Maintaining a manicured lawn is a priority for many homeowners, but the traditional hassle of dealing with tangled extension cords or mixing petrol and oil can quickly turn a routine chore into a frustrating chore. As battery technology has advanced, cordless lawnmowers have transitioned from weak alternatives to powerful, highly capable garden workhorses. One of the most prominent contenders in the mid-sized cordless category is the Ryobi RY18LM37A-240.
Operating on Ryobi’s highly versatile 18V ONE+ battery platform, this 37cm cordless mower promises to deliver petrol-like convenience without the associated noise, emissions, or maintenance headaches. In this comprehensive review, we will dive deep into the design, performance, pros, cons, and overall value of the Ryobi RY18LM37A-240 to help you decide if it is the right choice for your garden in 2026.
Product Overview
The Ryobi RY18LM37A-240 is an 18V cordless rotary lawnmower designed specifically for small to medium-sized domestic lawns. Sporting a 37cm cutting path, it strikes a practical balance between maneuverability in tight spaces and efficient coverage of open grass. It is powered by Ryobi’s well-known ONE+ battery system, which is compatible with hundreds of other power and garden tools in the Ryobi ecosystem.
This specific package comes as a complete ready-to-mow bundle, featuring the mower itself, two high-capacity 4.0 Ah Lithium+ batteries, and a 2.0A charger. With a cutting height range of 20mm to 70mm, a generous 45-litre grass catcher, and an ergonomic, space-saving design, the RY18LM37A-240 aims to make domestic lawn care as seamless and straightforward as possible.
Key Specifications:
- Power Source: 18V ONE+ Battery System
- Cutting Width: 37 cm
- Cutting Heights: 6 stages (ranging from 20mm to 70mm)
- Collection Capacity: 45-litre collapsible grass catcher
- Included Accessories: 2 x 4.0 Ah ONE+ Batteries, 1 x 2.0A Charger, Mulching Plug
- Storage Features: Foldable handles and collapsible grass bag
- Deck Construction: Lightweight, impact-resistant polymer
Pros of the Ryobi RY18LM37A-240
After analyzing the design, specifications, and real-world performance of this cordless mower, several key advantages stand out. Below are the primary reasons why this model is a strong contender for your next Ryobi 18V ONE+ 37cm Cordless Lawnmower Review upgrade.
1. Part of the Massive 18V ONE+ Ecosystem
One of the biggest selling points of any Ryobi tool is its compatibility with the ONE+ battery platform. The two included 4.0 Ah batteries can be swapped seamlessly into over 200 other Ryobi tools, ranging from grass trimmers and leaf blowers to drill drivers and workshop vacuums. If you already own Ryobi tools, this mower expands your collection; if you don’t, it serves as an excellent entry point into a highly reliable and expansive system.
2. Generous Dual-Battery Bundle
Unlike many cordless mowers that ship as “bare tools” (requiring you to purchase batteries and chargers separately at a high cost), the RY18LM37A-240 package includes two robust 4.0 Ah batteries and a dedicated 2.0A charger. This dual-battery setup ensures that you have plenty of runtime to tackle your entire lawn. If you have a larger garden, you can use one battery while charging the other, minimizing downtime.
3. Highly Adjustable Cutting Heights
Achieving the perfect lawn height throughout the changing seasons is simple with this mower. It features a single-point height adjustment lever that easily transitions the cutting deck through six distinct positions, from a low 20mm for a pristine, short finish to a high 70mm for tackling overgrown grass or managing lawns during dry spells. The lever mechanism is sturdy and far easier to operate than mowers requiring individual wheel adjustments.
4. Exceptional Space-Saving Design
For those with limited shed or garage space, storage can be a major headache. Ryobi has solved this by designing the RY18LM37A-240 with fully foldable handles and a collapsible 45-litre grass catcher. When folded down, the mower’s footprint is incredibly compact, allowing it to be tucked away in tight corners, placed on low shelving, or easily transported in the boot of a standard car.
5. Lightweight and Highly Maneuverable
Weighing significantly less than a petrol equivalent, this mower is incredibly easy to push, turn, and navigate around garden obstacles such as flowerbeds, trees, and garden furniture. The lightweight polymer deck reduces physical strain on the operator, making it an excellent choice for elderly gardeners or those who find heavy petrol mowers difficult to handle.
6. Integrated Mulching Capability
In addition to collecting clippings in the 45-litre bag, the RY18LM37A-240 comes equipped with a mulching plug. When inserted, the mower finely chops the grass clippings and distributes them back onto the lawn. This acts as a natural, nutrient-rich fertilizer, promoting a healthier, greener lawn while saving you the time and effort of emptying the grass catcher.
Cons of the Ryobi RY18LM37A-240
While the Ryobi RY18LM37A-240 offers an impressive suite of features, no product is perfect. To ensure a balanced purchase decision, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks of this model.
1. Charger Speed is Relatively Slow
The included 2.0A charger gets the job done, but it is not a fast charger. Recharging a depleted 4.0 Ah battery can take up to two hours. If you exhaust both batteries during a single session, you will have to wait a significant amount of time before you can resume mowing. Users with larger lawns may want to eventually invest in a Ryobi rapid charger to cut down on waiting times.
2. Struggles with Very Wet or Heavily Overgrown Grass
As an 18V single-battery machine, this mower is optimized for regular maintenance cuts. While it can handle slightly long grass by raising the cutting deck, it will struggle and drain the battery rapidly if pushed through thick, wet, or heavily overgrown lawns. For neglected gardens, you may need to take slow, partial passes to prevent the motor from overloading.
3. Plastic-Heavy Construction
To keep the mower lightweight and affordable, Ryobi has constructed the deck and body primarily out of high-grade plastic. While this polymer is durable and completely rust-proof, it does not feel quite as premium or indestructible as a traditional steel deck. Users must be careful not to run over large rocks or thick tree roots, which could potentially crack the housing.
4. Limited to Medium-Sized Lawns
If you have a sprawling garden or a lawn larger than approximately 250 to 300 square meters, a single 18V mower may not have the stamina to complete the job on a single charge. Homeowners with expansive properties would be better suited looking at Ryobi’s 36V (dual 18V) range, which offers more torque and extended runtimes for heavy-duty tasks.
Customer Reviews Analysis
With an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars across 95 customer reviews, the Ryobi RY18LM37A-240 has established a solid reputation among everyday homeowners. Analyzing user feedback reveals several consistent themes regarding what buyers love and where they feel the product could improve.
What Customers Praise:
- Ease of Assembly: Many reviewers noted that the mower is incredibly easy to assemble straight out of the box, requiring minimal tools and clear instructions.
- Maneuverability: Users frequently highlight how light and easy to push the mower is, especially when navigating slopes, tight corners, or uneven ground.
- Battery Convenience: Customers love the convenience of the ONE+ system, particularly those who already own other Ryobi tools. Having two 4.0 Ah batteries in the box is widely praised as a high-value inclusion.
- Grass Collection: The 45L grass bag is highly rated for its capacity and the efficiency with which the mower packs the clippings inside, reducing the frequency of trips to the compost bin.
Common Customer Complaints:
- Battery Life on Thick Grass: A few users noted that when tackling thick or damp grass, the battery drains much faster than expected. They recommend keeping the lawn regularly maintained to get the best battery performance.
- Charging Times: Some buyers expressed frustration with the slow charging speed of the standard 2.0A charger, advising others to charge their batteries the night before mowing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use my existing Ryobi 18V ONE+ batteries with this mower?
Yes, absolutely! The RY18LM37A-240 is fully compatible with all Ryobi 18V ONE+ batteries. However, because lawnmowers require a continuous high draw of power, it is highly recommended to use batteries with a capacity of 4.0 Ah or higher for optimal runtime and performance. Smaller batteries, such as 1.3 Ah or 2.0 Ah, will drain very quickly.
2. Does this lawnmower come with a mulching plug?
Yes, this model includes a dedicated mulching plug. When inserted into the rear discharge chute, it prevents grass from entering the collection bag and instead recirculates the clippings under the deck so the blade can chop them into a fine mulch, which is then returned to the lawn as a natural fertilizer.
3. How long do the two 4.0 Ah batteries last on a single charge?
On a standard, dry lawn under normal maintenance conditions, the two included 4.0 Ah batteries combined can typically provide enough runtime to mow a lawn of up to 250–300 square meters. However, runtime will vary depending on grass height, thickness, moisture levels, and how low you set the cutting height.
4. Is the mower self-propelled?
No, the Ryobi RY18LM37A-240 is a push-model lawnmower. However, because it is constructed from lightweight materials and weighs significantly less than petrol or corded steel-deck mowers, it requires very little physical effort to push and maneuver across flat or gently sloping lawns.
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Ryobi RY18LM37A-240 is an ideal match for several types of homeowners looking to upgrade their garden routine in August 2026:
- Small to Medium Yard Owners: If your lawn is under 300 square meters, this mower offers the perfect balance of size, power, and runtime to get the job done efficiently.
- Existing Ryobi Users: If you already own tools in the 18V ONE+ lineup, adding this mower to your collection is a no-brainer, as you can share batteries across all your devices.
- People with Limited Storage: Homeowners with small sheds, garages, or balconies will greatly appreciate the collapsible design, which allows the mower to store away neatly without taking up valuable floor space.
- Gardeners Seeking Low Maintenance: If you are tired of storing petrol, changing spark plugs, mixing oil, or dealing with tangled cords, this battery-powered model offers hassle-free “insert battery and go” convenience.
Final Verdict
The Ryobi RY18LM37A-240 18V ONE+ Lawnmower is a highly capable, user-friendly, and versatile tool that brings the convenience of cordless mowing to small and medium-sized gardens. By bundling the mower with two high-capacity 4.0 Ah batteries and a charger, Ryobi offers an excellent all-in-one package that delivers great value for its price point.
While it may struggle with heavily neglected, thick, or wet grass, and the included charger takes its time, its lightweight design, easy height adjustment, excellent mulching capabilities, and space-saving storage more than make up for these minor limitations. If you are looking for a reliable, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly way to keep your lawn looking pristine throughout 2026, this Ryobi mower is a highly recommended investment that will not disappoint.
