Are you tired of spending your weekends mowing the lawn? The best robot lawn mower might be the solution you’re looking for. These automatic lawn mowers have revolutionized yard maintenance, allowing you to enjoy a perfectly manicured lawn without lifting a finger. With advanced features like GPS navigation, these smart devices can handle the task of keeping your grass trimmed and healthy, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your outdoor space.
In this article, you’ll discover the top robot lawn mowers specifically suited for Australian grass. We’ll guide you through the essential factors to consider when choosing an automated mowing solution, including cutting performance, battery life, and smart features. You’ll also find helpful information on installation, setup, and maintenance to ensure your robotic helper operates at peak efficiency. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to select the perfect robot lawn mower for your Australian yard.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Robot Lawn Mower
When you’re in the market for a robot lawn mower, there are several key factors you need to keep in mind to ensure you choose the right one for your needs. Let’s explore these factors to help you make an informed decision.
Lawn Size and Terrain
The size and layout of your lawn play a crucial role in selecting the right robot mower. You’ll find models designed for various lawn sizes, ranging from small 20m² areas to expansive 20,000m² properties. To get the best results, it’s recommended to choose a mower with a maximum coverage capacity that’s about 30% larger than your actual lawn size. For instance, if you have a 700m² lawn, opt for a mower capable of handling at least 1,000m².
Your lawn’s terrain is equally important. If you have slopes, you’ll need to pay attention to the mower’s slope ratings:
- Maximum Permissible Slope: The highest gradient the robot can manage in small areas.
- Maximum Consistent Slope: The highest gradient if most of your lawn is sloped.
- Maximum Edge Slope: The maximum slope allowed within 1 meter of your boundary wire.
For lawns with significant slopes, look for models with large wheels and all-wheel drive capabilities. Some advanced models can handle slopes up to 30 degrees or even 70% inclines.
Cutting Height and Performance
Robot mowers offer adjustable cutting heights to suit different grass types and preferences. Some models allow you to adjust the height manually using a dial, while others offer electronic adjustments via a control panel or mobile app.
Consider the type of grass you have. Thick grasses like newly laid Buffalo and Kikuyu can be challenging for some mowers. If your lawn is more than 40mm deep when freshly mowed, keep this in mind when choosing a mower.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is crucial for ensuring your mower can cover your entire lawn. Residential models typically have working capacities between 0.20 acres and 1.25 acres. Larger lawns require mowers with higher-capacity battery packs that can work longer between charges.
Charging times can vary from 30 minutes to over two hours, depending on the model and battery capacity. Some advanced mowers can automatically return to their charging station when the battery is low, recharge, and then resume mowing where they left off.
Smart Features and Connectivity
Many modern robot mowers come with smart features and connectivity options that enhance their functionality:
- GPS Technology: Helps the mower navigate and ensure total lawn coverage.
- Mobile Apps: Allow you to control and schedule mowing from your smartphone.
- Weather Sensors: Adjust mowing schedules based on weather conditions.
- Customizable Settings: Let you set specific mowing patterns, schedules, and zones.
Safety and Security
Safety features are paramount when choosing a robot mower. Look for models with:
- Automatic blade stop when lifted or tilted
- Collision sensors for obstacle avoidance
- PIN-protected operation to prevent unauthorized use
- GPS tracking for theft prevention
By considering these factors, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a robot lawn mower that suits your specific needs and lawn characteristics.
Most Common Grass Types in Australia
Australia’s diverse climate and soil conditions make it a haven for various grass species. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular choices for Australian lawns. If you live in Australia, there’s a very good chance you have one of these grasses in your lawn.
Warm-Season Grasses
These grasses thrive in warmer temperatures and are ideal for most parts of Australia.
- Bermuda Grass: Known for its durability and dense growth, Bermuda grass is a popular choice for high-traffic areas. It can tolerate drought and heat but requires regular mowing.
- Zoysia Grass: This slow-growing grass is prized for its fine texture and dark green color. It’s drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance.
- Couch Grass: A fast-growing and aggressive grass, Couch grass is often used for sports fields and commercial lawns. It’s highly adaptable to various soil types but can be difficult to control.
- Kikuyu Grass: This tough and resilient grass is well-suited for Australian conditions. It’s fast-growing and can tolerate drought and heat.
Cool-Season Grasses
These grasses are better suited for cooler climates, such as Tasmania and the higher altitudes of Victoria and New South Wales.
- Perennial Ryegrass: This versatile grass is commonly used for lawns and sports fields. It’s fast-growing and has good wear tolerance.
- Festuca Grass: Known for its fine texture and dark green color, Festuca grass is often used for lawns and golf courses. It’s drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance.
Top Robot Lawn Mowers for Australian Grass
When it comes to maintaining your Australian lawn, robot lawn mowers have become increasingly popular. Here are three top picks that can handle the unique challenges of Australian grass:
1. Mammotion LUBA 2: The All-Terrain Champion
The Mammotion LUBA 2 stands out as a formidable contender in the robot lawn mower market, offering a range of features that make it a true all-terrain champion. This innovative mower is designed to tackle complex landscapes with ease, making it an excellent choice for homeowners with challenging yards.
Key Features
The LUBA 2 boasts an impressive array of features that set it apart from the competition. With its perimeter wire-free design, you’ll enjoy a quick and simple setup process. The mower utilizes a 3D Vision and RTK Fusion-mapping system, ensuring precise navigation with centimeter-level accuracy. You can manage multiple zones, up to 30 for the 5000㎡ model and 60 for the 10,000㎡ model, allowing for customized mowing in different areas of your lawn.
Performance on Slopes
One of the LUBA 2’s most remarkable attributes is its ability to conquer steep slopes. Thanks to its patented All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system, this mower can handle inclines of up to 80% (38.6°). The adaptive suspension arm system and terrain sway feature enable the LUBA 2 to navigate rugged terrain effortlessly. Its large rubber tires and sturdy springs contribute to its exceptional off-road capabilities, making it ideal for yards with varying elevations and uneven surfaces.
Cutting Precision
The LUBA 2 doesn’t compromise on cutting quality. It features a unique dual-cutting-disc design with a 400mm (15.7 inches) cutting width, ensuring efficient and precise edge trimming. The mower’s cutting height can be adjusted from 25 to 100 millimeters, allowing you to customize the length of your grass. Patented algorithms optimize mowing paths for different areas, resulting in beautiful lawn stripes and efficient cutting.
App Integration
You’ll appreciate the convenience of the Mammotion app, which allows you to control your LUBA 2 remotely. Through the app, you can preset and update mowing parameters for each zone, check the mower’s status in real-time, and even use it as a remote control for manual operation. The app also offers various mowing patterns, including zigzag and checkerboard, to achieve your desired lawn appearance. Additionally, the LUBA 2 supports voice control through Alexa and Google Home, adding another layer of convenience to your lawn care routine.
2. Segway Navimow: GPS Navigation Master
The Segway Navimow stands out as a truly automated robotic mower that revolutionizes lawn care with its advanced GPS navigation system. This innovative device eliminates the need for complicated perimeter wiring, making setup quick and effortless.
Satellite Mapping Technology
At the heart of the Navimow’s precision is its Exact Fusion Locating System (EFLS) 2.0. This AI-enhanced GNSS location system provides stable centimeter-level positioning, significantly improving accuracy compared to standard GPS. The Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) Positioning System allows the Navimow to handle even the most complex terrains efficiently.
Obstacle Avoidance
Equipped with advanced AI technology, the VisionFence Sensor enables your Navimow to detect and avoid various objects intelligently. The fish-eye camera with a 140-degree field-of-view provides a wide detection range, while built-in AI algorithms distinguish grass from common obstacles. This smart object avoidance system recognizes up to 150 types of obstacles, ensuring smooth navigation around your lawn.
Cutting Efficiency
Navimow’s smart navigation algorithm plans the most efficient cutting route, eliminating repetitive movements and delivering impressive results. It changes mowing direction after 100% coverage, promoting lawn health and a fresh appearance. The mower sets ideal boundaries to fit each part of your lawn and cuts right to the edge with stunning precision.
User-Friendly App
The Navimow app offers full control over your robotic mower, making lawn maintenance easy and effortless. With just a few taps, you can set virtual boundaries, mark off-limit islands, and draw safe channels to connect multiple zones. The app allows you to monitor Navimow’s status in real-time, remotely start mowing tasks, or send the mower home. Its simplified user interface enables easy adjustment of network settings, mowing map creation, and schedule management.
3. Husqvarna Automower: The Reliable Veteran
When it comes to robot lawn mowers, the Husqvarna Automower stands out as a trusted and reliable option. With years of experience in the market, this veteran mower has evolved to incorporate cutting-edge features that make lawn maintenance a breeze.
EPOS Technology
Husqvarna’s latest innovation, the EPOS (Exact Positioning Operating System) technology, takes robotic mowing to new heights. This satellite-based system enables your Automower to work within virtual boundaries, eliminating the need for physical wires. You’ll enjoy more flexible area management, perfect for open yards, sports fields, and even golf courses. The EPOS technology allows for both random and pattern mowing, giving you the option to create stunning stripe effects on your lawn.
Cutting Capacity
The Automower boasts impressive cutting capabilities. Models like the 450XH can handle medium-sized lawns up to 1.25 acres. With a cutting width of 9.45 inches and an adjustable cutting height from 2 to 3.5 inches, you can achieve your desired lawn look effortlessly. The mower uses three pivoting razor blades for a clean, precise cut.
Weather Resistance
You don’t need to worry about the weather with the Automower. Its built-in Weather Timer feature automatically adjusts mowing frequency based on grass growth rates. During wetter periods when grass grows faster, the mower increases its cutting time. Conversely, it reduces mowing during drier spells, ensuring optimal lawn health year-round.
Smart Home Integration
The Automower seamlessly integrates into your smart home ecosystem. You can control it using voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Home, making it a natural part of your daily routine. The Automower Connect app allows you to monitor and control your mower remotely, set schedules, and even track its location in case of theft. With IFTTT compatibility, you can create custom rules to automate your mowing experience further.
Installation and Setup Guide
Just a few years ago, installing a perimeter wire was necessary for all robotic lawn mowers. But now nearly all brands have GPS enabled wireless robot mowers. As a result, the initial setup time and difficulty have been decreased dramatically. Modern robot lawn mowers simply need to be steered around the perimeter of your property using an an app, told when and at what height to mow, and that’s about it.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Tips
To keep your robot lawn mower in top shape, regular maintenance is key. Here are some essential tips to ensure your mower operates efficiently and troubleshoot common issues.
Blade Replacement
Sharp blades are crucial for a clean cut and optimal performance. Replace the blades every couple of months or when you notice a decline in cutting quality. To replace the blades:
- Turn off the mower and wear protective gloves.
- Flip the mower on its side, leaning it against a wall for stability.
- Remove the old blades by pushing in the tabs on the carrier plate and loosening the fastening nut.
- Clean the area underneath with a brush.
- Install new blades, ensuring they’re securely fastened.
Remember, never sharpen the blades; always replace them with new ones.
Battery Care
Proper battery maintenance extends your mower’s lifespan:
- Store the mower in a warm, dry place during winter.
- Charge the battery to about 70% capacity before storage.
- For some models, recharge halfway through winter.
- Expect to replace the battery every 3-5 years.
- If your mower returns to the charging station more frequently, it might be time for a battery replacement.
Cleaning and Storage
Regular cleaning keeps your mower running smoothly:
- Clean the mower every 7-17 days during the mowing season.
- Use a brush to remove grass clippings from the mowing deck and wheels.
- Clean the top with a soft cloth.
- Avoid using water on the underside; use compressed air instead.
- Clean charging contacts to ensure efficient charging.
For winter storage:
- Store the mower and charging station indoors.
- Clean thoroughly before storage.
- Consider using a robot garage for protection if outdoor storage is necessary.
Common Issues and Solutions
- Lost Position: Ensure the mower and reference station can see at least 20 satellites. Place the reference station with 160° open sky view.
- Constant Beeping: Clean the sensors and adjust obstacle avoidance settings. Check if the front bumper is installed correctly.
- Bluetooth Connection Issues: Disconnect other devices, ensure the mower is broadcasting, and try a power cycle or factory reset if needed.
- Wi-Fi Connection Problems: Verify your router broadcasts a 2.4GHz signal. Use your phone as a hotspot if needed.
- Mower Won’t Start: Check sensors, charging port, and app connection. Consult the user manual for specific troubleshooting steps.
Regular maintenance and prompt attention to these common issues will help keep your robot lawn mower running efficiently, ensuring a well-manicured lawn with minimal effort.
Conclusion
Robot lawn mowers are changing the game for Australian homeowners, offering a hands-off approach to lawn maintenance. These smart devices can handle various grass types and terrains, giving you more time to enjoy your outdoor space. When picking the right mower, it’s key to think about your lawn’s size, slope, and the mower’s features like cutting height, battery life, and smart capabilities.
To get the most out of your robot mower, proper setup and regular upkeep are crucial. This means carefully installing the perimeter wire, placing the charging station in the right spot, and keeping up with blade replacements and cleaning. By following these tips and troubleshooting common issues, you can keep your Australian lawn looking great with minimal effort, making robot mowers a smart choice for busy homeowners.
FAQs
What are the drawbacks of using a robotic lawn mower?
Robotic lawn mowers are generally more expensive than traditional mowers. While they can save money over time if they replace a regular gardening service, they also tend to have a shorter lifespan. Additionally, due to their high cost, there’s a higher risk of them being stolen.
Which robotic lawn mower is recommended for steep terrains?
The Husqvarna Automower 435X AWD is highly recommended for steep hills. It is equipped with all-wheel drive, Bluetooth, cellular, and GPS technologies, and features a pivoting rear end and a quiet battery-powered motor, making it ideal for challenging terrains.
Are there any lawn mowers manufactured in Australia?
Yes, Deutscher P/L manufactures petrol-powered self-propelled mowers and chipper shredders in Australia. These mowers are specifically designed to meet the tough Australian conditions and have gained popularity due to their robust performance.
Can robotic lawn mowers be effective on large lawns?
Yes, certain models like the Mammotion Luba 2 AWD 10000H are capable of managing large areas, handling up to 2.5 acres. This model is designed to efficiently maintain large lawns, offering significant time savings for homeowners.
