Important Things to Know About Robot Lawn Mowers: Questions People Ask

Before we dive into the list of the best mowers of 2022, here are a few things you should know about robot lawn mowers, all of which will help you better understand these products and ultimately make your choice. Here are some of the most common questions people ask about robot lawn mowers:

What is an Autonomous Robot Lawn Mower?

As the name suggests, these are lawn mowers that work all by themselves. They require little to no human operation once they have been set up. In short, they completely free you from the responsibility of having to cut your lawn once every week or more, saving you time and who knows how many thousands of dollars (if you pay to have your lawn professionally cut, the savings can be immense)

How Do Robot Lawn Mowers Work?

The next question people usually ask once they find out what robot lawn mowers are is “how do they work?” The answer to this depends on the model you are using. In recent years, robot lawn mowers have functioned using a boundary wire and built-in sensors. For this to work, a professional has to come to your property to install said wire, and then the mower communicates with it to know where it is on your property, plot its route, and also warn you if it’s been taken off the property, a key security feature. However, nowadays, more and more companies are coming out with robot lawn mowers that don’t need a boundary wire. Instead, they use maps, GPS, and advanced AI technology, usually involving cameras, to know where they are and also define the cutting area. This is becoming a very popular feature for robot lawn mowers largely because boundary wire installation is tricky to do on your own and expensive if you bring in a professional. But it is still somewhat new and unproven, though we expect this to become the norm in the future.

Mobile Applications

Another key aspect of robot lawn mower functionality is its corresponding mobile app. Each company has its own, and you use this to do everything from set your mower up, establish your mowing preferences, such as length of cut and frequency of mowings, and track maintenance records. . You can also use these apps to track your mower’s progress at its mowing and, on some models, redirect it.

Do Robot Lawn Mowers Work Well?

In a word: yes! Quality robot lawn mowers have razor sharp blades that cut your grass pretty much in the same way a regular mower does. In addition, the boundary wire technology they use has been around for some time (it’s basically the same as what a robot vacuum does inside your home, and those have been available for ages.) Apps have made them much easier to control and set up, and improved battery technology means they can run for longer. Also, all robot lawn mowers on the market today are fully waterproof, meaning they can sit outside no matter the weather. However, they all also come with rain sensors and will usually stop mowing, or delay starting, when it’s not dry. Wet grass is harder to cut and therefore consumes more battery than is necessary. It can also get stuck underneath the mower and make it less functional.

Potential Robot Lawn Mower Shortcomings

If there’s one area where robot lawn mowers could be improved it’s in how much grass it can cut at one time. Because they run on rechargeable batteries, there is a limit to how much they can do in a single charge. The absolute top of the line models can cut about one acre at a time, but most are more in the .25-.5 acre range, which is fine for those living in urban areas but not great for those in more rural areas with more land. Another thing to keep in mind is that robot lawn mowers don’t always cut using back and forth patterns like landscapers do. The reason for this is that robot mowers use algorithms to determine the most efficient mowing pattern, a feature that helps optimize battery performance. This means they don’t leave your lawn with that pristine look you might be used to, but they also cut your grass more often so that your lawn always looks mowed, which is a nice compensation.

How Much Do Robot Lawn Mowers Cost?

As you might expect, there’s a big range here. The cheapest robot lawn mowers cost around $700/$800, whereas the most expensive can run you more than $3,000. On average, expect to pay around $1,500 for a robot lawn mower. While this might sound expensive, it pales in comparison to the cost of paying for professional mowing services, which can cost you thousands of dollars per year. And as compared to traditional gas-powered mowers, larger ride-on models will cost you just as much. Smaller, push models are often cheaper, but they require frequent maintenance (blade sharpening, oil changes, spark plug changes) and also run on gas, which we all know isn’t getting any cheaper.

Which Brands Make Robot Lawn Mowers?

A number of different companies make robot lawn mowers. The leaders include Husqvarna, WORX, Stihl, Robomow, MoRow, Honda, and Gardenia.

How Do You Protect Robot Lawn Mowers from Theft?

Given how small and compact they are, you might be worried that someone would walk off with your $1,000+ device. But nearly all robot lawn mowers come equipped with anti-theft systems that will alert you when they’ve been taken off your property, which they can do thanks to the boundary wires they normally depend on.

The Best Robot Lawn Mowers of 2022

Now it’s time to take a look at the best robot lawn mowers available in 2022. Our list covers a few different categories so that you can find the ideal mower for you no matter your needs.