Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 12″ Snow Shovel Review

Conquer winter effortlessly with the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 12″ Cordless Snow Shovel. Designed for easy handling, it efficiently clears snow up to 6″ deep and throws it 25 feet away. Its versatile attachment capability and powerful brushless motor ensure top performance on sidewalks, driveways, and decks. The shovel is part of the RYOBI 40V system, offering compatibility with various attachments for added convenience. Backed by a 5-year warranty, it’s the perfect tool for efficient snow removal.

Product Overview

High-Performance Technology

RYOBI’s 40V ONE+ HP ADVANTAGE combines brushless motors, advanced electronics, and high-performance lithium technology. This synergy results in more power, extended runtime, and a longer motor life. It means you can clear snow more efficiently and with less effort.

Compact Powerhouse

Despite its small size, this shovel packs a punch. It can clear a path 12 inches wide and 6 inches deep, throwing snow up to 25 feet away. At just 17 lbs., its compact and lightweight design ensures comfortable use, reducing fatigue and making it easier to maneuver.

User-Friendly Design

RYOBI understands the importance of convenience and ease of use. The shovel features a 180 lock/unlock coupler for quick attachment changes. The 2-speed switch, combined with a variable speed trigger, offers optimal power and control, adapting to different snow conditions and preferences.

Attachment Capability

What sets this shovel apart is its EXPAND-IT attachment capability. You can connect various RYOBI attachments, like a blower or edger, transforming your snow shovel into a multi-purpose tool. This not only saves space and money but also makes your winter maintenance tasks much easier.

Battery and Charging System

The shovel is powered by a 40V 4Ah battery, which is part of the RYOBI 40V system used across over 50 products. The battery has an integrated LED fuel gauge and comes with a 3-year warranty. The included 40V charger ensures your tool is always ready to go.

Battery Life and Performance

The RYOBI 40V HP Brushless 12″ Cordless Snow Shovel is equipped with a robust 40V 4Ah lithium-ion battery, designed to offer both longevity and power in demanding winter conditions. This high-capacity battery ensures that you can tackle large areas without constant stops for recharging. Its advanced lithium technology provides consistent power output, ensuring the shovel maintains its efficiency throughout its use. The integrated LED fuel gauge is a standout feature, allowing users to easily monitor the battery’s charge level, so you’re never caught off guard by a depleted battery. Additionally, the battery is part of RYOBI’s 40V system, which means it can be interchangeably used with over 50 other RYOBI tools, maximizing your investment and reducing the need for multiple batteries. This battery’s performance, coupled with the convenience of a cordless design, makes the RYOBI snow shovel a reliable tool for efficient and effective snow removal.

Durability and Maintenance

The RYOBI 40V HP Brushless 12″ Cordless Snow Shovel is engineered with durability in mind, ensuring it withstands the rigors of harsh winter weather. The shovel features a robust brushless motor, renowned for its longevity and minimal wear and tear compared to traditional motors. This motor not only enhances performance but also significantly reduces maintenance needs, ensuring the tool lasts for many winters to come. The shovel’s construction utilizes high-quality materials resistant to cold and moisture, further enhancing its durability. Maintenance is straightforward and user-friendly; regular cleaning of snow and debris from the shovel, along with proper storage and charging of the battery, will keep it in optimal condition. The impressive 5-year limited warranty on the shovel and a 3-year limited warranty on the battery and charger provide additional peace of mind, guaranteeing a dependable performance season after season. This combination of sturdy construction and ease of maintenance makes the RYOBI snow shovel a reliable and long-lasting tool for any snow-clearing task.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• High Efficiency and Power: The shovel’s 40V HP technology ensures powerful and efficient snow clearing, making it easy to tackle 12-inch wide and 6-inch deep paths.
• Cordless Convenience: Being battery-powered, it offers the freedom to move around without the hassle of cords, enhancing maneuverability and ease of use.
• Lightweight and Compact Design: At only 17 lbs, it’s easy to handle and reduces user fatigue, making it suitable for prolonged use.
• Attachment Capability: The EXPAND-IT™ system allows for the use of various attachments, transforming it into a multi-functional tool and saving space and money.
• User-Friendly Features: Includes a variable speed trigger and a 2-speed switch for better control, and a 180° lock/unlock coupler for easy attachment changes.
• Durability: The brushless motor offers greater longevity and reliability, with less maintenance required.
• Comprehensive Warranty: A 5-year limited warranty on the tool and a 3-year limited warranty on the battery and charger provide added security and peace of mind.

Cons

• Battery Limitations: While convenient, the battery life may not be sufficient for extended use or very large areas, requiring mid-task charging or spare batteries.
• Limited Clearing Depth: With a 6-inch clearing depth, it may not be suitable for areas that experience very heavy snowfall.
• Clearing Width: A 12-inch clearing width might require more passes to clear wide areas, making it less efficient for larger driveways or expansive decks.
• Snow Throwing Distance: Although it can throw snow up to 25 feet, in heavy, wet snow conditions, this distance might be reduced.
• Cost: As a high-performance tool with advanced features, it might be more expensive than basic models, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious consumers.
• Weight: While relatively lightweight, some users might still find it heavier than traditional shovels, especially when used over extended periods.
• Dependency on Battery Health: Long-term performance is contingent on proper battery maintenance and eventual replacement costs.

Conclusion

The RYOBI 40V HP Brushless 12″ Cordless Snow Shovel represents a significant advancement in snow removal technology, blending power, convenience, and innovation. Its efficient brushless motor, coupled with the versatility of the EXPAND-IT system, makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a reliable, easy-to-use solution for clearing snow from sidewalks, driveways, and decks. While its lightweight and compact design enhance maneuverability and reduce user fatigue, the shovel’s battery-powered nature ensures freedom from cords and greater flexibility in use.

FAQs

1. How long does the battery last on a single charge?
   The battery life varies depending on the snow conditions and usage intensity. However, under typical conditions, the 40V 4Ah battery provides sufficient power to handle most residential snow-clearing tasks on a single charge.
2. Can this snow shovel handle heavy, wet snow?
   The RYOBI snow shovel is designed to effectively handle moderate snowfall, including wet snow, up to 6 inches deep. However, performance may vary in extremely heavy, wet snow conditions.
3. Is the shovel heavy or difficult to maneuver?
   Weighing 17 lbs., the shovel is relatively lightweight and designed for easy maneuverability. Its compact size and ergonomic design help reduce user fatigue, making it comfortable for most users.
4. Are other attachments included with the snow shovel, or do they need to be purchased separately?
   The shovel is compatible with RYOBI’s EXPAND-IT attachments, but these are sold separately. This system allows you to add a range of tools, like blowers and edgers, enhancing its versatility.
5. What is the warranty on this snow shovel?
   The RYOBI 40V HP Brushless 12″ Cordless Snow Shovel comes with a 5-year limited warranty, and the battery and charger have a 3-year limited warranty.
6. Can I use other RYOBI 40V batteries with this shovel?
   Yes, the shovel is compatible with all RYOBI 40V lithium-ion batteries, allowing for flexibility and extended use if you have other RYOBI 40V tools and batteries.
7. How far does the shovel throw snow?
   The shovel can throw snow up to 25 feet, depending on the snow’s weight and moisture content.
8. Is the snow shovel easy to assemble and store?
   Yes, the shovel is designed for easy assembly with minimal tools required. Its compact design also makes it convenient to store in a garage or shed.
9. How does the variable speed trigger work?
   The variable speed trigger allows you to control the speed of the shovel’s auger, giving you more precision and control over the snow-throwing process, especially in different snow conditions.
10. Can this shovel be used on all types of surfaces?
    The RYOBI snow shovel is effective on various surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways, and decks. However, care should be taken on gravel or uneven surfaces to avoid picking up stones or debris.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! If you found our review on the RY408120VNM – 40V HP Brushless 12″Snow Shovel helpful or have any questions, please drop a comment below. Sharing your insights and experiences can benefit our community of enthusiasts. And if you enjoyed our content, a quick share would be much appreciated. Thanks for reading!