Best Robot Lawn Mower to Terrify Pets & Confuse Neighbors

If you love your tech (and hate to mow your lawn), then you’re probably looking for the best robot lawn mower for your property. The dream of sipping your coffee and reading the paper while your happy little robot wanders around your yard manicuring your grass is easy to get behind.

And let’s face it – there will be some satisfaction in seeing the dogs who have been doing their business in your lawn for years bark in terror (and find a new drop zone) when they realize there is a futuristic, razor-blade wielding perimeter guard gliding across your property in stealth mode.

And watching Brad wrestle his push mower back and forth in his yard across the street on a hot summer day as you crack open a cold one and kick your feet back?

Well, that’s living the good life. (cheers, Brad!)

But beyond all the “cool” there’s the time savings. The cut may not be perfect compared to a traditional mower, but when you invest in a robotic lawn mower you’re buying your time back. And that time adds up over the course of a season of lawn care.

So, with that in mind, my pick for the best robot lawn mower is the Worx Landroid WR165.

It comes at a reasonable price point (for this product category), and offers homeowners a good mix of features and performance. It has a rain sensor that can detect wet conditions, overriding scheduled mowing until the weather gets warmer and your lawn dries off.

Do you like the idea of having a well-manicured lawn … without the hassle of mowing every week? Of course you do. And today I’ve got a list of top-rated robot lawn mowers sure to turn a few heads in your neighborhood. I’ll help you pick the one that will work best for you and your property.

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My Favorite Robot Lawn Mowers

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How to Buy the Right Robotic Lawn Mower for Your Property

Buying a brand new robot lawn mower is not as easy as some people assume.

Sure, you can simply ask for recommendations from friends and colleagues. However, the best approach is to consider the specific features that meet your needs.

It’s also good to familiarize yourself with the mistakes that buyers typically make when choosing a robot lawn mower. More on this below.

What to Look For When Buying a Robotic Lawn Mower

The most crucial factors to consider when buying a robotic lawn mower are:

• Yard size – the first thing you’ll want to do is to get an accurate measurement of your lawn size. This way, you can decide whether to choose a small, mid, or large-size robotic mower. Each of these units has a maximum area that it can mow efficiently. I have a free tool you can use for this right here.

• Battery – another thing you should pay attention to is the mower’s battery life. A good robotic lawn mower is one that provides a decent runtime per single charge. The best models last anywhere between 1 and 2.5 hours before having to be recharged.

• Controls – be sure to check the controls that come with each mower too. At the very least, you should be able to adjust factors like cutting days, hours, and mowing height. More advanced models offer extras like GPS technology, compatibility with Alexa, and more.

• Ease of setup – if you have an irregularly-shaped lawn, then you’ll also want to consider the ease of setting up a perimeter wire. This boundary wire guides the mower on which areas to mow and which ones to keep off-limits. The more obstacles the mower has to navigate around, the more time you’ll spend installing the perimeter wire.

• Smart technology – do you prefer a more laid-back approach to mowing? If you do, check whether the robot mower uses smart technology. This will allow you to connect the mower to your phone – either via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi – hence, control it remotely. 

• Noise level – although robot lawn mowers are quieter than their manual counterparts, they’re not entirely silent. Their noise level ranges from 50 to 70 decibels (dB). This is about the same level of noise inside an automobile when it’s driven at 60mph. If this is important to you, check the unit’s dB rating.

• Weather protection – want to get the most out of your robot mower? Then be sure to invest in one with a weather or rain sensor. This feature detects wet conditions, at which point it delays or entirely skips the scheduled mowing session. This is better for your grass and can extend the life of your mower, so it’s worth getting.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Robotic Lawn Mower

Here are a couple of mistakes you should avoid when picking a robotic mower:

• Buying the wrong size – you should always choose a robot mower that can handle the size of your lawn. So if you have a lawn that’s big enough to play polo, a heavy-duty mower is your best option. Similarly, if you have a small lawn, then a light-duty mower that mows a maximum area of an ⅛ acre will suffice.

• Ignoring your lawn’s topography – size isn’t the only factor you should consider when it comes to your lawn. Think about its topography too. Is your lawn level or does it contain several hills? If it’s the latter, look for a mower that can handle steep gradients (I recommend this one for hilly properties).

• Neglecting safety features – while it’s true that robotic mowers are safer than their manual counterparts (yes, really!), you’ll still want to ensure that the model you’re buying contains essential safety features. These include tilt sensors, lift sensors, auto-retract blades, and collision detection systems.

• Overlooking the mower’s security – most robot mowers allow you to schedule mowing sessions when you’re not around. While this offers massive convenience, it also poses a security risk. To keep your bot from being stolen, check whether it has security features like a GPS tracker, PIN code lock, and alarm system.

• Failing to consider the type of grass – if you’re looking to mow an area with thick, overgrown grass, be sure to invest in a powerful robot mower. If you buy one that’s less powerful, it might not cut the grass efficiently. And even if it does, it will likely take a really long time to complete the task.

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I never thought that you can get a quality robotic lawn mower for less than $1,000. But the Worx Landroid WR165 proved me wrong. It’s one of the cheapest robotic mowers and the combination of its affordable price and solid performance made it an easy choice for the best robotic lawn mower overall for most homeowners.

Here are some of the features you can expect:

Design

The WR165 is a sleek-looking piece of equipment. It has a compact body and weighs about 18.7 lbs. So even though it doesn’t require a ton of storage space, it’s quite heavy to carry around. 

More importantly, it has massive controls that make it easy to use. In fact, the first thing that you’re likely to notice is the “Stop” button positioned towards its rear.

Just above that, there’s a weatherproof case that protects the rest of the controls from inclement weather. The buttons you’ll find here are Power, Start, and finding the charging station among others. You’ll also see a tiny LCD screen that displays the battery status.

Mowing performance

Like the majority of robotic mowers, the WR165 cutting system is a floating disc that houses three spinning blades.

What’s important to note here is that it offers a 7-inch cutting width and can only cover a maximum area of ⅛ acre.

Compared to other robot mowers, this is a smaller cutting capacity and coverage. But for the price, it’s a decent offering.

Besides, it offers an adjustable mowing height ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 inches. Plus, it can tackle slopes up to 35%.

The WR165 also boasts the super unique artificial intelligence algorithm (AIA). Thanks to this clever tech, it can easily maneuver around tight passages.

Security

When it comes to security measures, the Landroid mower is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, it has a rain sensor and anti-collision system.

The rain sensor prevents it from mowing in wet conditions while the anti-collision system keeps it from bumping into obstacles.

On the other hand, it lacks standard features like a GPS tracker and locking mechanism. The GPS tracker can help you track its whereabouts in case it goes missing.

As for the locking system, it ensures that the bot can’t work unless it’s within the initial perimeter.

Worx Landroid WR165 Specifications

Cutting width	7 inches
Lawn coverage	0.125 acre
Slope	35%
Connectivity	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

My Final Take-Away: The Worx Landroid WR165 is an affordable robotic mower with a decent range of features. Though it can only mow a smaller area, it offers easy navigation and remote control.

Where to Buy the WORX Landroid WR165

You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:

• AMAZON
• WORX
• WALMART
• HOME DEPOT

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Searching for a robotic mower that can mow a small-to-medium size lawn? If you are, you should check out the Husqvarna 115H that can mow up to 0.4 acres. Compared to its siblings – the 315X and 435X AWD – this unit is pretty cheap too.

Mowing performance

Given its fair pricing, you might assume that this machine uses inferior cutting tools. But this couldn’t be further from the truth.

The 115H sports the same 3-blade cutting system as other mowers. This makes it well capable of handling different grass types. Plus, it can mow areas with slopes of up to 17° (30%).

Another feature that makes this autonomous mower stand out from the crowd is its cutting height range.

While its cousins offer a maximum cutting height of just 2.4 inches, this one boasts 3.6 inches. This makes it suitable for mowing those grass types that bloom when they’re cut high up on the stalk.

Security

Husqvarna’s line of robotic mowers is revered for having top-notch security measures, and the 115H is no exception.

For instance, it has a lift sensor and tilt sensor. So if you were to try tilting or lifting the machine off the ground, it automatically turns off the blades for safety.

Another security measure you’ll find is an alarm. If a third-party attempts to lift or steal it while it’s running, it sends out an audible alarm to alert you. Plus, it requires users to enter a pin code so they can operate it.

That said, there are a few features missing from the Husqvarna 115H. For one, it doesn’t have a GPS theft tracker. So in the unfortunate event that it goes missing, it would be very difficult to track.

This robotic mower also lacks the ultrasonic sensor present in Husqvarna’s pricier 435X AWD model.

Battery life

Although the Husqvarna 115H Automower is an affordable mower, it has one major shortcoming. This is the fact that it has a limited runtime of 60 minutes.

The good thing is that if it’s mowing a mid-sized lawn, this is more than enough time to cover the designated area. However, if you’re using it to mow a sizeable lawn, the bot will have to make frequent trips to the charging station.

Husqvarna 115H Automower Specifications

Cutting width	8.7 inches
Lawn coverage	0.4 acre
Slope	30%
Connectivity	Bluetooth

My Final Take-Away: For a medium-sized lawn that’s less than ⅖ an acre, you shouldn’t splurge on a high-end robotic mower. A simple, no-frills model like the Husqvarna 115H can get the job done without breaking your bank.

Where to Buy the Husqvarna 115H

You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:

• AMAZON
• ACME TOOLS
• HUSQVARNA

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If you’re lucky, then you probably have a flat, regularly-shaped lawn. But if your lawn assumes an L- or pie-slice shape, then you might be reconsidering your decision to get a robotic mower.

Truthfully, not every autonomous mower can mow an uneven or obstacle-filled terrain efficiently. Luckily, the Worx Landroid WR147 is well-suited for this type of yard.

Mowing performance

This robotic mower is powered by a 20V battery. This is what drives the floating blade disc, resulting in 8-inch cutting width.

The machine can mow a lawn of up to ¼ acre while allowing you to adjust its height between 1 ½” to 3 ½”.  It can also tackle slopes that don’t exceed 35%.

Anti-collision system (ACS)

The Worx Landroid WR147 doesn’t have a ton of fancy features. But its anti-collision system (ACS) is one that gives it a competitive edge.

Designed to attach to the top with a couple of screws, the anti-collision element automatically reroutes the mower when it encounters obstacles. So if you obstacles like flower beds, outdoor furniture, and swimming pools, the bot can easily navigate around them.

Unfortunately, this system has one core limitation. It can only detect obstacles that are 5 inches tall and 8 inches in front of the mower. So if you have an item like a trampoline that’s higher up, the mower might not detect it until it’s too late.

That said, the WR147 includes Worx’ patented AIA technology. This is another reason why I recommend it for oddly-shaped lawns. This tech enables the machine to maneuver areas that are too narrow.

Controls & Connectivity

If you prefer a hands-on approach, you’ll appreciate the intuitive LCD display that comes with this mower.

It shows you simple metrics like the present date and time. It also displays the battery level, Wi-Fi signal strength and tells you the specific percentage of work that’s done in real-time. More importantly, it lets you create a mowing routine, establish work zones and configure Wi-Fi.

On the other end of the spectrum are homeowners who prefer a completely hands-off approach to mowing.

If this sounds like you, then be sure to download the Landroid app. You can then connect your mower via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and issue commands remotely.

Security

Worried that your robotic mower might get stolen when you’re not around? You don’t need to be as it has a GPS tracking system.

Dubbed “Find My Landroid” this anti-theft system tracks and locks down your mower if it’s removed from the present perimeter.

Additionally, the WR147 includes a rain sensor. If it detects rain, the mower postpones mowing and returns to the base station.

Worx Landroid WR147 Specifications

Cutting width	8 inches
Lawn coverage	0.25 acre
Slope	35%
Connectivity	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

My Final Take-Away: If you have a medium-sized lawn, and an equally small budget for a new robotic mower, the Worx Landroid WR147 is for you.

Where to Buy the Landroid WR147

You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:

• AMAZON
• WORX
• HOME DEPOT
• WALMART

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A beautifully-designed robot mower, the Pro Optimow 50H has a lime green and matte black finish.

However, its biggest selling point is its battery life. While other mowers offer a 60-minute runtime per charge, this one offers 150 minutes.

Impressive, right? Well, things just get better as the lithium-ion battery needs 70 minutes to fully charge.

Mowing capacity

The Greenworks robot mower is also revered for its cutting efficiency. It achieves this using a rotating disc that contains three pivoting blades.

The blades deliver a cutting width of 8.7 inches. This is a pretty decent offering, considering the mower covers a maximum area of 2,023 square meters (½ acre). 

Connectivity

The lack of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity might discourage some from getting the Pro Optimow 50H.

However, Greenworks makes up for this by including a cellular radio. This makes it possible to control the mower through the GreenGuide app.

So you’ll still be able to create work schedules, check its battery status and start/ stop a mowing cycle remotely.

Setup

Setting up this robotic lawn mower is a relatively easy process. As with mowers of this kind, you’ll need to lay down the perimeter wire first.

Next, connect this wire and the AC plug to its base station. Download the app on your phone, create an account, and you’re all set!

That said, there’s one thing I find very time-consuming. Greenworks requires you to charge the bot for a minimum of two hours before you can start using it.

So if you’re planning to mow your lawn as soon as the bot arrives, you might want to reconsider.

Other than that, the Optimow 50H does a fairly decent job of mowing lawns. It’s very quiet and never wanders off course. Plus, it can handle slopes that don’t exceed 35%.

Waterproof and Security

Greenworks Optimow 50H is one of the few robotic mowers that’s waterproof. Its IPX5 waterproof rating offers two key benefits. For starters, this allows you to safely wash the machine using your garden hose.

Secondly, it means the mower can operate in wet conditions. However, this unit also includes a rain/ frost sensor. This is handy if you don’t want to risk operating it in inclement weather.

In addition to the rain sensor, the Optimow 50H also has a built-in GPS tracker. This tells you the location of the autonomous mower in real-time, which is helpful if someone tries to steal it.

Greenworks Optimow 50H Specifications

Cutting width	8.7 inches
Lawn coverage	0.5 acres
Slope	35%
Connectivity	GPS, Cellular

My Final Take-Away: The Greenworks Pro Optimow 50H is a mid-priced robotic mower with a nice selection of features. These include GPS tracking, impressive battery life, and cellular connectivity.

Where to Buy the Greenworks Pro Optimow 50H

You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:

• GREENWORKS ( save 10% with code LAWNCHICK )
• BEST BUY

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Husqvarna, the Sweden-based manufacturer, is no stranger to gardening equipment.

They’ve invented tools that can mow virtually any lawn. The 315X model is part of the brand’s X range of automowers, and is particularly revered for its cutting-edge technology.

Here’s a more detailed look at its features.

Design

If you’re big on design the Husqvarna Automower 315X will certainly impress you. The 22.2-pound machine is available in three different two-tone color schemes.

However, it’s the slim headlights and robust wheels that really set this mower’s design apart. These features make it look like an exotic car straight out of a sci-fi movie. 

The IPX4 weatherproof rating is another feature that I like. It means you can mow your lawn at any time- come rain or sunshine.

Mowing capacity

Looks aside, one other thing you’ll probably want to know is the mower’s cutting performance.

Like most robotic lawn mowers, the Husqvarna 315X has a floating deck with three razor-sharp blades. The floating design allows the machine to mow your lawn without scalping grass.

Better yet, the blades efficiently convert the grass clippings into fine mulch that nourishes your lawn. .

The cutting width of this robotic mower is a decent 8.7 inches, which makes it suitable for lawns of up to 0.4 acres.

Plus, you can adjust its cutting height from 0.8” to 2.4”.  Even better, the robot mower can easily tackle slopes of up to 40%.

To achieve this mowing capacity, it relies on a lithium-ion battery. This delivers a 70-minute runtime after which it needs to be recharged for at least an hour.

Controls

This is another area where the Husqvarna 315X truly shines. For starters, it boasts an easily-programmable onboard panel to help you configure settings.

One particular setting that I like is the “set-and-forget”. This allows you to schedule a mowing cycle, and leave the machine to do the rest for you.

When the time comes, it mows your lawn without requiring any further input.

This robotic mower also supports cellular, and Bluetooth technology, making it a cinch to control remotely.

The manufacturer offers buyers a generous 10-year cellular plan. This lets you issue commands using the Automower Connect app (available for both Android and iOS users).

You’ll be able to start or stop a mowing cycle, create a schedule and look at the areas mowed all from the app.

If you don’t fancy the app, you can also control it using voice commands. All Husqvarna robotic mowers are compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

So all you need to do is issue a voice command via your smart speaker, and the mower will spring into action.

Also worth mentioning is the mower’s GPS technology. This automatically notifies the machine of the areas it’s covered to prevent it from mowing the same spot repeatedly.

The weather timer is another fantastic addition to this mower. It causes the machine to adjust its mowing time and frequency based on your lawn’s growth rate.

So when it’s hot and the growth rate is slow, it automatically cuts back on frequency. Similarly, it mows more often when the grass starts growing at a faster rate.

Security

The fact that the 315X is chock full of safety mechanisms adds to its appeal. The first precaution is the 4-digit PIN that you need to configure during the initial setup.

So if anyone attempts to lift or interrupt the mowing cycle, they have to re-enter the PIN so the machine can carry on. In addition to this, the 315X automatically fires up an alarm if it’s lifted in the middle of a mowing cycle.

Another security measure is the fact that it’s directly linked to its base station. So even if someone steals it, they won’t be able to use it with a different base station that they get off Craiglist.

Other safety measures include a tilt sensor and lift sensor.

Husqvarna Automower 315X Specifications

Cutting width	8.7 inches
Lawn coverage	0.4 acre
Slope	40%
Connectivity	Bluetooth, Cellular

My Final Take-Away: If you have some wiggle room in your budget, consider buying a more advanced robotic mower like the Husqvarna 315X. This lets you enjoy features like a weather timer, compatibility with voice assistant technologies, GPS, and cellular technology.

Where to Buy the Husqvarna 315X

You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:

• AMAZON
• ACME TOOLS

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Most robotic mowers can tackle lawns of up to ¼-acre effortlessly. But if you own a bigger lawn – ¾ of an acre or more – then you have to choose more wisely.

One autonomous mower that can handle large lawns without breaking a sweat is the Husqvarna 450XH. An upgrade of the 450X, this unit has all the features required to tackle massive yards. Here’s an overview of its features.

Mowing performance

The core reason why I recommend the 450XH for big lawns entails its mowing capabilities.

Let’s start with the fact that it has a higher cutting width. While other units deliver an 8-inch cutting width, this one offers 9.45 inches. This allows the machine to mow a bigger area in a single pass.

Better yet, it can easily mow lawns up to 1.25 acres. The only grumble I have is that it can’t mow complex, sloping yards. It has a maximum inclination of just 16%, which isn’t much.

Thankfully, it makes up for this in other ways. For instance, it has a decent cutting height that ranges from 2 to 3.5 inches.

The best part about this is that its height adjustment is electric, eliminating the need for manual intervention. Pretty cool, right?

This robotic mower also lets you choose from different cutting modes. In its default setting, it mows your lawn at least every other day. This ensures that the grass is always at an optimal height.

You can also set it to operate in the Spot and Spiral mode. This allows you to physically move the mower to a location that needs more attention.

The mower then cuts in a spiral pattern, contrary to the random pattern it employs the rest of the time.

Battery life

The Optimow 50H set a very high bar with its 150-minute runtime. But the 450XH beats that record by operating for a whopping 270 minutes on a single charge.

So if it’s tackling a big lawn, it doesn’t have to stop every 60 minutes to recharge.

Connectivity

Want to operate your mower remotely from the comfort of your couch? Well, you can!

Not only does the mower support Bluetooth and cellular technology but it’s also compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa.

Pricing

There’s no denying that the Husqvarna 450XH is ridiculously expensive. For that reason, I only recommend it for homeowners with bigger lawns.

If your lawn is on the smaller side, you can get away with a cheaper machine like the Landroid WR147.

That said, the 450XH definitely offers maximum value for money. It has more advanced features, such as a longer runtime, higher cutting width, and bigger coverage.

All these factors make it one of the best-suited for tackling large lawns.

Husqvarna Automower 450XH Specifications

Cutting width	9.45 inches
Lawn coverage	1.25 acre
Slope	16%
Connectivity	Cellular, Bluetooth

My Final Take-Away: The highly-versatile Automower 450XH is the best robotic mower for homeowners with incredibly big lawns. It has a 9.45-inch cutting width and a battery that can last for well over four hours. 

Where to Buy the Automower 450XH

You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:

• AMAZON
• ACME TOOLS
• HUSQVARNA

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The Husqvarna Automower 435X AWD is a beast of a machine – which is exactly what you need when you have a hilly lawn. Here’s what you can expect from this lawn mower.

Mowing performance

The biggest selling point of the 435X mower is its ability to handle sloping gardens. While other robotic mowers can only tackle inclines of up to 35%, this machine can easily mow areas with a gradient of 70%.

There are two things that make this possible. First off, the unit is all-wheel drive. This gives the mower plenty of traction, enabling it to handle rough and bumpy terrains.

Secondly, the mower has a very unique design. In addition to having larger front wheels, the rear portion is designed to pivot. This allows the mower to make turns effortlessly as it navigates your lawn.

Other than that, its cutting features are fairly similar to other Husqvarna models. For instance, it has the same floating disc, where the three razor-sharp blades are mounted. 

These provide a modest cutting width of 8.7 inches. As for the cutting height, you’ll be able to adjust it between 1.2 inches and 2.8 inches.

Quiet operation

One other advantage you’ll enjoy from the Husqvarna Automower 435X entails its quiet operation.

The only time it makes any sort of noise is when it encounters an obstacle like a tree branch. But the rest of the time, it’s dead silent. 

Security

A tilt sensor and lift sensor are some of the most common safety features you’ll find in a robotic mower.

But Husqvarna has taken things a notch higher with this product. In addition to the two sensors, you’ll also find an ultrasonic detector.

This feature employs ultrasonic technology to detect obstacles in the mower’s path. As soon as it detects them, it decelerates so as to avoid a collision.

As you might expect, this robot mower also includes a GPS theft tracker, alarm, and PIN code system.

Connectivity

For a robotic mower in this price range, it would be nice if it had Wi-Fi. Thankfully, you can still operate it remotely via Bluetooth or cellular network.

This allows you to initiate certain commands from your phone, such as starting, pausing or stopping a mowing cycle.

However, if you’re looking to adjust settings like the schedule or mowing height, then you have to be within Bluetooth range.

Are you a tech-savvy homeowner with a house full of smart gadgets? Well, you’re in luck because this mower can integrate with your smart home via Google Assistant or Amazon’s Alexa.

Price

For the most part, the Husqvarna 435X AWD lives up to my expectations. But it has one major drawback, and that is its price.

It’s true that robotic mowers are generally more expensive than their manually-operated counterparts. But with a price that hovers around the $4,000 mark, the 435X costs twice as much as other models.

The silver lining to this is that it includes all the bells and whistles you’d expect in a robot mower. And to sweeten the deal further, Husqvarna offers a free installation.

Husqvarna Automower 435X AWD Specifications

Cutting width	8.7 inches
Lawn coverage	0.9 acres
Slope	70%
Connectivity	Bluetooth, Cellular

My Final Take-Away: The Husqvarna 435X is the perfect robotic mower for lawns with very steep inclines. Capable of handling slopes of up to a 70% grade, this machine is an excellent climber!

Where to Buy the Husqvarna 435X

You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:

• ACME TOOLS
• HUSQVARNA

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If you’re like many homeowners shopping for a robotic lawn mower, you might still have some questions. After all, this tech is still relatively new.

Below I’ll try to provide some more information about choosing and using lawn mowing robots on your property.

I’ll also help you out by explaining some tips, tricks, and things to consider when buying the best robotic lawn mower for your yard.

If you’re still on the fence, please explore my site. I have hundreds of in-depth articles on a range of topics about yard maintenance and lawn care, and I expect that you might find one that addresses your specific question or concern.

For now, here’s some further reading about robotic lawn mower products that might help as you make your final purchase decision:

Are robotic lawn mowers worth buying?

Yes, they are definitely worth buying for many homeowners with lawns that are relatively smooth and level. They make it easier to mow your lawn, cut down on harmful CO2 emissions, and will save you a chunk of time every week that you can use for other projects around your home (or naps).

Robotic lawn mowers have retractable blades and sensors that also make them safer to use than your standard mower.

Additionally, I find that they help to nourish your lawn by scattering very finely-chopped grass clippings which break down rapidly and return Nitrogen to the soil.

How does a robotic lawn mower work?

Most autonomous lawn mowers work in pretty much the same way. They use a set of spinning blades and a mapping system to keep your lawn looking pristine.

One thing you’ll find when you unbox most robot lawn mowers is a perimeter wire. This is meant to be laid all around the area that you’d like the unit to mow.

Once you’ve laid the wire, configure the sensors, cutting time, and that’s pretty much it. When the time comes, the bot automatically navigates across your lawn within the set perimeter, cutting grass to your desired height.

Do robot lawn mowers work on hills?

The majority of robotic mowers are capable of mowing hills and rough terrains. However, the degree of slope that a given unit can handle differs from one model to another.

For instance, the Husqvarna Automower 435X AWD can tackle slopes with a 70% gradient, and it’s the model I recommend for properties with hills. It just performs better than other robotic mowers.

This mower has a slick pivoting rear section and an all-wheel-drive design that make handling challenging grades a breeze.

Do robot lawn mowers work well?

Yes, robotic lawn mowers are extremely effective. The trick is to choose the right model for your property, and to make sure you don’t cut corners during initial set-up.

This piece of equipment cuts only the topmost tip of the grass, which results in very tiny clippings. It then distributes these clippings all over your lawn, allowing for the nutrients to be absorbed back into the soil.

So not only does it mow your lawn but also fertilizes it, which keeps your lawn looking vibrant.

The biggest downside to an autonomous mower is that you won’t get those iconic lawn stripes that so many of us love. These mowers zig-zag all over your yard in a seemingly random pattern, so at first it may look like you were doing some drinking before you mowed.

But rest assured – once your mower has been running for a few weeks on autopilot, you won’t notice the pattern very much because the height of your grass will normalize and these mowing paths will virtually disappear.

How big of a yard can a robot mower cut?

Robotic lawn mowers come in a variety of sizes. The light-duty models can mow a maximum area of a quarter of an acre.

Mid-size models offer a lawn coverage of half an acre. You can also find large robot mowers that can mow up to an acre or more.

For most homeowners, I recommend sizing up a bit for best performance (for example, buy the 1/2 acre model for a property that has a 1/4 acre lawn).

If you’re unsure of your lawn’s size, use my free lawn size mapping tool to get a precise measurement.

How much do robotic lawn mowers cost?

Autonomous mowers don’t come cheap. If you’re planning to buy one of these units, expect to pay at least $600 for a basic model.

More advanced models cost upwards of $1,000 with some going for $5,000.

While some may balk at the hefty price tag of a robotic mower, consider the price of a traditional mower, the gas needed to operate it for a season, and the value of the time you’ll save every weekend by not mowing your property.

For many people the price starts to look pretty comparable to a traditional mower when viewed with this perspective.

Are robotic lawn mowers safe?

Traditional lawn mowers cause injuries for more than 37,000 Americans every year. So you might be wondering whether this robotic model is any safer.

Fortunately, it is. Its blades are completely enclosed underneath the machine. And if you try to touch the blades while they’re spinning, on most models they automatically retract.

Besides, it has sensors that can detect when the unit is being lifted or tilted. If it detects either of these actions, the blades stop spinning immediately. 

Robot lawn mowers also do a fantastic job of sensing and avoiding obstacles – be that a tree, stick, or your child’s foot near their playset.

Safety is generally a big concern for homeowners, but if you look at the numbers, robotic mowers are far safer than your traditional lawn mower.