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It’s time to acquaint yourself with the robotic lawnmower — or what the Roomba vacuum is to landscaping.
These futuristic robo-mowers are battery operated, which means they charge at a designated station versus guzzling a tank of gas — making them green as well as insanely cool. Yet, you can be sure they do a bang-up job, with sophisticated sensors and multiple propeller-like blades snipping your lawn with precision. And because the mowers can be controlled by an app, they offer you the freedom of sitting back and watching TV instead of pushing a lawnmower all afternoon. Just set your lawn boundaries with the virtual perimeter wire and let the included Bluetooth tracking technology chart the mower’s path. You know, all in a day’s work.
Thankfully, these robotic mowers are available for every shape and size of lawn. Plus, you don’t have to be a genius to set them up. What should you know before you buy? Consider your lawn care needs: a smaller plot that requires less upkeep may not warrant a pricier model with longer range and battery life. And if you want to try one out before you commit, be sure to look into the warranties. They might be a bit pricey, but if you’re gonna let a robot do your landscaping, it’s probably worth it.
Here are the top models out there — and one so good we’re waiting for it to hit U.S. stores.
All-Around Star: Husqvarna Automower
This model scores big on Amazon, and for good reason: it’s a powerhouse for small-to-medium-sized yards (up to 0.4 acres). The “Lift & Tilt” sensors prevent collisions in case your flower beds are uninsured, and cutting height can easily be toggled between 2 and 3.6 inches for a custom-cut lawn that looks beautiful all season. Did we mention that it’s Bluetooth enabled? Because finger tapping is a lot easier than revving and lugging.
Best Battery: Worx WR140 Landroid
Roving over crabgrass like a Mars expedition is the Worx Landroid. While a lawn mower seems like one of the ultimate unitaskers out there, there’s versatility to this model. The rechargeable battery can be removed and used in other Worx cordless power tools, and they all run whisper-quiet.
For Safety: Yoleny Robotic Lawn Mower
Let’s face it: you’re going to want to have your robot mow while you’re doing other things. But remote landscaping can still be worrisome: What if your pet tries to fight it, or kids think it’s a sporty remote control car (it does look very Toy Story 2)? This model is thoughtful in its safety features, meaning if the electric reel mower is lifted or accidentally tipped over, it will stop working immediately and automatically.
For Smaller Lawns: GARDENA SILENO Minimo
Outdoor oases come in all shapes and sizes. And thanks to this mower, there’s no need to shell out big money for a more diminutive space. For only $629, you can manicure a smaller plot (up to 2700 sq ft.) with the same sophisticated sensors for tacking more complex lawns. There’s still Bluetooth EasyApp Control and Auto-Schedule, but at only 13.2 pounds, it’ll silently tuck away without taking up your entire yard.
For Feeding: Honda Miimo
Great groundskeeping also involves nourishing your lawn. If you want a lawnmower that goes the extra mile after it clips, consider Honda’s innovation: The razor-sharp blades pulverize the clippings into an almost powder-like mulch that will then get quickly absorbed into the soil. Other robo models may spit out shaggier clippings that require bagging or raking. This superfine grass dust, however, allows nutrients to seep in deeper so the decomposers can go to town. Use the dealer locator to purchase one near you.
No Boundaries: Segway Navimow
You know Segway for their dorky scooters, but there’s no dorkiness when it comes to the Navimow. Unlike most lawn mowers we’ve already listed, this one does not require the installation of boundary cords to tell it where to go. It has centimeter-precise positioning and systematic mowing patterns to increase efficiency and contribute to perfectly manicured lawns. Though it’s not available yet, we can’t wait for this new model to hit U.S. stores. Check it out here.
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