There comes a time when all of us start to gain an unhealthy obsession with a well-manicured lawn. Staring out onto a trim bed of blades formed into neat striped patterns is inherently satisfying.
Recently, I've been testing out the Stihl RMA 448 RV. That's a high-end lawn mower from the brand, which offers a wealth of features in a battery-powered device.
Stihl RMA 448 RV review: Price and Availability
The Stihl RMA 448 RV retails for £829 (approx. €970 / US$1,110 / AU$1,595). It can be purchased via the brand's website.
Stihl RMA 448 RV review: Features
While it's a relatively simple mower overall, the RMA 448 RV does offer a range of feature to help you sculpt the cut you want. Think of it like a bevy of options for the final 5%, more than fundamental changes to the overall experience.
First and foremost, that includes a five-option cutting height adjustment. That allows you to pick how tall you want your lawn to be with decent precision, and is selectable via a push-button lever which can be operated with one hand, but doesn't feel like it'll be changed by accident.
There's also an Eco mode, which allows the user to prioritise battery life over all else. This setting automatically adapts the motor speed to what's needed for the job, rather than full power. It's a neat addition, and will be a lifesaver for those with lawns large enough to almost max out a battery.
You'll have two options with regards to grass collection, with a switch to choose between mulching or collecting. The collection happens within a box at the rear of the machine, and holds a decent amount of material.
Last, but by no means least, is the Vario Self-Drive engine. That allows you to divert some of the power to propelling the mower, significantly reducing the effort required to move it.
Stihl RMA 448 RV review: Performance
I'll start with a gripe because it was the first thing I noticed – this is a heavy unit. At 27kg, it'll take some effort to move it around, particularly if you need to carry it over steps or ledges. In comparison to other similar-sized mowers it's not too bad, but if you want a truly lightweight mower, this isn't for you.
Still, once you've broken a sweat to get it onto the lawn, everything else feels remarkably simple. The rear box constructs with ease, and clips into place with a reassuring click.
Do make sure you double check the setting of the mulch/collection switch before you start. I didn't on the first go, and ended up baffled when my entire lawn only left a smattering of grass blades in the box.
I'd also recommend being more generous than you think you need to be with the cutting height, especially if you've got a lawn which isn't flat. I found that mine scarred a lot of patches, simply because of how much it undulates – the wide 46cm cutting section is too broad to run over them without issue.
One aspect I really have loved about this mower is the Self-Drive function. It offers a range of settings from tortoise to hare – a playful touch which is more endearing than a numbered selection – to divert some of the power into propelling the machine.
I love this – as someone with a sloped lawn, it makes it easy to travel in both directions with pretty much the same level of effort. However, I'd again recommend proceeding with caution – the higher speed settings are pretty nippy, and could quickly run away from you if you're not nimble.
Fortunately the safety mechanism built into the handle means you should be able to avoid most accidents. You'll need to press a button on the side of the handle and pull up the rear bar to start the mower, with a further front bar pulled up to activate the Self-Drive. Letting go is enough to kill the engine, which makes it handy if you're about to accidentally tear through a lovingly curated border of petunias (don't ask me how I know).
My lawn isn't the biggest, and I do think the benefits of this machine would be reaped in a larger space. The turning circle isn't amazing, so you'll often find yourself doing a five-point turn to get into the right spot. It's certainly not the biggest issue in the world, but if you've got a smaller space, it's worth considering one of the brand's smaller machines to save on weight and size.
Stihl RMA 448 RV review: Verdict
All in all, I think this is a killer lawn mower. It's a beast of a unit and enjoys enough features to make sure you can get the perfect cut every time.
If you're on the hunt for a lawn mower which is built like a tank and ready to mow large lawns with ease, look no further. This is a solid pick for those with deep enough pockets.
Stihl RMA 448 RV review: Also Consider
If you're looking for a decent cordless mower on a budget, the Hawksmoor 36V Brushless Cordless Lawnmower is a solid option. It earned an impressive five-star rating when our reviewer got their hands on it, offering exceptional value for money.
Alternatively, the Worx Nitro WG761E 80V mower has been top of our guide for a while, and it's not hard to see why! Good looks and an impressive feature set make it hard to ignore – even if it outstrips this model for price.
