Robotic lawn mowers are a real advantage nowadays because they offer so much benefit to those homeowners who really don’t want to mow their lawns or have the time to do so.
Investing in a robotic lawn mower offers a little and often approach to lawn care. It results in healthier, thicker turf thanks to the benefit of constant mulching, which saves hours and hours of manual labor.
These machines, though, require a significant investment upfront, as well as the initial setup and periodic maintenance to function properly.
With that being said, what do you need to know when it comes to investing in a robotic lawn mower?
The Benefits of a Robotic Lawn Mower
When it comes to investing in a robotic lawn mower, there are perks to it that would sway many into buying one.
Time and effort savings
Once installed, robotic mowers operate autonomously on preset schedules. This can eliminate the need for manual pushing or riding.
They can even work at night or while you’re away from the property. That means you can always get a manicured lawn, whether you’re in the house to watch it unfold or not.
Improved lawn health
With robotic lawn mowers, they mow little and often. These machines are producing tiny clippings that act as a natural fertilizer.
This process helps to return nutrients to the soil, and it encourages thicker grass growth, which helps to suppress weeds, too.
Safety and security
Most models feature sensors that will stop the blades instantly if the unit ends up tilting, is lifted, or encounters an obstacle like a pet or toy. For the purpose of security, they often include PIN code protection, alarms, and GPS tracking to deter theft.
Quiet and eco-friendly
Robotic lawnmowers are battery-powered and therefore operate almost silently. They typically have a volume of 55-70 dB that is comparable to normal levels of conversation. It also produces zero direct emissions, that help make a sustainable contribution to your surrounding area. It brings down your carbon emissions, too.
Long-term cost savings
Although the upfront cost is higher than that of traditional mowers, robotic versions are a lot lower in running costs.
Homeowners can save on fuel, spark plugs, and oil, as well as professional landscaping fees, which often help recover their investment within just two to three years.
What to Know Before Buying a Robotic Lawn Mower
Before you buy a robotic lawn mower, there are a number of things to know so that you buy the right model.
1. Lawn assessment
When it comes to choosing a robotic lawn mower, you’ll want to assess your lawn. Size matters, so models are rated by the maximum area they can cover.
It’s recommended to choose a mower that has a capacity of roughly 20% higher than your actual lawn size to ensure efficient and non-stop operation. If the yard is hilly, then you’ll want to check the percentage grade, not just the degree angle. A high-end, all-wheel-drive model can handle slopes of up to 75-80%.
The complexity of your garden is important to be aware of, too. If your garden has many separate zones or obstacles like flower beds and trees, look for models with advanced obstacle avoidance, like cameras and LiDAR.
2. Navigation technology
When it comes to navigation technology, the biggest decision is between whether you choose boundary wire and modern ‘wire-free’ technology.
The traditional choice of boundary wires is picked due to the reliability of the lawn mower. They’re often cheaper, too, but installation is time-consuming. Any changes to your garden’s layout will require re-laying the wire.
With virtual and wireless options, using satellite or visual cameras for mapping is one of the benefits of choosing this type. These are easier to set up and are highly flexible. You can adjust boundaries via a smartphone app, and ultimately are ideal for those with complex gardens.
This year in particular, AI-powered vision cameras to detect lawn edges and obstacles have made robotic lawnmowers more trustworthy and reliable. There’s no physical boundary needed, which makes these modern lawnmowers more effective.
3. Key costs and maintenance
Key costs and maintenance are another consideration to make when buying a robotic lawn mower.
The initial cost is often what costs you the most and what sometimes puts people off from buying one. Basic models will come in under $1,000, whereas the high-end models will be upwards of $2,000-$3,000.
You’ve got ongoing costs, but these are significantly less than using petrol lawn mowers, for example. You’ll just need to replace the small cutting blades every one to three months, which costs anywhere between $20-$50 per set.
The battery lifespan is around three to five years, so that’s another cost to think about. Cleaning is something you’ll probably need to do either weekly or monthly to remove grass buildup that forms under the chassis.
4. Safety and security features
Other considerations to make are about the safety and security features of robotic lawn mowers. Look out for models that have a lift and tilt sensor and that automatically stop the blades when the mower is lifted.
High-end models will avoid obstacles, rather than simply bumping into them, and theft protection is handy to have as a feature, whether it’s GPS tracking or PIN codes as standard.
5. Limitations
There are limitations to these robotic lawn mowers that you might find come with these products.
- Edge work – Robotic mowers reduce but rarely eliminate the need for manual trimming.
- Not for long grass – These mowers are designed for maintenance and not hacking through tall, overgrown grass.
- Weather dependency – While most are weatherproof, heavy rain can trigger sensors to stop them.
- Multi-tiered gardens – If your lawn is split by steps, the mower can’t climb them, so you’d have to carry it between zones.
6. When to buy
The best time to buy would be around October to November, as that’s generally the best time for deals, as demand falls during the cooler months of the year.
Before investing in a robotic lawn mower, it’s good to be aware of what to look for and what options will suit your yard best.
