Key Features

The OcuMow 18 is equipped with several standout features:

• Cutting Capability: Effectively handles lawns up to 800 square metres, making it suitable for a range of garden sizes.
• Auto Charging: Operates independently from dawn until dusk, automatically returning to its charging station when the battery is low or when scheduled to stop.
• Plug-and-Play Charging Station: Simply connect the charging station to an outdoor power socket, and the mower will take care of the rest.
• Boundary Control: The mower uses a combination of GPS positioning and vision software to navigate, eliminating the need for boundary wires.
• Performance on Slopes: For gardens with slopes up to 35% (19°), the OcuMow 18 features high specification, deep-tread wheels that provide additional grip, ensuring reliable performance even on challenging terrain.

Unboxing the Lawn Master OcuMow 18

Upon unboxing, the following kit is included in the box, as you can see in my video:

• The robotic mower itself, featuring an 18 cm cutting deck (designed for efficient grass cutting).
• A plug-and-play charging station with a power supply, enhancing convenience over the previous OcuMow 16 model.
• Comprehensive user guides, including a detailed manual and a quick start guide for easy setup.
• Essential accessories: 10 metres of magnetic boundary strip, ground screws for securing the base station, an Allen key, pegs for the magnetic strip, and six spare blades with screws.

LawnMaster VBRM18AMDR – OcuMow 18 Video Review

Battery Information

The OcuMow 18 is powered by a removable 4 amp hour MX 24V lithium battery, which is compatible with other Lawn Master tools, such as hedge trimmers, grass trimmers, and leaf blowers. The removable battery offers flexibility and improved runtime, making it suitable for larger lawns. The battery can also be used in drop-and-mow mode, allowing you to take the fully charged mower to another location and choose between spiral or random cutting patterns. What’s there not to like?

Charging Station Assembly

Setting up the charging station is straightforward as you can see in my video:

1. Connect the components together, ensuring a snug fit.
2. Use the included ground screws to secure the station to your lawn.
3. Tighten the screws with the provided Allen key.
4. Connect the power supply.

The mower features a user-friendly control panel with a simple dial and LCD screen interface for easy operation. Additionally, a rain sensor automatically sends the mower back to the charging station when it detects precipitation, helping to protect both the mower and your lawn.

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Setting Up the Robotic Mower

The OcuMow 18 comes with thorough setup documentation, making the initial process simple. The user guide covers all features and operational details, while the quick start guide provides clear instructions to get the mower running without any hassle.

Magnetic Strip for No-Go Areas

One of the most practical features of the OcuMow 18 is the magnetic strip system for creating no-go zones. The kit includes:

• 10 metres (33 feet) of magnetic strip.
• Pegs for securing the strip to the ground.

To create a no-go area:

1. Lay the magnetic strip along the boundary you wish to exclude.
2. Secure it with the provided pegs.

This feature is ideal for protecting flower beds, garden features, or sections of lawn you wish to keep longer, such as recently re-seeded patches, steep slopes, ponds, or rewilded areas.

Base Station Installation

Proper installation of the charging station is crucial for reliable operation:

1. Choose a flat area with good access to your lawn.
2. Position the charging station.
3. Use the Allen key to drive the ground screws through the base station into the soil.
4. Connect the power supply.

The base station should be stable to ensure the OcuMow 18 can dock properly for charging.

Preparation for First Use

Before the first use, ensure the mower is properly prepared:

• Battery Installation: Insert the 4.0Ah battery (it comes charged).
• Height Adjustment: Set the cutting height using the dial on top (ranging from 20 mm to 80 mm). I recommend starting with a higher setting (around 60-80 mm) and gradually lowering it to the desired height after a few mowing cycles.

For optimal results, I suggest starting the OcuMow 18 in mid-March when temperatures begin to rise and grass starts growing. This timing allows the mower to get ahead of lawn maintenance before peak growing season.

Specifications of the OcuMow 18

• Lawn Size Suitability: Designed for lawns up to 800 square metres, a significant upgrade from the OcuMow 16’s capacity.
• Cutting Height Range: Adjustable from 20 mm to 80 mm (0.5 to 3.1 inches), offering flexibility for different grass types and conditions.
• Battery Compatibility: The removable 4Ah MX24 battery can be used across other Lawn Master tools, enhancing convenience.

Performance Testing

Rear Lawn Demonstration

I tested the OcuMow 18 on my rear lawn, measuring about 450 square metres. After setting up the charging station and defining a no-go area with the magnetic strip, I was eager to see how the mower would perform.

The mower navigated efficiently, making multiple passes in various directions. I was particularly impressed with the no-go zone functionality; the magnetic strip effectively kept the mower away from the back section of my lawn where I wanted to maintain longer grass for testing other mowers.

The ultrasonic sensors worked well, detecting obstacles and allowing the mower to change direction before making contact. For a garden with diverse features, this capability is essential. The cutting performance was excellent, with the three razor blades on the 18 cm cutting disc trimming the grass neatly and mulching the clippings back into the lawn, returning valuable nutrients to the soil.

Front Lawn Drop and Mow Feature Test

I also tested the “drop and mow” feature on my front lawn, which is approximately 100 square metres. This feature sets the OcuMow 18 apart from many competitors, allowing for easy relocation without needing separate boundary wires or charging stations.

To use this feature:

1. Pick up the mower.
2. Carry it to the secondary location.
3. Place it on the lawn.
4. Set the appropriate cutting height.
5. Select the Drop and Mow function.

The mower performed brilliantly, methodically covering my front lawn without any issues. The 4Ah battery provided ample runtime to complete the job. This feature is particularly useful for maintaining separated lawn areas or occasionally mowing a neighbour’s lawn.

During a light shower, the rain sensor activated, causing the mower to return to standby mode—an excellent feature to prevent damage to wet lawn. With the cutting height set to 40 mm, the results were impressive, leaving my front lawn looking well-manicured with minimal effort.

LawnMaster OcuMow 18 – VBRM18AMDR User Guide

Click here to download the LawnMaster VBRM18 User Guide

Conclusion – Pros & Cons

The Lawn Master OcuMow 18 robotic lawn mower offers numerous advantages over previous models and competitors. Here’s a breakdown of its strengths and areas for improvement:

The Good:

• Handles lawns up to 800 square metres, a massive improvement from the OcuMow 16’s 100 square metres.
• Includes a plug-and-play charging station for automated scheduling and operation.
• Utilises high-definition camera and sensor technology, eliminating the need for boundary wires.
• Features a removable MX24 4Ah battery compatible with other Lawn Master tools.
• Simple setup process without complicated apps or firmware updates.
• Magnetic strip (10m) for creating no-go zones.
• Ultrasonic sensors to avoid obstacles.
• Adjustable cutting height from 20 mm to 80 mm.
• Rain sensor that returns the mower to base during wet weather.
• Safety features including lift, tilt, and bump sensors, along with PIN code protection.
• High specification, deep-tread wheels provide additional grip for slopes up to 35% (19°).

Could Be Better:

• No way to automatically navigate from zone to zone.
• Manual height adjustment.

For those seeking a straightforward and effective lawn care solution, the OcuMow 18 delivers. The combination of advanced navigation technology, ease of use, and efficient cutting makes it an excellent choice for maintaining a healthy lawn with minimal effort. With a two-year guarantee and UK-based customer support, you can purchase with confidence, knowing you’re backed by reliable service.

Frequently Asked Questions – LawnMaster OcuMow® 18 Robotic Mower

General Questions

How large of a lawn can the OcuMow 18 handle?

The OcuMow 18 is designed to maintain lawns up to 800 square metres. This makes it suitable for small to medium-sized gardens and represents a significant improvement over the previous OcuMow 16 model, which only handled up to 100 square metres.

Does the OcuMow 18 require boundary wires like other robotic mowers?

No, the OcuMow 18 doesn’t require traditional boundary wires. It uses Optical Grass Recognition (OGR) vision software and high-definition camera technology to detect lawn edges and navigate your garden. For best results, your lawn should have clearly defined borders such as dark mulch, paving, gravel, or a raised edge at least 6 cm high.

How does the OcuMow 18 navigate around my garden?

The mower uses a combination of GPS positioning and vision software to navigate your lawn. It employs a sophisticated algorithm that cuts in a randomised pattern, ensuring even coverage and a healthier lawn over time.

How do I set up no-go zones for my garden?

The OcuMow 18 comes with 10 metres of magnetic No-Go strip. Simply lay this strip around areas you wish to protect (such as flower beds, ponds, or recently seeded areas), and secure it with the provided pegs. The mower will detect these strips using on-board sensors and navigate away from these areas.

Setup and Operation

How difficult is it to set up the OcuMow 18?

The OcuMow 18 features a plug-and-play setup that’s quite straightforward. You just need to:

1. Position and secure the charging station
2. Connect it to an outdoor power socket
3. Set your desired schedule using the simple dial and LCD interface

Does the OcuMow 18 require a smartphone app?

No, the OcuMow 18 does not require a smartphone app for setup or operation. It uses a simple dial and LCD screen interface directly on the mower, making it accessible for users who prefer straightforward controls.

What cutting heights are available?

The OcuMow 18 offers 7 cutting heights ranging from 20 mm to 80 mm. For best results, it’s recommended to start at a higher setting (around 60 mm) for longer grass and gradually reduce to your desired height after regular mowing.

Can the OcuMow 18 handle slopes?

Yes, the OcuMow 18 can handle slopes up to 35% (19°) thanks to its high-specification, deep-tread wheels that provide additional grip on inclined surfaces.

Battery and Charging

How long does the battery last?

The OcuMow 18 comes with a 4.0Ah MX 24V lithium-ion battery that provides sufficient runtime to cover lawns up to 800 square metres. The exact runtime will depend on grass conditions and terrain.

How does the charging system work?

The mower automatically returns to its charging station when the battery is low or when it’s scheduled to stop. It uses a combination of GPS positioning and vision software to find its way back to the station.

Can I use the battery in other garden tools?

Yes, the 4.0Ah MX 24V battery is fully compatible with the entire LawnMaster MX 24V cordless range, including lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, grass trimmers, chainsaws, and leaf blowers.

Features and Performance

What is “Drop and Mow” mode?

Drop and Mow mode allows you to use the OcuMow 18 on separate lawns without needing additional charging stations. Simply take the fully charged mower to another location, choose either spiral or random cutting pattern, and the mower will work until the battery is low, then wait to be returned to its charging station.

Does the mower collect grass clippings?

No, the OcuMow 18 operates as a mulching mower. It cuts grass into fine clippings that are deposited back onto the lawn, returning nutrients to the soil and promoting healthier grass growth.

What safety features does the OcuMow 18 have?

The OcuMow 18 includes several safety features:

• Lift, tilt & bump sensors that immediately stop the blades if the mower is picked up or bumps into objects
• PIN code protection to prevent unauthorised use
• Daylight-only operation to protect nocturnal wildlife like hedgehogs

Does the OcuMow 18 work in rainy conditions?

The OcuMow 18 is equipped with a rain sensor that detects precipitation and automatically returns the mower to its charging station, protecting both the mower and your lawn during wet weather.

Maintenance and Support

How do I maintain the OcuMow 18?

Regular maintenance includes:

• Cleaning the underside of the mower
• Checking and replacing blades when necessary (6 spare blades are included)
• Ensuring the wheels and sensors are free from debris
• Storing the mower in a dry place during winter months

What warranty does the OcuMow 18 come with?

The OcuMow 18 comes with a comprehensive 2-year guarantee, backed by LawnMaster’s UK-based customer support team.

How often do the blades need replacing?

Blade replacement frequency depends on usage and lawn conditions. The OcuMow 18 comes with 6 spare blades, and they’re designed to be easily replaced when they become dull or damaged.

When is the best time to start using the OcuMow 18?

For optimal results, it’s recommended to start using the OcuMow 18 in mid-March when temperatures begin to rise and grass starts actively growing. This allows the mower to get ahead of lawn maintenance before the peak growing season.

Can I leave the OcuMow 18 outside year-round?

While the OcuMow 18 is designed for outdoor use, it’s recommended to store the mower and charging station in a dry, frost-free location during winter months when not in use to extend the lifespan of the equipment.