Ryobi RY40811 Review

The Ryobi RY40811 is a lightweight and effective cordless snowblower, but might prove tough to find.

Ryobi RY40811 review
(Image: © Ryobi)

Top Ten Reviews Verdict

The Ryobi RY40811 snow blower is ideal if you want a reliable and fast-charging cordless snow blower. While not self-propelling, it is lightweight and can quickly clear up to 10 inches of new snow. The only problem you are likely to have with the Ryobi RY40811 is locating one, given it is an older model that the manufacturer no longer makes.

Pros

  • +

    Above average clearing path

  • +

    Snow throwing distance of 25 feet

Cons

  • -

    Not self-propelling

  • -

    No clearing tool included

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The Ryobi RY40811 is a snow blower that sets you free from the leash of an extension cord, with two 40-volt lithium-ion batteries that can power it for up to 40 minutes at a time. What is more, the best snow blowers can clear a wide path in a single pass, and the Ryobi RY40811 has an above-average width of 20 inches, providing the capability to clear a lot of snow quickly. Ideal for use on fresh snowfall that's up to 10 inches deep, the Ryobi can throw snow up to 25 feet away. The main drawback is that this snow blower is no longer manufactured, making it more difficult than most of its competitors to find.

Ryobi RY40811 Review: What you need to know

Importantly, the batteries on this cordless electric snow blower only take 90 minutes to get to a full charge. Another nifty feature is the discharge chute that rotates in a 180-degree arc, helping you place the snow where you want it to go.

The blades on the auger are made from a hardened thermal plastic, meaning they lightweight yet strong. This electric snow blower also has two built-in LED headlights to help you see in low-light conditions, such as at dawn or dusk. To rotate the chute, all you need to do is turn the crank that's just below the handle. This makes it easier to aim your snow discharge without having to stop plowing.

Ryobi RY40811 Review: Ease of use

The controls of the Ryobi RY40811 are straightforward. You start the snow blower with the push of a button, rather than a pulling cord, which saves your arms and back from unnecessary strain. Pulling the auger release handle starts the auger rotating, while releasing stops the auger and blades from spinning. This allows you to clear out buildup without endangering yourself or turning off the motor. Unfortunately, this electric snow blower does not include a clearing tool, so you need to find something to safely clear the chute when it has buildup. 

Ryobi RY40811 review

(Image credit: Ryobi)

Also on the downside, this snow blower doesn’t have a self-propulsion system, so be ready to push it the whole time you are plowing. The better news is that the Ryobi only weighs 35 pounds, which is much less than a gas-powered model weighs, so you shouldn't get too worn out as you maneuver it around. It's certainly less effort than using a manual snow shovel.

Ryobi RY40811 Review: Service

The Ryobi comes with a five-year warranty that covers any manufacturer defects or faulty parts. This is a great warranty length, especially since the average electric snow blower is only covered for two years. If you ever need to have your blower repaired or have questions about how to operate it, you can visit the Ryobi website and use the repair center locator or download an owner's manual. You can also reach customer service representatives by phone or email. If you are in need of replacement parts, you can order them directly from Ryobi as well.

Should you buy a Ryobi RY40811?

The Ryobi RY40811 is a reliable, strong cordless snow blower. The quick recharge time allows you to spend less time waiting and more time clearing snow, while it runs quietly and can handle up to 10 inches of fresh snow. While the lack of auger-assisted propulsion could pose a problem to some, it should still prove lightweight enough for most to handle it easily. In fact, the main issue you're likely to encounter with the Ryobi RY40811 is finding one, given it's a model that rolls off the Ryobi production line no more.  

Noel Case

Noel has worked as a reporter and editor for many online and print publications including the Salt Lake Tribune and the Ogden Standard-Examiner, covering diverse beats like education, city development and politics. He also wrote and edited an online monthly magazine for the nutritional supplement company Max International. Noel has degrees from the University of Utah and Weber State University in psychology, English and creative writing and is passionate about writing in all its forms.