Should I try a robot lawn mower?

The Roomba has been an essential part of contemporary households for many years, tidying up pet fur and various untidiness in living rooms and bedrooms. Now, the same technology is being used to take care of our outdoor spaces as well: automated lawn mowers are becoming commonplace in many neighborhoods.

We get it; you are all busy people, and there's no shame in not pulling out the old lawnmower every Sunday. Instead, the future of lawn care is quiet, clean, and amazingly automated. Robot lawn mowers have been around for a few years now, but it can still be difficult to understand the true benefits of investing in one.

In this guide, we will discuss whether or not owning a robot lawn mower is more efficient than a push mower, and some of the myths surrounding the cost of trying out this technology. We'll close by introducing IFTTT, our free automation platform that completely revolutionizes how you take care of your yard.

What on earth is a robot lawn mower?

Before we can talk about the pros and cons of robot lawn mowers, let's first define exactly what they are. A robot lawn mower is an automated device designed to cut grass without human assistance. It uses sensors, robotics, and navigation technology to map your yard and decide the best route for trimming the lawn.

For those who love the routine of firing up the mower and clipping fresh blades of grass, a robot lawn mower is not for you. The main point of a robot lawn mower is that it will keep your grass in tip-top shape, without you ever noticing. Robot lawn mowers carry many other advantages, that we will discuss in the next section.

A few companies have cornered the market on these gadgets, namely Husqvarna, Greenworks, and EcoFlow. Fortunately, in recent years, advancements in robot technology have allowed for these auto-mowers to become more affordable, efficient, and safe.

Advantages to investing in an automatic lawn mower

Investing in an automatic lawn mower can offer several advantages. For some people, it seems simply too futuristic or outlandish to even think about buying an automated lawn mower. However, with today's developments, more and more people are turning to these handy helpers. Here are seven key benefits for you to consider:

1. Time-saving: Automatic lawn mowers operate independently, saving you time and effort spent on manually mowing your lawn.

2. Convenience: With an automatic lawn mower, you don't need to push or ride the equipment yourself. It will handle the mowing task on its own, without any intervention.

3. Consistent results: Robotic mowers are designed to cut grass evenly and consistently, resulting in a well-maintained lawn.

4. Low maintenance: Automatic lawn mowers require less maintenance compared to traditional mowers. They often have self-sharpening blades and automated scheduling, reducing the need for manual intervention.

5. Quiet operation: Robotic mowers operate quietly, minimizing noise pollution and allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space without disturbance.

6. Eco-friendly: Automatic lawn mowers are typically battery-powered, reducing environmental impact by eliminating the need for fossil fuels. Additionally, they mulch grass clippings, promoting natural fertilization.

7. Safety features: Most robotic mowers come equipped with safety features such as collision sensors, lift sensors, and boundary wires to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation.

Is a robot lawn mower worth it?

Many might be considering purchasing a robotic lawn mower, see the price, and get discouraged. Albeit a higher upfront cost, automatic lawn mowers can actually be much more cost-effective in the long run. We broke down the costs of owning a gas push mower in comparison to a robotic one, and here are the results:

Gas Mower: An average gas-powered traditional mower costs about $300 to purchase. With annual fuel costs of around $40 per year (for 21 mows) and estimated upkeep of another $40 per year, the gas mower costs an additional $80 per year. Over a 15-year life cycle, the gas mower will cost you around $1,200 in total.

Robotic Mower: Essentially, the only cost for owning a robot lawn mower is the initial purchase, which we will admit, is hefty. Charging costs are not factored into this comparison, as they are relatively low for most areas.

Purchase costs for robotic lawn mowers vary greatly, from a more basic mower for around $700, to a hill-climbing robot beast for up to $3,000. We believe that you can get a very high-quality, flat-lawn-orientated mower for around $1,400.

So, the question remains; is the few extra hundred dollars worth it for the time saved, convenience, and quiet mornings? That is up to you to decide, nevertheless, we urge you to not be scared away by the high price tags on some robot lawn mowers.

Best robot lawn mowers on the market today

Husqvarna Automower 450XH EPOS

This model is highly regarded and comes with advanced features such as GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and intelligent mapping capabilities. It is designed for large yards and offers excellent cutting performance. If you happen to have some extra change lying around, this is the best automated lawn mower you can buy, end of discussion.

Price: Varies depending on retailer and country, typically around $4,000.

Pros:

Advanced GPS navigation: Ensures precise mowing and covers every inch of the lawn without missing spots.

EPOS technology: Wire-free installation through the satellite-based system allows easy setup and flexible boundary management.

Large coverage area: Suitable for extensive lawns, capable of covering up to 1.25 acres (5,000 square meters).

Cons:

Cha-ching: One of the most expensive models on the market, which might be a deterrent for budget-conscious buyers.

Overkill for small lawns: The extensive features and large coverage area may be unnecessary for smaller yards.

Gardena Sileno City

Ideal for smaller yards, the Gardena Sileno City is known for its affordability and simplicity. It offers reliable cutting performance and easy installation. There are available adjustments to cutting height and other parameters to make sure you get the perfect cut every time.

Price: $1,150.

Pros:

Compact design: Perfectly suited for small lawns, with a compact size that allows it to navigate narrow passages.

Quiet operation: Extremely quiet, ensuring that it won't disturb the household or neighbors.

Cons:

Limited coverage: Best for smaller lawns up to 2700 square feet (250 square meters); not ideal for larger properties.

Basic features: Lacks advanced features like GPS navigation or smartphone control, making it less versatile than higher-end models.

Worx Landroid L

The Worx Landroid L is a popular choice among homeowners. It comes with a user-friendly interface, efficient cutting capabilities, and customizable mowing schedules. This model is suitable for medium-sized lawns.

Price: $1,500.

Pros:

User-friendly interface: The intuitive controls and app make it easy to set up and program mowing schedules.

Modular design: Offers additional accessories like the Anti-Collision System or GPS tracking, allowing for further customization.

Battery efficiency: Equipped with a long-lasting battery that covers up to ½ acre (2,000 square meters) on a single charge.

Cons:

Occasional navigation issues: Can struggle with complex layouts or narrow spaces, occasionally missing spots or getting stuck.

No boundary wire-Free option: Unlike some newer models, it still requires boundary wires, which can be cumbersome to install.

Segway Navimow i105N

The Segway Navimow i105N is known for its wide cutting path and powerful cutting system. It also has cutting-edge technology that eliminates the need for perimeter wiring and has RTK vision so it can handle yards with tall trees. An AI system also helps guide the mower into learning its path better each day, lessening the chances of errors or missed spots.

Price: $999.

Pros:

No boundary wire needed: Utilizes advanced RTK navigation technology to mow without the need for traditional boundary wires.

Affordable price point: Competitive pricing makes it an excellent choice for those seeking high-tech features without breaking the bank.

Weather resistant: Built to withstand various weather conditions, allowing it to operate effectively in rain or shine.

Cons:

Complex setup: The initial setup, especially aligning the RTK base station, can be challenging for those not familiar with the technology.

Coverage limitations: Best suited for small to medium lawns up to 1/4 acre (1,000 square meters); may not be ideal for larger properties.

App dependency: Heavy reliance on the app for operation, which could be a downside for users who prefer manual controls.

You really can't go wrong with any of the options shown above, as they are from reputable brands with good customer feedback. Choosing the right mower should be based on your yard type, space, and budget.

Using IFTTT with your robot lawn mower

IFTTT (If This Then That) is our free web-based service that allows users to create automated tasks. It can be used in conjunction with your robot lawn mower for improved convenience and efficiency.

For example, you can set up a task that triggers the mower to start when the local weather forecast calls for sunny skies. Or, you could have IFTTT pause your mower if the forecast changes to rain.

This type of automation can help save time, energy, and ensure that your lawn looks its best throughout all seasons. Guided tutorials are available online for setting up IFTTT with robotic mowers as well. Read on to hear our mission, and our picks for the best automation to use with your new robot pal.

What is IFTTT?

IFTTT, an acronym for "If This Then That," is our free web-based service and mobile app designed to boost productivity by automating tasks. It works by creating connections between over 1000 popular apps and services, allowing them to work together seamlessly.

The basic idea behind IFTTT is to create "applets" or sets of instructions that trigger when certain conditions are met. This can be turning on the lights automatically when you enter your house, for example.

Founded in 2011, IFTTT has been used by over 25 million individuals to automate both business and home tasks, saving time and increasing efficiency. It's commonly used to connect disparate services and systems, making all products and services work well together in a way that instills user confidence. Best of all, it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to set up.

Top Applets for your auto lawn mower

Park Husqvarna mower if weather forecast predicts frost or heavy rain Protect the lawn by ensuring your mower is parked when the weather forecast predicts frost or heavy rain.

Notify your neighbor when your mower needs attention Select a list of friends that will receive an email when something unexpected happens and Automower® needs a helping hand. Mower location will be included in the mail.

Let Automower sing Happy Birthday Set date and time and your mower will sing Happy birthday for you and your loved ones. Applicable for Automower® 405X, 415X, 435X AWD, 430X NERA and 450X NERA with latest firmware installed.

Send your robot mower Robolinho® mowing every day at sunrise Start mowing every day, when sun rises in the area where your robot mower Robolinho® is located.

To activate these Applets and millions more, try IFTTT for free today!