Robotic mowers use basic machine learning technology that enables them to adjust and improve each time out, so that they’re able to equal the job a reasonably competent person could do. In theory, robot lawn mowers seem like an idea whose time has come. After all, most people would be more than willing to turn over the task of lawn mowing to an autonomous machine as long as it delivered in the quality department. But how can you determine which robot lawn mowers are worth the investment and which deserve a pass? The robot lawn mowers reviews below should help.
Our Robot Lawn Mower Reviews
Have you been going back and forwards on the decision of whether to buy a robot lawn mower or not for a while? No problem! We completely understand that it's a big decision that you want to get right. Below we're going to talk about some of the main pros and cons associated with robotic lawn mowers.
Advantages of Robotic Lawn Mowers
Less Work
The term “less work” is a little deceiving because, once the robotic mower is familiar with your lawn you won’t have to do any work, aside from setting it up and turning it on. It’s hard to argue with that kind of convenience. About the only ones who might take issue with it are those who truly enjoy the process of cutting the grass, and there’s more than a few people out there who do.
No More Dead Batteries
If cordless electric mowers have a downside it’s that if you forgot to charge the battery after the last use the mower won’t be any good when you take it out to mow. The robot lawn mower prevents dead battery syndrome in a compelling and slightly creepy way. All you have to do is keep the charging stand plugged in and the robot mower will seek it out when the battery level reaches a certain low point.
Quiet Operation
The robot lawn mower is probably the quietest type of lawn mower on the market, other than the manually powered reel-style mower. They’re so quiet you don’t have to worry about them interrupting your nap or provoking complaints from the neighbors.
Safety
Homeowners sometimes experience heat exhaustion, muscle pulls, shocks from unsafe extension cords and other injuries when mowing the lawn. The robot lawn mower puts an end to all of that. In addition, the robot mower is programmed to avoid people, pets and other obstacles, further reducing the chance of accidents.
Ease of Storage
Robotic lawn mowers are the smallest mowers you can buy. You don’t need to build a shed to accommodate them, nor will they take up huge chunks of garage space. Just find a safe place to put the charging station and the mower will always return home to top itself up.
Environmentally Friendly
A robot lawn mower doesn’t burn fossil fuels or pump out clouds of carbon dioxide. From an environmental standpoint they’re right in keeping with current thinking.
Cons of Robotic Lawn Mowers
Programming Can Take Time
Robot lawn mowers use machine learning to figure out your yard and then program themselves to mow in the most effective and efficient way. The thing is, you have to help it learn by installing what’s called a “perimeter guide wire” that the mower will use as a reference. That takes time, and it takes time for the robot to learn the yard. Skipping this step won’t lead anywhere good.
Mowing Can Take Time
Any robot lawn mowers reviews that tell you they’re fast aren’t being straight with you. Even after the robot lawn mower learns the ins and outs of your yard it doesn’t ever rush through the job. Where a person might mow the whole lawn in half an hour, it might take the robot lawn mower 3 or 4 hours. So it’s a good idea not to get it started if you plan on going out.
Price
The integration of machine learning is the kind of thing that tends to bump up the cost of any device. And that is certainly the case with robot lawn mowers. You’re going to pay a premium for this level of technology, but when the robot’s in the yard cutting the grass and you’re inside watching the game you’ll probably conclude it’s worth it.
They’re Not Easy to Repair
If you have some basic mechanical knowledge you can probably fix most problems with your walk-behind mower. The same cannot be said for a robot lawn mower. You will likely have no choice but to send it back to the manufacturer. That is, if it breaks down. Most are very dependable.