Is it worth getting a robotic lawn mower?

With busy lifestyles becoming increasingly common, robotic lawn mowers are growing in popularity as an easy, convenient way to keep your lawn neatly trimmed without the hassle of doing it yourself. But are robotic mowers really all they’re cracked up to be? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons to find out if investing in a robotic lawn mower is truly worth it.

What are the benefits of getting a robotic lawn mower?

There are several key benefits that make robotic lawn mowers an attractive option for many homeowners:

• Convenience – Robotic mowers take the work out of cutting your grass. Once set up, they operate autonomously without any effort on your part.
• Time savings – No more spending your weekends mowing the lawn. Robotic mowers handle the task for you.
• Consistency – Robotic mowers cut the grass on a regular schedule you set so your lawn maintains an even, manicured look.
• Quiet operation – Robotic mowers are much quieter than gas-powered or electric push mowers.
• Environmentally friendly – Robotic mowers are electric so they don’t create emissions or air pollution.
• Safety – With robotic mowers, there’s no risk of injuring your hands or feet with sharp blades since you don’t operate them directly.
• Cost savings – Over an extended period, the costs of robotic mower ownership can be less than repeated gas mower repairs and maintenance.

For many homeowners, the reduced time commitment, consistency, and convenience offered by robotic lawn mowers are the biggest draws. You simply program the cutting schedule into the mower, sit back, and let it handle the yardwork for you.

What are the downsides of robotic lawn mowers?

Despite the benefits, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider with robotic mowers:

• High upfront cost – Robotic mowers can cost $1,000-$2,500 or more, substantially higher than a standard walk-behind mower.
• Installation and setup – Installing a robotic mower system and perimeter wire takes planning and can be time consuming.
• Limited cutting capacity – Robotic mowers generally work best on smaller, simpler lawn shapes under 1/4 acre. Larger, more complex yards are harder to cover efficiently.
• Weather limitations – Robotic mowers don’t perform well in rain and can get stuck in snow. Their schedule may be disrupted by weather extremes.
• Theft target – The high cost of robotic mowers makes them vulnerable to theft. They must be stored safely when not in use.
• Safety concerns – Robotic mowers can cause injury if stepped on or interfered with while operating autonomously.
• Unsightly wire – Some homeowners object to the perimeter wire that must be installed around the lawn for the mower to operate.

While robotic mowers take the hassle out of cutting the grass, the high upfront investment, installation requirements, potential operating limitations, and safety concerns are factors to carefully weigh.

How much do robotic lawn mowers cost?

Cost is often one of the biggest considerations when deciding whether to invest in a robotic lawn mower. Prices can vary significantly depending on the features and capabilities:

Robotic Mower	Price Range
Basic robotic mower	$1,000 – $1,500
Mid-range robotic mower	$1,500 – $2,000
High-end robotic mower	$2,000 – $2,500+
Professional landscaping robotic mower	$3,500+

Here’s an overview of what’s included at different price points:

• Basic models – Cover up to 1/4 acre, basic features, less programming flexibility
• Mid-range models – Handle up to 1/3 acre, more features like rain sensors and smartphone app control
• High-end models – For yards up to 1 acre or more, advanced features like GPS mapping and anti-theft encryption
• Professional models – Designed for large, complex landscapes and 24/7 operation

Keep in mind you’ll also need to factor in an additional $100-$400 for installation costs if hiring a professional. DIY installation can save money but requires more time and effort.

How much time do robotic mowers save?

One of the biggest reasons homeowners choose robotic mowers is the amount of time they save on lawn maintenance. A robotic mower can cut your grass with no effort on your part once installed and programmed. Actual time savings depend on several factors:

• Yard size – Larger yards take longer for traditional mowing. Robotic mowers provide more dramatic time savings in bigger lawn areas.
• Grass growth rate – Lawns that need frequent mowing provide greater time savings from a robotic mower.
• Manual mowing frequency – Homeowners who normally mow 1-2 times per week save more hours than those who mow less often.
• Yard complexity – Simple, open yards are easier for robotic mowers to handle than complex landscapes with lots of obstacles.

As a general guideline, a robotic mower can save approximately:

Yard Size	Estimated Weekly Time Savings
Small yard (<1/4 acre)	1-3 hours
Medium yard (1/4 – 1/2 acre)	3-5 hours
Large yard (>1/2 acre)	5+ hours

Over the course of a year, the time savings of not having to manually mow or schedule lawn service can really add up. Those hours can instead be spent relaxing on your newly automated lawn care!

How long do robotic lawn mowers last?

With proper maintenance and care, a quality robotic lawn mower should provide reliable service for 6-8 years or more. There are several factors that influence longevity:

• Brand – Reputable brands like Husqvarna, Worx, and Robomow tend to manufacture longer lasting mowers.
• Battery life – Higher quality lithium-ion batteries can maintain charging capacity for 1,200+ cycles.
• Usage – Heavier year-round use shortens lifespan compared to seasonal use.
• Climate – Extreme cold winter climates require the mower to be stored indoors, extending its life.
• Care – Following the owner’s manual for proper operation, charging, cleaning, storage, and seasonal service is crucial.
• Warranty – Most robotic mowers come with a 2-3 year manufacturer’s warranty.

With average residential use of around 100 hours per year, a standard 3 year warranty easily covers the typical 5-8 years of functional life expectancy. Higher-priced professional models designed for landscape service applications typically offer extended 5 year warranties and even greater longevity of 10+ years.

How do you install and setup a robotic lawn mower?

Installing and setting up a robotic mower involves several steps:

1. Plan the boundary layout – Map out where you want the mower to operate and plan the perimeter wire layout.
2. Install the perimeter wire – Stake or bury the included boundary wire around the lawn space to contain the mower.
3. Connect charging station – Plug in and position the charging dock where it will be accessible to the mower.
4. Power on and configure – Turn on the mower, connect it to the mobile app if included, and adjust settings like the cutting schedule.
5. Test and adjust – Monitor initial runs and make tweaks like changing the wire position if needed.
6. Regular maintenance – Perform periodic tasks like replacing the blade and cleaning under the housing to maximize longevity.

Installation kits include all the tools and components needed like stakes, connectors, and training guides. Most manufacturers estimate 2-6 hours for DIY installation depending on lawn size. Hiring a pro typically costs around $200-$400.

What features do robotic lawn mowers have?

Robotic mowers come equipped with an array of features to enhance convenience, effectiveness, and security:

• Scheduled operation – Automatically mows on a preset cutting schedule, like Monday/Wednesday/Friday
• Rain sensor – Returns to the base station if rain is detected
• Collision detection – Stops blade if bumped or lifted
• Blade disable – Stops the blade but allows return to base if lifted
• Remote access – Control and monitor the mower from a smartphone app
• GPS tracking – Follows exact routes for optimized coverage
• Alarm – Sounds if the mower is moved or tampered with
• Pin code – Prevents unauthorized operation if activated

Higher-end models offer advanced features like automated grass height adjustment, voice assistant integration for hands-free control, and environmentally friendlyquiet electric motors.

How much maintenance do robotic mowers require?

Robotic mowers are designed to operate fully autonomously once installed, with minimal ongoing maintenance needs. However, the following periodic tasks help keep them functioning optimally:

• Recharging and storing for winter – Recharge the battery and store the mower safely indoors for winter.
• Blade replacement – Change the blade every 1-2 months during active cutting season.
• Clean under housing – Clear clippings buildup under the body to prevent corrosion.
• Check wires – Examine boundary wires for damage and clear any debris tangled in them.
• Update software – Download new firmware and app updates when available.
• Battery replacement – Lithium-ion batteries typically need replacement every 2-3 years.

Cleaning the mower body periodically and checking for any stuck grass or dulled blades also helps it run efficiently. Completing the manufacturer’s recommended annual service ensures long and trouble-free operation.

How safe are robotic lawn mowers?

Robotic mowers are designed with a variety of mechanisms to make them very safe in normal operation:

• Low-voltage operation (typically 20-40V) minimizes electric shock risk.
• Rubber bumpers and sensitivity plates trigger immediate blade stop if obstructed.
• Locking mechanisms disable the blade when lifted.
• Alarm sounds if mower is moved outside the boundary.
• Safety pin code prevents unauthorized use.
• Some models have GPS tracking to locate a stolen mower.

However, precautions are still necessary during automated mowing cycles:

• Keep children and pets away from the mower while cutting.
• Wear shoes and avoid stepping on an operating mower.
• Be aware near slopes where the mower could slip.
• Monitor initial runs to ensure wire placement keeps mower out of gardens and pools.

Exercise common sense and follow the safety setup, operation, and troubleshooting tips from the manufacturer to maximize safety.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, whether or not a robotic lawn mower delivers a return on your investment depends on your needs and expectations. For homeowners with small-to-medium sized lawns up to around half an acre looking to significantly reduce lawn maintenance time and effort, a robotic mower can be a game changer. Features like scheduled operation, rain sensors, and collision detection make them safe and convenient once set up properly. However, the high upfront costs mean budget-minded homeowners or those with very large, complex lawns may want to consider more traditional mowers or lawn services.

Weigh factors like purchase price, installation requirements, lawn size, features, and warranty duration against the potential time savings and convenience. For the right consumer with reasonable expectations about capabilities, robotic mowers can eliminate one of the most tedious yard chores once and for all.