Should I try a robot lawn mower?

Revolutionize your yard work with robot lawn mowers

The Roomba has been an essential part of contemporary households for many years, tidying up pet fur and various untidiness in living rooms and bedrooms. Now, the same technology is being used to take care of our outdoor spaces as well: robot lawn mowers are becoming commonplace in many neighborhoods.

We get it; you are all busy people, and there's no shame in not pulling out the old lawnmower every Sunday. Instead, the future of lawn care is quiet, clean, and amazingly automated. Robot lawn mowers have been around for a few years now, but it can still be difficult to understand the true benefits of investing in one.

In this guide, we will discuss whether or not owning a robot lawn mower is more efficient than a push mower, and some of the cost aspects of trying out this technology. We'll close by introducing IFTTT, our free automation platform that is a necessary tool for anyone with a smart mower.

What on earth is a robot lawn mower?

Before we can talk about the pros and cons of robot lawn mowers, let's first define exactly what they are. A robot lawn mower is an automated device designed to cut grass without human assistance. It uses sensors, robotics, and navigation technology to map your yard and decide the best route for trimming the lawn.

For those who love the routine of firing up the mower and clipping fresh blades of grass, a robot lawn mower is not for you. The main point of a robot lawn mower is that it will keep your grass in tip-top shape, without you ever noticing. Robot lawn mowers carry many other advantages, that we will discuss in the next section.

A few companies have cornered the market on these gadgets, namely Husqvarna, Greenworks, and EcoFlow. Fortunately, in recent years, advancements in robot technology have allowed for these auto-mowers to become more affordable, efficient, and safe.

Advantages to investing in an automatic lawn mower

Investing in an automatic lawn mower can offer several advantages. Here are seven key benefits to consider:

Time-saving: Automatic lawn mowers operate independently, saving you time and effort spent on manually mowing your lawn.

Convenience: With an automatic lawn mower, you don't need to push or ride the equipment yourself. It will handle the mowing task on its own, without any intervention.

Consistent results: Robotic mowers are designed to cut grass evenly and consistently, resulting in a well-maintained lawn.

Low maintenance: Automatic lawn mowers require less maintenance compared to traditional mowers. They often have self-sharpening blades and automated scheduling, reducing the need for manual intervention.

Quiet operation: Robotic mowers operate quietly, minimizing noise pollution and allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space without disturbance.

Eco-friendly: Automatic lawn mowers are typically battery-powered, reducing environmental impact by eliminating the need for fossil fuels. Additionally, they mulch grass clippings, promoting natural fertilization.

Safety features: Most robotic mowers come equipped with safety features such as collision sensors, lift sensors, and boundary wires to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation.

Is a robot lawn mower worth it?

Many might be considering purchasing a robotic lawn mower, see the price, and get discouraged. Albeit a higher upfront cost, automatic lawn mowers can actually be much more cost-effective in the long run. We broke down the costs of owning a gas push mower in comparison to a robotic one, and here are the results:

Gas Mower: An average gas-powered traditional mower costs about $300 to purchase. With annual fuel costs of around $40 per year (for 21 mows) and estimated upkeep of another $40 per year, the gas mower costs an additional $80 per year. Over a 15-year life cycle, the gas mower will cost you around $1,200 in total.

Robotic Mower: Essentially, the only cost for owning a robot lawn mower is the initial purchase, which we will admit, is hefty. Charging costs are not factored into this comparison, as they are relatively low for most areas.

Purchase costs for robotic lawn mowers vary greatly, from a more basic mower for around $700, to a hill-climbing robot beast for up to $3,000. We believe that you can get a very high-quality, flat-lawn-orientated mower for around $1,400.

So, the question remains; is the few extra hundred dollars worth it for the time saved, convenience, and quiet mornings? That is up to you to decide, nevertheless, we urge you to not be scared away by the high price tags on some robot lawn mowers.

Best robot lawn mowers on the market today

Husqvarna Automower 450XH EPOS: This model is highly regarded and comes with advanced features such as GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and intelligent mapping capabilities. It is designed for large yards and offers excellent cutting performance.

Price: Varies depending on retailer and country, typically around $4,000.

Gardena Sileno City: Ideal for smaller yards, the Gardena Sileno City is known for its affordability and simplicity. It offers reliable cutting performance and easy installation.

Price: $1,150.

Worx Landroid L: The Worx Landroid L is a popular choice among homeowners. It comes with a user-friendly interface, efficient cutting capabilities, and customizable mowing schedules. This model is suitable for medium-sized lawns.

Price: $1,500.

Robomow RK4000: The Robomow RK4000 is known for its wide cutting path and powerful cutting system. It can handle larger lawns efficiently and comes with features like rain detection and remote control operation.

Price: $2,000

You really can't go wrong with any of the options shown above, as they are from reputable brands with good customer feedback. Choosing the right mower should be based on your yard type, space, and budget.

Using IFTTT with your robot lawn mower

IFTTT (If This Then That) is our free web-based service that allows users to create automated tasks. It can be used in conjunction with your robot lawn mower for improved convenience and efficiency.

For example, you can set up a task that triggers the mower to start when the local weather forecast calls for sunny skies. Or, you could have IFTTT pause your mower if the forecast changes to rain.

This type of automation can help save time, energy, and ensure that your lawn looks its best throughout all seasons. Guided tutorials are available online for setting up IFTTT with robotic mowers as well. Read on to hear our mission, and our picks for the best automation to use with your new robot pal.

What is IFTTT?

IFTTT, an acronym for "If This Then That," is our free web-based service and mobile app designed to boost productivity by automating tasks. It works by creating connections between popular apps and services, allowing them to work together seamlessly.

The basic idea behind IFTTT is to create "applets" or sets of instructions that trigger when certain conditions are met. This can be turning on the lights automatically when you enter your house, for example.

Founded in 2011, IFTTT has been used by over 25 million individuals to automate both business and home tasks, saving time and increasing efficiency. It's commonly used to connect disparate services and systems, making all products and services work well together in a way that instills user confidence. Best of all, it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to set up.

Top Applets for your auto lawn mower

Park Husqvarna mower if weather forecast predicts frost or heavy rain Protect the lawn by ensuring your mower is parked when the weather forecast predicts frost or heavy rain.

Notify your neighbor when your mower needs attention Select a list of friends that will receive an email when something unexpected happens and Automower® needs a helping hand. Mower location will be included in the mail.

Let Automower sing Happy Birthday Set date and time and your mower will sing Happy birthday for you and your loved ones. Applicable for Automower® 405X, 415X, 435X AWD, 430X NERA and 450X NERA with latest firmware installed.

Send your robot mower Robolinho® mowing every day at sunrise Start mowing every day, when sun rises in the area where your robot mower Robolinho® is located.

To activate these Applets and millions more, try IFTTT for free today!