Robot mowers can cost anywhere from $600 or more for a basic model, to more than $5,000 for a mower with all the bells and whistles. If you require professional installation from a dealer this can add hundreds of dollars to the total cost.

There are robot mowers that specialize in mowing steep lawns and commercial properties, but most mower brands are intended for use on residential lawns ranging from 1/8 acre to 2 acres.

Here’s some examples of the cost of popular robot mower models:

While mowing the lawn does get you outside to enjoy sunny summer weather, most people can likely name several other activities they’d prefer to do outside on a beautiful day. This perennial chore no longer has to be something you outsource to your teens or begrudgingly do yourself. Thanks to advanced technology, you can let a robot do your lawn mowing.  

Robot mowers are growing increasingly popular and as such, each new model comes with more and more improvements. Like robot vacuum cleaners, the idea is that you let your mower roam your yard while you busy yourself with more important or fun endeavors.

At this point in time, the average cost of a robot mower is about $1800 for a model that can mow a lawn up to one acre in size.

Do robot mowers work?

Yes. Robot mowers can be highly effective especially when used regularly. If you’re simply looking to keep your lawn trim and neat, a robot mower is right for you.

Robot mowers work much like robot vacuums. They mow the area you tell them to, returning to their charging station when they need to. Robot mowers have safety features that prevent them from running over objects like kids’ toys, garden hoses or planters. When they hit an object, they simply turn around and move in another direction. They also automatically stop running if they are picked up.

Because they do have “bumpers,” robot mowers cannot cut too close to the edge of fencing or your home. Therefore, you may still need to trim certain areas of your yard.  

If you want to ensure your grass appears evenly cut, it’s best to run your robot mower at least once a week as it can take time for it to reach every section of your lawn (depending on the size of your yard).

imow robot from stihl

How long do they last?

Like regular lawn mowers, you can expect your robot mower to last a fairly long time if well-maintained. Most robot mowers will give you about 5 years of hassle-free grass cutting. This can depend on a number of factors including the thickness of your grass, the size and slope of your lawn, and the climate in your area.

Like most other appliances, the cost of robot mowers is significant, but if you treat your robot mower well, it will return the favor. Most robot mowers run on lithium-ion batteries so this part will most frequently need to be replaced.  To prolong the life your mower, make sure you follow some simple tips.

Keep the charging station in the shade. During grass cutting seasons, your robot mower will return to the charging station when not in use (or if it starts to rain). Keeping this away from the scorching sun or torrential rains will help extend the life of your mower.

Clean the mower regularly. You can clear out tufts of grass and other debris by simply lifting the mower and looking underneath.

Replace the blades as necessary. Smooth, sharp blades require less strain on the machine and batteries so be sure to periodically check the blades.  

Most robot mowers also come with some kind of warranty so be sure to check before you buy.

What maintenance is required?

The maintenance on your robot mower is fairly minimal but definitely should not be ignored. The three main aspects of robot mower maintenance include regular cleanings, and periodically replacing blades and batteries.

To clean your machine, make sure it is turned off or remove the batteries. Flip it over so you can see underneath. Pull out any grass clippings and debris. For a deep clean, use a coarse bristled brush and/or a wet cloth to dislodge and clear out grass that has stuck to the sides of the mower. You could also use a vacuum to clean out debris that is tucked into tight spaces.  The more often you clean it, the quicker the process. If you let weeks of grass become lodged in the machine, it will take longer to clean.

To replace the blades, you need to determine which type of blade your robot mower employs. Are they smaller freely rotating blades or larger, individually mounted blades? Freely rotating blades generally have to be replaced more frequently. Both types of blades can be fairly easily removed with a screwdriver and careful handling of the blades. If you are uncomfortable with this step, you can ask if they will do this for you at your local hardware store.

To replace the batteries, simply ensure you have the correct size and voltage replacement and follow the instructions in your owner’s manual.

Where can you buy a robot mower?

Because robot mowers are becoming more and more popular, you no longer need to search for them at a specialty garden centers. You can find an excellent variety of both top-of-the-line and more basic models at most big box hardware stores online and in person.

Retailers have robot mowers at various price points to fit both your unique lawn needs and your budget. Be sure you understand the best mower for your size and shape lawn. At Lowes and Walmart, you can shop online or at your local store if you prefer to see the mower before you buy.

If you buy on Amazon, you’ll benefit from hundreds of real, honest reviews and extensive product descriptions. You can also easily compare different models and features to ensure you get exactly what you need.

Robot mowers are an excellent way to free up your precious summer weekend hours. With a little bit of work to initially install, you’ll get season after season of reliable mowing provided you take some simple steps to care for your machine.

Is the Cost of Robot Mowers Worth the Expense?

This is the big question of course. Yes robot lawn mowers are expensive, but are they worth it in terms of the time they save you by mowing the lawn for you. Of course they also save you money by not having to buy gas and oil. This is really a personal question that boils down to how much you value your time. Here’s a post that will help you figure it out.