Best RYOBI cordless lawn mowers for New Zealand gardens (2026)

How to choose the right cordless mower for your block

How big is your lawn?

Lawn size is usually the easiest place to begin. A smaller lawn needs a mower that is light, easy to turn and simple to store. A medium lawn benefits from a wider cutting deck (for fewer passes) and extra runtime. A large lawn, sloped block or thicker grass area is easier to manage with more battery power, a wider deck, a larger catcher and, in some cases, self-propelled drive.

While a wider cutting deck can save time on a large, open lawn, a compact deck can be easier to manoeuvre around trees, garden beds, kids’ play equipment, narrow side paths and tricky corners. If you mow regularly and keep your grass under control, you may not need the same level of power as someone who often tackles longer, thicker grass.

Choose the right battery platform – 18V or 36V

RYOBI 18V ONE+ mowers are a smart match if you already use 18V ONE+ power tools or garden equipment. The same battery system powers a wide range of tools, so an 18V mower can be a practical, budget-friendly way to expand your system. Models such as the 18V ONE+ Brushless 33cm Lawn Mower and 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 37cm Lawn Mower are designed for small to medium-sized lawns where low weight, easy handling and compact storage are priorities.

RYOBI 36V mowers are built for users who need more power and runtime from their garden equipment. These mowers are well suited to medium and large lawns, thicker grass and longer mowing sessions. If your lawn takes a long time to cut, grows quickly in spring or includes thicker patches, a 36V mower can make the job feel more efficient and less demanding.

If you need even more power and longer battery runtime, HP tools and batteries may be better suited to your tasks. HP models are available in both 18V and 36V ranges.

Slopes, thick grass and self-propelled mowing

If your lawn is on a slope, includes uneven areas or takes a lot of effort to push-mow, a self-propelled mower is worth considering. RYOBI 36V HP Brushless self-propelled models are designed to reduce the amount of pushing you need to do, especially across larger lawns or uphill sections. Variable speed self-propelled drive on selected models lets you match the mower’s pace to your walking speed, which can make mowing feel more controlled and less tiring.

Thicker grass is another reason to think beyond deck size alone. Features such as intuitive load-sensing or adaptive blade speed technology allow certain RYOBI mowers to increase performance when they detect tougher patches, then conserve battery power when conditions are easier. That gives you a mower that responds to the lawn rather than treating every patch the same.