If reading the words robot mower gives you images of daleks patrolling your back garden, then you need to read this buying guide on 7 of the top robotic mowers on the market
Robot mowers are right at the forefront of the 4th industrial revolution and are an amazing solution to taking over the laborious and time-consuming role of cutting your lawn.
With your very own robot lawnmower, you will never again have to deal with nagging spouses, curtain twitchers or parents getting you to do your chores!
These clever bots are able to keep a small, medium sized or large garden looking like a luxury carpet.
Read on for our review of 7 the best robots mowers for your lawn.
5 Quick Points for Selecting the Best Robotic Lawn Mower for Keeping Your Yard Pristine!
Before we jump into the companies that make the seven best robot mowers, let’s go over five key features you are going to want in a robotic mower if you want it to perform reliably over the years.
1. The Maximum Lawn Area
The largest lawn area is the maximum amount of lawn your mower can successfully mow to condition “good” or “excellent”.
It is given in square meters or square feet and is to be compared to the size of your lawn area.
This is useful to know especially if you are comparing a robotic mower to a ride on mower.
2. The Robot’s Ability to Handle Slopes
Slopes can either make or break your robot mower, especially if the mower is three-wheeled and has poor tread.
If you’re located in a hilly part of the UK, you’ll want to look for a mower that can handle slopes greater than 20 degrees.
3. Onboard Sensors to Help Dodge Obstacles
For a robot mower, a family garden presents a complex obstacle course.
The wheels must navigate around balls and rackets, garden furniture and a trampoline.
The best robot mowers navigate by using sensors and turn away when it detects an object.
4. Make Sure the Mower Comes with These Essential Accessories
Without these essential accessories, you can expect a delay of hundreds of hours in getting your new robot mower set up.
Manufacturers will often include these accessories in your delivered makeshift robot mower.
They are listed below:
- Boundary wire: consists of a special cable that the robot mower uses in order to locate the borders of your lawn.
- Pegs: the boundary wire is held in its position by pegs that hold the wire at a height detectable by the mower.
- Charging station: your mower is base station that you will need to set up, it is where the mower begins to go and returns automatically to charge itself.
5. Manufacturer’s Warranty and Replacement Parts
Aim for at least a year warranty period which should cover not only the mower, but also it’s battery.
The other thing to look for is a mower you can get replacement parts (like the blades) for.
The 7 Best Robotic Lawn Mowers for UK Gardens
These 7 amazing robotic lawnmowers make a great addition to any garden.
Here are our top picks.
1. Stihl iMOW Robot Lawn Mower Model RMI 422
Technical Specifications
- Cutting width/height: 7.87 in / 0.8 to 2.4 in (20 cm/ 2 to 6 cm)
- Maximum lawn area mowed: 800 square meters (8611.13 square feet)
- Maximum gradient: 35 degrees
- Mowing duration: 16 hours
- Cutting rotary speed: 4450 rpm
- Battery: Lithium-ion
- Weight: 20 pounds (9 kilograms)
- Warranty: 5-year warranty included
Description
STIHL is a world-class brand for domestic power garden tools (and to not mention their entrance into the robotic mower market–the iMOW robotic mower–would be an omission).
This smart, powerful robotic mower makes it simple to create the lawn you want with zero hassle. The STIHL iMOW mower simply gets on with keeping your lawn under control.
You can set the iMOW mower program to cut your lawn either with a simple touch of the button or using the frictionless app, which is surprisingly intuitive to operate.
Because it’s highly programmable, you get to mow your lawn however you want, and wherever and whenever you want.
We’ve showcased the RMI 422 PC for large lawn and STIHL also create mowers for small or medium to large sized gardens.
Outstanding Features to Look for in the STHL iMOW Robot Mower
- Large removable LCD screen: Stihl has attached a large LCD screen to the mower’s housing, which can also be removed for convenience should programming be required. You can do all the functions required on your mower (including recording personal settings) using the easy to use control pattern, and the performance data of your robotic mower can also be reviewed on the display.
- Mulching mowing deck: STIHL are well known for blade engineering, and the mulching blade of the robotic mower does not disappoint and performs reliably, with the rotational direction and mowing pattern able to handle taller grass growth without the engine getting clogged. The mowing deck is fitted with a cleaning disc to keep the blade clean and help wear evenly.
- Smart docking station: iMOW mowers include a docking station home to recharge from, and also the position to start mowing from. The mower will recharge and automatically refer back to the dock it starts from and the owner should not need to look to understand the functions.
- Wheel traction: The wheel traction and adaptive slope speed make this an automatic mower for all types of lawn terrain, including slopes of up to 35 degrees.
Pros
- Comprehensive protection: the mower has sensors to prevent collisions with objects, and it will stop working when you pick it up.
- Flexible mowing plan: you can choose when you want the mower to mow, and it will stop with rain and restart when there is no more rain.
- Great accessories and replacement parts: you can change blades without tools, and perimeter wire and fixing pins are also easily found.
Cons
- No GPS: for the high specification and price point of this mower, GPS tracking would be expected.
2. Hyundai HYRM 1000 Robot Lawnmower Smart Mowing Functionality Robot Mower
Technical Specifications
- Cutting width/height: 7.08 in / 1 to 2 in (18 cm/ 2.5 to 5.5 cm)
- Maximum lawn area mowed: 625 square meters (6727.44 square feet)
- Maximum gradient: 30 degrees
- Mowing duration: 16 hours
- Battery: Lithium-ion
- Weight: 16.5 pounds (7.5 kilograms)
- Warranty: 2-year warranty included
Description
Renowned for its superior engineering quality in outdoor goods, Hyundai produces this well-built mower for reliable service in a small garden.
The Lithium-Ion battery allows this robotic mower to operate up to 16 hours of mow time before the mower will return to the charging station for a charge automatically.
The robot can mow an area as wide as 18 centimetres to heights from 1 to 2 inches, all the while mowing a small lawn rather quickly.
This Hyundai robotic mower is self-mulching, dropping clippings back into the lawn.
Outstanding Features to Look for in the Hyundai HYRM 1000 Robot Lawnmower
- Various mowing patterns and start point: The mower can be programmed with four cutting patterns and up to 7 cutting heights to get everything mowed as efficiently as possible.
- Mows slopes of up to 35 degrees: Cheaper mowers are usually very limited if you have to tackle an incline of any sort, but the superb holding and traction means even if you just have a gentle slope, you can mow the entire lawn.
- Pin code protection from theft: The HYRM 1000 automatic mower is pin code protected. You can set the code of your choice through the onboard control panel.
Pros
- Completely waterproof: while the HYRM 100 does have a rain sensor, you are able to turn it off so that the mower continues to operate during light rain.
- Lift and bump sensors protect the mower and objects in its path: if this mower is lifted or tilted it will stop operating.
Cons
- Replacement parts difficult to find: purchasers of this robot mower have found repairs and replacement for failed parts difficult. A 2-year warranty is included.
3. Lawnmaster L10 robot mower
Technical Specifications
- Cutting width/height: 7.08 in / 0.7 to 2.3 in (18 cm/ 2 to 6 cm)
- Maximum lawn area mowed: 400 square meters (4305.5 square feet)
- Maximum gradient: 35 degrees
- Mowing duration: 45 minutes
- Battery: Lithium-ion
- Weight: 17.9 pounds (8.1 kilograms)
- Warranty: 2-year warranty included
Description
The dependable robot mower is straightforward to set up with a supplied boundary wire and charging station that are intuitive and easy to decipher. It’s built tough and fully waterproofed IPX5 for durability and reliable performance.
The manufacturers made this robotic mower easy to program and maintain, it can be programmed manually for mowing every day or every other day.
This mower uses 3 pivoting cutting blades to mulch your cutgrass, as it mows your lawn the robot mower fertilizes your lawn as well.
And other features for lift, tilt, and bump sensors protect the robotic mower from damage and your pets and garden furniture.
Outstanding Features to Look for in the Lawnmaster L10 Robot Mower
- Automatic charging: When the automatic mower runs out of battery, it will return straight to its charging station, recharge, and continue its programmed journey.
- Adjustable cutting height: You can manually change the cutting height of this mower (when not in automatic mode) by turning the large dial under the hood.
- Good handling of hills and slopes: The HYRM 1000 automatic mower can be operated with a pin code. You can set a pin code of your own through its built-in control panel.
Pros
- Amazing performance given its price: this manually programmed robotic mower has a nice feature set, and buyers are very happy with the reliability and performance of the mower.
- It has peace of mind with PIN protection: you can set the mower to only start up when you type in a unique PIN, and the mower uses a basic push-button keypad for this feature.
Cons
- This is not an app-controlled device: If you want to enjoy the ultimate convenience of setting your robotic mower using a smartphone app, you’d be better off with a different model, as this one is quite decidedly lower tech.
4. Flymo 1200 R Robotic Lawn Mower
Technical Specifications
- Cutting width/height: 6.7 in / up to 2 in (17 cm/ 2 to 6 cm)
- Maximum lawn area mowed: 400 square meters (4305.5 square feet)
- Maximum gradient: 25 degrees
- Mowing duration: 60 minutes
- Battery: Lithium-ion
- Weight: 16.3 pounds (7.4 kilograms)
- Warranty: 2-year warranty included
Description
Flymo has built a solid reputation in the gardening industry since it developed the classic hover mower over 50 years ago.
Therefore it’s not surprising that they’ve come to develop and bring you a robot mower that has all the features you need to keep your lawn in a great condition.
Moreover, this mower has Bluetooth functionality, but it is also tough enough to be rinsed down with a hose.
This mower is an ideal accessory for a small garden and should keep your lawn healthy with its mulching function.
Outstanding Features to Look for in the Flymo 1200R Robotic Mower
- EasiLife Application Programming: After you’ve configured your new Flymo robotic mower, you can download the proprietary EasiLife application and remotely operate the mower. You can schedule mowing times, check mower status, and request troubleshooting assistance.
- Multiple Start Points & Guide Wire Technology: Your lawn will get all the credit, thanks to patented guide wire technology and multiple starting points that assure your lawn gets completely cut without unsightly track marks. You can even spot cut and use additional programs to ensure your lawn meets your standards.
- Lawnsense means you don’t have to worry about your lawn being ruined: You don’t have to worry about ruining your lawn in bad weather! This mower is sensitive to both weather and condition of the lawn, and the mower will pause if it is too cold or wet to operate!
Pros
- Base station included for easy charging: set it up, and after mowing for a hour, the mower can return to the base station and recharge itself.
- PIN protection: peace of mind by setting and using a pin to start the mower, using the basic push-button keypad to enter your pin.
Cons
- This mower isn’t going to do well on slopes over 25 degrees, which could cause frustration if you happen to have a hilly or stepped lawn.
5. Yard Force SA650ECO Robotic Mower
Technical Specifications
- Cutting width/height: 7.08 in / 0.7 to 2.3 in (18 cm/ 2 to 6 cm)
- Maximum lawn area mowed: 650 square meters (6996.5 square feet)
- Maximum gradient: 40 degrees
- Mowing duration: 60 minutes
- Battery: Lithium-ion
- Weight: 16.5 pounds (7.5 kilograms)
- Warranty: warranty available
Description
A medium-sized lawn can be a stunning garden asset, but in spring and summer you may have your hands full mowing it regularly; unless of course you own a robotic mower.
For the price of this large robot lawn mower, you’re getting a great deal and you will be saving yourself 3-4 hours of back breaking labor in the summer heat!
Yard Force’s mower is equipped with a 28 volt Lithium battery brushless motor which gives excellent mowing power on inclines of up to 40 degrees.
The operation is simple; and it also has lift, tilt and turnover sensors that provide protection to the mower itself as well as any surrounding plants and objects.
Outstanding Features to Look for in the Yard Force Robotic Mower
- All-weather resistant: Happy customers have stated that they are happy to leave their cost-effective mower out in all weather (except thunder and lightning). It will successfully mow when it rains, but all it needs is for you to wipe the surface dry if it is wet.
- The brushless motor is energy efficient: The conscious choice to use a brushless motor creates a higher durability rate, better efficiency, and improved battery use time. Once the battery gets low, it will automatically head back to its included dock to recharge.
- Safety features like PIN code and alarm are standard: No one is going to run away with your new, beloved mower because it’s equipped with a safety lock, controlled by a PIN, and an alarm if it becomes disturbed.
Pros
- The included boundary wire and pegs are a welcome touch: the Yard Force mower provides 120 meters of boundary wire, along with 140 pegs, that you can attach to pinpoint your mowing border as accurately as desired.
- Lower your cutting height as the seasons change: You can easily adjust the mechanical cutting height manually. Start at high, and rename it too the desired height!
Cons
- Changing the battery on this mower will be tricky since Yard Force said they will only change it under warranty. Other spares can be purchased from Yard Force.
- Some people find they have to dock their Yard Force mower manually, which is another hassle!
6. AYI DRM3-600i Robot Lawnmower
Technical Specifications
- Cutting width/height: 7.08 in / 1 to 2 in (18 cm/ 2.5 to 5.5 cm)
- Maximum lawn area mowed: 600 square meters (6458.35 square feet)
- Maximum gradient: 20 degrees
- Battery: Lithium-ion
- Weight: 16.5 pounds (8.4 kilograms)
- Warranty: warranty unspecified
Description
The AYI DRM3-600 robotic mower is a great option to keep small-medium sized gardens inviting.
With its impressive cutting speed of 3,500 rpm and mulching ability, it will look after your lawn even as it grows rapidly during the late spring and summer months.
The mower blades are razor-sharp, double-edged and reversible when they start to dull.
It is simple to set up, with boundary wire and pegs supplied to help you map out your lawn.
Outstanding Features to Look for in the AYI DRM3-600 Robot Lawnmower
- Control panel on-board with an LCD display: Programming the AYI robot mower is simple with an integrated control panel which has an LCD display and that adjusts the cutting height with a dial.
- Carrying handle and compact design makes storage easy: The carrying handle on the robot mower is great for moving the mower and last but not least for storage during the winter months.
- Robot mower will automatically run from the rain! When rain starts to fall, the mower will return to the docking place and wait for better conditions to resume mowing!
Pros
- Cuts grass exceptionally well: Simply put, the purchasers of the AYI robot lawnmower where very pleased with its cutting function. The mower does not, however, cut strips or a set pattern, despite some of the images in the advertisements.
- You can use an app to control this mower: the remote control via app can be most helpful if you were purchasing this mower for an older family member and would need to set everything up for them. It is Bluetooth and very easy to set up.
Cons
- Purchasers cite problems with inconsistent functioning and difficulty in obtaining a replacement battery and parts.
7. Flymo EasiLife 150 GO
Technical Specifications
- Cutting width/height: 7.08 in / 0.7 to 1.9 in (16 cm/ 2 to 5 cm)
- Maximum lawn area mowed: 150 square meters (1614.59 square feet)
- Maximum gradient: 25 degrees
- Battery: Lithium-ion
- Weight: 13.44 pounds (6.1 kilograms)
- Warranty: 2-year warranty
Description
If you’ve got a small garden, then this is the compact robot mower for you!
The cool and smart Flymo robot mower is just great and suitable for lawns or gardens up to 150 square metres, with a very easy set-up and user-friendly controls.
Simply place your boundary wire and your charging station as you require and use the handy phone app to get your robot mower mowing.
Alternatively, you can use the embedded controls on the mower to get it configured as you would use like!
Outstanding Features to Look for in the Flymo EasiLife 150 GO
- PassageSense allows your mower to navigate even the narrowest gaps: The agile Flymo EasiLife 150 GO can handle passages a minimum of 60cm wide thanks to the use of PassageSense technology to get the job done.
- Complete control from your smartphone: Schedule your mowing times, track your mowing and identify any issues, all from the convenience of a downloadable app.
- 3 pivoting blades don’t just cut, but they also mulch: Mulching your clippings is important for the health of your lawn, as it returns right back into the soil all the nutrients gained from growth.
Pros
- The programmable guide wire allows you to set up multiple starting positions for the mower, and with this system the EasiLife GO mower cuts precisely even in small spaces.
- You can clean the mower down with a hose: the mower is very well waterproofed and you can ensure grass juices are rinsed off the mower after a regular rinse.
Cons
Purchasers cite problems with inconsistent functioning and difficulty in obtaining a replacement battery and parts.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Best Robotic Lawnmowers UK
I have a lot of trees and shrubs surrounded by lawn. Will the mower damage them?
You can use a robotic mower in a tree garden without hesitation. Most robotic mowers today have technology onboard that detects trees as obstacles and works to avoid them. When the mower approaches the tree, it will simply change direction.
If the robot mower does bump into a tree while mowing, it is unlikely to do damage. However, if you wish to keep your plants and trees safe, you can always place boundary wire around them.
If you are going to be about trees and want to ensure they are not damaged, you can put the wiring about one foot away from the tree.
Can I install an automatic lawn mower myself?
Installing a robot mower is something you can do even if you are not a handyman.
You will have to simply install the base station which comes with the mower, and install a perimeter cable around the area you want the robot to mow.
Some homeowners hire a professional to install the boundary wire for larger and complex lawns.
Will the robot mower hurt my pets?
If there are pets and children around, it is safe to use a lawnmower within a garden.
When the robot is tilted, tipped, or lifted, it will stop mowing. Many models are also alarmed when they are activated by PIN codes.
Can someone steal my automatic mower?
Thieves take the opportunity to take almost anything and a shiny new mower sitting outside in a garden is a possible target, to say the least.
However, most of these mowers, priced more than most people can afford in store, come with some sort of a security features, like PIN access, alarms or GPS service that make the stolen mower useless without the base station.
What happens if my boundary wire breaks?
A damaged boundary wire is not uncommon, as garden pests like rabbits, weasels and deer love chewing on them. If the wire is cut, your robot will not mow.
Walk your lawn perimeter and search for a breaking point in the wire. Joints in your boundary wire are the most susceptible to this issue, and can usually be repaired with simple connectors, notably wire connectors available at most hardware stores.
Do I need to cover my mower when it is not in use?
Robot mowers are constructed with waterproof casings that are typically weatherproof. They will quite willingly mow in rainy conditions, should it be necessary.
Alternatively, you could provide your mower with protection from the elements by investing in a kennel, shelter, or storage bag to keep the mower sheltered from inclement or excessively hot weather events while not in use.
Rounding Up
Automatic lawnmowers are quickly becoming the top item for your garden.
They are extremely convenient, and do a great job of simply turning your lawn into a rich green carpet that feels great underfoot. We do think you will really appreciate the robot you select will keep your lawn looking neat and tidy!
After all, while your robot mower whirrs away on a hot summer’s day there is no better time to use your time to put your feet up, open the parasol, and indulge in a Pimms o’clock!