Get the Robomow robot lawn mower at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Best Buy. You can create schedules and track the precise location of the mower, as well as give it voice commands via Alexa or Google Assistant. The Landroid M performed at or near the top in most of our testing rubric categories. Robot mowers dont need bags because they mulch the grass while cutting. To begin the search for a new robot mower, get an accurate measurement of the area it will mow.
I spent more than 14 years on staff, most recently as the director of operations for PC Labs, before hitting the freelance circuit as a contributing editor. It is powered by a 20V 4Ah lithium-ion battery for 2 hours of runtime per 90-minute charge. Ive been working with computers for ages, starting with a multi-year stint in purchasing for a major IBM reseller in New York City before eventually landing at PCMag (back when it was still in print as PC Magazine). Todays robot mowers are generally intelligent enough to return to their charging stations when their batteries run low (and, with certain models, when they detect rain). Look for a mower that offers flexible programming options that allow you to create schedules for multiple zones. The cutting head manually adjusts from 2 inches to 3.6 inches, for either warm-season or cool-season grasses, and its rated for slopes up to 17 degrees. Businesses may also like the idea of a robot mower for patches of grass if that means they dont have to hire a landscaping crew to take care of it. A mower for large lawns has a high-capacity battery pack that allows it to work longer and travel farther between charges.
To recharge, it must be perfectly positioned in relation to two flexible contact points as it passes over the base station; otherwise, it continues tracking along the perimeter wire without stopping. Some mowers also have an audible alarm and use GPS tracking to help you locate it if someone steals it. Mower blades last about 2 months. Consider the following factors when shopping for a robotic lawn mower. Robot lawn mowers have safety features to protect the user and others in its cutting area. That being said, the results are clear as day.
On average you can expect to spend about $1,500 for an electric mower.
The "cut to edge" design helps the blades mow as close to the lawn edges as possible, so you don't get those annoying stragglers by the flowerbeds, and there's a handy alert feature that sends you a notification if your mower leaves the lawn space, which indicates a performance issue or that someone is tampering with the unit (every good mower bot should have this feature). Robotic mowers are designed to cut several times per week. Mowing conditions including slopes; obstacles; irregular lawn shapes; and grass type, thickness, and growth rate may all inhibit a mowers efficiency and capability. Runtime was especially impressive: We clocked it at 2 hours 35 minutes, the longest of all the mowers we tested. Smooth, flat ground makes it easier to mow lower, while rough terrain requires additional clearance.
They cannot be sharpened; they must be replacedthink of them as you would a disposable razor blade. While this is not the robot for complicated spaces, those with a relatively flat, unobstructed yard may find this affordable no-frills robot mower ideal for keeping the grass looking great. Some robotic mowers offer built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular circuitry that lets you program and control the mower using a mobile app and track mowing progress from anywhere. Thats why we chose the Worx Landroid as our top pick. Its battery will last for just over an hour on each use. Its efficient brushless motor is powered by a 28V 4Ah lithium-ion battery that produces 2 hours of runtime per charge; recharging takes about an hour. A compromise is to keep a couple of sets of blades and switch them back and forth, sharpening the extra set each time. Must subscribe to a cellular plan after two years. An automatic shutoff kicks in if the machine is lifted, stopping the blades from moving.
Why trust us? A few models even let you use your phone as a remote control to guide the mower to certain areas for spot maintenance and support Alexa voice commands to begin and pause mowing. Here is a well-equipped mower for warm-season grasses up to of an acre, especially lawns with challenging obstacles, narrow passages, and sloped terrain. Your subscription has been confirmed. Like our top Worx pick, this model also uses A.I.-powered cutting power, and it can fit in narrow spots down to 24 inches wide for cutting lawn strips. Get the MowRo robot lawn mower on Amazon or at The Home Depot. The Automower 115H impressed us as a great choice for most suburban lawns. Upgrade your lifestyleDigital Trends helps readers keep tabs on the fast-paced world of tech with all the latest news, fun product reviews, insightful editorials, and one-of-a-kind sneak peeks. Check out our deeper dive into whether robot lawn mowers are worth it. Get the Worx robot lawn mower on Amazon or at The Home Depot. This Worx model shows a strong understanding of what a buyer needs from a reliable robot mower. Its recommended you replace the blades every two months or so during cutting season. This high level of communication pairs nicely with precision control and automated features like electric height adjustment, automatic passage handling, remote location starting, spiral- and spot-cutting capabilities, wireless firmware updates, theft protection system with GPS tracking, and more. Working with the Automower Connect app, it was easy to program the schedule, set up different starting points, and pause and restart a mowing program during an active cycle. Similarly, robotic lawn mowers can now keep the grass at just the right height, eliminating a time-consuming weekend chore. This reduces the risk of a short or malfunction due to rain. Whatever you do, make sure you buy a mower that can handle your lawn. That depends. The up to X square feet amount that manufacturers claim is calculated with ideal mowing conditions in mind. Cutting height options range from one inch to 2.5 inches. These mowers typically use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, though some use lead acid batteries or other types. Not all robotic mowers have the ability to create and schedule multiple zones within a single boundary wire, so be sure to buy a mower with that capability if necessary to suit the property size. Robot mowers use smaller blades, which work harder than larger mower blades and will dull faster. On average, youre looking at a lofty expense for a bot that may not cut the grass as fast as you and your Toro. Others feature alarms, security alerts, and GPS tracking that kicks in if the unit is removed from the owners property. Nearly all vendors offer online video tutorials and supply written instructions, a measuring tool for laying the wire, a spool of wire, and stakes to hold the wire in place. The popular Worx Landroid robotic mower lineup includes models S, M, and L for yards up to acre, acre, and acre, respectively.
Easy setup, reliable operation, smart tech, and a lower mowing height range make this a good choice for most small to midsize yards with warm-season lawn grass. There's also a PIN-secured alarm to help prevent theft and a total of 145 minutes of cutting time per charge. However, for larger and more complex yards, you're going to need a bit more lawn mower than the Worx above. Still not sure? No. The Landroids 8-inch self-leveling mowing disc cuts closer to the edges of the yard than many competitors. Collision sensors and boundary wire sensors keep the mower on the lawn and protect non-grass areas. So, we assembled two barriers around two 1,200-square-foot patches of lawn, one with Bermuda grass and a steep slope and one mostly flat with centipede grass. For the latter case, be prepared to spend a bit of money; make sure to get a quote upfront, too. Like most other models, you will have to set up a boundary wire, but with this in place, the mower can handle more complex lawns with ease. 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day, The Best Riding Lawn Mowers for Yard Care, Zero Turn vs. An onboard computer tells the mower when to mow and when to recharge. Smart televisions and lighting systems improve our sensory environment, while other automated home devices like vacuum cleaners, thermostats, and refrigerators eliminate many more mundane tasks. When grass is growing really fast, the robot mower should run every day or every other day. You can sign up for iRobots newsletter to get more updates about it, but we dont have a release date at this time. Those seeking a little mowing help without navigating extensive setup menus may find the Robomow RX20 to be just the ticket. Robot lawn mowers look similar torobot vacuums. Its important to take some time to sort through the various functions and features, as well as your unique needs, to identify the best product. The Husqvarna 115H Connect is one of the premier robotic lawn mowers in terms of voice-command technologies. Battery-operated, a solid robot mower can learn your lawn inside and out, cutting quickly, quietly, and on a schedule that you create. Finding the time to trim the grass can be a royal pain, especially when the workweek is loaded and youd rather spend the weekend with Netflix. Generally, anything above a 20- to 25-degree slant will start causing problems. You also pay more for a model that can handle larger lawns that have steep grades and obstructions such as flower beds, trees, and ornamental decorations. After resetting the base station three times and ensuring it was absolutely level in all directions with a long, straight approach, we finally achieved satisfactory results. This reliable device can handle lawn care for yards roughly half an acre or smaller, with slopes of 22 degrees or less and grass height of 2.4 inches or less. All scheduling and other operations are performed via the onboard control panel. Read on to learn about the criteria we used to select these mowers, then check out the product reviews to find out how each one did on our test turf. Shoppers not all that interested in top-of-the-line tech, who simply want a capable, reliable mower to help out with a little patch of grass, may find that the Robomow RX20 can provide satisfactory results while saving a few hundred dollars. An integrated rain sensor stops the mower from cutting if rain starts and sends it back to its charging station. Factors that affect how much space a robot lawn mower can cut include battery runtime per charge, the mower size, and the speed it travels. Read on to find out which robotic lawn mower is best based on your lawn size and budget.
Yards with garden beds, boulders, pathways, and/or steeper slopes require a more capable model. The Automower 415X is loaded with communication and control features, beginning with cellular and Bluetooth connectivity. We noticed after the third or fourth mowing that the robot was making more efficient linear cuts and less frequently getting caught up in multipoint turns. PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering lab-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. With multi-zone schedules, the mower travels directly to the specified area before it begins cutting, which saves battery life.
The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. Since robot lawn mowers are fairly quiet, people often program them to run at night as a theft deterrent. Some robotic mowers can run in the rain, but it is not recommended since wet grass doesnt cut as smoothly and wet conditions can spread fungal diseases to the lawn. Programming is typically done using an onboard control panel that has On and Off buttons, as well as menus for setting seasonal timers, scheduling cutting times, creating zones, configuring edge cutting settings, running diagnostics, and viewing the cutting history. It is easily controlled via the Automower Connect mobile app and is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home smart devices.
The base station serves as the charging port and the boundary wire hub. Docking worked smoothly when mowing was done. Digital Trends Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites. Aside from that issue, Landroid provides outstanding overall functionality for the price. These mowers use a combination of sensors and border wiring that buyers manually plant around their yard to create zones where the mower travels. For example, if you have a large lawn, you might want to split it into multiple zones and have the mower concentrate on specific zones on specific days. Once you narrow down your choices based on lawn complexity and working capacity, it's time to consider features. The cutting blade and cutting width will also impact performance (more on this below). They aren't cheap, however, and you pay more for features like rain and anti-theft sensors; Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity; a mobile companion app, and flexible scheduling capabilities. The Gardena Sileno City 205 is also made to be quiet, with decibel levels under 60. At 65dB, it's also quieter than most vacuum cleaners and comes with protection to keep the mower safe around kids and pets. Installation is typically a DIY project, but some sellers offer professional installation. The normal running time is around 65 minutes although this can vary a lot depending on the lawn and charging time takes around 75 minutes. Rain, tilt, and impact sensors allow it to operate safely, automatically avoiding bad weather, excessive slopes, and obstacles. The Greenworks Pro Optimow 50H is a moderately priced robotic lawn mower that offers cellular connectivity, GPS tracking, and a user-friendly mobile app. PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. There's nothing like the look and smell of freshly cut grass, but, unless you're paying for a professional landscaping service, you have to put in a lot of time to keep your lawn in tip-top shape. The best outdoor security cameras for 2022, Best Roomba Deals 2022: Sales to shop today, The Quest 2s unprecedented price hike is a bad look for the Metaverse, AMD just gave your GPU a 92% performance boost for free, If youre on the Steam Deck waitlist, youre getting one this year, After 10 years of headaches, Im finally a believer in Windows on ARM, Twitters paid subscriptions just got a price bump, The 50 best movies on Netflix right now (July 2022), The best shows on Netflix right now (July 2022), Heres our best look yet at the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4, The best games on PlayStation Plus, Extra, and Premium, Best gaming PC deals: Get a high-end rig from $599 today, Destiny 2: Where to find Xur for the weekend of July 29, The 75 best movies on Amazon Prime Video (August 2022), The mystery of Nier: Automatas secret church door has been solved, Does require extensive ground wire installation, Rated up to 2,700 feet of lawn, which may be too small for certain yards, A step down compared to more expensive Husqvarna models.
By Mark Wolfe | Updated Jun 30, 2022 9:38 AM. In our tests, the simple onboard controls and reliable operation of the MowRo RM24 made it one of the easiest robot mowers to set up and operate. PCMag Digital Group. We measured the following robotic lawn mowers against our shopping considerations and put them to work during a monthlong home trial. Gardena's line of mowers is both robust and affordable, making them ideal choices for smaller lawns. Look for a mower with a weather-sensing feature that tells it to return to the base in the event of a heavy downpour. Before purchasing a robotic lawn mower, you first need to figure out the size of your lawn. Most of the mowers were tested on both test areas, with the exception of the Robomow. Many robotic lawn mowers are Bluetooth capable or Wi-Fi connected, so you can program them with an app on your smartphone. Powered by a 12V 4.3Ah lithium-ion battery, it provides up to 2 hours of runtime per chargebut recharges in a lengthy 8 hours. It is powered by an 18V 2Ah lithium-ion battery that delivers a runtime of 50 minutes per charge and recharges in 60 minutes. You can sharpen these blades with something like a kitchen knife sharpener, but the common approach is to replace the blades entirely. The blade height manually adjusts from 1.5 to 3.5 inches. Users can easily set or adjust the custom mowing schedule or monitor the mower on the go via the Landroid mobile app. With its larger than average cutting head and slope-conquering wheel motors, it seems that this mower could handle a much larger yard if scheduling ability was more robust. Husqvarnas intelligent mapping technology uses GPS sensors to virtually map the lawn, enabling zone control with customized settings, and real-time tracking through the app. Basic robot mowers work on flat yards and slopes of up to 15 percent (1.5 feet of rise per 10 feet of linear distance). 1996-2022 Ziff Davis. Improvements in rechargeable battery tech and intelligent software have dramatically changed the way we live. However, it lacks the precision control features and connectivity found in the other models tested. The Husqvarna Automower 315X is a state-of-the-art robot lawn mower that is packed with features, including GPS, Bluetooth, and cellular technology.
Shopping for new technology can present a bit of confusion. Onboard sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, mobile apps, and compatibility with personal digital assistants may all let users program a robotic mower. Landroid connects to a home Wi-Fi network via Bluetooth and automatically keeps its own software up to date. Other features to look for include a dedicated remote, spare cutting blades, and an anti-theft system that shuts the mower down when it is picked up and requires a unique PIN to work again. The RX20s limited terrain capability necessitated assembling an entirely different 1,200-square-foot testing area on mostly flat ground with centipede grass; this space included a narrow passage connecting two broader areas.
The same power source that charges the mowers battery also sends a low-voltage current through the boundary wire to keep the mower in bounds. And the mower has recessed blades mounted away from the edges of the machine to reduce the chance of cutting hands and feet that come too close. On its programmed mowing schedule, the mower starts and recharges itself, returning to its docking station when it has finished the job. Basic models can go for anywhere from $200 to $600, while premium mowers can go for as much as $5,000 (or more). However, the project has been delayed due to a variety of factors, so its not available yet.
The Robomow RK4000 handles up to an acre of lawn, far more than the average robot mower, and can handle steep slopes of up to 45 degrees, something few models can. MowRo's robot mower is a more affordable option designed to deal with up to a quarter of an acre. To program a weekly schedule, we had to use the app while within Bluetooth range of the mower. The machine moves slowly so pets, children, and others can see it coming and get out of the way. Its important to schedule your mower to work every day or every other day so the grass doesnt get too long for the mower to handle. Keep an eye on your inbox! EeVV&yR-y8AO?I//eW)]aNG:^ For more on how to automate the rest of your home, check out thebest smart home deviceswe've tested, as well as the best outdoor smart home devices for your yard. Sensors on the mower use the charged wire to guide it along the boundaries and to return to the base when the lawn is cut or when the battery needs to recharge.
Note: Automatic lawn mowers are mulching mowers generally designed to cut high and often, so program one accordingly. These devices may be cheaper to own and operate than gasoline-powered mowers while making very little noise and producing no exhaust emissions. With one end of the perimeter wire connected to a terminal on the base station, the wire is laid along the border of your lawn and held in place using stakes that are similar to those used to pitch a tent. Get the Husqvarna Automower 115H robot lawn mower at Amazon, Lowes, or Tractor Supply Co. For a robotic lawn mower to be considered the best, it should offer a wide range of built-in functionality along with readily available upgrade options and come in at a competitive price. Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. While it may not be suitable for larger lawns, it's an excellent mower for small projects. Most robotic mowers operate in rainy conditions but it can get messy: caked up grass cuttings stick to the cutting deck and the deck; blades eventually require cleaning; and some mowers might have trouble with wheel slippage. Spring Black Friday is HereShop Huge Sales at Home Depot, Lowes 15 Things Never to Put Down Your Garbage Disposal, Coverage area: 0.25 acre (10,890 square feet), Only one scheduled automatic mowing per day, Must be within Bluetooth range to control via the app, Easily navigates obstructions and difficult terrain, Mows on schedule every 48 hours, or on demand, Onboard controls are the only interface; no mobile app, Only capable of one scheduled mowing every 48 hours, Mowing height range suits most types of grass, Works on slopes up to 30 percent (17 degrees), Program up to 3 different starting points for efficient coverage, Consistently navigating the narrow corridor to mow both large areas, Avoiding random obstacles intentionally left within the boundaries, Returning to the base station in the event of rain or sprinklers, Avoiding excessively steep slopes without becoming stuck, Complete coverage of the test areano noticeable missed spots for the week. Unlike the others, though, the battery arrived totally depleted and had to charge for 48 hours prior to the first mowing. This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links.
ZQu!Xm p2uWk&*=$dgDFgQw,L#RGeix 'xd$d]0!Uz4DDz]EMl&yF- The base not only charges the mower but provides the wire with an electrical charge. Landroid was the only mower we tested with recharging contacts located on the side of the machine rather than the front or back. Most mowers can handle slopes of up to 20 degrees, but some can handle slopes of up to 30 degrees. Robotic mowers are quiet but not silent. https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-robot-lawn-mowers.
Rechargeable batteries for robot mowers last about 3 years on average. Once you install and program your mower, however, all you have to do is keep its cutting deck clean and change its blades every so often. Part of the test area included a steep slope, close to 50 percent in one small area, and the 415X had no trouble. That means you can run them at any hour of the day without bothering the neighbors. It carries a low-voltage electrical signal that keeps the mower inbounds. These two options were especially helpful in combination, as we needed to get our overgrown Bermuda grass under control. Docking stations are weatherproof during the mowing season. Still, in stormy weather where lightning is predicted, unplugging the system provides the best protection. Assembly and programming were easy, mowing was reliable with excellent coverage, communication through the mobile app was intuitive, and runtime was superiorall for a very competitive price. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Its worth noting that the lack of GPS technology makes this a less smart mower than the model 415X reviewed here. The shape of your lawn also comes into play: If you have things like flower beds, trees, and lighting, the mower has to use more battery power to navigate these obstructions than if it were just cutting a rectangular or square plot. Nearly all robotic mowers are very quiet and operate in the 55dB to 60dB range, but a few models out there that put out up to 75dB of sound. Batteries typically need 30 minutes to an hour to recharge. Setup and basic programming were similar to all the other models we tested. All mowers use a battery-operated motor with cutting blades, an AC-powered base station, perimeter wire, and sensors that prevent them from wandering off your property or into the street. The mower itself should last 10 years or more. This is another reason its important to use a robot mower very frequently, so theres no danger of unsightly clippings or internal blockages developing. The guide wire helped the Automower navigate efficiently through a narrow corridor from one broad space to another. Its also a good idea to schedule your mowing sessions far away from irrigation sessions. The layout and setup were similar to the other models we tested but with the unique addition of a central guide wire running through the middle of the mowing area to assist with navigation back to the home base.
Available upgrades include the ACS module that prevents collisions, Find My Landroid GPS cellular module, Radio Link module to extend Wi-Fi connectivity for improved artificial intelligence, an Off Limits module for wire-free no-mow zones within the main mowing area, and the Landroid Garage. All of the robotic mowers we tested use 14-gauge low-voltage wire to establish the barrier. Initial programming was fast and intuitive with the mowers onboard controls. This lawn robot is designed to follow a schedule based on the information you provide about your lawn on the app, cutting in light layers that don't need to be emptied out or collected and you can still adjust the cutting height if necessary. They produce an average of 50 to 70 decibels, which is similar to the sound levels of a quiet refrigerator, a calm conversation, or the noise inside a car traveling at 60 miles per hour. We observed the ease of programming and communication with the mower as well as its actual performance. The mowing height manually adjusts from 1 to 2.5 inches. Depending on the size of the mower and the battery capacity, expect charging times of anywhere from 30 minutes up to two hours or more. Setup and operation are straightforward and reliable, a variety of accessory options are available to boost functionality, and the price is significantly lower than the more technologically advanced Automower series. R2-D2 would surely approve! The clippings are deposited back on your lawn to work as fertilizer. Yes. Once the target was achieved, however, daily mowing at 1.25 inches kept the grass looking great. The cutting deck refers to the area underneath the mower where the blades spin. It used the same boundary wire and base station setup as the rest of our testing group. Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. During the target-height adjustment period, the mower seemed to focus more time on a section after it had been sufficiently cut, then running out of battery before fully cutting the other section. While they offer many similarities, we found that the WR147 Landroid M offers the best combination of capability and affordability. You can run the quieter mowers at night (some even have headlights), but you should probably run the louder models only in the daytime. Robomow reliably makes some of the best premier robotic lawn mowers, although the price is a bit steep. Fortunately, if youre willing to invest in some smart hardware, theres a solution. Some robot lawn mowers have rain sensors that stop, skip, or delay a scheduled mowing in rainy conditions. We didnt miss the zone mowing capability and Bluetooth connectivity so much but wished for more frequent scheduling options. Speaking of the battery, the mowers use a rechargeable battery pack (usually lithium-ion) that can last anywhere from 30 minutes for an entry-level model designed for small lawns, up to four-plus hours for a high-end mower designed to handle larger properties. Lawn Tractor: The Right Mower for Large Yards. It has announced the Terra model robot mower with some seriously neat features, like wireless boundary detection and smart mapping for lawns.
I spent more than 14 years on staff, most recently as the director of operations for PC Labs, before hitting the freelance circuit as a contributing editor. It is powered by a 20V 4Ah lithium-ion battery for 2 hours of runtime per 90-minute charge. Ive been working with computers for ages, starting with a multi-year stint in purchasing for a major IBM reseller in New York City before eventually landing at PCMag (back when it was still in print as PC Magazine). Todays robot mowers are generally intelligent enough to return to their charging stations when their batteries run low (and, with certain models, when they detect rain). Look for a mower that offers flexible programming options that allow you to create schedules for multiple zones. The cutting head manually adjusts from 2 inches to 3.6 inches, for either warm-season or cool-season grasses, and its rated for slopes up to 17 degrees. Businesses may also like the idea of a robot mower for patches of grass if that means they dont have to hire a landscaping crew to take care of it. A mower for large lawns has a high-capacity battery pack that allows it to work longer and travel farther between charges.
To recharge, it must be perfectly positioned in relation to two flexible contact points as it passes over the base station; otherwise, it continues tracking along the perimeter wire without stopping. Some mowers also have an audible alarm and use GPS tracking to help you locate it if someone steals it. Mower blades last about 2 months. Consider the following factors when shopping for a robotic lawn mower. Robot lawn mowers have safety features to protect the user and others in its cutting area. That being said, the results are clear as day.
On average you can expect to spend about $1,500 for an electric mower.
The "cut to edge" design helps the blades mow as close to the lawn edges as possible, so you don't get those annoying stragglers by the flowerbeds, and there's a handy alert feature that sends you a notification if your mower leaves the lawn space, which indicates a performance issue or that someone is tampering with the unit (every good mower bot should have this feature). Robotic mowers are designed to cut several times per week. Mowing conditions including slopes; obstacles; irregular lawn shapes; and grass type, thickness, and growth rate may all inhibit a mowers efficiency and capability. Runtime was especially impressive: We clocked it at 2 hours 35 minutes, the longest of all the mowers we tested. Smooth, flat ground makes it easier to mow lower, while rough terrain requires additional clearance.
They cannot be sharpened; they must be replacedthink of them as you would a disposable razor blade. While this is not the robot for complicated spaces, those with a relatively flat, unobstructed yard may find this affordable no-frills robot mower ideal for keeping the grass looking great. Some robotic mowers offer built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular circuitry that lets you program and control the mower using a mobile app and track mowing progress from anywhere. Thats why we chose the Worx Landroid as our top pick. Its battery will last for just over an hour on each use. Its efficient brushless motor is powered by a 28V 4Ah lithium-ion battery that produces 2 hours of runtime per charge; recharging takes about an hour. A compromise is to keep a couple of sets of blades and switch them back and forth, sharpening the extra set each time. Must subscribe to a cellular plan after two years. An automatic shutoff kicks in if the machine is lifted, stopping the blades from moving.
Why trust us? A few models even let you use your phone as a remote control to guide the mower to certain areas for spot maintenance and support Alexa voice commands to begin and pause mowing. Here is a well-equipped mower for warm-season grasses up to of an acre, especially lawns with challenging obstacles, narrow passages, and sloped terrain. Your subscription has been confirmed. Like our top Worx pick, this model also uses A.I.-powered cutting power, and it can fit in narrow spots down to 24 inches wide for cutting lawn strips. Get the MowRo robot lawn mower on Amazon or at The Home Depot. The Automower 115H impressed us as a great choice for most suburban lawns. Upgrade your lifestyleDigital Trends helps readers keep tabs on the fast-paced world of tech with all the latest news, fun product reviews, insightful editorials, and one-of-a-kind sneak peeks. Check out our deeper dive into whether robot lawn mowers are worth it. Get the Worx robot lawn mower on Amazon or at The Home Depot. This Worx model shows a strong understanding of what a buyer needs from a reliable robot mower. Its recommended you replace the blades every two months or so during cutting season. This high level of communication pairs nicely with precision control and automated features like electric height adjustment, automatic passage handling, remote location starting, spiral- and spot-cutting capabilities, wireless firmware updates, theft protection system with GPS tracking, and more. Working with the Automower Connect app, it was easy to program the schedule, set up different starting points, and pause and restart a mowing program during an active cycle. Similarly, robotic lawn mowers can now keep the grass at just the right height, eliminating a time-consuming weekend chore. This reduces the risk of a short or malfunction due to rain. Whatever you do, make sure you buy a mower that can handle your lawn. That depends. The up to X square feet amount that manufacturers claim is calculated with ideal mowing conditions in mind. Cutting height options range from one inch to 2.5 inches. These mowers typically use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, though some use lead acid batteries or other types. Not all robotic mowers have the ability to create and schedule multiple zones within a single boundary wire, so be sure to buy a mower with that capability if necessary to suit the property size. Robot mowers use smaller blades, which work harder than larger mower blades and will dull faster. On average, youre looking at a lofty expense for a bot that may not cut the grass as fast as you and your Toro. Others feature alarms, security alerts, and GPS tracking that kicks in if the unit is removed from the owners property. Nearly all vendors offer online video tutorials and supply written instructions, a measuring tool for laying the wire, a spool of wire, and stakes to hold the wire in place. The popular Worx Landroid robotic mower lineup includes models S, M, and L for yards up to acre, acre, and acre, respectively.
Easy setup, reliable operation, smart tech, and a lower mowing height range make this a good choice for most small to midsize yards with warm-season lawn grass. There's also a PIN-secured alarm to help prevent theft and a total of 145 minutes of cutting time per charge. However, for larger and more complex yards, you're going to need a bit more lawn mower than the Worx above. Still not sure? No. The Landroids 8-inch self-leveling mowing disc cuts closer to the edges of the yard than many competitors. Collision sensors and boundary wire sensors keep the mower on the lawn and protect non-grass areas. So, we assembled two barriers around two 1,200-square-foot patches of lawn, one with Bermuda grass and a steep slope and one mostly flat with centipede grass. For the latter case, be prepared to spend a bit of money; make sure to get a quote upfront, too. Like most other models, you will have to set up a boundary wire, but with this in place, the mower can handle more complex lawns with ease. 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day, The Best Riding Lawn Mowers for Yard Care, Zero Turn vs. An onboard computer tells the mower when to mow and when to recharge. Smart televisions and lighting systems improve our sensory environment, while other automated home devices like vacuum cleaners, thermostats, and refrigerators eliminate many more mundane tasks. When grass is growing really fast, the robot mower should run every day or every other day. You can sign up for iRobots newsletter to get more updates about it, but we dont have a release date at this time. Those seeking a little mowing help without navigating extensive setup menus may find the Robomow RX20 to be just the ticket. Robot lawn mowers look similar torobot vacuums. Its important to take some time to sort through the various functions and features, as well as your unique needs, to identify the best product. The Husqvarna 115H Connect is one of the premier robotic lawn mowers in terms of voice-command technologies. Battery-operated, a solid robot mower can learn your lawn inside and out, cutting quickly, quietly, and on a schedule that you create. Finding the time to trim the grass can be a royal pain, especially when the workweek is loaded and youd rather spend the weekend with Netflix. Generally, anything above a 20- to 25-degree slant will start causing problems. You also pay more for a model that can handle larger lawns that have steep grades and obstructions such as flower beds, trees, and ornamental decorations. After resetting the base station three times and ensuring it was absolutely level in all directions with a long, straight approach, we finally achieved satisfactory results. This reliable device can handle lawn care for yards roughly half an acre or smaller, with slopes of 22 degrees or less and grass height of 2.4 inches or less. All scheduling and other operations are performed via the onboard control panel. Read on to learn about the criteria we used to select these mowers, then check out the product reviews to find out how each one did on our test turf. Shoppers not all that interested in top-of-the-line tech, who simply want a capable, reliable mower to help out with a little patch of grass, may find that the Robomow RX20 can provide satisfactory results while saving a few hundred dollars. An integrated rain sensor stops the mower from cutting if rain starts and sends it back to its charging station. Factors that affect how much space a robot lawn mower can cut include battery runtime per charge, the mower size, and the speed it travels. Read on to find out which robotic lawn mower is best based on your lawn size and budget. Yards with garden beds, boulders, pathways, and/or steeper slopes require a more capable model. The Automower 415X is loaded with communication and control features, beginning with cellular and Bluetooth connectivity. We noticed after the third or fourth mowing that the robot was making more efficient linear cuts and less frequently getting caught up in multipoint turns. PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering lab-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. With multi-zone schedules, the mower travels directly to the specified area before it begins cutting, which saves battery life.
The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. Since robot lawn mowers are fairly quiet, people often program them to run at night as a theft deterrent. Some robotic mowers can run in the rain, but it is not recommended since wet grass doesnt cut as smoothly and wet conditions can spread fungal diseases to the lawn. Programming is typically done using an onboard control panel that has On and Off buttons, as well as menus for setting seasonal timers, scheduling cutting times, creating zones, configuring edge cutting settings, running diagnostics, and viewing the cutting history. It is easily controlled via the Automower Connect mobile app and is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home smart devices.
The base station serves as the charging port and the boundary wire hub. Docking worked smoothly when mowing was done. Digital Trends Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites. Aside from that issue, Landroid provides outstanding overall functionality for the price. These mowers use a combination of sensors and border wiring that buyers manually plant around their yard to create zones where the mower travels. For example, if you have a large lawn, you might want to split it into multiple zones and have the mower concentrate on specific zones on specific days. Once you narrow down your choices based on lawn complexity and working capacity, it's time to consider features. The cutting blade and cutting width will also impact performance (more on this below). They aren't cheap, however, and you pay more for features like rain and anti-theft sensors; Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity; a mobile companion app, and flexible scheduling capabilities. The Gardena Sileno City 205 is also made to be quiet, with decibel levels under 60. At 65dB, it's also quieter than most vacuum cleaners and comes with protection to keep the mower safe around kids and pets. Installation is typically a DIY project, but some sellers offer professional installation. The normal running time is around 65 minutes although this can vary a lot depending on the lawn and charging time takes around 75 minutes. Rain, tilt, and impact sensors allow it to operate safely, automatically avoiding bad weather, excessive slopes, and obstacles. The Greenworks Pro Optimow 50H is a moderately priced robotic lawn mower that offers cellular connectivity, GPS tracking, and a user-friendly mobile app. PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. There's nothing like the look and smell of freshly cut grass, but, unless you're paying for a professional landscaping service, you have to put in a lot of time to keep your lawn in tip-top shape. The best outdoor security cameras for 2022, Best Roomba Deals 2022: Sales to shop today, The Quest 2s unprecedented price hike is a bad look for the Metaverse, AMD just gave your GPU a 92% performance boost for free, If youre on the Steam Deck waitlist, youre getting one this year, After 10 years of headaches, Im finally a believer in Windows on ARM, Twitters paid subscriptions just got a price bump, The 50 best movies on Netflix right now (July 2022), The best shows on Netflix right now (July 2022), Heres our best look yet at the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4, The best games on PlayStation Plus, Extra, and Premium, Best gaming PC deals: Get a high-end rig from $599 today, Destiny 2: Where to find Xur for the weekend of July 29, The 75 best movies on Amazon Prime Video (August 2022), The mystery of Nier: Automatas secret church door has been solved, Does require extensive ground wire installation, Rated up to 2,700 feet of lawn, which may be too small for certain yards, A step down compared to more expensive Husqvarna models.
By Mark Wolfe | Updated Jun 30, 2022 9:38 AM. In our tests, the simple onboard controls and reliable operation of the MowRo RM24 made it one of the easiest robot mowers to set up and operate. PCMag Digital Group. We measured the following robotic lawn mowers against our shopping considerations and put them to work during a monthlong home trial. Gardena's line of mowers is both robust and affordable, making them ideal choices for smaller lawns. Look for a mower with a weather-sensing feature that tells it to return to the base in the event of a heavy downpour. Before purchasing a robotic lawn mower, you first need to figure out the size of your lawn. Most of the mowers were tested on both test areas, with the exception of the Robomow. Many robotic lawn mowers are Bluetooth capable or Wi-Fi connected, so you can program them with an app on your smartphone. Powered by a 12V 4.3Ah lithium-ion battery, it provides up to 2 hours of runtime per chargebut recharges in a lengthy 8 hours. It is powered by an 18V 2Ah lithium-ion battery that delivers a runtime of 50 minutes per charge and recharges in 60 minutes. You can sharpen these blades with something like a kitchen knife sharpener, but the common approach is to replace the blades entirely. The blade height manually adjusts from 1.5 to 3.5 inches. Users can easily set or adjust the custom mowing schedule or monitor the mower on the go via the Landroid mobile app. With its larger than average cutting head and slope-conquering wheel motors, it seems that this mower could handle a much larger yard if scheduling ability was more robust. Husqvarnas intelligent mapping technology uses GPS sensors to virtually map the lawn, enabling zone control with customized settings, and real-time tracking through the app. Basic robot mowers work on flat yards and slopes of up to 15 percent (1.5 feet of rise per 10 feet of linear distance). 1996-2022 Ziff Davis. Improvements in rechargeable battery tech and intelligent software have dramatically changed the way we live. However, it lacks the precision control features and connectivity found in the other models tested. The Husqvarna Automower 315X is a state-of-the-art robot lawn mower that is packed with features, including GPS, Bluetooth, and cellular technology.
Shopping for new technology can present a bit of confusion. Onboard sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, mobile apps, and compatibility with personal digital assistants may all let users program a robotic mower. Landroid connects to a home Wi-Fi network via Bluetooth and automatically keeps its own software up to date. Other features to look for include a dedicated remote, spare cutting blades, and an anti-theft system that shuts the mower down when it is picked up and requires a unique PIN to work again. The RX20s limited terrain capability necessitated assembling an entirely different 1,200-square-foot testing area on mostly flat ground with centipede grass; this space included a narrow passage connecting two broader areas.
The same power source that charges the mowers battery also sends a low-voltage current through the boundary wire to keep the mower in bounds. And the mower has recessed blades mounted away from the edges of the machine to reduce the chance of cutting hands and feet that come too close. On its programmed mowing schedule, the mower starts and recharges itself, returning to its docking station when it has finished the job. Basic models can go for anywhere from $200 to $600, while premium mowers can go for as much as $5,000 (or more). However, the project has been delayed due to a variety of factors, so its not available yet.
The Robomow RK4000 handles up to an acre of lawn, far more than the average robot mower, and can handle steep slopes of up to 45 degrees, something few models can. MowRo's robot mower is a more affordable option designed to deal with up to a quarter of an acre. To program a weekly schedule, we had to use the app while within Bluetooth range of the mower. The machine moves slowly so pets, children, and others can see it coming and get out of the way. Its important to schedule your mower to work every day or every other day so the grass doesnt get too long for the mower to handle. Keep an eye on your inbox! EeVV&yR-y8AO?I//eW)]aNG:^ For more on how to automate the rest of your home, check out thebest smart home deviceswe've tested, as well as the best outdoor smart home devices for your yard. Sensors on the mower use the charged wire to guide it along the boundaries and to return to the base when the lawn is cut or when the battery needs to recharge.
Note: Automatic lawn mowers are mulching mowers generally designed to cut high and often, so program one accordingly. These devices may be cheaper to own and operate than gasoline-powered mowers while making very little noise and producing no exhaust emissions. With one end of the perimeter wire connected to a terminal on the base station, the wire is laid along the border of your lawn and held in place using stakes that are similar to those used to pitch a tent. Get the Husqvarna Automower 115H robot lawn mower at Amazon, Lowes, or Tractor Supply Co. For a robotic lawn mower to be considered the best, it should offer a wide range of built-in functionality along with readily available upgrade options and come in at a competitive price. Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. While it may not be suitable for larger lawns, it's an excellent mower for small projects. Most robotic mowers operate in rainy conditions but it can get messy: caked up grass cuttings stick to the cutting deck and the deck; blades eventually require cleaning; and some mowers might have trouble with wheel slippage. Spring Black Friday is HereShop Huge Sales at Home Depot, Lowes 15 Things Never to Put Down Your Garbage Disposal, Coverage area: 0.25 acre (10,890 square feet), Only one scheduled automatic mowing per day, Must be within Bluetooth range to control via the app, Easily navigates obstructions and difficult terrain, Mows on schedule every 48 hours, or on demand, Onboard controls are the only interface; no mobile app, Only capable of one scheduled mowing every 48 hours, Mowing height range suits most types of grass, Works on slopes up to 30 percent (17 degrees), Program up to 3 different starting points for efficient coverage, Consistently navigating the narrow corridor to mow both large areas, Avoiding random obstacles intentionally left within the boundaries, Returning to the base station in the event of rain or sprinklers, Avoiding excessively steep slopes without becoming stuck, Complete coverage of the test areano noticeable missed spots for the week. Unlike the others, though, the battery arrived totally depleted and had to charge for 48 hours prior to the first mowing. This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links.
ZQu!Xm p2uWk&*=$dgDFgQw,L#RGeix 'xd$d]0!Uz4DDz]EMl&yF- The base not only charges the mower but provides the wire with an electrical charge. Landroid was the only mower we tested with recharging contacts located on the side of the machine rather than the front or back. Most mowers can handle slopes of up to 20 degrees, but some can handle slopes of up to 30 degrees. Robotic mowers are quiet but not silent. https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-robot-lawn-mowers.
Rechargeable batteries for robot mowers last about 3 years on average. Once you install and program your mower, however, all you have to do is keep its cutting deck clean and change its blades every so often. Part of the test area included a steep slope, close to 50 percent in one small area, and the 415X had no trouble. That means you can run them at any hour of the day without bothering the neighbors. It carries a low-voltage electrical signal that keeps the mower inbounds. These two options were especially helpful in combination, as we needed to get our overgrown Bermuda grass under control. Docking stations are weatherproof during the mowing season. Still, in stormy weather where lightning is predicted, unplugging the system provides the best protection. Assembly and programming were easy, mowing was reliable with excellent coverage, communication through the mobile app was intuitive, and runtime was superiorall for a very competitive price. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Its worth noting that the lack of GPS technology makes this a less smart mower than the model 415X reviewed here. The shape of your lawn also comes into play: If you have things like flower beds, trees, and lighting, the mower has to use more battery power to navigate these obstructions than if it were just cutting a rectangular or square plot. Nearly all robotic mowers are very quiet and operate in the 55dB to 60dB range, but a few models out there that put out up to 75dB of sound. Batteries typically need 30 minutes to an hour to recharge. Setup and basic programming were similar to all the other models we tested. All mowers use a battery-operated motor with cutting blades, an AC-powered base station, perimeter wire, and sensors that prevent them from wandering off your property or into the street. The mower itself should last 10 years or more. This is another reason its important to use a robot mower very frequently, so theres no danger of unsightly clippings or internal blockages developing. The guide wire helped the Automower navigate efficiently through a narrow corridor from one broad space to another. Its also a good idea to schedule your mowing sessions far away from irrigation sessions. The layout and setup were similar to the other models we tested but with the unique addition of a central guide wire running through the middle of the mowing area to assist with navigation back to the home base.
Available upgrades include the ACS module that prevents collisions, Find My Landroid GPS cellular module, Radio Link module to extend Wi-Fi connectivity for improved artificial intelligence, an Off Limits module for wire-free no-mow zones within the main mowing area, and the Landroid Garage. All of the robotic mowers we tested use 14-gauge low-voltage wire to establish the barrier. Initial programming was fast and intuitive with the mowers onboard controls. This lawn robot is designed to follow a schedule based on the information you provide about your lawn on the app, cutting in light layers that don't need to be emptied out or collected and you can still adjust the cutting height if necessary. They produce an average of 50 to 70 decibels, which is similar to the sound levels of a quiet refrigerator, a calm conversation, or the noise inside a car traveling at 60 miles per hour. We observed the ease of programming and communication with the mower as well as its actual performance. The mowing height manually adjusts from 1 to 2.5 inches. Depending on the size of the mower and the battery capacity, expect charging times of anywhere from 30 minutes up to two hours or more. Setup and operation are straightforward and reliable, a variety of accessory options are available to boost functionality, and the price is significantly lower than the more technologically advanced Automower series. R2-D2 would surely approve! The clippings are deposited back on your lawn to work as fertilizer. Yes. Once the target was achieved, however, daily mowing at 1.25 inches kept the grass looking great. The cutting deck refers to the area underneath the mower where the blades spin. It used the same boundary wire and base station setup as the rest of our testing group. Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. During the target-height adjustment period, the mower seemed to focus more time on a section after it had been sufficiently cut, then running out of battery before fully cutting the other section. While they offer many similarities, we found that the WR147 Landroid M offers the best combination of capability and affordability. You can run the quieter mowers at night (some even have headlights), but you should probably run the louder models only in the daytime. Robomow reliably makes some of the best premier robotic lawn mowers, although the price is a bit steep. Fortunately, if youre willing to invest in some smart hardware, theres a solution. Some robot lawn mowers have rain sensors that stop, skip, or delay a scheduled mowing in rainy conditions. We didnt miss the zone mowing capability and Bluetooth connectivity so much but wished for more frequent scheduling options. Speaking of the battery, the mowers use a rechargeable battery pack (usually lithium-ion) that can last anywhere from 30 minutes for an entry-level model designed for small lawns, up to four-plus hours for a high-end mower designed to handle larger properties. Lawn Tractor: The Right Mower for Large Yards. It has announced the Terra model robot mower with some seriously neat features, like wireless boundary detection and smart mapping for lawns.