Whether you have a small yard or large lot, mowing the lawn is a chore that most people don’t look forward to, especially if you’re on a tight schedule! It might seem like the grass is getting taller and taller by the hour. But what if there was a way to cut down on your lawn mowing time?
Robot mowers are becoming increasingly popular as a way to take care of the lawn with very little effort on your part. These battery-powered machines are designed to do all the work for you, so you can sit back and relax! But are they really worth the investment?
If you’ve been considering purchasing a robot mower, here are 8 things you need to know before making the investment.
Check out our reviews of the Best Robot Lawn Mowers for 2022!
Are Robot Lawn Mowers Worth It?
Owning a robot lawn mower is definitely worth it, regardless of the size of your lawn. The time and money saved on mowing the lawn each week will more than pay for the machine in a couple of years. Their price has also come down recently, making them more affordable than ever.
In addition, robot mowers can be more efficient than traditional lawn mowers, and they produce less noise and emissions. So if you’re looking for a way to make yard work easier and more environmentally friendly, a robot mower is a great option!
8 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Robot Lawn Mower
1. How much do robot mowers cost?
A robotic lawn mower price starts at around $600 for standard models and can go as high as $5000 for mowers with higher specs and options. For a flat lawn without too many hills, you should expect to pay around $900 for a decent robot mower.
2. Why are robot lawn mowers so expensive?
The price of robot lawn mowers is high due to the technology and engineering that goes into each machine. More expensive ones come equipped with sensors, cameras, and software that allow them to navigate your yard without any help from you.
The most expensive robot mowers even have built-in GPS technology, which not only helps guide them around your yard but can also be used to track them in case of theft.
3. Do robot mowers work on slopes?
An average robot mower can handle slopes as steep as 8 degrees. However, higher-end models can climb slopes up to 40 degrees. If you have a particularly steep or hilly yard, make sure to check the specs of the robot mower you are considering purchasing.
4. Do robot mowers work in the rain?
Most robot lawn mowers will work fine in the rain. However, you should avoid using any electrical appliance in wet conditions. Not only can moisture harm the electronic components of the mower, but it will also decrease its cutting efficiency.
Operating your robot mower on a wet or slippery lawn will cause it to slip and may damage your lawn. Cutting wet grass will also cause your robot mower to clog more frequently and need constant cleaning. If you live in an area with a lot of rain, it’s best to wait a few hours for the lawn to dry before sending your robot out to cut.
5. How long do robotic mowers last?
Depending on the brand and model, robotic mowers can last for ten or more years. You will need to follow the required service interval for maintenance, which is usually around once a year or every 200 hours of operation. You will also need to sharpen the blades periodically and replace them if they get damaged.
A robot mower’s battery will begin to lose its capacity after about two to three years. Once the battery starts to lose its charge faster than usual, it’s best to replace it with a new one before you start experiencing issues with your robot mower cutting out in the middle of a job.
Other components of the robot, such as electronic boards and sensors, are much less likely to need replacement and should last for the machine’s life.
6. Can a robot lawn mower be stolen?
Robot mowers are prone to theft, just like other expensive devices or lawn-care equipment. If you plan on using your robot mower in an area where theft is common, it’s wise to take extra precautions to prevent it from being stolen.
You can use several methods to protect your robot lawn mower from theft. One is to purchase a model that has a built-in GPS. The GPS will allow you to track the mower’s location at all times and help get it back if it ever gets stolen.
Another option is to use a bike lock to secure your mower when you are not using it.
Finally, avoid leaving it anywhere unattended, like in an open garage or the back of your truck. Instead, keep it indoors or in a locked shed that is only accessible to you and trusted family members or friends.
7. Are robot mowers noisy?
The noise output of a robot mower is anywhere from 58 to 74 decibels, which is equivalent to the sound level of city traffic or having a conversation in a restaurant. They are much quieter than a standard lawnmower since they run on batteries and electric motors compared to a gas motor.
However, just because they are quiet doesn’t mean that the sound of a robot mower won’t bother you or your neighbors. If you plan on using it at night and don’t want to disturb anyone, make sure to look for one with reduced noise output, such as those equipped with sound dampeners.
8. Can a robot mower cut really tall grass?
Most robot mowers can cut grass up to ten centimeters or four inches high. Any grass taller than that should be cut with a manual mower before using your robot.
Once you get your grass to a manageable height, you can set a schedule to maintain a healthy lawn and ensure it doesn’t get too long between cuts.
Final Thoughts
Robot lawn mowers are a convenient and efficient way to maintain your yard without the hassle of manual labor.
The points above are just a few of the things you should know before buying one. Make sure to do your research and compare brands, features, prices, and warranty coverage so that you can find the perfect robot lawn mower for you.
