Stihl’s First AP-Series Self-Propelled Mower Provides Convenience To Homeowners
Back in 2019, we reviewed the Stihl RMA 510 push mower. Now, we’re looking at its direct descendant, which adds a self-propelled function into the mix. So, what does the Stihl RMA 510 V Self-Propelled Lawn Mower bring to the table for homeowners?
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Pros
- Confident cutting power
- Compact folding handle
- 21-inch steel deck
- Single-point height adjustment
- Plenty of runtime
Cons
- Handle ergonomics need improvement
Stihl RMA 510 V Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Performance
- Deck width: 21 inches
- Cutting width: 20 inches
- Blade speed: 3200 RPM, 2800 RPM (ECO)
- Mowing speeds: 0.6 MPH and 2.8 MPH
- Mows up to 3,078 square feet per charge with AP 300 S battery
Cutting Power
The Stihl RMA 510 V mower uses a brushless motor, coupled with a 21-inch deck and 20-inch cutting width, to power homeowners with small- to medium-sized yards. At the top end, you can also expect blade speeds up to 3,200 RPM, and 2,800 RPMs in ECO mode.
As for cut quality, I think Stihl knocked it out of the park. This mower bags and mulches very effectively, and the side discharge chute works like a charm. During our testing, it handled our mixture of St. Augustine and Bahiagrass with ease and left a smooth, clean cut in our wake. Admittedly, it did stall out once in an exceptionally thick patch, but it powered through on the second pass without dropping on cut quality.
Runtime
It’s a little tricky to nail down an exact runtime estimate because there are a number of contributing factors. These include things like mowing mode, temperature, ambient humidity, grass height, and species.
On a single charge, Stihl tells us you can expect to mow up to 3,078 square feet using a 36V AP 300 S battery—roughly 1/4 to 1/3 acres depending on the conditions. This mower is only kitted with one battery, but there is a secondary in-active battery slot if you want to carry an extra battery onboard.
Mulching, Bagging, and More
This is a true 3-in-1 mower with mulching, bagging, and side discharge options. Personally, I prefer to have the side discharge over a rear discharge when we’re not bagging and mulching. It does offer decent clipping distribution when performing a weekly maintenance cut, but it did clog up a few times in thicker areas.
ECO Mode
When the ECO mode is selected, the mower operated at a lower RPM for situations requiring less power, increasing energy efficiency and runtime. To activate this mode, left the battery cover and flip the switch to “ECO”.
Stihl RMA 510 V Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Design
- Model: Stihl RMA 510 V
- Power Source: Stihl AP300S battery
- Weight: 63.9 lbs.
- Wheel Size: 8 in. (front), 10 in. (rear)
- Grass bag capacity: 19.8 gallons (2.1 bushels)
- Deck Material: Steel
Blade and Drive Controls
Stihl’s self-propelled RMA 510 V features variable drive speed, ranging from 0.6 MPH to 2.8 MPH. The speed control lever and blade activation button are well within reach, so it’s easy to make adjustments while you’re mowing.
The handle is covered with a foam pad that does offer a bit of comfort, but the metal presence bars are a little stiff, which is mildly uncomfortable during extended use. It’s not a dealbreaker, but there is definitely some room for improvement on future models.
21-Inch Steel Deck
The RMA 510 V has a steel mowing deck for durability but still keeps a lightweight design, at 63.9 pounds bare. While it makes for a heavier mower than poly decks, it’s a more durable material.
To add to the ease of maneuverability, the 10-inch rear wheels and 8-inch front ball-bearing wheels allow you to mow over rough terrain.
Deck Height Adjustment
This mower features cutting heights from 1 inch to 3.9 inches, with seven positions in between. A single-point adjustment lever on the back right wheel makes those changes quick and easy.
| Deck Height Position | Cutting Height |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.98 in. |
| 2 | 1.3 in. |
| 3 | 1.70 in |
| 4 | 2.05 in. |
| 5 | 2.48 in. |
| 6 | 2.95 in. |
| 7 | 3.43 in. |
| 8 | 3.94 in. |
Folding Handle
While folding handles and vertical storage aren’t anything new to the industry, Stihl does take a slightly different approach in order to be more compact. As you would expect, the handle folds flat on top of the mower. Where things differ slightly is Stihl included a second set of knobs in the middle of the handle that loosen, allowing the upper handlebars to fold back 180-degrees.
You can also choose between three handlebar height positions to increase your comfort while you mow.
Stihl RMA 510 V Lawn Mower Price
This mower retails for $499.99 bare and $749 as a kit, including an AP 300 S battery and AL 300 charger. Stihl backs your purchase with a 3-year warranty.
The Bottom Line
The Stihl RMA 510 V Self-Propelled Lawn Mower performed really well during our testing and showed a lot of promise for the rest of their battery-powered OPE lineup. It easily handled both mulching and bagging tasks but left something to be desired with the side discharge function. For medium to small yards, I believe the Stihl RMA 510 V is an excellent gas replacement that will leave your lawn looking Backyard BBQ ready just in time for Summer.
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