After switching from a traditional lawnmower to a robot mower, I can't imagine going back. In this article, we'll explore the key differences between the two and why you should seriously consider investing in a robot mower.
Mowing the lawn can be a time-consuming task, especially during the growing season when it needs regular attention. For those with limited free time, cutting the grass can significantly reduce the time available for other activities.
Traditional lawnmowers require you to bring them out each time you mow, along with routine maintenance and cleaning to keep them functioning properly. If you don't mow often enough, the grass becomes harder to cut, taking even more time and effort, and resulting in a less attractive lawn over time.
Robot mowers eliminate these hassles. Once set up, they operate autonomously, day or night, following a schedule you’ve set. They require minimal maintenance or cleaning and are highly reliable. With a robot mower, you can focus on other activities or simply relax while your lawn is being maintained. Plus, it can mow while you're away, so you don’t even need to be home for your lawn to stay in top shape.
Traditional lawn mowers are far less energy-efficient than robot mowers. Robot mowers draw their power from the electrical grid, which is more efficient than using fuel-powered engines. Additionally, modern lithium-ion batteries are highly energy-dense, maximizing efficiency and reducing both the cost and environmental impact of mowing your lawn.
Conventional mowers can also struggle with uneven cuts, especially if it’s been a while since the last mowing session. In my experience, if more than a week passed during the growing season, I often needed to cut the grass twice—once in one direction and again at a right angle—to ensure a clean, even cut. This not only increased the time required but also added to the operational cost of the mower.
Robot mowers, on the other hand, are designed to be energy-efficient, using minimal power to get the job done. Their small yet powerful motors can operate with as little as 20 watts of energy and, in many cases, the annual cost of running a robot mower for a quarter-acre lawn is less than £10. Some models can even be charged using solar panels, allowing you to mow your lawn using renewable energy.
Robot mowers dock at a charging station in your garden when not in use, saving you the hassle of finding storage space. Conventional mowers, whether push or ride-on, need to be stored in a garage or shed, taking up valuable room. In my case, my garage is already cramped, so getting rid of the traditional mower freed up much-needed space for other items.
The space-saving benefits are even more pronounced if you own a ride-on mower, which can be enormous and unsuitable for outdoor storage. Some robot mowers can handle up to 6000 sqm (1.5 acres) of lawn, are fully waterproof, and can stay outside throughout the growing season, making them a more convenient option.
Conventional lawn mowers can disrupt the peaceful ambiance of a garden with their loud engines. It’s hard to enjoy time outside when a mower is roaring nearby, and it’s certainly not ideal for relaxation.
Robot mowers, however, are incredibly quiet. Many models are so silent during operation that you might not even notice them. This is particularly important because robot mowers typically work more slowly than conventional mowers, so they need to operate without disturbing anyone enjoying the garden.
In my experience, I can’t hear my robot mower when I’m standing just 10 feet away from it, meaning it never interrupts my peaceful time outside. You can comfortably enjoy a cup of coffee or read the paper while the robot quietly trims the lawn.
A freshly mowed lawn is a beautiful sight, but maintaining it daily with a conventional mower requires a lot of time and dedication. It's easy to let the grass grow too long between cuts, especially when weather or other commitments get in the way. When the grass gets too long, it becomes harder to cut, and cutting too much at once can damage the health of the lawn.
Robot mowers are designed for frequent cutting, ensuring your lawn stays in top condition. I’ve set my mower to trim the grass every day, which means only a small portion is cut each time, keeping the lawn looking immaculate and freshly cut at all times. With a robot mower, you can achieve that “just-mowed” look every day with minimal effort.
Few things are as satisfying as the sight of a freshly mowed lawn. However, achieving that look daily with a traditional lawn mower requires significant dedication. The effort involved often leads to the temptation to let the grass grow a bit longer between cuts. Additionally, weather conditions can sometimes prevent you from mowing as frequently as you’d like, making it harder to maintain a neat appearance. When the grass gets too tall, cutting it all at once can also harm its health.
In contrast, robot lawn mowers are designed for frequent cutting. My mower is programmed to trim the grass every day, which means only a small amount is removed at a time. As a result, the lawn always looks immaculate and freshly cut, giving me that satisfying appearance with minimal effort.
Conventional lawn mowers can often become targets for thieves, and robot mowers are no exception. Fortunately, all models come equipped with a variety of security features designed to prevent theft and enhance the chances of recovery if your mower is stolen.
You might think that robot mowers would be more vulnerable to theft since they are typically kept in the garden. However, this isn’t the case thanks to the robust security measures integrated into even the most basic models.
Nearly all robot mowers include a PIN code feature that requires you to enter a code whenever the mower is disturbed, stopped unexpectedly, or turned on. If someone attempts to steal the mower or fails to enter the correct code, a surprisingly loud alarm will sound, likely deterring most thieves. Additionally, many models are uniquely paired with their charging stations, rendering the mower inoperable if it is removed.
Higher-end models often come with built-in GPS, allowing the mower to be tracked. This information can be provided to the police, increasing the chances of recovering your mower in the event of theft.
Conventional lawn mowers have served us well for many years, but as technology advances, the benefits of robot lawn mowers are becoming increasingly evident. I believe we are at a pivotal moment where the advancements in technology and the reduction in prices make it feasible for most people to explore these options before selecting their next mower. I hope this article provides you with valuable insights to help you weigh your choices.