Ryobi 40V 850 CFM Backpack Blower Breaks New Ground for The Whisper Series
Battery-powered blowers have come a long way over the years, and Ryobi is among the leaders in the residential market. The Ryobi 40V 850 CFM Backpack Blower boasts some impressive numbers that got our attention, but that’s all on paper. We got our hands on the RY40HPLB02 and put it to the test here at our shop to see if the hype was real. I’m going to highlight the key specs and performance numbers, as well as detail our experience, so you can decide if this is the right model for you this season.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Competitive airflow and blowing force
- Two modes
- Tool-free grip adjustment
- Excellent kit value
Cons
- Batteries are exposed to inclement weather
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Ryobi 40V 850 CFM Backpack Blower Performance
- Max Airflow: 850 CFM
- Airspeed: 180 MPH
- Blowing Force with Nozzle: 15.9 N (low), 23.1 N (high)
- Blowing Force w/o Nozzle: 16.9 N (low), 24.7 N (high)
- Gas Equivalent: 58cc
- Runtime: Up to 2 hrs (with 2x 8.0Ah batteries)
Blowing Force
The all-new Ryobi 850CFM backpack blower is hitting the shelves on the heels of its handheld counterpart, the RY40HPLB01, and it means business. The Ryobi RY40HPLB02 is powered by a brushless motor and produces up to 850 CFM of air flow with a top airspeed of 180 MPH. This power level makes it equivalent to a 58cc gas-powered blower, a full 7cc’s more powerful than their previous model, the Ryobi RY404170.
While these numbers are helpful, they don’t really help us compare this model to other blowers. However, Newton force measurements give us a number that shows us how much work a blower actually does.
During our testing, we took readings with and without the concentrator nozzle to see if there was a noticeable difference. With the nozzle, the RY40HPLB02 produced 15.9 N on low and 23.1 N on high. Without the nozzle, these numbers jumped to 16.9 N and 24.7 N, respectively. This is a big win for Ryobi, considering the previous backpack model (RY40440) we tested topped out at 20 N!
This is further evidence that battery-powered blowers are not only competitive in the marketplace, but they’re breaking new ground for residential use. With this performance level, seasonal leaves, grass clippings, and heavy debris don’t stand a chance against this blower.
Runtime
Runtime is one of those factors that has plagued battery-powered OPE in the past, but improved battery technology and motor efficiency have put this concern to bed. Ryobi claims up to 2 hours of continuous runtime on Max Runtime mode, and 29 minutes on Max Power using a pair of 8.0Ah batteries.
During our testing, this blower ran for 27 minutes and 9 seconds on Max Power mode here in our shop. Although this is less than the stated runtime, it’s still hot here in Central Florida, which makes the batteries work harder, so we’re giving Ryobi two thumbs up. It’s also worth noting that this blower will run on a single 40V battery, but you will see a sharp decline in overall runtime.
Noise Level
When it comes to lawn equipment, municipalities and HOAs are cracking down on acceptable noise levels across the country. This is a great opportunity for battery-powered alternatives to take the lead in these communities.
The Ryobi RY40HPLB02 is part of their Whisper Series and features a layer of foam insulation inside the air intake, which helps dampen the overall noise level. When measured from my ear, our SPL meter clocked it at just 71 dBA on low and 74 dBA on high. This is right in line with what we’ve come to expect from the Whisper Series tools, but it’s exciting to see Ryobi increasing overall power without much additional noise.
Ryobi 40V 850 CFM Backpack Blower Design Notes
- Model: Ryobi RY40HPLB02
- Power Source: Ryobi 40V batteries
- Weight: 12.9 lbs (bare tool), 21.2 lbs (with kitted 8.0Ah batteries)
But Weight…There’s Less?
One of the first things I noticed about this blower is the weight—or lack thereof! The Ryobi RY40HPLB02 weighs an astonishing 12.9 pounds as a bare tool, and just 21.2 pounds with two 8.0Ah batteries onboard. This is perhaps Ryobi’s greatest achievement for this blower. Yes, the additional blowing force is great, but weight has always been a issue for backpack blowers across the board.
To put this in perspective, the Ryobi RY40HPLB02 is a featherweight compared to the Echo 56V DPB-5900T or Milwaukee M18 Fuel 3009, which both eclipse 32 pounds fully loaded.
Part of the weight loss is due to the minimalist rear section. The design exposes the batteries, and there’s some give and take with that call. On the negative side, the batteries can get wet if you get caught in the rain. On the positive side, there’s less overall weight as I noted, and more airflow around the batteries to help them cool more effectively.
In my book, the benefits outweigh the consequences.
Fit and Comfort
So with its reduced weight, it probably means Ryobi skimped on creature comforts, right? Wrong! Ryobi designed this blower with a lightweight steel tube frame with mesh padding that contours to your back. The shoulder straps are fully adjustable to match your build, and we’re glad to see that they include hip straps to take some of the weight off your shoulders.
The only element of the shoulder straps I’m not particularly fond of is the chest clip. Rather than securing the chest clip to the shoulder straps with a nylon loop or buckle, it’s attached to the decorative piping via a small plastic clip. While it’s not a high-stress component of the harness, I do see this as a potential issue down the road.
Grip and Trigger
The grip and trigger are fairly standard on this blower, but there are a few standout features that add some extra value. First, there is a mode selection button and an LCD battery life meter, so you can always keep an eye on your remaining runtime. On top of that, the grip position adjustment is tool-free and only takes a matter of seconds to move.
One main difference is that the cruise control lever is more of a throttle-by-wire setup rather than connecting directly to the trigger via a cable or gearing system. This means that you can set your desired blowing force and then use the trigger for short bursts, and then revert back to your cruise control setting by simply releasing the trigger.
Additional Features
- Compatible with Ryobi Link system
- Retainer strap makes for easy vertical storage
- Compatible with all Ryobi 40V batteries
Ryobi 40V 850 CFM Backpack Blower Price
The Ryobi 40V 850 CFM Backpack Blower retails for $599 as a kit that includes two 8.0Ah batteries and a rapid charger. It’s backed by a 5-year limited warranty and a 3-year warranty on the batteries.
The Bottom Line
The Ryobi RY40HPLB02 marks a big step forward for the brand for a few reasons. First and foremost, this backpack blower is lightweight, especially compared to many of the battery-powered backpack blowers we’ve tested in the past. The steel frame is rugged and sturdy, while the shoulder straps and padding add to the overall comfort level. Second, the power level and blowing force eclipse other popular brands and put Ryobi on the map as a top contender in the residential battery-powered blower market.
The big deal here is arguably the lightweight design. Yes, it’s still 21 pounds, but that’s nearly 10 pounds lighter than the competition, and it has as much, if not more, power. If you’ve been considering making the switch to battery-powered equipment or simply want to pick up a formidable backpack blower, the Ryobi RY40HPLB02 is an excellent choice.
