The Robomow RS612 is a smart fully robotic mower that can handle up to 0.25 acres of land area. It boasts a DC motor to help with the removal of grass, and it uses a fixed blade feature to help deal with complex lawn designs. Not only that, but it also has a self-return capability towards its docking station when the mowing job is finished.
In this Robomow RS612 review, we will look at the different aspects where this robot shines or fails. We will also weigh its operation, performance, and limitations to see whether it is a robot worthy of your time and money.
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Quick Comparison
Last update on 2022-07-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1-Minute Review Robot Mowers
The Robomow RS612 is an easy-to-use product. It is able to handle different sized lawns, and it can even extend to 1/2 acre if necessary. The robot mower even comes with the needed bounding wires, and this removes the need for professional help that may cost you more.
I like that the Robomow RS612 can program 4 different mowing zones since it truly means that each area can have its own specified mowing intensity depending on my needs. At a closer glance, here are the pros and cons of the robot that I have observed:
- Great Edging Feature
- Sturdy Build including the Heavy Duty Blades and Frame
- Remote control
- Rain Sensor
- Makes a lot of noise compared to other lawn robot mowers models
- Long charging time compared to other products
- Reports on charging head issues
- Expensive price point
Even if the robot is a bit noisier than its competitors’ models, it is not at a level that will disturb you and your family.
The mower may have a long charge time, but this drawback is compensated with the long run time during operation. Also, the high price point of the robot can be seen as pain for your wallet.
Last update on 2022-07-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Let’s take a closer look at Robot mowers
How it works
The Robomow RS612 aims to automate the larger lawns mowing process. Gone are the days when you need to push that heavy manual mower across the yard, as the Robomow RS612 can do this job for you efficiently. The product is separated into three main components: the robot, the guidewire, as well as the docking station.
The robot is a heavy-duty device that makes use of wheels for movement, and triangular fixed heavy-duty blades for high grass cutting action. This makes it easy to get rid of any type of vegetation that comes under it.
For the boundaries, it makes use of bounding wires that are included with the package to restrict it from wandering outside your designated mowing area. Once it detects the perimeter wire, it will bounce off and recalibrate itself in another direction. It might even follow it to deal with the edges of your yard.
Hard obstacles do not need to be wired out, as the robot bounces off them. However, soft obstacles such as flowers and plants need to be protected with the bounding wire.
The docking station serves as the home base of the Robomow RS612. Once the mowing job is finished, it returns to the base to recharge. With the help of this self-charging mechanism, the robot can work in your front yard without the need for your assistance.
Bear in mind that maintenance is still necessary especially if it becomes dirty.
For a general overview of how a robotic lawn mower works, enjoy this article.
Performance of Robotic Lawn Mower
When it comes to performance, the robot is more than enough to handle your ¼ acre of land area. You can even push it for half of an acre, but this is not recommended since it may cause problems in the long run.
During my time with the robot, I like the fact that it always produced freshly cut wet grass and did not leave any patches of long ones in my yard.
The zone control is a very beneficial feature for my needs, as it allowed me to divide the area into four segments in which I can choose a different cutting length for each of them. This made the beautification process of my yard a thousand times easier than before.
The robot does create some noise, but not to the point where it becomes unbearable due to too much interference. I was still able to go on my daily routine during the time that the robot was working, and I did not get disturbed at all.
Another amazing feature that the Robomow RS612 has is app connectivity. Using the application that can be installed on Android and iOS devices, it becomes possible to monitor the robot’s performance as well as control it through your smartphone app.
It can even state when the next mowing cycle will be, as well as the battery left on the device.
Overall, the Robomow RS612 has a solid performance on par with other devices available. To know more about the benefits of robot lawn mowers, read this article.
Limitations
One of the greatest limitations of the Robomow RS612 is that it has triple or quadruple the price of a manual handheld lawn mower. This might discourage those who are new in the field of robot lawn mowers from buying the device.
When forced to operate more than its recommended working hours, the robot may overheat and stop functioning for a while. This can be a bit annoying especially because there might be a need for you to check out what is wrong with it. However, it will return to its normal operation after cooling down.
With almost 50 pounds in weight, it can be a real hassle to carry the robot around the yard. Thus, if the self-docking feature fails, you will be left with no choice but to drag this heavy-duty bot back to its station.
Ease of set up and use
Unlike other brands which recommend that the set-up procedure should be done by a professional team, the Robomow RS612 has everything you need for operation.
Upon opening the package, you will notice that it contains several plot connectors, pegs, wire connectors, and even base station stakes for a DIY set-up procedure.
To start using the device, there is a need to identify which type your lawn belongs to. Pictures are attached with the manual, and you can easily determine whether it is type A, B, C, or D. it is important to first choose the docking station spot as it will serve as the central point of the guiding wire. Make sure that the chosen spot is 65 feet away from a power outlet and even flat.
Once a docking spot has been chosen, laying down the bounding/guidewire comes next. A RoboRuler comes with the package to help determine wire distance from any edge in your yard.
This distance varies on the location of a wall or a falling edge. Once the correct measurements have been established, you can use the pegs to pin down the wire as you lay it out in a counterclockwise manner.
Make sure that the endpoint of your wire creates a full loop and returns to the charging station. Then, twist both wires and strip the free end, then connect both ends using the connector.
The base station should then be installed above the starting/endpoint, and the connector and extension cord must be attached to the base station head. This will allow the robot to find its way to the device during the low battery phase. Then, find a wall socket and plug the power cord into the station.
Once finished, you can perform initial programming of the language as well as the chosen cutting height. You should be good to go after this process.
The RS612 Robot Lawn Mowers Reliability
The Robomow RS612 is a reliable device in terms of accessibility and control. I like the fact that you can use both the smartphone app and included remote control anytime that you want to gain the most out of your robot.
Through the remote, you can set specific modes such as zone control, scheduler, and even height adjustment.
One thing in which the RS612 is not that reliable is dealing with complicated yard design. It is mainly built to handle flat and square-shaped areas, so other polygon-enclosed layouts might be not too efficient for the robotic lawn mower.
You might even need to adjust some of the features of your yard to make the device operate properly. This includes flattening some slopes or clearing drop or fall zones.
Warranty is also a bit limited due to the 1-year duration, and the tech support receives many complaints about being inconsistent.
Sometimes it can be difficult to reach their team when there are problems in dealing with the device. When they do answer calls, they provide concrete solutions but the company can be hard to reach.
Ongoing Maintenance
Maintenance of the device involves checking for dirt or gunk that is stuck on the underside. To do this, there is a need to inspect it at least once a month. If dirt exists, the user can scrape the collected grass with any hard object such as a wooden stick.
The blades can also be replaced once they wear out. This can be done through the insertion of the blade removal tool which is included in the package.
Once it has been turned, the handle must be squeezed, and the locking tabs must be pressed. To install a blade, line up the splines and pushed until a mild click can be heard.
The charging station entrance also needs to be checked for the presence of leaves, twigs, and dirt. Such contaminants might cause problems during the robot’s self-charging sequence.
Furthermore, you must remember to avoid water contact on the floating deck/dock, especially at the power rods. This may cause electrical damage to the robot.
Extra Purchases and ongoing costs
No extra purchases are required to keep the robot operating. However, you might need to purchase replacement blades and battery packs in the future in case they stop functioning optimally.
You can even buy extra guiding wires and pegs in case you have more land area to cover. Other than that, the RS612 is a standalone robot that has everything that you need for a robotic lawn mower.
Ongoing costs for the robot may include electricity fees. Take note that one charge can last up to 24 hours, and this can cause additional monthly expenses. It also has a self-charging feature, meaning that it is the robot’s prerogative to start the charging process.
FAQs
Do the robotic lawn mowers come with pegs and wires?
Yes, the Robomow RS612 can be self-installed, meaning that it has everything that the user needs for set-up. Unlike other robot lawn mowers which need the help of professionals for first-time use, this robot is beginner-friendly.
Can the application be used for manual control of the robot?
Yes, the application can be used for the robot’s manual control. However, this is not really that necessary since the randomized pattern of the mower is enough to cover the entirety of your yard. There is no need to worry about untouched spots, as the Robomow RS612 will surely handle them all.
What yard sizes are the Robomow RS612 suitable to?
The Robomow RS612 robot lawn mowers are meant to be used for small yards with areas up to 0.25 acres.
Is it Alexa Compatible?
Yes, you can use Alexa Smarthome Capabilities to initiate voice commands for the robot.
What is the robot’s cutting width?
The robot has a 22-inch cutting width. This means that it can cover a lot of area during its navigation, and leads to a more efficient mowing process.
Conclusion
This Robomow RS612 has established that the robot is one of the best-priced robotic lawn mowers on the market.
Even if it has a limited yard size of 0.25 acres, it has excellent mowing power and can provide you with freshly cut grass without the need for your intervention.
If you are looking for a robot lawn mower that can handle your small yard, then this device should be considered.
However, for yards that are bigger in size, I recommend the use of Robomow RS622 or Robomow RS630 as they are more suitable for heavier use.
Furthermore, if you are someone who needs consistent technical support, then I’d suggest considering Husqvarna robotic lawn mowers since they provide better customer service.
Last update on 2022-07-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Emma Marie is a valued writer at the Little Robot Shop. She studied robotics and deeply understands technology, which shows in her writing. She consistently produces high-quality content, making her a perfect fit for the Little Robot Shop team.
While not writing, Emma works in a popular electronics retail chain. Emma also enjoys running and has two dogs with whom she loves spending time.
