lawnmower robot

The lawn mower robot for the lawn is what millions of landowners have wanted for decades: a lawn mower that cuts the grass by itself without being steered or pushed. Of course, the robot needs human guidance to do everything right, but afterwards it is an ingenious help to make the property look well maintained at all times. With his rechargeable battery, he constantly drives down the spot marked for him, thus giving the grass no chance of growing any longer. The advantage of this is that there is no grass cuttings because the low heights that are cut off are mulched in the soil.

How does the lawn mower robot work?

The mower has wheels with which it moves and sharp knives on the underside, which it uses to cut the lawn, similar to a classic mower. However, it really cuts the – not too high – grass, while a conventional mower tends to cut off the stalks. The special feature: it keeps the lawn short and is not only used when the grass is tall and needs to be mowed.

The power supply is regulated by a rechargeable battery. This principle is now also available for classic lawnmowers. Since the mowing robot is an “intelligent” being, it knows when its power is running out and independently drives back to its charging station, where it waits until it is recharged, and then continues its work.

The advantages of the lawn mower robot

The biggest advantage should be the saved working time and strength. Although it is not the case that the mowing robot does not also take up time, this is in no way comparable to the time it takes to mow the lawn with a conventional mower. Another advantage is that no grass cuttings which has to be disposed of, which means considerable work for a large plot of land. In addition, experts speak of a better tended and healthier lawn if it is constantly kept short by the robot. All in all, one can speak of these advantages:

• saving of time
• force saving
• Healthier lawn
• No waste
• Good environmental compatibility

The fields of application

Many users wonder whether a lawnmower robot would be suitable for them. In principle, anyone can use it, although for a certain group of property owners the purchase is of course particularly worthwhile.

The robot is particularly helpful for all those who are no longer physically able to walk over their property with the lawn mower robot. Especially on slopes this can be very exhausting. Also time reasons are the reason why many working people recommend the purchase of such a helper for the garden. Because even if the property is not too big – the time to mow at least once a week has to be spent, and that is a real problem for some. Nevertheless, it is a nice thing to lie on your “lazy skin” and watch the machine mow the lawn.

All allergy sufferers who have difficulties mowing the lawn are also affected. Tearing eyes and constant sneezing are extremely unpleasant. These complaints can also be avoided with the lawn robot.

What types of lawn mowing robots are there?

In principle, there are two types of lawn mowing robots:

1. One variety orientates itself by lawn sensors
2. The other with a perimeter wire.

In the latter case, the terrain that the robot is to cover must be should be determined with a perimeter wire. The mower moves within this wire. With the other type, sensors ensure that the mower can detect whether it is on the move on a lawn or not. This requires a thorough separation between the lawn and beds of flowers or useful plants, otherwise the lawn will be recognized as lawn and mowed.

The best list of current lawn mower robots

As with other equipment, manufacturers are constantly developing new models that are easier to use and do the job better. Therefore, it is advisable to check out the “hit list” of mowing robots again shortly before buying, as there is always something new to find here.

Based on customer reviews and manufacturer information, we have compiled judgements and can now give you useful tips.

On our partner page we have tested the current models ourselves and also created suitable videos. Here you can find the big lawnmaeher robot test.

While for the “normal” garden tools are sufficient, which cost about 1.000 Euro, one should reach for a larger property quite deeper into the bag, because then a higher achievement is meaningful.

It is important that the size of the piece to be mown corresponds as closely as possible to the size assigned to the mowing robot by the manufacturer. Only then can the machine perform its work to its full potential.

Here we present the best models within their best discipline:

Battery power and intersection

When it comes to battery performance, many devices are already separated from each other. But most of the good devices we’re looking at work with an 18-volt lithium-ion battery. Exceptions include the Wolf Robo Scooter 500 and the Viking iMow Mi-322 C, which are equipped with lead-acid batteries that are each 24 volts strong. The one Concept Garden Hero offers a lithium-ion battery with almost 30 volts.

The differences are greater for the lawn that can be mown. On the whole, we can distinguish between machines for less than 500 square metres, those that have an output of between 500 and 1,000 square metres and those that are suitable for even larger lawns.

When the lawnmower robot needs the time to recharge its battery, the top units diverge. While the Husqvarna Automower 430X only needs 65 minutes to recharge the battery and can then mow 135 minutes with it, the other models mentioned have a charging time of 60-70 minutes in order to be able to mow the same amount of time (about one hour) at best.

User friendliness and quality

The Husqvarna Automower 430 X is a big hit with simple operation and outstanding quality. His little brother 320 also scores well in both categories. Gardena gets a big plus for his operating manuals, which are really exemplary. The settings made directly on the lawnmower robot can be changed very easily.

The Bosch lawn robot called Indego can also serve with good quality and easy installation and programming. The successor Indego Connect can be operated with mobile devices such as smartphones.

From Wolf there is the Robo Scooter 500. Also here the handling is simple.

The mowing result and the movement system

The Husqvarna Automower scores with a free pattern of movement. This can give the lawn an optimal appearance. The sectional view is described as excellent. Three small knives on a cutting disc rotate and cut as with a razor blade. The knife exchange should be changed for a good result every two to three months.

Gardena also lets its robots work according to a free movement pattern. Random working paths ensure that the mower has been everywhere at the end and the lawn is beautifully even.

The Bosch company focuses on precise and perfect lawn cutting. The optimum mowing track is calculated by the machine itself. The cutting strategy here is different from that of the previously mentioned models: parallel paths provide a working surface without omitted areas.

All the machines mentioned have a cutting height adjustment so that it is possible to determine how high the grass should remain. Some of the models have a 7 to 10-fold adjustment, such as the Indego from Bosch.

The volume at work

The mowing robots have the advantage that they can also do their work on Sundays and holidays, which is not the case with an ordinary lawn mower. The low performance of the robot ensures that it is also many times quieter. However, there are differences here as well.

The Husqvarna models are particularly quiet with less than 60 dB, while the Wolf unit is above 77 dB. Bosch applies a volume of 75 dB to the surface. However, all lawn mower robots are located far below your regular lawn mower and therefore do not generate any noise pollution.

When buying a lawn mower robot, you should pay attention to the following

If the decision has been made that such a robot is to be purchased and perhaps one or the other model has already been short-listed, the following criteria should be applied once again be thoroughly scrutinized.

On the one hand there is the type of battery technology. Today it is mostly lithium-ion batteries that are used. This is important because they are unrivalled when it comes to the speed of the load and they also have a comparatively low dead weight.

If you think it makes sense – perhaps because of different garden areas – to adjust the cutting height more often, it should work electronically and not manually.

If it is necessary to cut many edges, it is worth purchasing a lawn mowing robot with the so-called edge mowing function.

Normally, the mowing robot needs a boundary wire. If you want your garden to be mown by a robot, you must first think carefully about where to lay the cable and whether there is room for improvement in garden design in this respect. He recognizes trees and other larger objects – but a perimeter wire must be laid around a flower border. The more expensive variant is the mowing robot with sensor recognition. However, it is necessary that beds and co. have clear partitions, as otherwise the mower simply runs over the transition between lawn and flowers.

If there is a gradient in the property, this should be estimated as a percentage. Most mowing robots manage around 35 %. But there are special machines that can also create steeper slopes. But then you have to look for them especially.

Very important: the size of the garden. The area the mower has to cope with and what it is designed for should match as closely as possible. The square meters are indicated on the device for which it was designed.

Last but not least: the volume. Here the mower should not be louder than 75 dB, which is roughly equivalent to a normal vacuum cleaner. What’s above can be disturbing. But, of course, it depends on whether the piece of grass may be a little further away from the house.

Where is the best place to buy the lawn mower robot: specialist shops or online?

Of course, both have their advantages and disadvantages. The problem is that you actually get the advice of the seller free of charge in specialist shops. Unfortunately, however, their expertise is often limited, especially in DIY stores and garden centers. However, you can be lucky in the real specialised trade and meet a colleague who really knows what he is talking about. Experience has also shown that there are more models and manufacturers here than the usual ones. The big advantage of the specialized trade is, however, that you go home to the customer, inspect the property and then make an offer, or even offer the commissioning and laying of the wire.

Advantages of the specialist trade:

• Competent technical information
• Discussion of the selection on the own property possible
• Delivery and installation of the wires on site by the specialist dealer

The fact that there is a larger range on offer here and that prices are usually considerably lower speaks in favour of online trading. However, you can’t expect anyone there to know what’s best for your garden or to help with the installation. The purchase over the Internet is therefore rather in question, if you know exactly which model you want, and you can also install this alone.

Advantages of online trading:

• Large selection
• Lower prices
• Very fast delivery

The leading manufacturers of lawn mowing robots

Bigmow – the most powerful lawnmower robot in the world – is not an option for private use. These are very good, but designed for areas of around 20,000 square meters.

Viking, founded at the beginning of the 80’s, has been Garden tool specialist and also sells mowing robots. These are often to be found in rankings among the first places.

The well-known company Bosch also offers mowing robots. These belong to the outstanding of the class and are also bought in the private area gladly.

The two competitors Gardena and Husqvarna are regarded as the industry leaders. While Gardena is also known for its manual gardening tools, Husqvarna’s excellent chainsaws are particularly popular. Both always occupy the top positions in comparisons and are also both recommended machines. Husqvarna may have a slightly longer life and better quality, but it also has a higher price.

Furthermore, good mowing robots are available from Al-Ko, Ambogio, Friendly Robotics, Honda and Sabo as well as Stiga and Wolf and Worx.

Things to know about lawn mowing robots

The beginnings

Since the mid-90s, for example, the self-propelled lawnmower has been seen in some gardens, and people often stopped at the fence to admire this marvel of technology. Many a pet didn’t look bad at all, as there was suddenly a playmate who wanted to dispute the garden with him.

The first “real” mowing robot is the Automover G1 from Electrolux or Husqvarna. Because he was the first to move himself back to the charging station when he needed to be recharged. It was a novelty that mowed the lawn alone for the first time, without human help, apart from maintenance and commissioning.

Many manufacturers are content with license replicas instead of their own developments. Especially Husqvarna Automover and Friendly Robotics Robomower are among many housings of other companies.

Mowing robot or petrol lawn mower?

Aside from the convenience of a Many ask themselves whether there are further advantages or disadvantages of the robot compared to a well-functioning petrol lawn mower.

The purchase costs clearly speak for the petrol lawn mower, because it costs a fraction of a good mowing robot.

The robot’s advantages are the better mowing result and the low space requirement for the device. Also, of course, that no grass clippings need to be disposed of.

But what about the environment and efficiency? Ecologically, the robot is ahead by a nose. Because the petrol lawn mower emits exhaust gases that are not exactly good for the environment. A mowing robot works electrically and therefore cleaner. They are considered efficient and gentle.

Maintenance of the lawn mowing robot

What about maintenance? Everyone who owns a garden knows how to care for a conventional lawn mower. But the maintenance that the expensive robot receives must also not be neglected.

Once a week the robot should be cleaned and the knives checked. These have to be replaced if they are blunt, but this can be seen relatively quickly from the mowing result.

A part of the robot that is subject to wear is the battery. This usually lasts several years, but should not be stored too cold in winter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In any case, the cellar is better than the garden shed, because too many sub-zero temperatures over a longer period of time are always a problem for the battery.

To make the lawn beautiful…

It is known that grass does not just grow up and look beautiful. As long as grass used to be used exclusively for animal feed, it didn’t matter how evenly it grew. But today, when a piece of grass is used exclusively for ornamental purposes, the grass should grow densely and evenly and still be short and well-groomed. look like.

The mowing robot contributes to this with certainty, because its regular cutting is good for the lawn and ensures a tidy appearance at all times. However, most lawns suffer from a lack of nutrients. These are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Special long-term lawn fertilizers ensure that the lawn looks good again and grows quickly in density.

The small amount of lawn cuttings produced when mowing with a mowing robot is also referred to as fertiliser. Because if it remains on the lawn, it is good for the grass area and it can absorb the nutrients, quite apart from the fact that you do not have to dispose of the cut.

So if you use such a robot, you do your lawn good, but don’t forget that you have to water it when it is dry for a long time. While flowers and other plants are often watered, the lawn is often forgotten.

In order to promote the exchange of air and the administration of water and fertilizer, it should be scarified once a year. This removes lawn felt and moss and the lawn can breathe again. This step is particularly important when using a mowing robot, as it “drops” the cut small grass tips into the lawn, where they ideally become fertiliser. But in unfavourable weather conditions there is also a certain felt that has to be removed.

These questions are frequently asked about lawn mower robots

When is a lawn mower robot worthwhile?

Actually, whenever it is difficult to mow the lawn or when there is not enough time. Especially for allergy sufferers it is a real relief.

How does the mower know where to go and where not to drive?

Usually a boundary wire is laid. This will be adapted to the circumstances and make the robot circumnavigate bushes and flower beds. He stops at trees or toys in the garden anyway.

What do you do when it rains?

There are now mowing robots with rain sensors. Most users cover the charging station and it does not leave the “electronic sheep” or return to it when the first drops fall. If the mower does not have such a rain sensor, it is advisable to remove it from the area to protect it. But in principle, the mower can also work in the rain.

How can the mower know where he hasn’t been?

The mowers run at random. They make sure that at the end they have worked off the entire surface. As soon as the mower has to stop, for example because a tree stands in the way, it turns and drives along somewhere else.

How do I know how strong my lawnmower robot has to be?

Manufacturers shall indicate on the equipment which lawn it is suitable for. Most differentiate between less than 500 square meters, between 500 and 1,000 square meters and above. If these data are adhered to, the mower will be able to drive over the whole area.

What do I do with gradients in the garden?

If these are not more than 35 % high, then any mowing robot will normally manage them. If it is steeper, however, one should indicate this with the specialist dealer and acquire a special equipment.

How do I run the boundary wire?

To prevent the mower from scratching the concrete, wood or plastic perimeter, pull off a certain distance and place the perimeter cable there. In most cases the perimeter wire and the necessary aids are included in the scope of supply of the mower.

Trick: if you set the lawn edges so flat that the front edge of the mower lies over them, the robot can mow to the end and there are no edges to be mowed. I have to.

The cables can be laid above or below the grass. The depth may be up to 10 cm, here one should look at the operating instructions. Then the wire is not visible and also no trip hazard. However, it cannot be corrected if something is to change in the bed without first salvaging it.

What is the volume of such a device?

Normally, the mower should not be louder than a vacuum cleaner and should not disturb the owner or neighbours. Its volume is by no means comparable to that of a conventional lawn mower.

bottom line

All in all, the mowing robot is a fine thing if you have a larger lawn area. But don’t forget to look after him now and then and take care of him, too.