Ryobi RM480E Problems : 6 Known Issues (Solved)

Every riding mower has its problems and the Ryobi RM480E is no exception. Below we look at some of the most common Ryobi RM480E problems and how you can easily resolve them.

Table of Contents

What Is Ryobi RM480E?

The Ryobi RM480E is an electric riding lawn mower that is operated by a battery. This riding mower is considered to be low maintenance since it does not have a spark plug, belts or filters. The Ryobi RM480E has up to 2 hours run time and a cruise control and quiet cutting feature. This electric riding mower also has different cutting options like mulching, side discharge and bagging.

Ryobi RM480E Problems

NB: The Ryobi RM480E is sold without any malfunctioning parts and the problems indicated below are usually influenced by wear and tear or human error.

1. Starting Problems

The Ryobi RM480E electric riding mower can experience starting problems. This usually happens when any of the following factors are present;

  • The battery may be low.
  • The charger may still be connected to the machine.
  • The start key may be in the off position.
  • Battery connections may not be properly connected.

Troubleshooting Starting Problems

When you notice that your Ryobi RM480E is experiencing starting problems you should try the following techniques in order to help resolve the issue;

  • Recharge the battery and ensure that it is full before trying to start the machine.
  • Ensure that the charger is disconnected before trying to start the mower.
  • Insert the start key and ensure that it is in the ON position.
  • Check and ensure that the battery connections are properly connected.

2. Machine Does Not Move

The Ryobi RM480E may refuse to move and this problem happens because of the following factors;

  • The park brake may be engaged.
  • The start key may be in the OFF position.
  • Direction control switch may be on neutral position.
  • You may be pressing the brake.
  • Accelerater pedal may not be pressed.
  • The charger may still be connected to the machine.

Troubleshooting Machine Does Not Move Problem

When you notice that your Ryobi RM480E mower is not moving you should trying the following techniques in order to help resolve the problem;

  • Check and ensure that the park brake is disengaged.
  • Place the start key in the ON position.
  • Ensure that the direction switch is in the foward or reverse position depending on where you want to go.
  • Ensure that you are not stepping on the brake pedal.
  • Press the accelerator pedal in order for the mower to start moving.
  • Check and ensure that the charger is disconnected from the machine.

3. Uneven Cutting

The Ryobi RM480E mower can start cutting grass unevenly. This problem usually happens when any of the following things occur;

  • The blades may be worn out, loose or damaged.
  • The mower deck may not be level.
  • Tire pressure may not be even.
  • Mowing speed may be too fast.

Troubleshooting Uneven Cutting Problem

When your Ryobi RM480E riding mower is cutting grass unevenly you should try the following methods in order to try and resolve the problem;

  • Tighten loose blades and replace any worn out or damaged blades with new ones.
  • Perfom cutting deck level adjustment.
  • Ensure that all tires have equal tire pressure.
  • Reduce your mowing speed.

4. Excessive Vibrations

The Ryobi RM480E riding mower can start vibrating excessively. This problem is mainly caused by the following;

  • Loose blades.
  • Worn out or damaged blades.
  • A bent motor shaft.

Troubleshooting Excessive Vibration Problem

If your Ryobi RM480E riding mower starts vibrating excessively you should do the following in order to help resolve the issue;

  • Tighten all loose blades.
  • Replace worn out or damaged blades with new ones.
  • If the motor shaft is bent you will need to take your mower to a reputable dealer and have it fixed.

5. Battery Does Not Charge

The battery of a Ryobi RM480E can sometimes refuse to charge. This problem gappens when the following things take place;

  • There might be a poor cable connection.
  • The battery cells may be damaged.

Troubleshooting Battery Does Not Charge Problem

If the battery of your Ryobi RM480E mower refuses to charge you should do the following in order to solve the problem;

  • Check and clean all battery connections.
  • If the battery cells are damaged you will need to replace the battery with a new one.

6. Blades Do Not Rotate

The blades of a Ryobi RM480E mower may refuse to rotate. This usually happens when the following things occur;

  • The blade engage knob may be down.
  • The battery may be low.
  • Debris might have built up on the blades.
  • You may not be properly seated on the mower.

Troubleshooting Blades Do Not Rotate Problem

When the blades of your Ryobi RM480E are not rotating you should try the following in order to resolve the problem;

  • Raise the blade engage knob.
  • Recharge the battery.
  • Remove any debris that may be trapped in the blades.
  • Ensure that you are properly seated on the mower.

How To Avoid Ryobi RM480E Problems

The best way to avoid Ryobi RM480E problems is to have your riding mower serviced at least once a year. This helps to ensure that problems are identified and dealt with earlier. It also helps to regularly check the condition of your mower before and after every use so as to minimise the problems listed above.

How Long Does It Take To Fully Charge Ryobi Lawn Mower?

It can take approximately 4 hours to get your Ryobi lawn mower fully charged.

Do Ryobi Batteries Overheat?

It is very rare for Ryobi batteries to overheat however, if this happens it may be because you kept the battery on a charger for a long time or the battery has simply reached its expected life span.

Conclusion

The Ryobi RM480E is one of the best riding lawn mowers you will find on the market. The problems indicated above may potray this machine as a problematic mower but that is not even the case. The problems indicated in this article can easily be resolved and they do not happen on a regular basis, so do not be discouraged to purchase it.