STIHL RMA 448 RV Cordless Lawn Mower – Rear Roller

STIHL RMA 448 RV rear roller cordless lawn mower

The STIHL RMA 448 RV is a 46cm self-propelled cordless lawn mower designed for homeowners who want the convenience of battery power and the traditional striped finish created by a rear roller.

Its adjustable Vario wheel drive reduces the effort required to mow medium-sized and larger lawns, while the integral polymer roller bends the grass as the mower travels to create alternating light and dark stripes.

The RMA 448 RV belongs to the STIHL AK System. A compatible battery can therefore be shared with a wide selection of STIHL domestic cordless strimmers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, leaf blowers and other garden tools.

STIHL RMA 448 RV at a glance

• 46cm / approximately 18-inch cutting width
• Integral polymer rear roller for creating lawn stripes
• Variable-speed Vario self-propelled drive
• Drive speed adjustable from approximately 2.0 to 4.5km/h
• Central cutting-height adjustment from 15 to 60mm
• 52-litre folding grass collection box
• Grass-box fill-level indicator
• Cut-and-collect and mulching functions
• Two STIHL AK battery positions
• Recommended for use with an STIHL AK 30 S battery
• Up to approximately 340m² manufacturer-estimated coverage
• Eco mode, Power Boost and Constant Power
• Flow-optimised mower blade
• Height-adjustable folding mono-comfort handlebar
• Durable double-layered polymer mowing deck
• Approximately 27kg without a battery
• IPX4-rated splashwater protection

Is the STIHL RMA 448 RV suitable for your lawn?

The RMA 448 RV is best suited to customers who want a clearly striped finish but would prefer not to use a petrol rear-roller lawn mower.

It is particularly suitable for:

• Medium-sized and larger domestic lawns
• Formal lawns where visible stripes are important
• Gardens with long, relatively straight mowing runs
• Users who want powered self-propelled assistance
• Lawns with appropriate gentle slopes or inclines
• Customers already using STIHL AK System tools
• Homeowners replacing a petrol roller mower

Consider another mower when:

• Your garden has narrow access routes or numerous tight obstacles
• You need side discharge or cut-and-drop mowing
• Your lawn regularly exceeds one battery’s practical mowing capacity
• A striped finish is not important and you would prefer a more versatile four-function mower

For a similar 46cm mower with collecting, mulching, rear-discharge and side-discharge options, compare the STIHL RMA 448 V cordless lawn mower.

For smaller gardens or tighter layouts, consider the narrower STIHL RMA 443 V self-propelled cordless mower.

Why Masseys recommends the STIHL RMA 448 RV

At Masseys, we recommend the RMA 448 RV to customers who want a genuine striped finish without moving to a petrol rear-roller mower.

Its main advantage is that the rear roller is an integral part of the machine rather than a lightweight cosmetic attachment. The roller supports the rear of the mower and bends the grass as each pass is completed, producing a more defined striped effect than a standard four-wheeled rotary mower.

The 46cm cutting width also provides a sensible balance between productivity and manoeuvrability. It is wide enough to cover an open lawn efficiently but is less cumbersome than many larger professional roller mowers.

The Vario self-propelled drive is another important benefit because the mower weighs approximately 27kg without its battery. Powered assistance makes the machine easier to control during longer mowing sessions and on appropriate gentle gradients.

The principal limitation is mowing versatility. The RMA 448 RV is designed to collect or mulch. It does not provide the side-discharge and cut-and-drop functions available on the standard RMA 448 V. We therefore recommend the RV when lawn striping is the priority and the V when flexible grass management is more important.

Masseys product assessment: reviewed by the Masseys garden machinery team in Woodville, Swadlincote. Product details checked July 2026.

Rear roller for a traditional striped finish

The defining feature of the RMA 448 RV is its integral polymer rear roller. As the mower travels across the lawn, the roller bends the grass in the direction of travel. Cutting adjacent passes in opposite directions creates the familiar alternating light and dark stripe effect.

The clarity of the stripes will depend on:

• The grass species and condition
• The selected cutting height
• The direction of sunlight across the lawn
• How straight and consistent the mowing passes are
• Whether the grass is dry and standing upright
• How regularly the lawn is cut

For the strongest result, mow in straight parallel passes, overlap each run slightly and alternate the overall mowing direction periodically. Avoid repeatedly rolling the grass in the same direction every week.

Variable-speed self-propelled drive

The STIHL RMA 448 RV uses Vario wheel drive. Its forward speed can be adjusted from approximately 2.0 to 4.5km/h using the control on the handlebar.

This allows you to reduce the speed when cutting around borders, trees and garden furniture, then increase it across a long and unobstructed section of lawn.

The powered drive reduces the physical effort required to move the mower and is particularly helpful on longer mowing runs and appropriate gentle slopes.

46cm cutting width and 15–60mm cutting heights

The 46cm cutting width allows the mower to cover an open domestic lawn efficiently while remaining more manageable than many wider commercial machines.

Cutting height is adjusted centrally between 15 and 60mm. The lower settings are intended for short, formal lawns in suitable conditions, while the higher settings are useful when the grass is longer or when you want to remove less growth during each cut.

For healthier grass, avoid removing more than approximately one-third of its total height in a single mowing session.

Collect or mulch the grass

The RMA 448 RV provides two principal ways to manage the clippings.

Cut and collect

Fit the 52-litre grass collection box when you want to remove the clippings and leave a tidy finish. Its fill-level indicator helps show when the collector needs to be emptied.

The folding two-part design makes the box easier to open and empty. The mower’s single-sided mono-handlebar also provides clearer access when removing and replacing the collector.

Mulching

Switch the mower into mulching mode to cut the clippings more finely and return them to the lawn.

Mulching reduces the need to stop and empty the grass box and returns fine organic material to the lawn. It produces the best result when the grass is cut regularly and only a modest amount of growth is removed.

Please note: the RMA 448 RV does not have side discharge or a dedicated cut-and-drop rear-discharge setting.

STIHL AK battery performance

STIHL recommends using the RMA 448 RV with an AK 30 S battery. This 36V lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 5.0Ah and an energy content of 180Wh.

STIHL quotes a maximum mowing area of up to approximately 340m² with a fully charged AK 30 S battery under ideal conditions.

Actual coverage will depend on:

• Grass length, density and moisture
• The selected cutting height
• The amount of growth being removed
• Ground conditions and lawn gradients
• Use of the self-propelled drive
• The number of turns and obstacles
• Battery age, temperature and condition
• Mowing technique

If your lawn is close to the quoted maximum, or the grass is occasionally allowed to grow longer, a second charged AK 30 S battery may provide useful additional capacity.

Two battery positions with manual changeover

The RMA 448 RV has space for two compatible STIHL AK batteries. One battery powers the mower while a second charged battery can be carried securely in the spare position.

The mower does not automatically switch between the two batteries. When the working battery is depleted, the operator manually exchanges or repositions the batteries before continuing.

The spare position means the second battery can be carried on the mower rather than being left in a garage, shed or another part of the garden.

Consistent and efficient cordless performance

Constant Power helps the mower maintain consistent cutting performance as the battery charge decreases rather than gradually losing output.

Power Boost enables compatible STIHL batteries and the mower’s electronics to communicate so that the battery can provide the performance required for more demanding grass conditions.

Eco mode adjusts the motor speed to the mowing load. When maximum output is unnecessary, the mower can reduce its energy consumption and conserve battery capacity.

The flow-optimised blade is designed to limit unnecessary air resistance and make efficient use of the energy stored in the battery.

Comfortable handling and compact storage

The mono-comfort handlebar is mounted on one side of the mower, providing clearer access to the grass collection box.

Its height can be adjusted without tools to suit the operator, and it can be folded when the mower is being stored or transported.

Smooth-running wheels assist with controlled movement across the lawn, while an integrated carrying handle helps when manoeuvring the mower while it is not operating.

Durable polymer mowing deck

The RMA 448 RV uses a rugged double-layered polymer mowing deck. The material is corrosion resistant, UV resistant and will not rust in the same way as an untreated steel deck.

The mower has an IPX4 splashwater-protection rating. This does not mean it should be submerged, pressure washed or treated as completely waterproof. Always follow STIHL’s operating, cleaning and storage guidance.

Choose the correct package

Tool only – battery and charger not included

Choose the tool-only mower when you already own a suitable STIHL AK battery and charger.

The tool-only package includes:

• STIHL RMA 448 RV cordless lawn mower
• 52-litre grass collection box
• Integrated rear roller
• Integrated mulching equipment
• Product documentation

No battery or charger is included with this option.

Complete kit – AK 30 S battery and AL 101 charger included

Choose the complete kit when you do not already have a compatible STIHL AK battery and charger.

The complete package includes:

• STIHL RMA 448 RV cordless lawn mower
• STIHL AK 30 S battery
• STIHL AL 101 charger
• 52-litre grass collection box
• Integrated rear roller
• Integrated mulching equipment
• Product documentation

The AL 101 takes approximately 205 minutes to charge an AK 30 S battery fully. Customers who want shorter charging times can compare the available STIHL battery chargers.

A separate AK 30 S battery and AL 101 charger starter set is also available.

STIHL RMA 448 RV technical specifications

Manufacturer	STIHL
Model	RMA 448 RV
Product type	Self-propelled rear-roller cordless lawn mower
Battery platform	STIHL AK System
Recommended battery	STIHL AK 30 S
Battery voltage	36V
Maximum quoted coverage	Up to approximately 340m² with one AK 30 S under ideal conditions
Battery positions	Two positions with manual changeover
Drive	Variable-speed self-propelled Vario drive
Drive-speed range	Approximately 2.0–4.5km/h
Cutting width	46cm / approximately 18 inches
Cutting-height range	15–60mm
Cutting-height adjustment	Central single-point adjustment
Rear roller	Integral polymer roller
Mowing functions	Cut and collect or mulch
Grass-box capacity	52 litres
Grass-box indicator	Fill-level indicator
Mowing-deck material	Double-layered polymer
Handlebar	Height-adjustable folding mono-comfort handlebar
Weight without battery	Approximately 27kg
Protection rating	IPX4
Tool-only STIHL part number	WA410111410

STIHL RMA 448 RV compared with the RMA 448 V

Feature	RMA 448 RV	RMA 448 V
Cutting width	46cm	46cm
Drive	Variable-speed self-propelled	Variable-speed self-propelled
Rear roller	Yes	No
Cutting-height range	15–60mm	20–100mm
Mowing functions	Collect or mulch	Collect, cut and drop, side discharge or mulch
Best suited to	Formal lawns where stripes are important	Customers who want greater mowing versatility

Choose the RMA 448 RV when creating a striped finish is a major priority.

Choose the RMA 448 V when you want the same 46cm cutting width and Vario drive but need side discharge, cut-and-drop and a broader cutting-height range.

Frequently asked questions

Is the STIHL RMA 448 RV self-propelled?

Yes. It has adjustable Vario wheel drive with a forward speed of approximately 2.0 to 4.5km/h.

Does the STIHL RMA 448 RV create lawn stripes?

Yes. Its integral rear roller bends the grass in the direction of travel, helping create alternating light and dark stripes when adjacent passes are mown in opposite directions.

Which battery is recommended?

STIHL recommends the AK 30 S battery for the RMA 448 RV.

How much lawn can it mow?

STIHL quotes coverage of up to approximately 340m² with one fully charged AK 30 S battery under ideal conditions. Actual coverage depends on grass length, moisture, terrain, cutting height, drive use and battery condition.

Does the mower automatically switch between two batteries?

No. One battery powers the mower while the second is carried in the spare position. The operator changes the batteries manually when the working battery is depleted.

Does it include a battery and charger?

That depends on the selected package. The tool-only option does not include a battery or charger. The complete kit includes an AK 30 S battery and AL 101 charger.

Can the STIHL RMA 448 RV mulch?

Yes. It can either collect the clippings in its 52-litre grass box or finely mulch them and return them to the lawn.

Does it have side or rear discharge?

No. The specified mowing functions are cut and collect or mulching. Choose the RMA 448 V when you need cut-and-drop or side discharge.

Is it suitable for slopes?

The self-propelled Vario drive can make appropriate gentle slopes easier to mow than with a hand-propelled machine. Do not use the mower on ground that is excessively steep, wet, unstable or unsafe, and always follow the operating manual.

How heavy is the mower?

The RMA 448 RV weighs approximately 27kg without a battery.

Why buy the STIHL RMA 448 RV from Masseys?

Masseys is a STIHL Authorised Dealer and garden machinery specialist based in Woodville, Swadlincote. Our team can help you decide whether a rear-roller mower is suitable for your lawn and select the correct battery and charger package.

• Practical advice from an established garden machinery retailer
• Tool-only and complete-kit options
• Genuine STIHL batteries, chargers and accessories
• Assembly and product setup options
• Local collection and delivery
• On-site workshop and aftersales support
• Warranty and repair assistance

Explore more models in our STIHL lawn mower range or compare other machines in our complete cordless lawn mower collection.

For maintenance and aftersales support, visit our garden machinery servicing and repairs department.

For advice about lawn size, battery requirements, local delivery or suitable alternatives, please contact Masseys or visit us at 129 Swadlincote Road, Woodville, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 8DA.