I was skeptical when my friends sent a video of their little robotic lawn mower bumping up a long flat lawn. How can a device as big as a small tire mow a large lawn? Well, Husqvarna makes mowers that are pretty accurate for years to come. While a robot won’t trim the edges as neatly as a lawnmower, you’ll still be able to trim the grass with little effort. It shreds blades and mulch, saving you the work of constantly emptying storage containers.
Restrictions include the installation of electrical wires anchored around the entire perimeter of the lawn. Also, robotic mowers are not as reliable as walk-behind or ride-on mowers on steep slopes. Like a robot vacuum, it can’t remove toys, chairs, and hoses that block its path. Obstacles need to be picked up before leaving the charging station. Finally, separate lawn areas divided by driveways or sidewalks cannot be covered. Otherwise, the device is pretty thorough.
Biggest downside? price. For urban yards, the residential Automower 115H (4G) sells for $700, while for larger suburban lawns the wider Automower 415X sells for $2,000. While other less expensive brands may be just what you need, Husqvarna has been perfecting landscape tools for decades and has a reputation for being tough and durable. I’d say it’s worth it, but the key is finding a robotic lawn mower that fits your yard and budget.
