New Ryobi Ride-On Mowers Join the 80V Platform for Value-Conscious Homeowners
Ryobi has an interesting history with zero-turn and riding mowers. In 2017, they released their first battery-powered riding mower, featuring a 38-inch deck and a lead-acid battery. That model was followed by 80V 48-inch and 54-inch zero-turns. Then in 2023, the brand released its unique joystick-controlled iDrive mower.
However, in 2026, all of those models have been discontinued. Now, Ryobi is launching its next generation of riding mowers with two new 80V models— a 42-inch zero-turn and a 30-inch ride-on. These mowers won’t hit Home Depot stores until Spring, but I wanted to take a closer look at both new models to help you decide which one to be on the lookout for.
Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower
- Model: Ryobi RY80HPRM04K-ZR3
- Deck Size: 42 inches
- Power Equivalence: 25 HP
- Four Brushless Motors
- Runtime: 2 Acres
- Extra Battery Port
- Dual Blades
- Deck Material: 12-Gauge Fabricated Steel
- Towing Capacity: 250 lbs
- Mowing Height: 1 in – 4.5 in (1/4-in increments; 15 positions)
- Top Speed: 7 MPH
- Recharge Method: 120V Outlet
The Ryobi 42-inch 80V zero-turn ride-on mower is the largest in the 80V HP Brushless lineup, now that the 54-inch RYRM8043 mower has been discontinued.
Ryobi tells us its four brushless motors deliver the same power as a 25HP gas engine. While this is less overall power than we saw in both the 54-inch and 30-inch joystick zero-turns, this model is also $1000 less than the smaller of those two models, sitting at $3,999 for the kit. This makes it an ideal model for residential mowing for those with medium- to large-sized properties to manage.
Under the 42-inch fabricated steel deck are dual side-by-side mower blades. Ryobi tells us the deck can be removed in as little as 1 minute for easy blade changes and under-deck maintenance.
An onboard digital display gives you blade-life insight, as well as stats like your battery level, mode, speed, and charge status.
The ZR3 is powered by the two included 80V 14.0Ah batteries, and there’s an additional battery port if you’d like to expand your runtime. Using the two kitted batteries, Ryobi estimates you can mow up to 2 acres per charge.
For other landscaping duties, it has a 250-lb towing capacity, though expect any towing to affect your overall runtime.
When you’re done mowing, you can recharge the batteries directly onboard the mower by connecting the 80V charger to a 120V outlet. From there, the charger simply plugs into the mower’s charge port.
Should You Buy It?
While Ryobi’s ZR3 doesn’t offer the highest power compared to some other electric ZTs, the $3,999 price point is very attractive. If you’re looking to electrify your lawn care and want a zero-turn mower, it’s about the lowest-costing unit of this size from a major brand that you’re likely to find.
It’s not only affordable compared to other electric zero-turns, but it’s more approachable overall as well. Consider Cub Cadet’s 21.5 HP, 42-inch Ultima Z2 at $3599. The premium for the convenience of Ryobi’s electric solution and boost in power isn’t nearly as large as it once was. It’s a cost difference that closes quickly since you won’t have to pay for fuel or gas engine and belt drive maintenance.
For managing lawns up to 2 acres, the ZR3 is most certainly a model worth considering.
Price: $3,999 kit with two 80V 14Ah batteries and charger
Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 30-inch Riding Lawn Mower
- Model: Ryobi RY80HPRM05K-R1
- Deck Size: 30 inches
- Power Equivalence: 16 HP
- Three Brushless Motors
- Runtime: 1 acre
- Dual Blades
- Deck Material: 14-Gauge Stamped Steel
- Mowing Height: 1 in – 4.5 in (1/4-in increments; 7 positions)
- Top Speed: 5 MPH
- Recharge Method: 120V Outlet
The Ryobi R1 riding lawn mower features a 30-inch mowing deck. Its three brushless motors provide a gas-equivalent output of 16 HP, which is about what we expect for a residential mower of this size. Like many riding mowers and lawn tractors, this model is controlled via a standard steering wheel.
Its power source is a single (included) 80V 14.0Ah battery, which lets you mow up to an acre per charge. Like the 42-inch ZT, there’s an additional 80V port to extend your runtime to up to 2 acres if you want to add an extra battery. This model also supports onboard charging and includes an 80V charger that plugs into a standard 120V outlet.
Under the 30-inch stamped steel deck, you’ll find two blades, and it’s compatible with other Ryobi blades, including Cross-Cut blades, self-discharge mulching blades, and high-lift bagging blades. If you prefer to bag your clippings, you can also attach an ACRM008 bagging kit (sold separately).
Should You Buy It?
For around $3,000, the R1 offers a decent value for homeowners with medium-sized yards up to 1 acre. Like the above zero-turn, it’s really the most affordable model of its size, while offering competitive performance compared to brands like Hart and Greenworks.
Like the ZT, Ryobi’s power level exceeds typical rear-engine gas models. Models from Cub Cadet and Troy-Bilt only sport 10.5 HP, so Ryobi has a significant advantage. The price gap is a bit wider between gas and battery than we saw with the ZT, though.
Price: $2,999 kit with an 80V 14.0Ah battery and charger
Final Thoughts
As Ryobi develops its next generation of riding mowers, the brand is streamlining its offerings for Spring 2026. So far, the only models announced have been the 30-inch ride-on and the 42-inch zero-turn. While those two models cover a wide range of residential needs, you may need to consider another brand or wait for Ryobi to expand its lineup further if they don’t fit the bill.
