In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a pristine lawn can be a time-consuming chore. Enter the YUKA Robotic Mower, a state-of-the-art device designed to take the hassle out of lawn care. In this review, I’ll walk you through the features, setup, and testing of the YUKA Robotic Mower, ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
If you’d prefer, I have created a video, see below, that shows the complete process of setting up the YUKA and how well it performs.
Main Features
- Automatic Mowing and Optional Sweeper: Fully automated lawn mowing and leaf collection with no perimeter wire.
- Smart Navigation: Advanced GPS, 3D Camera and sensor technology.
- Adjustable Height: Easy cutting height adjustment.
- Rain Sensors: Automatically returns to station during rain.
- Obstacle Detection: Avoids obstacles with built-in camera and sensors.
- App Control: Setup, operation, updates and changes via smartphone app.
- Eco-Friendly: Battery-powered and quiet operation.
- Anti-Theft: PIN code and GPS tracking for security.
- Self-Charging: Returns to charge station when battery is low.
- Large Coverage: YUKA 1500 covers up to 1500 m², YUKA 2000 up to 2000 m².
YUKA 1500 & 2000 Video Review
What You Get in the Package
Unboxing the Yuka Robotic Lawnmower
Before we dive into the details, let’s start with the unboxing. As I opened the package, I was greeted with the Yuka mower itself—specifically the 2000 model, which can handle areas up to 2000 square metres. For those with smaller lawns, there’s also a 1500 model that covers up to 1500 square metres. The main difference between the two models is the number of zones they can mow—20 zones for the 2000 model and 10 for the 1500.
Included in the standard kit are:
- The Yuka mower.
- A charging station, which is quite similar to the Luba model I’ve been using for the past four months.
- A power brick for the charging station.
- An RTK module, which is a significant upgrade over the previous models, ensuring enhanced accuracy and functionality.
- Poles for the RTK station.
- A complete set of blades, screws, and assembly tools.
It’s worth noting that the dog in the video is not included in the package, but she certainly wanted to be part of the fun!
Exploring Optional Extras
Beyond the standard kit, there are several optional extras that can enhance your mowing experience. One of the most notable is a wall mount kit for the RTK station, allowing you to position it high up, such as side of the house, for better satellite reception. There’s also a solar panel option, which can power your RTK station without the need for running electrical cables.
If you’re considering additional blades, those are available for purchase, as well as a sweeping kit designed to collect grass clippings, leaves and debris from your lawn. This kit does require some assembly, but it’s a great addition for maintaining a tidy lawn.
Specifications of the Yuka Robotic Lawnmower
Now, let’s talk about the specifications. The Yuka mower boasts advanced guidance systems, including a 3D camera that provides a detailed view of its surroundings, enhancing its navigation capabilities. This feature is particularly useful if the mower temporarily loses GPS signal, as it can continue to operate effectively.
With the 2000 model, you can mow larger areas and manage more zones than with the 1500 model. The height adjustment on the Yuka is manual, ranging from 20 mm to 90 mm, which is beneficial for those with thicker grass (see comparison table below).
The floating deck design allows the mower to adapt to uneven terrain, ensuring a consistent cut without scalping the lawn. The dual-blade system provides a cutting width of 32 cm, making it efficient for larger lawns.
Comparison between the YUKA 1500 and the 2000
| Feature | YUKA 1500 | YUKA 2000 |
|---|---|---|
| Max. Mowing Size | 1500㎡ (0.37 Acre) | 2000㎡ (0.5 Acre) |
| In-App Area Storage Capacity | 1800㎡ (0.45 Acre) | 2400㎡ (0.6 Acre) |
| Max. Multi-zone Management | 10 | 20 |
| Positioning & Navigation | 3D vision & RTK | 3D vision & RTK |
| Mowing Area Per Hour | 350㎡/h | 350㎡/h |
| Mowing Height | 20mm-90mm (0.78 in.-3.54 in.) | 20mm-90mm (0.78 in.-3.54 in.) |
| Mowing Width | 32cm (12.59 inch) | 32cm (12.59 inch) |
| Max. Slope Without Sweeper | 45% (24°) | 45% (24°) |
| Max. Slope With Sweeper | 18% (10°) | 18% (10°) |
| Battery Capacity Without Sweeper | 4.5 Ah | 4.5 Ah |
| Battery Capacity With Sweeper | 9 Ah | 9 Ah |
| Engine | Powerful In-hub motor | Powerful In-hub motor |
| Voice Control | Alexa & Google Assistant | Alexa & Google Assistant |
| Connectivity | 4G & Wifi & Bluetooth | 4G & Wifi & Bluetooth |
| Waterproof | IPx6 for YUKA Machine & Charging Dock, IPX7 for RTK Station | IPx6 for YUKA Machine & Charging Dock, IPX7 for RTK Station |
This table provides a clear comparison of the main technical details for the YUKA 1500 and YUKA 2000 robotic mowers.
Where to Purchase the YUKA?
Purchase direct from Mammotion using the links below.
Control Everything Through the App
One of the standout features of the YUKA Robotic Mower is its seamless integration with the mobile app. I use the same app to control both my YUKA and Luba 2 mowers, which is incredibly convenient. If you own multiple devices, you can manage them all within a single app, making lawncare more straightforward than ever.
Impressive Range and Connectivity
The YUKA Robotic Mower boasts a range of 150 meters between the mower and the RTK station. However, if you need to extend this range, you can insert a 4G SIM card into the mower, allowing it to receive data. With the RTK station’s Wi-Fi capabilities, you can extend the range up to 3 kilometres for the YUKA and up to 5 kilometres for the Luba 2. This feature is particularly useful if you have a large and complex lawn.
Grass and Leaf Collector
As mentioned above, the YUKA Robotic Mower offers several optional extras, with the grass and leaf collector being the most significant. This collector clips onto the back of the mower and can gather grass cuttings and leaves. You can even configure the mower to use the collector only when needed, allowing you to mow your lawn regularly and collect leaves periodically. You specify dumping spots where the YUKA takes what has been collected and tips them automatically. You can see how to setup and attach the sweeper unit in my video, as well as its effectiveness and operation.
Setting Up the YUKA Robotic Mower
Assembling the Charge Station
Assembling the charge station is straightforward. The top part clips into the base, and three screws secure it. The provided ground screws and an allen/hex key help secure the base to the lawn.
Setting Up the RTK Station
The RTK station can be mounted on a pole or higher up if needed. The cable runs through the pole and connects to the charge station, which powers the RTK station. You can also use a separate power supply if you want the RTK station located away from the charge station.
Choosing the Right Location
To test the YUKA Robotic Mower, I set it up on my neighbour’s lawn, which has various obstacles, no-go zones, and slopes. This setup will provide a comprehensive test of the mower’s capabilities. I placed the charge station on the grass and used a pole for the RTK station. (If the satellite signal is insufficient, you can mount the RTK station higher on the side of the building).
Remember, that there is the option to purchase a solar panel kit for the RTK station. This means that you can place the RTK in any location without the need for an electrical socket. The solar panel will keep the station 100% charged even during the winter months. This is such a big improvement over the old RTK station used on the Luba 1, as you no longer need a cable, and access, to the station to perform firmware upgrades, and no need to run a power cable, making this RTK super convenient and easy to install.
Note: The RTK station and the mower need to see the same satellites for optimal performance.
Connecting the Mower
Once the RTK station is set up, I connected it to the charge station and ensured it had a good satellite signal. The YUKA mower has a handle at the back and front, making it easy to carry. I removed the protective foam from the bump sensor and placed the mower on the charge station to start charging.
Mapping and Testing
With the app installed on my phone, I added the RTK station and the YUKA mower. The app detected both devices automatically. After connecting the RTK station to Wi-Fi and upgrading the firmware, I was ready to create a map of the lawn. The mapping process involves driving the mower around the perimeter and creating no-go zones using the Mammotion app on your smart phone.
Mapping the Lawn
I walked around the lawn to identify the areas the YUKA would mow, including sections with trees and slopes. For trees and steep edges, I created no-go zones to prevent the mower from getting stuck or damaged. You will see in the video that I allowed around 10cm along the boundary that had a drop to insure the YUKA did not get beached with one wheel over the edge.
Take your time with mapping the lawn, as this is the foundation of how well the mower will navigate and the amount of edge trimming you will need to do. Remember you only need to do this once, and is the part of the setup that takes the longest.
Moving the Charging Station
To begin, I had to move the RTK and charging station to a different corner of my neighbour’s lawn. Initially, the YUKA was having trouble getting a satellite signal. It’s worth noting that some users have reported waiting 10-15 minutes for the YUKA to position itself and connect to the satellites, so don’t be too quick to move it.
Ready to Create the Task Area
Once the RTK station was in a better location, I was ready to create the task area. The display on the YUKA prompted me to “tap to create a task area,” so I did just that.
Creating the Task Area
Setting the Starting Point
I clicked the “Area” button and then clicked “Start”. The next step was to manually move the mower to the starting point of the task area. At this stage, I was not mapping the perimeter yet; just positioning the mower to the start position.
Mapping the Perimeter
I moved the mower to the edge of the lawn and clicked the “Play” button to start mapping the task area. The YUKA then began creating the task area. I carefully drove the mower around the edge of the lawn, keeping a close eye on the perimeter. For steep drops, I left a 10 cm gap to ensure the mower wouldn’t go over the edge.
Completing the Mapping
Once I had driven the mower around the entire perimeter, I brought it back to the start position. The display indicated that the mapping was complete, and I clicked to “Save” the task area.
Creating No-Go Zones
Identifying Obstacles
With the task area mapped out, the next step was to create “No-go zones” around obstacles like trees. This is a simple process with the YUKA. I went into the map, clicked “Create”, and selected “No-Go Zone”.
Mapping No-Go Zones
I maneuvered the mower to the starting point of the no-go zone, clicked the “Play” button, and carefully drove it around the obstacle. Once I had mapped the entire perimeter of the no-go zone, I clicked to “Save” it.
Repeating for Multiple Obstacles
I repeated this process for all the trees and other obstacles on the lawn. For trees without edging, I decided to rely on the YUKA’s avoidance detection system to see how well it would navigate around them, I must say it did a great job. However, if necessary, you can always go back and set these areas as no-go zones.
As I only had one mowing area and the fact that the charging station was inside the mowing area, there was no need for me to create any channels between either the zones or from the zone to the charging station.
Final Setup Steps
Setting the Mower to Mow
With the task area and no-go zones mapped out, it was time to set the YUKA on the charging station and let it start mowing.
First, I set the mower off for a mow by clicking the “Mow” button. Since I only have one area to mow, I confirmed the setting and proceeded with the configurations. I turned off the sweeper as it wasn’t needed initially. Adjusting the task speed a bit higher allowed the mower to work faster, allowing me to demonstrate the video more quickly.
Cutting Paths and Settings
I opted for the standard zigzag cutting path and left the spacing at 20. To ensure the mower gets close to the trees, I set it to “Less touch.” This way, it mows right up to the tree trunks. For the no-go zones, I decided on one lap around the trees, using the zigzag method first to cut the lawn and then going around the edge. This method ensures a clean cut before focusing on the edges.
Final Adjustments
I left the angle settings as they were and noted that the mower would take approximately 198 minutes to cover the 844 square metres of the lawn. With everything set, I clicked the “Start” button to see how the YUKA performs.
Where to Purchase the YUKA?
Purchase direct from Mammotion using the links below.
Around the Trees
The YUKA navigated around the trees impressively well. Despite not setting the trees as no-go zones, the mower handled them expertly, cutting the grass neatly around them. It’s truly remarkable how it identifies and navigates obstacles.
Cutting Precision
The mower’s precision is commendable. It maintained straight lines and managed to cut right up to the edges, even under the trees and benches.
If you take a look at my video review you will see how the YUKA navigated around the legs of the bench, then proceeded to mow under the bench. To say I was incredibly impressed, would be an understatement!
The firmware and app upgrades by Mammotion have significantly enhanced its performance.
The YUKA is also capable of cutting patterns onto your lawn, these could be standard shapes such as love heart or user defined such as company logos etc. Naturally this is in addition to the standard horizontal, vertical and checker board patterns.
Sweeper Functionality
Attaching the Sweeper Kit
After the initial mow, I attached the sweeper kit to the mower. Setting a dumping ground was straightforward. I navigated the mower to the desired dumping spot and created it using the app. This spot is where the mower deposited the collected leaves and grass cuttings.
Sweeping in Action
With the sweeper turned on, I set the mower to sweep up the leaves on the lawn. It was fascinating to watch the sweeper in action, picking up leaves and grass cuttings efficiently. The mower even detected when it needed to empty the grass bag and navigated to the dump point to unload the collected debris. Remember you always have the option to turn the sweeper on and off as and when required, allowing the YUKA to act as a mulching lawnmower as well as cut & collect depending on your preference and needs.
Final Thoughts
Overall Performance
The YUKA Robotic Mower exceeded my expectations. It handled various obstacles, maintained precise cutting lines, and efficiently swept up leaves and grass cuttings. The ability to configure no-go zones and dumping spots using the app adds to its convenience.
Recommendations
If you’re considering a robotic mower, I highly recommend the YUKA. Its ease of setup and exceptional performance make it a valuable addition to any lawncare routine. Whether you’re looking at the YUKA or its counterpart, the Luba 2, both offer impressive features and capabilities.
I have also created an article and video on the differences between the YUKA and ant Luba 2 robotic lawnmowers, so you can make an informed decision as to which one is best for you.
YUKA vs. LUBA 2 – Which One Should You Buy?
Conclusion
From my personal experience using the YUKA Robotic Mower on my neighbour’s lawn, I can confidently say it has been a game-changer. My neighbour loves it so much that he refuses to give it back! Watching the YUKA navigate around obstacles, maintain perfect cutting lines, and efficiently sweep up debris has been nothing short of impressive. If you’re on the fence about investing in a robotic mower, take it from my neighbour’s glowing endorsement: the YUKA is worth every penny. It’s made his lawn look immaculate with minimal effort, and seeing the results first-hand has convinced me that it’s an excellent investment for any lawn enthusiast.
The only issue you will have is the desire to sit, stare and admire at the incredible YUKA mower in action, preferably with a glass of wine.
Thank you for reading, and happy mowing!
Pro and Cons
FAQs
What is the maximum mowing area for the YUKA 1500 and YUKA 2000?
The YUKA 1500 can mow up to 1500㎡ (0.37 Acre), while the YUKA 2000 can handle up to 2000㎡ (0.5 Acre).
Can I control the YUKA robotic mowers using my smartphone?
Yes, both the YUKA 1500 and YUKA 2000 can be controlled via a dedicated smartphone app, allowing for remote operation and scheduling.
How do the YUKA mowers handle slopes?
Without the sweeper, both models can handle slopes up to 45% (24°). With the sweeper, they can handle slopes up to 18% (10°).
Are the YUKA robotic mowers waterproof?
Yes, the YUKA machines and their charging docks are rated IPx6, and the RTK station is rated IPX7, making them highly resistant to water.
Both YUKA 1500 and YUKA 2000 use advanced 3D vision and RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) positioning for precise navigation.
Can I use voice commands to control the YUKA mowers?
Yes, both models support voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant.
What is the mowing width and height range for these YUKA mowers?
The mowing width for both models is 32cm (12.59 inches), and the mowing height can be adjusted between 20mm and 90mm (0.78 in.-3.54 in.).
What connectivity options are available for the YUKA mowers?
The YUKA 1500 and YUKA 2000 support 4G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless operation and updates.
Not sure about this robotic mower? Click here for more best robotic lawn mower reviews.
As a seasoned expert in the field of garden power tools, I have dedicated over a decade to working with and reviewing a wide variety of lawn mowers. My extensive experience has allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the benefits and limitations of different types of mowers and garden tools.
Over the years, I have honed my skills in writing informative articles and creating helpful videos for various blogs and publications. This has given me the ability to not only recognise what makes a good lawn mower, but also to help you choose the perfect garden tool for your specific needs and requirements.
With my wealth of knowledge and expertise, I am confident that I can provide you with valuable insights and recommendations when it comes to selecting the right lawn mower for your lawn. So, whether you're looking for a battery cordless, electric, petrol, or robotic mower, you can trust in my expertise to guide you towards the best option for your garden.
Is it possible to use sweeper without cutting? And would it be possible to collect leaves from hard surfaces, e.g. driveway.
Hi, I don’t believe you can sweep without the blade running. I will check this as I’m just about to get the YUKA out again for the mowing season. Thanks