Stihl Pushes Battery-Powered Mower Performance Higher with a Unique Design
Stihl is continuing to expand their battery-powered OPE lineup with the introduction of the RMA 756 V self-propelled lawn mower. The design is a far cry from the norm, but does it actually offer any real advantages of traditional mowers? I’ll share what I’ve learned from my time using it so you can decide if this is the right addition to your landscaping arsenal.
Pros
- Excellent Runtime
- Great cut quality
- 4-in-1 mowing system
- Protective brush guard and bumpers
- Three mowing modes
- Easy to maneuver
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Expensive
- Cannot be stored vertically
- Heavy
Stihl RMA 756 V Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Performance
- Blade Speed: 3,000 RPM
- Drive Speed: 0-3.4 MPH
Cutting Power
The Stihl RMA 756V sports a brushless motor that produces a top blade speed of 3,000 RPMs. It’s a 72V mower, so you have to run it with two AP-series batteries. Of course, combining the power of two batteries means this mower has more cutting power than previous models.
There are three modes to choose from—Eco, Standard, and Auto-Boost. In Standard mode, the mower maintains a consistent blade speed as you work, but the other two modes are a bit more sophisticated.
When Eco mode is activated, the mower will detect the current mowing conditions and automatically adjust the blade speed, which can help extend your battery life.
When Auto-Boost mode is activated, the mower has more power available in short bursts when you encounter taller, denser grass. In contrast to Eco mode, Auto-Boost mode may shorten your total runtime.
Runtime
Accurate runtime numbers can be a little tricky to nail down because several factors come into play, such as grass species, mowing conditions, and ambient temperature. Stihl tells us that you can expect to mow around 0.17 acres on a single charge, but that estimate felt a little low, so we ran our own test here at our shop. For my test, I loaded up two fully charged AP 500 S batteries, set the deck height to level 4, and got to work.
The mower ran for around 50 minutes on Standard mode, and I successfully mowed a 1/3-acre area with a mixture of St. Augustine and Bahia grass. These numbers are right in line with what we expect from mowers in this class. You could push it a little further if you mow in Eco mode, but I wouldn’t expect to cover more than 1/2 acre.
Mulching, Bagging, and Side Discharge
Like many battery-powered mowers, the RMA 756 V features multiple options regarding grass clippings. You get the standard mulching and bagging, but you also get a removable side-discharge chute and a rear-discharge option if you remove the mulch plug.
All four functions are pretty effective, including the side-discharge, which can be a pain point for some battery-powered mowers that struggle to throw clippings far enough away.
Stihl RMA 756 V Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Design Notes
- Model: Stihl RMA 756 V
- Power Source: 2x AP500S batteries
- Weight: 125 lbs (with 2 AP 500 S batteries)
- Deck Material: Aluminum
- Deck Width: 22 in.
- Cutting Width: 21 in.
Mono-Comfort Handlebar
One of the more unique features on this mower is the Mono-Comfort Handlebar. This design helps reduce the total weight and provides unobstructed access to the collection bag and mulch plug.
It also features a single-point handle height adjustment system, which adds another layer of convenience for busy Pros.
While this design is innovative and offers some genuine benefits, we did notice that the one arm does have some lateral play. I don’t believe this is going to be a durability issue, as the hinge point is all metal, but it’s something to know before you buy.
Another minor issue is that it can’t be stored vertically, which can be a disadvantage in a crowded trailer or garage. The combination of the mower’s weight and single handle arm isn’t stable enough to stand on its own in a vertical configuration.
Blade and Drive Controls
Looking at the control panel, STIHL keeps the design pretty straightforward. There is a simple speed control button, a mode selector button, a power button, and a battery-life indicator. On this mower, the front presence bar controls the drive system while the rear bar activates the blade.
My only complaint about these controls is that the presence bars are a little uncomfortable. They do recess into the grip, but I wish they were a little more flush while they’re depressed. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something that could improve the overall comfort on future models.
Deck Design
Stihl designed this mower deck with efficiency and durability in mind. The cast aluminum deck is more robust than many of the steel decks we’ve seen, and there is a polymer housing on the underside for additional protection.
On the outside, Stihl equipped the deck with a front bumper and protective skirts to help prevent abrasions while mowing against driveways and sidewalks.
Cut Height Adjustment
This mower features a 4-point height adjustment system—something we expect from the heavier-duty build of Pro-grade models. It has six positions that range from 1-inch up to 3.9 inches.
| Deck Position | Deck Height |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1.0 in. |
| 2 | 1.6 in. |
| 3 | 2.2 in. |
| 4 | 2.8 in. |
| 5 | 3.4 in. |
| 6 | 3.9 in. |
The actual adjustment rods are quite robust, and the notches are deep, so the rods stay securely in place.
Stihl RMA 756 V Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Price
The Stihl RMA 756 V retails for $2,699.99 as a bare tool and $3,299.99 as a kit that includes two AP 500 S batteries and a charger. Stihl backs this mower with a 2-year warranty.
The Bottom Line
Overall, the Stihl RMA 756 V stands out as a robust option in the commercial battery-powered mower space. It offers plenty of runtime for tackling smaller lawns and the power level is right on par with what we expect from a Pro-grade mower. While there is a little room for improvement on the design, the RMA 756 V delivered quality results during our testing and made a compelling case for transitioning from gas-powered equipment.
While this is a great mower, it’s also quite expensive. The RMA 756 V is designed to fill a gap for landscaping Pros who need to gain access to gated yards or other tight spaces, but also want their mower to last more than a season or two.
Granted, there are less expensive options from Milwaukee and EGO that could stand in, but Stihl has a distinct advantage—service. Stihl’s nationwide dealer network offers spare parts and service that most battery-powered platforms simply can’t offer. If you’re going to pay the premium to get the RMA 756 V, Stihl won’t leave you hanging if the going gets tough.
