The idyllic image of a sunny afternoon spent mowing the lawn, once a staple of British home life, could soon become a thing of the past. With the advent of robotic lawn mowers, homeowners are discovering the simplicity and convenience of letting automation handle their lawn care. But with so many models available, each boasting unique features and technologies, what should you be considering when investing in a robotic lawn mower? Here, we delve into the key advanced features to look out for and how they can contribute to the perfect lawn cut.
Defining the boundary: Wire-based vs. GPS guided
A robotic lawnmower’s ability to accurately map and navigate your garden is crucial. Traditionally, many models, like the Husqvarna Automower, operate using a boundary wire system. You lay the wire around the edges of your lawn, and the mower uses it as a guide, cutting only within the marked area.
However, advancements in technology have seen the emergence of robotic mowers that use GPS to determine the cutting area, eliminating the need for boundary wires. These models offer significant convenience, especially for larger gardens or irregularly shaped lawns. While wire-based mowers still dominate the market, GPS-guided models are increasingly becoming a popular choice for homeowners who prefer a more hands-off approach to setting up their mower.
Assessing the quality of the cut
When investing in a robotic lawnmower, you shouldn’t have to compromise on the quality of the cut. Higher-end models like the Husqvarna Automower feature razor-like blades that deliver a precise, even cut across your entire lawn, mimicking the effect of a traditional lawnmower.
Some advanced robotic mowers now offer adaptive mowing features, adjusting their cutting height depending on the length of the grass. This ensures your lawn always looks its best, regardless of the weather or the season. Additionally, look out for mowers that use a ‘random’ mowing pattern, as this prevents the formation of unsightly tracks in your lawn from repeated mowing in the same direction.
Optimising mowing time
You need a robotic mower that will make good use of the time it spends on your lawn. Many models feature smart scheduling options, allowing you to program the mowing times to suit your lifestyle. For instance, if you prefer to have your lawn freshly cut for the weekend, you can set your mower to work during the week while you’re at work.
Some advanced mowers are also capable of adjusting their mowing schedule based on the growth rate of your grass, ensuring your lawn always looks its best. The Husqvarna Automower, for example, uses an onboard sensor to detect the height of your grass and adjusts its mowing schedule accordingly.
Connectivity and control via an app
In the age of smartphones, it’s only natural that you’d want to control your robotic mower from your handheld device. Thankfully, many of the best robotic mowers now offer smartphone compatibility.
These apps allow you to control your mower remotely, adjusting settings such as mowing schedules, cutting height, and even tracking your mower’s location in real-time. For instance, the Landroid app for Worx robotic mowers provides a user-friendly interface that lets you manage all aspects of your mower’s operation with just a few taps on your screen.
Choosing a model that suits your land
Not all lawns are created equal, and your robotic mower should be able to handle the unique demands of your garden. If your lawn is hilly, you’ll need a model with a strong motor and large wheels that can handle slopes.
Many top-tier models, like the Husqvarna Automower, can handle slopes up to 45 degrees. Also, if your garden features narrow passages or tricky obstacles, look for a mower with advanced navigation capabilities, like the Landroid, which uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to map your lawn and steer clear of obstacles.
In the end, the best robotic mower for you will depend on your specific needs and the unique characteristics of your lawn. Take the time to research various models and compare their advanced features, ensuring you choose a product that will provide the best care for your lawn. Remember, investing in a robotic mower is not just about convenience; it’s about achieving a beautiful, well-kept lawn with minimal effort.
Charging Station Features
One of the vital aspects to consider while purchasing a robotic lawnmower is its charging station. This is the hub where your mower will rest and recharge when it’s not in use. Most robotic mowers return to their charging stations automatically once their battery runs low. However, some advanced models come with features that offer extra convenience and efficiency.
For instance, the Husqvarna Automower has a feature that allows it to calculate the remaining mowing time and adjust its battery usage accordingly. This means it will return to the charging station only when it’s completed its task, ensuring a more efficient use of power. Furthermore, the Automower connect app allows you to track your mower’s charge and mowing progress from anywhere, giving you more control over its operation.
Some robotic mowers are also designed to withstand tough weather conditions. This means their charging stations are built to resist rain and other adverse weather, allowing your mower to stay outdoors all year round. Such features are incredibly beneficial, especially for UK homeowners who have to deal with unpredictable weather conditions.
Models such as Worx Landroid come with a secondary feature where the charging station emits a radio signal that the robot mower is programmed to follow, ensuring it finds its way home even in complex gardens. These advanced charging station features add to the convenience and efficiency of robotic mowers, making them a valuable investment for UK homeowners.
Understanding the Mower Market
The mower market is continuously evolving, with manufacturers continually reinventing their products to meet growing consumer demands. Understanding the current trends in the market can help you make an informed choice while purchasing a robotic lawnmower.
The trend towards green energy has seen the emergence of robotic mowers with solar panels that supplement their grid power. While not entirely solar-powered, these models use solar energy to extend their battery life, resulting in less frequent charging and more efficient mowing.
In terms of technology, AI is being incorporated into robotic mowers to improve their navigation capabilities. The Worx Landroid, for example, uses AI to learn the layout of your garden, enabling it to avoid obstacles and navigate narrow passages more effectively.
Moreover, manufacturers are focusing on making their mowers more user-friendly. This is evident in the rise of app-controlled mowers, like the Husqvarna Automower, that let you control your mower’s settings right from your smartphone.
In terms of costs, as technology becomes more widespread, robotic mowers are becoming more accessible. While high-end models with advanced features are still pricey, there are now budget-friendly options available that still offer decent performance and features.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the perfect robotic lawnmower should be an amalgamation of advanced features that cater to your specific lawn needs. Whether it’s a model that uses a boundary wire or one that’s guided by GPS, the ideal mower should navigate your garden with precision. It should deliver a high-quality cut, be able to optimise its mowing schedule, and offer smartphone compatibility for convenient control. The charging station should be robust, weather-resistant and efficient in power management.
Keeping up to date with trends in the mower market can also help homeowners make more informed decisions. From solar power supplementation to AI navigation, the future of lawn care is promising. Technological advancements are making robotic mowers more accessible and user-friendly, leading to their growing popularity among UK homeowners. After all, who wouldn’t want a beautiful lawn without the manual hassle? The perfect robotic mower does not just offer convenience; it’s a step towards smarter, more efficient living.
