Benjamin Franklin bill significant.
One way to get the Ryobi at a value price is buying a "tool only" unit then adding batteries separately. This makes the upfront cost closer to the Hart.
For those new to cordless looking for the best blend of performance and affordability, the extra few bucks are worth it for the Ryobi. But the Hart still gives you extremely solid quality for the money saved.
Warranty – Ensuring Years of Reliable Service
Like with any big purchase, you want assurance it‘s going to last. Warranties provide that peace of mind in case there are any manufacturing defects.
Hart and Ryobi back both mowers with 5-year warranties on the components and 3 years on the battery packs. Very standard for residential cordless yard tools.
But Ryobi goes further with an additional lifetime warranty on the mowing deck. So even 10 years down the road, if the deck cracks or warps, Ryobi will provide a free replacement. This really demonstrates confidence in longevity.
For the batteries and rest of the mower, the basic 3 and 5 year warranties are equal. As long as you register and buy from an authorized seller, you‘re covered.
The lifetime deck warranty simply inspires extra confidence in the Ryobi‘s long-term durability.
Brand Reputation – The Power of Experience
When buying any power tool, you want the assurance of a proven brand with years of experience building high-quality products.
Ryobi has been in the cordless tool game since the early 1990s. They have nearly 30 years of experience and brand recognition behind them. You know you‘re getting a product rooted in decades of engineering and testing.
Hart launched in 2016 as an exclusive brand for Walmart. The parent company TTI makes established brands like Milwakee and Ryobi, so the mowers are built on proven platforms. But Hart itself is still a relative newcomer.
Most Hart 40V mower owners have been satisfied with its performance for the price. But Ryobi‘s decades of history developing battery-powered lawn tools is definitely an asset that boosts long-term trust.
In surveys, Ryobi also consistently rates higher than competitors in overall brand reputation and perceived quality. Their tools are known industry-wide for offering great value.
So you can buy the Hart 40V mower with confidence, but there is something to be said for Ryobi‘s 30+ year legacy and sterling brand reputation.
The Verdict – Ryobi 40V Brushless Mower Wins By a Nose!
So in the battle of Hart vs Ryobi 40V cordless mowers, which comes out on top in our evaluation?
While both are excellent battery-powered mowers for residential use, the Ryobi 40V Brushless model edges out the Hart across the most categories.
To recap, the Ryobi has:
- More power and better cutting quality
- Longer max runtime
- Useful features like EdgeGuard and push button start
- Quieter, more neighbor-friendly operation
- Lifetime deck warranty for peace of mind
- Trusted brand reputation and history
The less expensive Hart is still a great value choice if budget is your top concern. But for just a bit more, we think the Ryobi is worth the extra investment for better performance and longevity.
Either of these quiet, high-performing cordless mowers will serve you well and make lawn care much more pleasant. But when directly comparing the two, the Ryobi 40V Brushless just can’t be beat.
So shop around, find a good deal, and let the Ryobi 40V transform how you experience mowing your lawn! No more yanking on pull cords or breathing fumes. Just silent, relaxing, battery-powered cutting season after season.