The robot lawn mower has had a slow start to the household unlike robovacs but as the technology improves the autonomous lawn mower is becoming ever more popular. Designed to cut the lawn without human intervention and equipped with rechargeable batteries, sensors, and often GPS or RTK navigation systems, these mowers can be programmed to operate on schedules, avoid obstacles, and return to their charging stations when needed.
The Benefits of a Lawn Mower
1. Time-Saving Convenience
Once set up, robot mowers autonomously maintain your lawn, freeing up your time for other activities. They can operate day or night, even in your absence.
2. Eco-Friendly Operation
Powered by rechargeable batteries, robot mowers produce zero direct emissions, making them a greener alternative to petrol-powered mowers. Some models can even be charged using solar panels, further reducing their environmental impact.
3. Quiet Performance
Operating at noise levels as low as 56 decibels, robot mowers are significantly quieter than traditional mowers. This allows for flexible mowing schedules without disturbing neighbours.
4. Healthier Lawns
Frequent mowing with robot mowers results in fine grass clippings that act as natural mulch, returning nutrients to the soil and promoting healthier, greener lawns. The mulching effect of the cut and leave method of the robot lawn mower not only makes the lawns more lush but also makes them resistant to drought.
5. Low Maintenance
With fewer moving parts and no need for fuel, oil changes, or spark plug replacements, robot mowers require minimal maintenance. Regular blade changes and occasional cleaning are typically all that's needed
6. Advanced Navigation and Safety Features
Modern robot mowers use advanced technologies like GPS, RTK, and 3D vision to navigate complex lawns efficiently. Safety features, including obstacle detection and automatic blade stoppage when lifted, ensure safe operation around pets and children
Tip: To assist the robot mower to know where not to mow, sometimes it will be necessary to put some barriers between the lawn and the flower bed. The barrier we have used is logs and branches from pruning that provide a pleasant display and useful barrier.
Considerations Before Purchasing
- Initial Investment: High-end models can be costly, with prices ranging from £1,000 to over £3,000. However, long-term savings on time, fuel and maintenance can offset the initial expense.
- Garden Complexity: While modern mowers handle various terrains, heavily wooded areas or complex garden layouts may pose challenges for some models however as above using boundaries of logs etc will solve most issues.
- Setup Requirements: Some models require boundary wires, while others use virtual boundaries. Not only are wires cumbersome to lay down they can deteriorate over time requiring relaying. However where a cable is installed the robot won’t run into areas you want to keep separate without needing any barriers. (I have had both and I find the wire free by far the easiest to use).
- Robot Lawn Mower House: To keep your robot in good condition and ready to work a small house providing protection from the elements will give your mower a longer life. They are available for sale but also fairly simple to make a basic frame.
Robot Mower Comparison Chart
| Model | Lawn Size Capacity | Price Range | Boundary Wire Needed | App Control | Max Slope | Notable Features |
| LawnMaster VBRM18AMDR-01 | Up to 800 m² | £500 | No | No | 35% | No boundary wire; camera-based navigation; detachable battery; budget-friendly. |
| Flymo EasiLife GO 250 | Up to 250 m² | £469.90 | Yes | Bluetooth | 25% | Quiet operation; programmable schedules; hose washable. |
| Bosch Indego S+ 500 | Up to 500 m² | £1,114.90 | Yes | Wi-Fi | 27% | LogiCut navigation; smart weather scheduling; Alexa/Google Assistant integration. |
| WORX Landroid WR141E | Up to 500 m² | £599.99 | Yes | Wi-Fi | 35% | AIA technology for narrow paths; adjustable cutting heights; app control. |
| Gardena Smart SILENO | Up to 1200 m² | £2,082.95 | Yes | App | 35% | LONA AI technology; SensorControl; smart gateway included. |
| Yard Force EasyMow 260B | Up to 260 m² | £335 | Yes | Bluetooth | 30% | Affordable; programmable schedules; basic app control. |
| eufy E15 | Up to 800 m² | £1,500 | No (uses GPS) | App | 75% | TrueVision Technology, Precise Edge Trimming, Accurate Obstacle Avoidance |
Final Thoughts
Robot lawn mowers offer a convenient, eco-friendly, and efficient solution for maintaining your lawn. With advancements in technology, they are becoming increasingly easy to use.
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