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Fall cleanup doesn’t have to mean tangled cords or gas fumes. This year, I tackled the job with six Ryobi 40-volt (V) outdoor power tools that surprised me with how smooth, quiet, and fast they got the job done. From harvesting firewood with a 16-inch and a 20-inch chainsaw to blasting leaves off the driveway with a lightweight leaf blower and a powerful backpack model, every tool performed well, but without a hefty price tag.
I spent two full weekends testing the tools on firewood logs, dense brush, and a leaf-covered yard. Each started instantly with a trigger pull, and the runtime was solid across all of them. The chainsaws ripped through oak and hedge without binding, the reciprocating saw pruned thick branches easily, and the handheld leaf blower cleared the patio in seconds. I was impressed at how much lawn and garden cleanup I could do on a single battery charge. Keep reading to find out more about the Ryobi outdoor tools I tested.
Leaf Blower
Ryobi 40V Whisper Series Leaf Blower
Buy at Home DepotI used both Ryobi blowers—the handheld and the pro-grade backpack model—and was impressed by how much power they packed with surprisingly little noise. The handheld was perfect for clearing patios and flower beds.
Backpack Leaf Blower
Ryobi 40V Backpack Leaf Blower
Buy at Home DepotThe backpack model made quick work of heavy leaf piles and damp debris. Both ran smoothly, felt balanced, and offered excellent runtime. The backpack’s padded harness and variable-speed control made longer leaf-cleaning sessions comfortable.
Reciprocating Saw
Ryobi 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Buy at Home DepotI also tested the One+ reciprocating saw. It’s compact, powerful, and ideal for tight spaces or smaller pruning tasks. Together, these saws made cutting firewood and trimming trees cleaner and faster than any gas model I’ve owned.
16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Ryobi 40V 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Buy at Home DepotThe 16-inch Ryobi chainsaw handled small limbs and branches with ease. It started instantly and stayed consistent through the cut.
20-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Ryobi 40V 20-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Buy at Home DepotThe 20-inch model took on oak logs like a pro. Both started instantly and stayed consistent through the cut.
Ryobi 40V 8.0 Ah Edge Battery
Edge Battery
Buy at Home DepotThe 8.0 Ah Edge battery was the quiet hero of this lineup. It lasted through multiple tools on a single charge and recharged in about an hour. I appreciated how the performance stayed strong until the last cut and cleanup pass. If you’re planning to invest in the Ryobi 40V system, this high-capacity battery is worth it for the extra runtime alone.
Who Are These Ryobi Tools For?
Ryobi’s 40V line has come a long way, offering pro-level performance at affordable prices. These tools are perfect for homeowners who take yard work seriously but don’t want the weight, fumes, or maintenance of gas equipment. They’re affordable, durable, and—based on my testing—strong enough for most seasonal cleanup tasks.
