Which Robot Lawn Mower is best for me?
The robot lawn mower market has really taken off in recent years with so many options to choose from it can be hard to make an informed decision. This blog gives you all the factors you need to consider when buying a robotic lawn mower so you can find which mower is best for you – tailored to your needs and your lawn.
Why do I need a robotic lawn mower?
Do you dream of a well-manicured lawn that’s maintained without the time, sweat and expense of pushing a traditional mower? Making the transition to a robotic lawn mower is for you.
Will I find a robotic lawn mower to suit the size of my lawn?
Every mower has different lawn size capabilities, it all comes down to sqm. First, you are going to need to know the size of your lawn and this can be done in one of two ways.
Manual Measurement
If you prefer doing things the traditional way, grab a tape measure and get to work. You'll need to measure the length and width of your lawn and calculate the square footage. Be sure to jot down your measurements and keep them handy.
Google Maps Measuring Tool
For a more technological approach, you can use the measuring tool on Google Maps. It allows you to click around the perimeter of your yard and instantly receive an accurate measurement of your space in square meters.
After determining the size of your lawn space, you can match it with the capabilities of different robot lawn mowers on the market. Most robotic lawnmowers are designed to handle lawns of specific sizes, from small urban gardens to more extensive suburban spaces - each model has its limitations regarding the square meters it can cover.
Can a robot lawn mower cover my split areas of lawn?
Most robot mowers will not be able to pass over paths as it will damage their blades so if your garden is split over several areas, especially with paths of stones or intricate landscaping, two different lawn mowing strategies might be necessary.
Some people with two or more areas will opt to have a stationary perimeter wired robot in the larger area and an AI robotic lawnmower working in the smaller more complicated areas. The AI models have sophisticated navigation capabilities that allow them to manoeuvre around obstacles effectively, making the HomeBot Buddy Robot Lawn Mower the perfect companion for such spaces.
The HomeBot Chomper Robot Lawn Mower is the perfect choice for large uninhibited spaces as it can navigate using boundary wires covering extensive grounds systematically and reliably.
- Large open areas: Perimeter-wired robotic mower (e.g., HomeBot Chomper)
- Smaller or complex areas: AI robotic mower (e.g., HomeBot Buddy)
- Combination of both: Stationary perimeter mower for large spaces; AI-powered mower for intricate garden zones
Can a robotic lawn mower handle the different terrains of my lawn?
When considering which type of mower is best for you, you need to examine the condition of your lawn's surface. A flat and even terrain is the ideal environment for most robotic mowers as many robot mowers are built to work on a relatively even surface. For a rougher terrain, you may need to consider a 4WD robot – this will significantly increase your budget as you’ll pay more for the extra capabilities.
Alternatively, before setting up a robot lawn mower, you could address lawn inconsistencies creating a more mower-friendly environment by:
- Fill in holes and level out the ground.
- Integrate flowerpots or flower beds to cover problem areas.
- Combination of both: Stationary perimeter mower for large spaces; AI-powered mower for intricate garden zones
Can a robotic lawn mower handle my sloped lawn?
The topography of your garden, whether flat or sloped, will help determine which robotic lawn mower is best for you. Every robot lawn mower will have the capability to handle a slope in a lawn but it becomes tricky when the slope comes to a dead stop at the bottom – the mower may slide over its boundary. You can solve this ‘steep stop’ problem by considering the addition of a small sleeper or other hard boundary marker to help the robot stop within its parameters.
Can a robotic lawn mower navigate around the flowerbeds, ponds and ornaments in my lawn?
Navigating flowerbeds, ponds, and ornaments can be an exhausting task for any mower operator but not for a robotic lawn mower, this is where its features get to shine. Robot lawn mowers with boundary wires will give you the most accurate and reliable cut if you have complicated gardens. Setup will take a little longer as you place a wire around all your no-go areas before the first use, but gives greater accuracy long term.
Lawns with moving features and obstacles, such as kid’s toys or sports equipment, are where the benefit of AI robot mowers comes into play. With their AI sensing technology feature, AI robots can accurately sense any object that is not grass and turn before crashing, it uses the same technology as autonomous driving options that modern cars are fitted with.
Will I need an outdoor charging socket for my robotic lawn mower?
Many robots come with their own charging homebase which requires access to an electrical point. If you do not have an outdoor socket and you do not intend to install one then considering a robotic lawn mower like the Buddy Robot Lawn Mower is you best option.
Buddy Robot Lawn Mower works more like a power tool as it has a removable battery option, this also works well from a security perspective – it can be safely stored in a shed or garage when it is not in use.
Is a robotic lawn mower a good option with the unpredictable Irish weather?
Weather should be a factor to consider when selecting the right type of mower for your lawn, especially in the rainy Irish climate. Some mowers such as the Homebot Chomper Lawn Mower are built to handle the Irish rain. With its inbuilt sensors, Chomper knows when to automatically return to its home base if the weather is not optimal for mowing – saving your grass and machine from damage.
Providing a HomeBot Rain Shelter for your robot or alternatively repurposing an item such as a lean-to, old dog house or a garage will further protect your machinery from the elements, extending the life of your mower.
What measures can I take to prevent my robotic lawn mower from being stolen?
A robotic lawn mower is a valuable piece of garden equipment so it is important to take measures to keep it safe from thieves. Most modern robot mowers come equipped with anti-theft PIN systems and advanced models also feature theft tracking to help locate a lost or stolen mower through GPS – neither of these features will prevent the mower from being taken in the first place.
There are some additional measures you can take to deter the theft of your mower:
- Secure charging station with lockable shelter (e.g. shed)
- Third-party tracking devices (Apple/Android)
- Insurance coverage (Home contents or gadget insurance)
Why should I choose a local Irish robotic lawn mower supplier?
We are biased because we are a small local Irish robotic mower supplier who delivers advice, value, great service and aftersales care to all of our customers but if need more reason here are a few points to consider:
Localised Customer Support
A local supplier means customer service will likely be in your timezone and more attuned to local needs and issues.
Ease of Servicing
Should your robot mower need servicing, proximity is practical.
Quick Parts Replacement
Closer means faster when it comes to shipping parts or blades.
Supporting Local Economy
Shopping Irish supports local businesses and keeps money within the community.
Start shopping for your robotic lawn mower today
Regardless of your size, shape or style of garden, there is a perfect match available for you. We know from personal experience that once you welcome a robot into your garden you will never want to be without one again!
Transform your lawn
Have a look at our most recent lawn transformations with HomeBot Ireland robots. Different lawns with different terrains, slopes and types of grass. All three areas had a lot of moss and weeds, take a look at the photos below to see what was achieved without any manual labour, sprays, chemicals or fertiliser, just sheer robot power!
