Choosing The Best Robotic Lawn Mower Video Guide
In my video below, I will guide you through the step-by-step process of choosing the best robotic lawn mower for you and your lawn.
Welcome to my comprehensive guide on the best robotic mowers available for purchase. As someone who has rigorously tested and reviewed a wide range of robotic mowers, I bring you first-hand insights and experiences to help you make an informed decision. From the compact and budget-friendly WORX WR130E S300 to the advanced Mammotion Luba 2, I have evaluated each mower’s performance, ease of use, and technological advancements. My selection includes models suited for both small and large lawns, ensuring that you can find the perfect fit for your specific needs and budget.
Choosing the right robotic mower can be a daunting task, given the plethora of options and the rapid advancements in technology. Traditional boundary wire systems are now being complemented or even replaced by innovative GPS and camera-guided navigation, offering more precision and convenience. Whether you have a small urban garden or a sprawling estate, it’s crucial to select a mower that matches the size of your lawn. Investing in a high-capacity mower for a small lawn or an underpowered model for a large area can lead to inefficiencies and unnecessary expenses.
In my quest to find the best robotic mowers, I have tested models ranging from £300 to £4000, covering a diverse spectrum of features and capabilities. From the user-friendly LawnMaster L10 to the sophisticated Mammotion YUKA robotic mowers, my reviews provide detailed insights into each model’s strengths and weaknesses. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-end, feature-rich mower, my webpage will guide you through the best choices to keep your lawn in pristine condition.
My Favourite Robotic Lawnmowers Tested and Reviewed
- The LawnMaster L10 Robotic Lawnmower stands out as the best overall for its straightforward operation and excellent value for money.
- The Flymo EasiLife 350 Robotic Lawn Mower is celebrated as the best all-rounder, offering a balance of features, performance, and ease of use.
- The WORX Landroid Vision M600 Robotic Lawnmower – WR206E is top-of-the-line for its advanced camera/vision guidance system, providing precise and intelligent lawn navigation.
- For smaller gardens, the Flymo EasiLife 150 GO Robotic Lawn Mower is the best choice, designed to efficiently handle tight spaces with ease.
In order to help you find the best robotic mower for yourself, I’ve reviewed a variety of different models below, all of which have been designed for specific types of lawn.
In a Hurry?
Before we jump into the reviews, I understand that some of you could be pushed for time. If you don’t have time to read my in-depth robotic lawn mower reviews, I have listed my top selections below for your convenience.
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Robotic Mowers For SMALL LAWNS
Robotic Mowers For MEDIUM LAWNS
Robotic Mowers For LARGE LAWNS
How to Go About Choosing a Suitable Robotic Lawn Mower
There are many reasons why people buy a robotic lawn mower. Due to the continuous mulching robotic mowers produce a much healthier, stronger and thicker lawn. They are cheaper in the long run, but the most important point is that they conveniently work around your life and they do all the work with no effort from your side (once set up). So if you have already decided that purchasing a robotic mower is suitable option for you and your garden, how do you know what make and model to consider to ensure you are getting the best one for your personal circumstances?
Picking the perfect robotic mower can be challenging and because of the initial higher investment, you’ll no doubt want to get it right first time.
There are loads of things to consider so the whole process might feel a little overwhelming. That’s why I thought it would be good to give you some help.
I’ll cover the three most important aspects you need to consider – garden type, price, practicalities – and point out exactly what you should look for in each section. Giving you a much clearer idea in your head of which robotic mower would suit you and your lawn best. This should make the selection process much easier.
Beginners Guide To Purchasing & Choosing A Robotic Mower
If you’re anything like me then your life is extremely busy. If it’s not work, it’s social engagement and if it’s not that, you’re ferrying the kids around, taking care of the house and still trying to find time for a moment to breathe. When you throw in lawn care, you’ve got a plethora of chores and not enough hours in the day to do them.
But that’s where a robot lawn mower really comes in handy. These modern machines provide you with a way to stay on top of lawn maintenance without actually having to lift a finger; aside from the set up, that is.
If you’re new to the idea of using a robot mower then I understand that you’ll likely have a lot of questions. This guide is designed to introduce you to the robotic lawn mower and give you some tips on finding the right product for you.
What Is A Robotic Lawn Mower And How Does It Work?
A robotic lawn mower is a device that is designed to cut your lawn without you having to walk around the garden and do the work yourself. They are programmed using keypads, apps and boundary wires and you can then leave them to get on with mowing.
It is possible to set mowing schedules and typically, a robotic lawn mower will mow a little off the lawn every day. Whereas, when you mow the lawn with a walk behind mower, you’d probably only mow once every week or two.
These robotic mowers are powered by rechargeable batteries but what’s great about them is that you don’t even need to worry about remembering to put them on charge. They’re smart machines that will automatically return to their charging station when they need a power boost. Once you’ve set them up, it really is a case of just letting them get on with it.
While still relatively new to the UK market, robot mowers are growing in popularity. With more innovative features constantly being added, I don’t think it will be long before these handy devices are a staple in every home, even if they run alongside a more traditional method of mowing.
Guide to Robotic Lawnmower Brands and Warranties in the UK
| Brand Name | Description | Standard Warranty Period |
|---|---|---|
| WORX | WORX robotic mowers are known for their innovation, including features like GPS and Wi-Fi connectivity, and cater to a wide range of lawn sizes with their user-friendly design. | 3 years |
| Flymo | Flymo offers a range of easy-to-use robotic lawn mowers that are ideal for smaller gardens, with the ability to handle complex shapes and slopes. | 2 years |
| Husqvarna | As a pioneer in the robotic mower market, Husqvarna’s Automower® range is renowned for its reliability and performance, designed for all lawn sizes and terrains. | 2 years, extendable up to 5 years |
| Bosch | Bosch Indego robotic mowers are smart, efficient, and capable of ‘Logicut’ for systematic mowing, suitable for a variety of garden sizes. | 2 years |
| McCulloch | McCulloch’s ROB series is designed for effortless lawn maintenance, offering simple setup and operation with robust performance for medium-sized lawns. | 1 year |
| Robomow | Robomow is well-regarded for its heavy-duty mowers that can handle larger and more complex lawns with ease, featuring strong cutting systems and smart features. | 2 years |
| Gardena | Gardena robotic mowers are equipped with smart technology for precise navigation and offer a range of models tailored to different lawn sizes and complexities. | 2 years |
| Ambrogio | Ambrogio robot mowers are recognized for their high-end, professional-grade features, designed to tackle large and intricate gardens with advanced navigation systems. | 2 years, with options to extend |
| LawnMaster | LawnMaster robotic mowers are budget-friendly and designed for simplicity, ideal for smaller lawns, and they offer straightforward functionality. | 2 years |
| Stihl | Stihl’s iMow robotic mowers are durable and efficient, designed to provide a high-quality cut and smart lawn management for various garden sizes. | 5 years |
Please note that warranty periods can vary depending on the retailer and specific model purchased, and it is always best to confirm the warranty details at the time of purchase
Features To Look For In A Robotic Mower
As you can see from the information above, there are a lot of options when it comes to robot mowers with each manufacturer competing to bring you the best product. All of the brands I have mentioned above are excellent and I’d have very little problem recommending them. However, you must keep in mind that we all have differing needs so what I might find useful in a robot mower, you may not need.
That said, here are some of the most important features you should look for when choosing a robotic lawn mower.
Battery
You primarily need to make sure that the mower battery is going to run for long enough to cover most, if not all of the lawn in one session. While these machines will return to their charging station when required, you don’t want them to spend more time charging than they do mowing. You may notice that there are some robotic mower models that are the same size and have the same battery, but are designed for larger lawns. How can this be? Well, the manufacture programs the mower to cut for different lengths of time throughout the day and will provide longer boundary wire and pegs for the larger models.
It’s also a good idea to look for a robot mower whose battery can be replaced. This allows you to swap batteries as their performance drops over the years, which is inevitable. Generally speaking, a lithium-ion battery will last less time than the mower itself so having the option to put a new battery in means you’ll get the most out of your machine.
Incline
Many UK gardens are not perfectly flat and have slopes and hills. It’s important to keep in mind that each robot mower will have different abilities in tackling these inclines. If you have a particularly steep garden then it’s worth looking at how steep a slope the mower can handle. If you don’t, you may find that it struggles to get around the garden and some of the grass on the slope will be left uncut. If you have a particularly steep slope then it is worth noting that there are some four wheeled drive models available, but watch out as these are not cheap.
Cutting Width
Just like your regular lawn mower, robot lawn mowers come with different cutting widths. Since robot mowers are smaller, the cutting widths aren’t usually as wide as a petrol lawn mower, for example. However, it is important to choose something that’s compatible with your lawn. For smaller gardens with tight spaces, a narrower cutting width would be ideal, but for bigger lawns, something larger will allow more coverage in each pass.
You will find details on the lawn size that any given mower is suitable for on the packaging. This will usually be given in square metres so make sure you find a mower that can stand up to the size of your lawn. Most domestic robotic lawn mowers have a deck size and cutting width of around 18cm.
Object Avoidance
You will likely have a range of objects, people and pets on your lawn at any one time and it’s incredibly important for the safe operation of the mower, so you will be pleased to know that at a minimum all robotic mowers will have bump sensors fitted. Higher end robot mowers will also feature object avoidance which will prevent them from bumping / colliding with anything left on the lawn.
Cutting Height
Another feature that is similar between traditional mowers and robot mowers is the ability to adjust the cutting height. Usually, there will be a selection of heights but it’s important to choose a mower whose cutting heights are in keeping with how long or short you like to have your lawn. The more cutting height options you have, the more versatile the mower will be in different conditions. Most robotic mowers will have cutting heights between 20mm and 80mm, so again check this before purchasing.
Rain Sensors
We all know that mowing in the rain is never a good idea. Not only can it damage the mower, but it can also wreak havoc with your grass. But a lot of robot mowers come with a rain sensor which, when activated, will send the robot lawn mower back to the charging station until the weather improves.
Robotic Mower Security
A lot of people worry that their robot lawn mower will be stolen and this is a viable concern. However, these machines often come with some impressive security features. If you’re planning to use the mower in the front garden, this is even more important.
Some are kitted out with an alarm which will sound, or notify the app, when the mower is lifted from the ground. Others have a PIN that must be entered before the lawn mower can be used and there are even some higher end models that come with GPS tracking, so even if they are taken, you or the police won’t have trouble relocating them.
Multi Zonal Cutting
It’s likely that you have more than one lawn on your property; many UK homes have a back and front garden and some lawns are split into sections. In this case, you’ll want a robot mower with multi zonal cutting ability. This allows you to program more than one lawn although you may need to physically move the mower between lawns, if there is no navigation path joining them.
Cut To Edge
If you’ve brought a robot lawn mower, the chances are that you want something that’s going to take care of your garden chores for you. But if you’re left with long edges around the lawn, you’re going to have to get the trimmer out. Some robotic mowers with offset blades do a much better job of cutting to the edge and are ideal for people who want minimal hassle.
Questions I am Commonly Asked About Robotic Mowers
Are Robot Mowers Difficult To Set Up?
If you are looking for a robot lawn mower that is incredibly easy to set up then you might want to consider LawnMaster or Flymo GO range. Both are amazingly simple to get started and have even simpler controls that even those who aren’t the most tech savvy can understand.
That said, with any robot mower, you can’t simply put it on the grass and expect it to get to work without a little set up. You will need to install the charging station near the edge of the lawn that connects to an outdoor power socket, if there is not already one in place, you will need to have this installed.
Before you get started, you will also need to set up your boundary wires. Pretty much all robot lawn mowers are supplied with these wires and pegs to secure them. You’ll lay the boundary wire around the area that you want the mower to work in, which is pretty simple. Don’t be worried about the wires creating a trip hazard as it is possible to bury them should you need.
Finally, depending on your model you may need to set up your mowing schedule, which can be done with either a keypad on the machine or through a mobile app.
How Much Do I Need To Spend On A Robotic Mower?
What you spend on a robot lawn mower will largely depend on what features you would like. It goes without saying that those with more features and that are larger and more powerful will come with a higher price tag. At the extreme end of the scale, you might pay up to a couple of thousand pounds.
However, there are much more affordable robot mowers that come in around £500. These won’t have the same number of features and might not perform quite as well on large complex lawns, but they’ll certainly get things done on any average UK lawn. For a mid range robotic mower, on average, you can expect to pay around £800.
How Long Do Robotic Lawn Mowers Last?
As long as you take good care of your robotic lawn mower, particularly over the winter months, it should serve you for a very long time. The very best mowers could last between ten and twenty years, although you will probably have to replace parts more frequently than this. The most commonly replaced parts are the batteries which could last between three and six years, and the blades which normally need to be swapped at least once every mowing season.
Can Robotic Mowers Make Stripes?
A rear roller is used on a regular lawn mower to weigh down on the grass which in turn creates stripes. However, this is not a feature you see on a robot mower as there simply isn’t enough weight to make stripes. In summary, robotic mowers do not create stripes on your lawn for this reason and the fact that they mow in a random pattern.
Can You Mulch With A Robotic Mower?
Yes. Unlike your traditional mower, a robotic mower is designed for mulching; they do not come with a grass collection box or bag. This means that, as the lawn is cut on a more regular basis i.e. daily, the grass clippings are chopped up more finely before depositing them back to the lawn. The benefit of this is that these clippings provide additional nutrients and moisture for a greener and healthier lawn.
If you would like to learn more, head over to my article How To Pick The Perfect Robotic Lawn Mower.
More FAQs
How Long Do Robotic Lawn Mowers Last?
Much like any other type of lawn mower, the lifespan of a robot lawn mower will depend on how well it is taken care of. When you look after and maintain your robot lawn mower, some of the best manufacturers suggest that they may last up to twenty years. However, this isn’t the case for the blades and depending on how often you use the lawn mower, you may need to sharpen or replace the blades every few months. Cleaning and taking your robotic mower in during the winter months is critical for the long life of your mower.
How Often Should I Run My Robot Lawn Mower?
The great thing about a robot lawn mower is that you don’t have to waste time mowing your lawn. While you would usually manually mow your lawn, between once a week and once very fortnight, a robot mower needs to be running and mowing more frequently. To keep your grass at an acceptable height, I would suggest running your robot mower over it at least once every couple of days. The great thing about robotic mowers is that they can be left to run every day or night, but you have the flexibility to control the time they do this to suit your requirements.
Can Robot Lawn Mowers Cope With Leaves?
Most robotic lawn mowers will cope reasonably well with small amounts of leaves. They will shred them up and mulch them, delivering them back to the lawn. That said, your robot mower isn’t going to be as easily able to handle huge piles of leaves; this isn’t its main feature, so try to keep the number of leaves on the lawn to a minimum.
Do Robotic Lawn Mowers Collect The Grass?
Robotic lawn mowers are very compact devices, so it’s easy to see that there simply isn’t enough room for a collection bag or box. Instead, all robotic lawn mowers will mulch the grass, chopping it up into very fine particles and dropping them back onto the lawn. This is beneficial for your garden as these mulched clippings provide nutrients to help your grass grow healthier, lusher and greener. Plus, you won’t have to worry about emptying a collection bag and disposing of the cuttings.
Do Robot Lawn Mowers Get Stolen?
Most robotic lawn mowers are fitted with anti-theft features which allow you to monitor the mower within an app. This might include things like alarms, GPS location and PIN codes, among other things. What features your mower has will vary between manufacturers and models. For the most part, these are pretty effective and do deter thieves and allow you to locate your mower should anyone attempt to take it.
How Long Do Robot Mower Batteries Last?
Your robot lawn mower will typically run for between three and six hours and will conveniently return to its charging station when the battery runs low. This is ideal if you lead a busy life and may forget to recharge the batteries. In terms of the lifespan of the battery, you can expect a high quality one to last for up to ten years. However, this does depend on how it is treated and whether you store the battery correctly especially during the winter months. The chances are that your battery will fail before your mower, so it's almost certain that it’ll need to be replaced at some point or another.
Can Robot Mowers Do Stripes?
No. Robotic lawn mowers are not generally able to create a striped lawn. This is because lawn stripes are created using a rear roller, which applies pressure when mowing to bend the blades of grass. There simply isn’t enough room on these compact machines for a rear roller and even if there was, they’re not heavy enough to apply the right amount of pressure. All robotic mowers mow in a random pattern or focus on areas of need, they do not mow in straight lines.
How Well Do Robotic Lawn Mowers Work?
Robotic lawn mowers are not designed for heavy duty mowing. For example, they would struggle immensely to plough through dense, overgrown grass. But that’s not what they’re designed for. These lawn mowers are designed for regular and thus light day to day maintenance, provided they are used every couple of days, they’ll do an excellent job at always keeping your lawn neat and healthy.
How Does A Robotic Lawn Mower Work?
For the most part, a robotic lawn mower will randomly move around the lawn cutting as it goes. There are boundaries in place so that the lawn mower cannot go out of the desired area, and this can be controlled using a smartphone app. However, on some models, there are options within the software that allow you to program the mower to operate to a specific schedule or within specific zones.
Do Robot Lawn Mowers Work On Uneven Or Sloped Lawns?
Different robotic mowers will be capable of handling different conditions, so it’s important to look at the specs before you buy. There are a lot of robot lawn mowers out there with sturdy and ribbed wheels that allow them to tackle more uneven terrain. You should always check the maximum incline that will be provided for each mower on the product specifications. Some robotic mowers are four-wheel drive, however you should always look for one with larger wheels should you have an uneven or sloped lawn.
How Much Does A Robot Lawn Mower Cost?
The price of a robot lawn mower will vary hugely depending on the manufacturer, what features the mower has, the build quality and many other things. It is possible to pick one up for a few hundred pounds, for example the Yardforce EasyMow 260 which currently retails at under £300. On the other end of the scale, you may pay well over a thousand pounds for a more advanced robotic mower, such as the Husqvarna Automower 405X. It’s worth weighing up what you expect from a mower, and this will allow you to better understand what you’ll need to budget.
Does A Robot Mower Work In The Rain?
Most robot mowers have rain sensors and will return to their charging station when it starts to rain, as they will not work efficiently and effectively in wet weather. However, there are some newer models that are not affected by adverse weather and will keep going without clumping the grass or causing damage.
How Fast Are Robotic Lawn Mowers?
Most robotic lawn mowers will run at about the same speed. Generally speaking, you would expect them to cover around sixty feet, around 18 metres, for every minute they are operating. So in one hour, a typical robotic mower will cover around 30 metres squared.
Do Robotic Mowers Cut To The Edge?
Some robotic mowers will do a better job at cutting to the edge than others. Those mowers that do a good job will have their blades off centre and towards the edge of the mower. It also depends on the type of edge it is cutting up to. Because a perimeter wire is used to stop the mower falling into the edge of flower beds, for example, the amount of grass left uncut will be more. If on the other hand, the lawn edge is level with the patio, for example, then there is no reason why the mower should leave any uncut grass if the perimeter wire is correctly positioned.
Can the Perimeter Wire Be Buried?
Yes, the perimeter wire can be buried or simply pegged to the surface of the lawn. When the perimeter wire is pegged to the lawn, the grass will eventually conceal it as it grows. I would recommend, burying the perimeter wire (no more than 2cm) to avoid the risk of the mower cutting the wire should it overrun the perimeter. Just ensure that the wire is not buried too deep, as this will degrade the signal and make it difficult to carry out any repairs.
Can The Cutting Height Be Adjusted On A Robotic Mower?
Yes, certainly. Most robotic mowers will allow you to adjust the cutting height, and this normally ranges from between 25cm and 60cm, depending on the make and model. This is handy to accommodate your specific requirements and the changing seasons.
Are Robotic Mowers Safe To Use?
Yes, very much so, as they are fitted with an array of features that make them safe to both humans and pets. These include, lift sensors, bump sensors, anti-collision system and off-limits features. These features also prevent any damage to items that have been left on the lawn, for example benches, toys, trampolines etc.
What Is The Best Robotic Mower For My Sized Lawn?
Not only do robotic mowers come with different deck sizes, but they can also vary in the amount of hours per day they can mow your lawn. These two factors should guide you as to the most suitable robotic mower for your sized lawn. Another consideration is the shape and layout of your lawn as some robotic mowers will allow for multiple zones and the ability to travel via narrow paths from zone to zone. The maximum coverage in square meterage will be shown on the mower’s specifications and is sometimes indicated by the model number. For example, the WORX L1500 is designed for lawns up to 1500m².
Can I Change The Blade On My Robotic Mower?
Yes, it is very easy to change the blades on your robotic mower. No special tools are required, apart from a crossed headed screwdriver to remove and re-attach the blades. Replacement blades are inexpensive, readily available and cost around £5 for a complete set.
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.
