Buying a Robotic Lawn Mower? - Robot Lawn Mower Buying Tips

Thinking about buying a robotic lawn mower to freeindoors to charge.
up some time and save money?Other important features and points to consider:
Here are some things to consider:" Higher end robot mowers can detect how quickly
There are a few automatic lawn mower choices outyour lawn is growing and will adjust its schedule to
there with prices ranging from about $1,299 toaccording to when the lawn needs to be mowed.
$4,200 so you'll need to consider what features yourThis feature can be useful during droughts or fast
lawn require and what features you want.growing seasons.
What does your lawn require?" Most fully automated robotic lawn mowers utilize a
First of all, you should evaluate your lawn. Your yardrain sensor to automatically pause mowing sessions.
does not have to be a perfect "postage stamp" lawn" Some robotic lawn mowers are big and heavy while
in order to get good results. In fact, most roboticothers are small and light weight. It's important to
mowers are designed to manage odd shaped lawnsconsider weight and size of the mower in case you
and all different grass types. Robot mowers canneed to ship it for repairs or servicing. Depending on
maneuver around obstacles like pools, trees, flowerwhich model you choose, weight can range from 21
beds, poles, mailboxes and even playgroundpounds to 85 pounds. For example the LawnBott
equipment.LB3210 weighs only 21 pounds while the Robomower
How large is your lawn?RL1000 weighs around 85 pounds.
Automatic lawn mowers can be used on lawnsMaintenance and replacement parts
ranging from 100 square feet to 2 acres. SomeMaintenance is very simple for robotic mowers. There
models will allow multiple units to be installed on theis no need to empty bags or clean up grass clippings
same lawn expanding coverage far beyond 2 acres.because they are mulchers. Most manufactures
If your lawn is on the smaller side of the spectrum, arecommend replacing the blade(s) once a year.
lower priced unit may be sufficient for your needs.Robotic lawn mowers are electric lawn mowers,
Before you decide on a price range, keep in mindwhich translate into no gas, oil or spark plugs to
that special features, durability and quality alsoreplace.
influence price.Another thing to keep in mind is replacement part
Do you have a hilly lawn or is it relatively flat?cost. Some robotic lawn mowers like claim to have a
Another big deciding factor for which robotic mowerlife expectancy of about 8 to 10 years before major
to buy is how it can handle hills. Some robot lawnrepairs are needed. Higher end robot mowers
mowers are designed to mow relatively flat lawnsgenerally have better quality, longer lasting parts,
while others can be upgraded to handle steep hills.which also means higher upfront and replacement
For example, the LawnBott LB3500 robotic lawnpart cost. On the flip side, lower cost robotic
mower can mow hills up to 30 degrees with add onlawnmowers use cheaper parts, which may result in
spiked wheels. This particular model utilizes an onmore frequent repair needs that could end up costing
board compass to keep it on course as it navigatesmore to upkeep than higher end models. With that
hilly terrains.said, robotic lawn mower maintenance cost will
Performance and featuresalmost always fall well below the cost to upkeep and
Robotic mower models differ in how long they takemaintain traditional lawn mowers or paying a lawn
to recharge and how long they can mow beforeservice.
needing a charge. Charge times can vary from 2.5Most robotic lawn mowers come with a 2-year
hours to upward 24 hours depending on the modelwarranty with varying warranties on the battery.
you choose. With recharge times in mind, rememberSome warranties include pickup and return shipping
that robotic lawnmowers will take longer to mowcost depending on which model you choose.
your yard than a human would. Therefore, if youGetting your yard ready for a robotic lawn mower
have a large lawn, it could take a few consecutiveNow that you have decided to purchase a robotic
runs to cover the whole area. Since the robot islawn mower, it's time to prepare the yard.
doing all the work, consecutive runs are effortless on" Although most robotic lawn mower's bump sensors
your part, but you want to choose a model that cancan detect objects over 4 inches high, you would
keep your lawn looking its best without falling behindwant to remove small toys, strings, hose pipes,
during peak growing seasons.lightweight objects and other objects lying around on
Run times for automatic mowers can vary from 90the lawn just as you would with any lawn mower
minutes to 7 hours before needing to recharge." Fill in big holes. Some robotic lawn mowers have
Some higher end models like the LawnBott LB3550problems with "lawn potholes."
can mow up to 15 hours per day with a recharge" If your robotic lawn mower requires perimeter wire,
period in between.plan your install. A good dealer will offer to illustrate a
Many robotic lawn mowers completely automatecustomized installation plan free of charge. Installation
lawn mowing by working on a time and day schedule.for most yards can be very simple while others may
The lawnmower will automatically leave its chargingrequire special wiring tricks. Expect to set aside the
station; mow the lawn, and then dock when it's done.most part of a day to peg down the perimeter wire.
Lower end robotic mowers will require you to bring it