Any Ryobi 40v single stage snowblower owners?

[Cameramonkey]

I've invested in Ryobi 40v landscaping tools for my church and so far it has worked out well for us. Ive made sure and purchase a tool+battery+charger for each tool to make sure we have plenty of chargers and batteries for the tools since it is FAAAAAAAAAR cheaper to buy the full kit than bare tools and batteries separately. I think we are up to 5 or 6 batteries.

Now its time to replace our failed single stage snow blower. Do I go gas or 40v?

We only need to clear about 1500 square feet of sidewalk at the worst. At best 1100sq. And if it gets too ugly (3+' of snow) We can trailer in the two stage gas units from home.

Anyone with any firsthand experience with the Ryobi 40v single stage blowers?

I have to ask because I dipped my toes in the water with a 40v almost top of the line mower and returned it after one cut. I only got half the performance of the specs. I cant imagine how much less I'm going to get once I add sub zero temps to the mix.

Good? Bad? Ugly?

 

[actaeon277]

have you looked on youtube for reviews?

 

[Cameramonkey]

have you looked on youtube for reviews?

Going to do that too. I’ve noticed a rise in paid reviews especially with them. So I take it with a grain of salt. If you look at their website, you’ll notice many if not most reviews are disclosed as part of a promotion/contest.

 

[radar8756]

Watch for the "Ryobi Days" sales

They do a buy a 2/pk of the 18v 4ah batteries for $99 and get a FREE Tool ( limited selection)

Not sure if they have a similar deal on the 40v batteries

 

[woowoo2]

While battery operated tools are replacing their gas powered counterparts, Ryobi tools are not known for their performance and durability.

 

[Cameramonkey]

While battery operated tools are replacing their gas powered counterparts, Ryobi tools are not known for their performance and durability.

I dont totally disagree.

I find they work well for a homeowner/DIY enthusiast level user. Would I give one to my cousin who works in the trades? Nope.

 

[PGRChaplain]

If you Returned the Mower, think how much Harder the Snowblower would have to Work.

 

[Cameramonkey]

If you Returned the Mower, think how much Harder the Snowblower would have to Work.

Exactly why Im overly cautious and havent abandoned just buying a new honda single stage. (old one died)
BUt given I pretty much just have 450' of sidewalk, it doesnt seem like much. And Ive always bought a full kit with each tool since batteries included are a fraction of the cost of a new/replacement afterward.

I'll probably stick with gas to be safe. Plus a reviewer mentioned that theirs doesnt propel itself forward when you apply more pressure to the paddles. So to be sure it would be manageable for ALL of our trustees, I'd have to break the bank and buy one of the monster 2 stage units.

 

[woowoo2]

The little Toro machines with the rubber auger blades is pretty good for light work.

18" Single-Stage Power Clear® 518 ZR 38472 | Gas Snow Blowers | Homeowner | Toro | Toro

Shred snow faster with the Toro Power Clear® Single-Stage 18

www.toro.com

 

[lrdudley]

I have a 40V Greenworks single stage snow blower. If the snow is light it does a great job. When we got the heavy wet snow last winter it was a real chore. Better than shoveling by hand, but not by much. It helps that I have the batteries from the mower, trimmer and blower in reserve. If this is something you are leaving at the church I would lean toward battery power. More idiot proof than gas and safer to operate.

 

[Brandon]

Coworker bought the mower and loves it.
I would be very tempted to try a battery over gas for several reasons... mainly gas/carb related issues.

 

[Creedmoor]

Coworker bought the mower and loves it.
I would be very tempted to try a battery over gas for several reasons... mainly gas/carb related issues.

Use ethanol free fuel.

 

[schmart]

My suggestion is that you go buy the largest 2 stage self propelled, heated handles, headlights, battery push start unit you can find. That way you won't have to use it all winter. You know if you get the 40v ryobi you are going to be using it every other day!
--Rick

 

[BluePig]

Since nobody wants to fess up...
Yea, I got one.
Had it for about a year now.
It works pretty good for what I intended to use it for, which was cleaning in front of the garage door and cleaning side walks.
It doesn't do well with super wet snow, but powdery stuff, it does decent.
Battery usage is ok. I have a 5A, 3 4A and 2 2A batteries. The 5A will typically get the job done. Wet snow will chew up battery life big time.
I think we got 30% off coupon when we bought.
I have a blower for my JD mower, so if it gets really deep, I'm good.
Been really happy with the Ryobi 40V batteries. Got a blower, trimmer, stick chain saw, and a drill style power washer. All are good.

 

[Cameramonkey]

Since nobody wants to fess up...
Yea, I got one.
Had it for about a year now.
It works pretty good for what I intended to use it for, which was cleaning in front of the garage door and cleaning side walks.
It doesn't do well with super wet snow, but powdery stuff, it does decent.
Battery usage is ok. I have a 5A, 3 4A and 2 2A batteries. The 5A will typically get the job done. Wet snow will chew up battery life big time.
I think we got 30% off coupon when we bought.
I have a blower for my JD mower, so if it gets really deep, I'm good.
Been really happy with the Ryobi 40V batteries. Got a blower, trimmer, stick chain saw, and a drill style power washer. All are good.

Thanks! I appreciate it. Digging deeper I realized the lack of forward drive using the blades was a deal killer. To get the forward drive assist I'd have to go two stage.

 

[Cameramonkey]

My suggestion is that you go buy the largest 2 stage self propelled, heated handles, headlights, battery push start unit you can find. That way you won't have to use it all winter. You know if you get the 40v ryobi you are going to be using it every other day!
--Rick

No doubt. After years of deep snow in the early 80s dad splurged and bough a 4x4. Didnt ever snow that much until he got rid of it. LOL

 

[Bugzilla]

I have a Worx battery snowblower as I have other Works tools. Pretty much ditto of BluePig. Have the 2 stage for the path in the woods and paths in the fenced in yard for the dogs and the plow on the garden tractor for the 1100’ driveway. I like the battery snowblower for what I use it for. Batteries usually last for the sidewalks and in front of the garage. I say go for it if you have the gas blowers for backup and already have a supply of batteries.