| First of all, you should evaluate your lawn. Your yard | | | | • Most fully automated robotic lawn mowers utilize |
| does not have to be a perfect "postage stamp" lawn | | | | a rain sensor to automatically pause mowing sessions |
| in order to get good results from a robotic lawn | | | | until the lawn dries out |
| mower. In fact, most robotic lawn mowers are | | | | • Some robotic lawn mowers are big and heavy |
| designed to manage odd shaped lawns and all | | | | while others are small and light weight. It's important to |
| different grass types. Robot lawn mowers can | | | | consider weight and size of the mower in case you |
| maneuver around obstacles like pools, trees, flower | | | | need to ship it for repairs or servicing. Depending on |
| beds, poles, mailboxes and even playground equipment. | | | | which model you choose, weight can range from 21 |
| Estimate your lawn size | | | | pounds to 80 pounds. For example the LawnBott |
| Robotic lawn mowers can be used on lawns ranging | | | | LB3210 weighs only 21 pounds while the Robomower |
| from 100 square feet to 2+ acres. Some models will | | | | RL1000 weighs about 80 pounds. |
| allow multiple units to be installed on the same lawn | | | | Consider how much maintenance will be required on |
| expanding coverage far beyond 2 acres. If your lawn | | | | the mower of your choice. Maintenance is very simple |
| is on the smaller side of the spectrum, a lower priced | | | | for robotic lawn mowers. There is no need to empty |
| unit may be sufficient for your needs. Before you | | | | bags or clean up grass clippings because they mulch. |
| decide on a price range, keep in mind that special | | | | Most manufactures recommend replacing the blade(s) |
| features, durability and quality also influence price. | | | | once a year. Robotic lawn mowers are electric lawn |
| Do you have a hilly lawn or is it relatively flat? Another | | | | mowers, which translate into no gas, oil or spark plugs |
| big deciding factor for which robotic lawn mower to | | | | to replace. |
| buy is how it can handle hills. If you have hills or slopes, | | | | Another thing to keep in mind is replacement part cost. |
| learn how steep they are. Some robot lawn mowers | | | | Some robotic lawn mowers (like LawnBott) claim to |
| are designed to mow relatively flat lawns while others | | | | have a life expectancy of about 8 to 10 years before |
| can be upgraded to handle steep hills. For example, the | | | | major repairs are needed. Higher end robot lawn |
| LawnBott LB3500 robotic lawn mower (found at | | | | mowers generally have better quality, longer lasting |
| LawnBotts.com) can mow hills up to 30 degrees with | | | | parts, which also means higher upfront and |
| add on spiked wheels. This particular model utilizes an | | | | replacement part cost. On the flip side, lower cost |
| on board compass to keep it on course as it | | | | robotic lawn mowers use cheaper parts, which may |
| navigates hilly terrains. | | | | result in more frequent repair needs that could end up |
| Determining the degree of your slope can be done in | | | | costing more to upkeep than higher end models. With |
| minutes. Email for instructions. | | | | that said, robotic lawn mower maintenance cost will |
| Robotic lawn mower models differ in how long they | | | | almost always fall well below the cost to upkeep and |
| take to recharge and how long they can mow before | | | | maintain traditional lawn mowers or paying a lawn |
| needing a charge. Charge times can vary from 2.5 | | | | service. |
| hours to upward 24 hours depending on the model | | | | Most robotic lawn mowers come with a 2-year |
| you choose. With recharge times in mind, remember | | | | warranty with varying warranties on the battery. |
| that robotic lawn mowers will take longer to mow your | | | | Some warranties include pickup and return shipping |
| yard than a human would. Therefore, if you have a | | | | cost depending on which model you choose. |
| large lawn, it could take a few consecutive runs to | | | | Prepare your lawn. |
| cover the whole area. Since the robot is doing all the | | | | • Although most robotic lawn mower's bump |
| work, consecutive runs are effortless on your part, but | | | | sensors can detect objects over 4 inches high, you |
| you want to choose a model that can keep your lawn | | | | would want to remove small toys, strings, hose pipes, |
| looking its best without falling behind during peak | | | | lightweight objects and other objects lying around on |
| growing seasons. | | | | the lawn just as you would with any lawn mower |
| Run times for robotic lawn mowers can vary from 90 | | | | • Fill in big holes. Some robotic lawn mowers have |
| minutes to 7 hours before needing to recharge. Some | | | | problems with "lawn pot holes." suggest filling in holes |
| higher end models like the LawnBott LB3550 can mow | | | | with topsoil or sand as needed |
| up to 15 hours per day with a recharge period in | | | | • If your robotic lawn mower requires perimeter |
| between. | | | | wire, plan your install. A good dealer will offer to |
| Many robotic lawn mowers completely automate lawn | | | | illustrate a customized installation plan free of charge. |
| mowing by working on a time and day schedule. The | | | | It's best to have an idea of where to lay perimeter |
| lawn mower will automatically leave its charging station; | | | | wire in order to gain the best efficiency out of the |
| mow the lawn, and then dock when it's done. Lower | | | | lawn mower. Installation for most yards can be very |
| end robotic mowers will require you to bring it indoors | | | | simple while others may require special wiring tricks. |
| to charge. | | | | Expect to set aside the most part of a day to peg |
| Consider special features your may want: | | | | down the perimeter wire. |
| • Higher end robot lawn mowers can detect how | | | | • Last but not least, it is important to buy from a |
| quickly your lawn is growing and will adjust its schedule | | | | dealer who is knowledgeable about robotic lawn |
| to according to when the lawn needs to be mowed. | | | | mowers. An uninformed dealer can give poor advice, |
| This feature can be useful during droughts or fast | | | | which could ultimately lead to your dissatisfaction with |
| growing seasons. | | | | a robotic lawn mower. |