Do you hate mowing the lawn? Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a machine that would do all of the work for you? Well, there is!
A Robotic Lawn mower will cut your grass and maintain your yard without any human intervention. How much does one cost?
So, how much do the best robot lawn mowers cost?
The robot lawnmower itself will cost between $1000 – $3000, depending on the brand and model. Then there is the installation. You can expect to pay around $300 if you don’t want to do it yourself. Perimeter wire fence boundaries will be around $150 – $200 (more for a larger yard size) and an optional garage about $95. On top of that, you must consider insurance, replacing batteries every 2-3 years, cleaning equipment, and replacement blades.
Based on the above you can expect a robot mower to be around $500 on top of your initial purchase cost. But you can save a lot of that if you are willing to do the installation yourself.
So, are robot mowers it worth it? Of course, it is. Keep on reading and we’ll break it all down for you in no time.
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Interested in finding the best robot lawn mowers?
Given that many of us have kids, spouses, hobbies, and other obligations, it is not feasible to think we can spend hours on one task alone. And you might only have time to mow early in the morning due to time or heat restraints, but waking the neighbours is a huge no-no and quite rude. The solution?
Get yourself a robot lawn mower. These are quiet machines that can do a pretty good job, and you can let them do the work while you do other things. They are kind of like those robot vacuums if you have a basic understanding of how those work, you will easily understand how the lawn mowers work. from being able to set a mowing schedule to devices that return to their charging station.
In this article, we are going to answer your questions and discuss the ins and out of robot lawn mowers: the purchase, the price of maintaining one, fuel costs, and more. With all this, you’re likely to get a better idea of whether it’s worth getting one to maintain your lawn.
This is your inside look at what you will be looking at if you choose to pick up one of these helpful robot lawn mowers.
You may also like to read: Robomow RX20 Review
Part 1: The price of a robotic lawn mower
For the robot lawn mower itself, you are looking at prices anywhere from $1000 to 3000 and up. But why is this?
It’s all about what these helpful robotic lawn mowers feature that makes them so expensive. You might say it is their helpful technology that makes them a bit of a pricey venture. However, for the best robot lawn mower, it can be worth it. Let’s take a look at three of the top-selling robot mowers and what makes them so special.
Our top three robot lawn mowers
Be sure to check out our complete list of the best robotic lawnmowers, but for this post, we thought we highlight three of our favourite robot lawn mowers. Here are the main three models we think you should check out:
Husqvarna Automower 315X
Number 1 on this list is the Husqvarna Automower 315X and with this excellent mower, you can use your voice to cut the grass. You can manage the schedule of when your robot lawn mower is to cut the grass and keep track of the exact location of the mower by using the Automower Connect app. You can use your voice to start or stop the robotic lawn mower using your smart speaker-it is Google Home or Amazon Alexa compatible.
This robot mower from Husqvarna runs by using boundary wire to stay in its rightful zone and is easily able to manoeuvre around items in the yard like kids’ toys and trampolines/ lawn ornaments.
These robot lawn mowers are quiet enough to run at night, and there are absolutely no fumes or noise associated with running the machine.
You can run these Husqvarna Automower models in the rain, and the clippings this robot creates are absolutely fine to simply leave on your yard as a natural fertiliser. You don’t have to rake up and bag lawn clippings!
Typically, for a medium lawn size without too much of an incline (ideal for a 1.5-acre yard size), the Husqvarna Automower is an excellent choice. These robot lawn mowers are well known for their quality and you may just find that the higher price tag is well worth it. Whether you’re interested in safety features, rain sensors, a smartphone app, or any of the other things that this model has to offer, you’re likely to find that it’ll be worth looking into.
As a final note, it’s always best to make sure that you’re buying from the Husqvarna site, and reliable stores (or on Amazon, trustworthy sellers). To save yourself time and hassle later on, it’s always worth it.
You may also like: Husqvarna 115H vs 315X
Worx Landroid M 20V WR140 Robotic Mower
The Worx Landroid M 20V WR140 can mow up to a quarter of an acre and is a fully automated robot lawn mower that is pretty smart and capable of learning about the yard you have. It then takes what it has learned to create a schedule based upon the size of the yard. These robot mowers are often quite easy to install, and the setup can be done in a matter of minutes.
This mower cuts just a little at a time, so patience is required. It naturally fertilizes lawns thanks to the grass clippings it creates. You can use the mobile app right on your phone or tablet to get the mower out and control it, no matter where you are.
One thing we really liked about this particular robot mower was the “Find My Landroid” feature. In the event that your Landroid robot lawn mower leaves the perimeter, you can always find out where it went thanks to the device being connected at all times. Features like this can certainly give you peace of mind while your robot is mowing the garden.
Precision is the name of the game for these robot lawn mowers, and it features the ability to “Cut To The Edge.” You can mow close to the edge of the lawn as compared to other robot lawn mowers, meaning less time you will have to spend with your weed eater.
And, this great device is weather resistant. If the device senses rain, it will go to its charging base until the rain is gone. The battery is interchangeable with other WORX tools, too. It’s features like a quality rain sensor and GPS technology that really make these models an excellent choice.
You may also like: Worx WR140 vs Worx WR150
Gardena 4069 Robotic Lawn Mower
The Gardena 4069 is a robot lawn mower that features .7″ to 2″ cutting height. You can simply use a rotary knob to set the height range. This particular robot vacuum does not have an app to control it, but you can absolutely set the mowing times and days easily by making use of the generously sized panel and display on the front of the unit.
This device will work during the rain, and produces pretty good results! The device also comes with anti-theft protection and is low noise. You can run it at night or early in the morning, and you will have no worries about waking up the neighbours or bothering other people. This is also a great way to control emissions – it’s completely emission-free.
All you need to set up this mower is a pair of wire cutters, some pliers, and a hammer. The device comes with all you need to set it up and can be performed on your own. (It will be critical to read the manual and follow all steps for setup, however).
After that, setting up the grass cutter is easy. Just use the display to program it the way you want, set it up, and allow it to go over your lawn. You will find the grass to be neatly trimmed and looking great. Overall, this model is undoubtedly better than a standard push mower and can leave lawns looking immaculate.
Largely, the only major “con” with this device is the lack of a smartphone app and the option for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, but given its ease of use, it still comes in as a huge winner and has been used by people across the country (and the globe, for that matter).
Setup Costs
The biggest price of setup is going to be putting in the low voltage perimeter wire around the outside of your lawn. This is used to create what some might call “an invisible fence.” This is essential to keep your device mowing in the boundaries of your lawn.
If you already have a fenced-in yard – many of us do thanks to having dogs or kids-you probably don’t need to worry about this. However, some of us may want to fence off areas of the lawns that don’t need to be mowed, such as flower beds. It could also be used to protect your mowing machine from more challenging parts of lawns, like a sharp incline or swimming pool. The safer your robot is, the more time you’ll get out of it cutting your grass for you.
So, the question is: Is this an actual fence I am putting up? Absolutely not. You will be installing a boundary wire like this one, and your cost will vary based upon the amount you need.
Some of you are going to need the full 2000 feet, which can come to $160 and that’s OK. Some of you may just need 500 feet to block off some spots around the house, and that’s fine – lower amounts will often come with lower prices anyway. There are different price points in between, too.
The reason we chose this particular brand is that:
- It is protected, solid core boundary wire rated at 14 AWG
- It’s universal and will work with any brand or model of an automatic robot mower
- You can install it above ground or bury it up to 18 inches below the surface.
- The wire is designed to last 20 years including through the rain, snow and all other weather
- It’s made in the USA
- You can buy it in varying lengths
- It is unobtrusive
It is simple to install, too – yard staples placed at 5 feet intervals will keep it in place. Once you’ve got it set up, your robot lawn mowers will be stuck within your yard, taking care of your mowing needs and sticking to the boundaries you set.
Maintenance Costs
As with any power tool, you will need to perform basic maintenance tasks to ensure your investment stays as helpful as the day you bought it. With proper care, a good mower can last quite a long time.
Cleaning
To clean your robot lawn mower, it is advised you use a bristle brush and some shop towels to clean off the excess grass that builds upon the wheels and underneath. (Side note: Always make sure when cleaning that you turn off the master switch so that the vacuum does not turn on. Some of these mowers turn off when lifted up, but it’s best to be safe).
Looking after your mower may take a little time, but if you want it to be as effective as possible and continue cleaning your yard without issue, it’s best to put in a little effort.
Replacement Blades
You can buy universal replacement blades, or you can buy ones that are specific to your brand. For example, Husqvarna makes replacement blades readily available that retail for around $65 per 45 razor blades.
You can also buy ones that designed to fit other robot lawn mowers, for example, these ones we found are much cheaper than a branded option. The recommendation is to replace them on a monthly basis. Remember to set it at the right blade height for your models.
Battery
The batteries you get in these robot lawn mowers are Lithium-Ion, which have a lifespan of about 2-3 years or 300 to 500 charges. The battery life on different models will often vary and could last longer or shorter.
When it comes time for you to replace your own battery, you could be looking in the region of $50 based upon our findings of the WORX batteries for sale. Pricing will vary from brand to brand, but this gives you an idea of what to expect.
Garage for Robot Lawn Mower
If you choose to keep your robot outside, you may wish to purchase a little “garage” or cover for the tool. Often, a docking station look stylish and cool and provide a place for your robot to store neatly while you wait to use it again.
They do come at a cost, however, and many of us will probably opt to store our robots in the shed or take them to the garage. But if you like, a wide range of docking station options are available and they average at about $100. Some models even come with their own charging station as standard.
Other Indirect Costs
- Electricity: You will have to charge your robot lawn mower after you are done using it. This will increase your electricity usage, and thus drive up the bill you pay each month for electricity. This price cannot be determined here as the pricing of electricity varies from state to state. The good news is that we can infer from some users that the cost will not be much at all. This Youtube video by a happy Husqvarna user noted that it only takes 5 cents to charge their mower based upon their electricity company’s cost.
Part 2: What Are the Negative Points About Robotic Lawn Mowers?
Sure, owning a robotic lawn mower has its downsides. Nothing is perfect, so let’s talk about three of the major disadvantages associated with owning a robot lawn mower.
The lack of stripes
Perfectionists everywhere love the beautiful and satisfying stripes that appear on the lawn after it has been mowed by yourself or a professional. The robot takes a random path everywhere, so the lack of stripes can really make some people feel like their yard isn’t up to standard.
It’s pricey
The luxury of having a robot lawn mower will cost you. From base cost to accessories and replacement parts, this is not a cheap venture at all. See our price bottom line at the end of the article. But then again, you will be saving a lot of time.
They don’t cut everything
The robot lawn mower is definitely a big help, but it is not going to cut each and every little thing that ends up in your yard. Some users noted that the robots would stop or get stuck on certain weeds in their yard, so be prepared to lend a helping hand to your lawn mower in the event that it gets stuck while working.
Part 3: What Features Should You Look For In Lawn Mower Models?
There are many lean, mean mowing machines for you to choose from – but what is it that makes a good robot lawn mower? Here are some of the main features that can make your purchase more than worth it:
- GPS tracking and a smartphone app (often WiFi or bluetooth)
- Weather resistance and a good rain sensor
- The ability to set a mowing schedule
- Quality spinning blades and the option to set the cutting height
- An all wheel drive mowing machine
Often, bigger names in the industry (such as Husqvarna or Mowro) will try to include features like these in their models, so it is often a good idea to consider the more reliable brands when buying. Also, don’t forget to pick one that’s suitable for your lawn size (as well as taking things like an incline into consideration).
Conclusion
So, what did we learn? Here are the costs of really owning a robot mower:
- The Robot Itself: At least $1000
- Wire Fence Boundaries: $159
- Electricity costs: varies, but can be quite minimal
- Shop clothes bristle brush for cleaning: $21 total
- Replacement blades: $11
- Battery: $50
- Optional Garage: $95
So, are these smart mowing machines worth it? Absolutely. If you choose the right one, mowing lawns will become a thing of the past and no one can deny that having more free time is a bonus you can’t pass up. The time you get back to enjoy with family and friends is invaluable – and the ability to mow your lawn anywhere and in just about any weather is a huge win!
Matt is the founder of the Little Robot Shop, who has spent much of the last decade hacking home cleaning with various robots and devices to make keeping his home clean as easy as possible. Not an easy task with two young children.
When not working on the Little Robot Shop website or YouTube channel, he works as technical support and product specialist for a fast-growing digital company. He does his best to get his younglings to code, which will be an essential skill in the future.