Main Types Of Cutting Systems To Choose
Apart from different sophistication of overall features, capabilities, and quality, there are 2 main types of cutting systems robot mowers tend to have. You can learn more about that from here: Robot Lawn Mower Cutting System.
1) Fixed bladeHere you can imagine something like a mini version of your regular lawn mower cutting blades that is solid and fixed, spinning around its axis. This type of a cutting system is less energy efficient and not as safe, but more efficient at cutting grass. Its also a little louder than the other cutting system type.
2) Pivoting bladesHere you can imagine a rotating disc to which usually 3 pivoting razor blades are attached to. If these blades come in contact with something harder , the blades are pushed aside and wont get stuck behind the object like a solid blade would. This type of a cutting system is more energy efficient and safer than the fixed blades, though its not as efficient at cutting things, it more like slices in comparison. Not to forget, its also quieter than the other cutting system type.
Verdict: Best Lawn Mower For Hills
Now that youve seen my list of favorites from my own experience, youre better equipped to make an educated decision.
I recommend that you look at the Ego Cordless 56V 21 Self-Propelled Lawn Mower when trying to find the best lawn mower for hills. The battery has 80 minutes of charge, its lightweight, and its easy it is to adjust the mower height for hilly areas.
Worx Wr140 Landroid M 20v: Best Robot Lawn Mower For Small Lawns
If you are looking for the best robot lawn mower for small lawns that have narrow passageways, youâll find it in the Worx WR140 Landroid M 20V. Thatâs because the small device comes with patented AIA technology. This tech enables it to manoeuvre around narrow passageways with a minimum width of 60cm.
This robot lawn mower also doesnât cut grass in straight lines, but instead, cuts the grass in a zig-zag motion so that the lawn is nice and even. Because of this motion, Worx also claims it can cut your 30% faster than other robot mowers.
The Worx WR140 Landroid M 20V robot lawn mower is also ideal for cutting right up to the edge of flower beds and borders thanks to its 7-inch offset blade. This blade is positioned towards the side of the device meaning that there is less tidying up of the borders for you to do.
With a typical mow time of 50 minutes and a cutting capacity of up to 700m2), the Worx WR140 Landroid is a great option if you have a small lawn with a little incline to it.
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Ground Clearance And Wheels
Youll want to look for a mower with higher ground clearance because mowers with low ground clearance dont handle the steep transition angle between a flat and sloped surface.
The size of your wheels can also give you more ground clearance, or you can just use a higher grass-cutting setting.
High-wheel push mowers usually have 8-inch front wheels and 9- to 12-inch back wheels, while low-wheel mowers usually have 8-inch wheels on both the front and back.
High-wheel mowers are best for mowing rough ground and on slopes. Its much easier to push a mower uphill if the mower has larger rear wheels. Plus, it takes less effort to push it along level ground. The only negative is that theyre tougher to turn.
How Often Should I Run My Robot Mower
As with riding and push mowers, you can run them as often as you like. But many manufacturers recommend you set up a schedule to have your robot mower cut the grass every two or three days. This is because a robot mower has a much smaller cutting deck than a riding or push mower, and they move in randomized patterns. Running the robot mower every few days will ensure that every part of your lawn gets attention.
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Robotic Mower Pricing Guide
The cost of a robotic lawn mower for a residential property that will mow up to 600 m² ranges from $1,299.00 up to $2,299.00 AUD.
The table below consists of six robotic lawn mowers that are capable of mowing a lawn size of upto 600 m², all with varying features and specifications.
This selection of robotic lawn mowers are suitable for the smaller residential garden / properties and feature brands such as Victa, WORX, Ambrogio, Husqvarna, and Gardena.
With so many varying features and specifications, youll need to explore in more detail each mower to make sure you find th the mower that best suits your specific needs.
In addition to the pricing youll also find the working area of each mower, the brand, the maximum slope and the type of motor for each model listed.
What If My Lawn Size Is Bigger Than Whats Recommended For A Given Unit
It wont be the end of the world, but you might end up with patches of uncut grass, especially in times of faster growing grass.
Itll still be cut for the most part with a patch of uncut grass being an exception if your lawn didnt exceed the recommended lawn size by too much. I know in this example the lawn size is way bigger than what the cheap ones can handle, but lets say your lawn was roughly 5000 m² and the mower was designed for 4000 m², itll still be mostly cut . Again, and in my case at least, it wouldnt equate to the end of the world.
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Time Required For Return On Investment
The calculations in this article have been made around the average use of robotic lawn mowers of different sizes over time as well as acreage mowed and other factors . Since this is the average number of times that lawns require mowing during different seasons, it should be quite easy to see how cost-effective robotic lawn mowers can be, especially once a return on your initial investment has been made.
If you have been considering investing in a shiny new robotic lawn mower for your yard or garden, the good news is that you will definitely save money over time, and as you will see, you will most likely make ROI in around 2 to 3 years, depending on certain factors, including your initial investment cost, i.e. which mower and accessories you decide to buy.
How Much Does A Robotic Mower Cost
While an electric lawn mower is already available for less than 100, even inexpensive robotic mowers from brand manufacturers cost around 1000. If you also want additional equipment or have a larger surface area, you can quickly expect to pay 2,000 or more. However, the purchase is well worth it because you have more time to do pleasant things in your garden. In addition, the lawn benefits from the care provided by a lawn robot, and the quality of the greenery in many gardens increases significantly. Whether the purchase is ultimately worthwhile depends on several factors.
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How To Clean A Robotic Lawn Mower
Despite being fully automated, a robotic lawn mower should still be checked and cleaned regularly.
To clean, make sure the machine is switched off and turn it over to check the blades for damage. Clean the chassis and blades with a brush, or a garden hose if dirt is more stubborn.
Grass may need removing from the wheels and give the body a wipe down with a damp cloth.
Blades should be able to pivot freely and damaged blades should be replaced. All blades should be replaced at the same time to ensure a balanced cut.
A service each year is encouraged so that dealers can update software. They will also clean and replace any worn parts, including batteries.
John Deere Tango E5 Series Ii Robotic Mower
Our rating: 3.8 out of 5
- Buy now from Balmers GM
Pros:
- PIN code is only security feature
- No Smart connectivity
This substantial and robust mower is great for cutting large lawns but it cant cope with narrow gaps. Large back wheels help it tackle slopes up to 36 per cent and its single steel blade cuts evenly and closely with a good finish. It’s a bit noisier than other models we tested and has few features for the price.
Buy the John Deere Tango E5 Series II Robotic Mower from Balmers GM
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Husqvarna Automower 315x Robot Lawn Mower
The Husqvarna 315X Roobot Lawn MowerX is considered a premium entry in their X-line of robotic mowers. It excels at complicated lawns with obstacles, slopes and narrow passages. Intended for lawns up to 0.4 acres. The X-line features GPS tracking to alert you to potential theft, as well as assist with navigation, LED headlights and a stylish front bumper. Husqvarnas Automower Connect app allows you to track and interact with the mower from anywhere in the world. This one is for the DIY kit. A professionally installed model retails for $700 more.
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Stihl Robotic Mower Price
Some models have WiFi connectivity, while others dont. These are not cheap, so youll need to make sure youre prepared to pay a high price for your lawn mowing.
The Stihl robot lawn mowers can be connected to the internet. They can be controlled remotely with the Stihl app. They are able to save battery life by monitoring the weather and the amount of grass its cutting. Some of them can even make the mowing process easier for you simply set them up on your lawn and wait for the robot to do its job.
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Worx Wr165 Robot Lawn Mower
The second WORX model on our list, the WR165 Robot Lawn Mower is intended for yards one-eighth acre or smaller. The modest 7-in. cutting base and patented WORX AIA is specifically designed to allow it to navigate narrower spaces than most other robotic mowers. Its also more affordable that other robotic mowers, which often run into the thousands of dollars.
The WORX WR165 can be controlled by the Landroid app over a Bluetooth or WiFi connection, so you can adjust mow schedules on the fly, and get immediate notification should any issues arise.
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What Features Should You Look For In Lawn Mower Models
There are many lean, mean mowing machines for you to choose from but what is it that makes a good robot lawn mower? Here are some of the main features that can make your purchase more than worth it:
- GPS tracking and a smartphone app
- Weather resistance and a good rain sensor
- The ability to set a mowing schedule
- Quality spinning blades and the option to set the cutting height
- An all wheel drive mowing machine
Often, bigger names in the industry will try to include features like these in their models, so it is often a good idea to consider the more reliable brands when buying. Also, dont forget to pick one thats suitable for your lawn size .
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How To Choose A Good Robot Lawn Mower
First of all, youâll want to factor in the area you want your robot lawn mower to tackle. Most devices can handle around 0.25 to 0.3 acres, ideal for small to medium size lawns. If you have a bigger plot you may want to consider one with an extended range. Our top pick can mow up to 0.4 acres.
Another consideration is whether youâll need a mower that can handle inclines. This is important if you have a hilly yard as youâll want one that can make light-work of slopes. Out of the mowers we reviewed, there was a range of between 22 and 30 degrees. The dealers we spoke to say theyâve seen some mowers handle bigger slopes, including up to 45 degrees.
With the best robot lawn mowers, a great perk is that you donât need to remember to charge them. The mower will return to its base when it needs a top-up so you may not even notice. Even so, itâs worth considering the length of time to charge and how long the machine can run with a full battery. Our top picks last about an hour on a full charge and take slightly longer than that to recharge completely. While it may not have much impact on your experience, it gives you an indication of whether the machine is well designed.
Multi-zone capability
Programmable
Advanced features
Another handy feature is rain-detection technology, ideal in a wetter climate. Thanks to this clever tech, the mower can tell when itâs too wet to mow. You can even find some models which are designed to continue mowing during a shower.
Husqvarna Automower 315x Robotic Lawn Mower
The Husqvarna 315X is the ultimate tool to integrate your lawn care routine into your smart home. Start or stop your robot mower with just the command of your voice using your Amazon Alexa or Google Home device. The Automower can also be controlled via your cell phone through Husqvarnas Automower Connect app.
The Automower is ideal for lawns up to .4 acres large and can handle slopes of up to 22 degrees, making it one of the best robotic mowers for larger lawns with uneven terrain. GPS navigation lets you keep track of where your mower is in your yard via the Automower Connect app.
You can program your Automower to cut any time, day or night, as the mower has a guaranteed noise level of below 60 decibels, which is the volume of a normal conversation. No more worrying about mowing too early and waking the neighbors up, and you can even program your Automower to cut the grass in the middle of the night. Dont worry about the weather, eitherthe Automower runs just fine in the rain!
The Automower 315X has anti-collision sensors, keeping pets and children safe. The 315X has the best anti-theft technologya PIN code is required to operate the machine, and if the mower is lifted while mowing, an alarm will sound. Your PIN then needs to be entered to restart the machine. If your machine does get stolen, it can be located using GPS technology.
Customer Rating
Cutting heights: .8 to 2.4 inchesNoise level: 60 decibelsCharging Time: 50 minutes
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Yard Force Easymow 260
Recommended lawn size: 260 m² . Max incline: 16.7° . Battery: rechargeable 20 V 2.0 Ah lithium-ion. Operating time: 60 minutes . Charging time: 60 minutes . Cutting height: 20-55 mm . Cutting blades: 3 razor-like blades attached to a rotating disc. Cutting width: 16 cm . Noise level: up to 60 dB. Remote control: no . The package includes everything you need to set it up and the mower has all the essential mowing, safety, and security features.
The Acquisition Costs Of The Robotic Lawnmower
The purchase price of a robotic mower is determined by the power, equipment and its functions. Thus, you will have to dig deeper into your pockets for a few hundred square meters more than for you would for a smaller model. The complexity of the lawn also determines the cost: if you have a lawn with many nooks and crannies, you will need maneuverability if you have several mowing zones, the robot must be able to navigate from different starting points. Cost factors in the purchase of a robotic lawnmower are e.g.
- additional charging stations for separate areas
- need for perimeter wire beyond the scope of delivery
- traction wheels for slopes give better grip
Other features such as an edge cutting function are design-related and do not necessarily have to be reflected in a higher price. However, the numerous additional features are particularly expensive.
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Do Robot Mowers Mulch Leaves
Robot lawn mowers do not collect your grass clippings. Instead, they mulch the clippings and return them to the lawn. As robot lawn mowers are designed to cut your lawn very frequently, the clippings are very fine and fall into the lawn and onto the ground, rather than clumping together and sitting on top of it.
Up For Advanced Challenges
Maybe you have a small, flat lawn. But you might still experience challenges that can benefit from a more sophisticated mower.
For instance, these advanced mowers do better in the rain. A basic robot mower might get messy in a storm. Do you have the time to constantly give your mower a deep cleaning? More sophisticated options can breeze through rainy conditions.
And a higher-end mower might have better controls to handle obstacles. Advanced mowers can sense obstacles before they reach them. Meaning you, your family, and your kids bike are all protected when your mower is out and about.
The Husqvarna 450xh is built for steep inclines and uneven terrain and starts at $3,299.00.
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How Can You Reduce Electricity Costs
There are various ways in which you can reduce the electricity costs of your robotic mower. First and foremost, of course, you can do this by reducing your electricity consumption. But also by changing the electricity supplier you can save a lot of money in the long run, at least if you consider the electricity consumption of your entire household.Here you can compare electricity providers easily.
These are ways in which you can reduce the actual power consumption of your robotic mower:
- Switching to ECO Mode
- Avoid mowing in wet conditions
- Remove leaves, fallen fruit, and branches
Some robotic mowers have an ECO mode that enables them to mow more energy-efficiently. They are slower or take a little longer, but they can cover the same area with less energy.
You can also see if you can perhaps reduce the working time of your robotic mower. Maybe it simply mows too much. But of course it should also not mow too seldom. If you dont really know how to figure out the optimal mowing time, thenthis article I wrote will probably be very useful for you. Also take a look at myarea output calculator.
If you have steep slopes in your yard, you should also avoid having your robotic mower mow in rain and wet conditions. This is because the mowers wheels are then more likely to spin. This not only drains the battery more quickly without the robot even mowing, but also damages the turf.
