Are you looking for a practical robot lawn mower for your garden? Then it is not so easy to keep track of the search because the offer is vast.
That’s why I took a closer look at the market: So that you know what you can rely on, I’ll now introduce you to 5 excellent robot lawn mowers with all their advantages and disadvantages.
The best robotic lawnmowers
Best all-rounder : Worx Landroid PLUS WR165E
Recommendation without boundary wire: Ambrogio Zeta R
Best robotic lawnmower for small gardens: Gardena Sileno Minimo 250
For huge areas and slopes: Robomow RK2000
Under €300: Landxcape LX799
1. Worx Landroid PLUS WR165E
If you are looking for a great all-rounder for almost any garden, I recommend a bestseller: The “Worx Landroid PLUS WR165E” is one of the most popular robotic lawnmowers and is designed for lawns of up to 500 square meters.
Important data
- Max area: 500m2
- Cutting heights: 4 levels, 30-60 mm
- Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth
- Boundary wire: 130 m
- Volume: 65dB
PROS
- precise cut almost to the edge of the lawn
- easy handling
- Variety of practical sensors
CONS
- little perimeter wire included
- slightly louder than average
The device, sometimes also called “Worx Landroid M500 Plus”, convinces with a very precise cut, which, thanks to “Cut-To-Edge” technology, goes almost to the edge of the lawn. Due to the floating mower and a large number of sensors (e.g. rain, collision, the danger of tipping over), the operation is very reliable.
The right app is also convincing; you can control the device via Bluetooth and – even from greater distances – with WiFi. The operation is very intuitive, so you can get along well even as a layman.
It’s a pity that Worx only includes 130 meters of boundary wire with the “Landroid PLUS WR165E”. Even 65 decibels of noise is a bit much for a robotic lawnmower. Nevertheless, this model is a great all-around solution that I can really recommend!
2. Ambrogio Zeta R
Are you looking for a high-tech solution that is hardly noticeable in the garden? Then the “Ambrogio Zeta R” robotic lawnmower from the innovative Italian manufacturer Zucchetti should be a strong choice. Unlike most other models, the device does not require a perimeter wire and uses radar technology instead.
Important data
- Max area: 800m2
- Cutting heights: Stepless, 25-75 mm
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, GSM, GPS
- Perimeter Wire: Wireless
- Loudness: 59dB
PROS
- no perimeter wire required
- stepless cut
- low noise level
- long running times, short loading times
CONS
- quite expensive
With the “Smart System” add-on already included in the scope of delivery, the robot lawn mower can mow an area of up to 800 square meters fully automatically. The cut is step-less; you can freely choose between 25 and 75 millimetres. The 5 Ah battery is highly durable, so the device can work for up to 4 hours before it has to go to the charging station for 120 minutes.
Also very pleasing: With a sound output of just 59 decibels, the “Ambrogio Zeta R” is very quiet.
So there are few reasons to decide against this wireless solution. However, there is also the price: Compared to conventional robotic lawnmowers, this model is above-average expensive.
3. Gardena Sileno Minimum 250
Or are you just looking for a reliable, extremely quiet solution for smaller lawns? The “Gardena Sileno Minimo 250” should be an excellent option for up to 250 square meters.
Important data
- Max area : 250m2
- Cutting heights: 3 levels, 20-45 mm
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Boundary wire: 150 m
- Loudness: 58dB
PROS
- very manoeuvrable, ideal for cramped conditions
- nice cut
- extremely quiet
CONS
- App control a bit cumbersome
- few cutting options
- intended only for very small areas
Despite the small dimensions, Gardena has included 150 meters of perimeter wire with the robot. In connection with the very manoeuvrable driving characteristics, the device, which is just 16 centimetres wide, is perfect for winding gardens and narrow race lanes.
According to reports, the robotic lawnmower leaves a really nice, accurate and uniform cut. It is a pity, however, that the trimming options (only 3 levels in the range between 20 and 45 mm) are very limited.
The device can be operated at the push of a button and via an app (Bluetooth). Unfortunately, the robot does not earn top marks here, and the somewhat old-fashioned and complicated controls are often criticized in field reports.
Nevertheless, the “Gardena Sileno Minimo 250” is one of the most popular robot lawnmowers. This is also due to the unrivalled low noise emissions: The sound output is just 58 decibels!
4. Robomow RK2000
But maybe you also have a very large lawn: Then the “Robomow RK2000”, designed for up to 2000 square meters of green waste, might be something for you. The robust device is able to overcome gradients of up to 45 per cent – ideal for slopes!
Important data
- Max. Area: 2000m2
- Cutting heights: Stepless, 20-100 mm
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Boundary wire: 300 m
- Volume: 64dB
PROS
- even for huge lots
- stepless, extremely flexible cut
- handles slopes up to 45%
- simple operation, long running time
CONS
- a bit wide for narrow passages
- not really cheap
The cut is also versatile: You can steplessly select any area between 20 (e.g. for “English lawns” or before scarifying) and 100 (ideal for “flower meadows” and shady lawns) millimetres – there are hardly any other robot lawnmowers that can do that!
The device can be operated both via (Bluetooth) app and manually. According to experience reports, handling is very easy, even without prior technical knowledge.
The very wide 21-centimeter cut could be a bit of a hindrance in narrow passages. However, if you have a very large, uniform lawn (also with a slope), it is definitely worth spending a little more money and ordering the “Robomow RK2000” robot lawn mower!
5. Landxcape LX799
However, if you are looking for solid quality at the lowest possible price, the “Landscape LX799” robot lawn mower is a great option. The model is one of the cheapest devices ever and is designed for a maximum of 300 square meters of lawn.
Important data
- Max area: 300m2
- Cutting heights: 4 levels, 20-50 mm
- Connectivity: None
- Boundary wire: 100 m
- Volume: 65dB
PROS
- works reliably
- flexible cut possible
- great value for money
CONS
- slightly weak engine
- louder than average
- no app support
You get a lot for comparatively little money: According to field reports, the robot works very reliably and has a gorgeous sectional view. You can choose between 4 different trim levels between 20 and 50 millimetres, so you remain pretty flexible.
However, you should not expect too much luxury as a low-price solution: There is no app control, and the motor is also a bit weak and not a good idea for slopes (max. gradient: 25 per cent) or uneven lawns. The volume is still within limits, but a maximum of 65 decibels is still above average.
However, the device cuts a fine figure on small, level lawns. So if you are willing to sacrifice some comfort, the “Landscape LX799” robot is a great low-budget choice!
Buying Guide
Maximum area
Each robotic lawnmower is designed for a specific lawn area: Smaller devices can manage a maximum of 300 to 400 square meters, but larger models can also handle 100 square meters and more. Before you buy, you should therefore measure your lawns carefully so that you don’t buy a mower that is too small or too large.
Cutting Height and Levels
Each type of lawn has an ideal height depending on the season and purpose of use: In summer, this is usually around 3 centimetres, but before the onset of winter, the grass should be trimmed a little lower. To achieve this, you can preset a cutting height for the robotic lawnmowers.
If you want to remain flexible, you should pay attention to as many cutting levels as possible and the lowest possible minimum height and the highest possible maximum height.
Maximum incline
Many lawns are not entirely level but rather grow up or down slopes. With normal lawnmowers, this is actually not a problem since you can then push the device a little yourself. Robotic lawnmowers, on the other hand, capitulate when faced with slopes that are too steep.
You should therefore pay attention to the maximum gradient that is still supported by the respective robot. Some devices are only suitable for relatively flat areas, while others have such a powerful motor that they can also negotiate gradients of 45 per cent.
Advantages of robotic lawnmowers
1. More time for the essential things in life
The most significant advantage of robotic lawnmowers is probably the time-saving: you can sit back, enjoy your garden or even go on vacation, and the robot will do the rest! When you consider how many hours you usually spend mowing each gardening season, you’re saving yourself quite a bit of free time.
2. Low-maintenance and easy-care
Robotic lawnmowers also have the positive property that they are actually maintenance-free: you don’t have to top up the oil or check the engine – apart from the regular blade sharpening, there are actually no other activities.
3. Very quiet
After all, robot lawnmowers are also a relief for your neighbors. Because full-fledged lawn mowers can get very loud – even cordless devices then still have a noise level of around 90 decibels. In comparison, automatic lawnmower robots are whisper-quiet – the sound output is usually around 60 decibels, which means room volume!
4. Very low power consumption
Manually operated lawnmowers with battery or electric drives are very fast but also consume a lot of energy. So you have to be prepared for significantly higher electricity costs if you mow your green spaces regularly.
Robotic lawnmowers are different here: They are trimmed for efficiency and mow rather leisurely, but also very economically. In the long run, you can save quite a bit in electricity costs.
Disadvantages of robotic lawnmowers
A bit slow and chaotic
But robotic lawnmowers also have their disadvantages: On the one hand, they are a lot smaller and less powerful than conventional lawnmowers. That means: mowing takes time. A robot is often out all day tending the lawn. The sectional view also looks a bit chaotic at first because the robots are working on smaller and smaller areas in a zigzag course.
So if you want an accurate mowing pattern, you should probably go for a traditional lawn mower.
Rather unsuitable for families with small children
Do you have small children or pets? Then you should be careful with robotic lawnmowers: the devices recognize obstacles and switch themselves off if they are lifted, for example. However, if the curious offspring wants to take a closer look at the device unnoticed, it can still happen that bad hand and finger injuries occur.
To avoid this, you should then monitor the operation with your own eyes or instead stick with a conventional lawn mower.
High acquisition costs
After all, robot lawn mowers are also quite an investment: such a small device can cost many times as much as a conventional lawn mower. So if you’re on a budget or aren’t willing to shell out a lot of money for convenience, you’re probably better off with a self-powered mower.
How does a robotic lawnmower work?
There is hardly any work that is as tedious and monotonous as mowing the lawn: if you walk over your green several times a week, you probably know what I am talking about.
There are many motorized mowers with battery, electric or petrol drives that are easy on your muscles, but driving the mower takes a lot of time. And if you don’t have them, your meadow can turn into unsightly undergrowth pretty quickly.
Lawn care on vacation? No problem!
This can quickly become a problem, especially during the holiday season. When you come back home, your recovery will soon be over. You then have to cut the lawn down to standard height step by step.
Fortunately, however, lawnmower manufacturers have recognized this problem and invested in development. For several years now, more and more robotic lawnmowers have been conquering home and hobby gardens all over the world. And these devices use the latest technology.
My advice
Before you use a robotic lawnmower, you should prepare your lawn for the device. In order to avoid problems for the robot, it makes sense, for example, to thoroughly roll your surface beforehand.
Automated mini mulching mower
Basically, most robotic lawnmowers are very small cordless lawnmowers: An electric motor drives a blade device, which then reliably keeps the lawn short. You can choose between different cutting levels to do justice to the season and your type of lawn.
From a technical point of view, this is a mulching mower: the clippings are not collected in a collection bag but thrown straight back onto the lawn. From there, you can either rake it up or use it as a fertilizing mulch.
The motor not only drives the knives but also makes the wheels roll. The robot moves through your garden all by itself and cuts the grass to the intended cutting height. It alternates between an operating mode and a charging mode: after mowing the lawn for a while, the robot automatically docks at the charging station. There he then takes a loading break and then continues mowing.
But how does a robotic lawnmower know where to go?
This is ensured by a large number of highly sensitive sensors, which not only tell the device where there is something to mow but can also detect (and avoid) obstacles. Many devices also have a moisture sensor so that the mower takes a break when it rains.
With most devices, you have to lay a wire around the area so that the robot knows what the lawn boundary is. This so-called perimeter wire is then recognized by the sensors so that the lawnmower does not overshoot the limits.
In this way, you can easily automate lawn mowing: If you let the robot run for a few hours every day, your green will be regularly trimmed to the intended height by itself. Thanks to the timer function, you don’t even have to be there: You can go on vacation without worrying about the lawn.
Connectivity via WiFi & Bluetooth
Some newer robot lawn mower models are particularly intelligent: connected to a WLAN network, they can also be controlled with a mobile phone or tablet. Then you can call up the specialized app from anywhere and then give the robot a corresponding mowing job.
FAQs
How much does an excellent robotic lawnmower cost?
Most good mid-range robotic lawnmowers cost between 500 and 1000 euros. Some devices for small areas are cheaper but with a loss of comfort. Models for very large lawns and high-tech solutions, e.g. without a perimeter wire, usually cost low to mid-four-digit euro amounts.
How much does a robotic lawnmower cost in electricity per year?
For small and medium-sized lawns, you have to plan for a robotic lawnmower to consume around 0.1 kilowatt hours per square meter. For a 300 square meter green area, for example, around 30-kilowatt hours. Larger devices consume more electricity, around 0.2 to 0.3-kilowatt hours per square meter. However, this is still significantly less than the consumption of conventional cordless or electric lawnmowers.
When is a robotic lawnmower worth it?
Robotic lawnmowers are particularly worthwhile if you don’t have the time or don’t feel like constantly reaching for the lawnmower. Due to the low volume, they are also suitable for poorly soundproofed neighbourhoods. Since the sectional image can be a bit chaotic and only clears up over time.
How often should a robotic lawnmower mow?
Experts recommend using robotic lawnmowers every day or every two days, at least in the high season (June to August). Since the devices are mulching mowers, the grass grows much faster than with conventional lawn care with a collection bag.