We’re firmly in 2023, 26 years after the machines attacked in the blockbuster movie franchise, “The Terminator,” and yet, homeowners are still performing maintenance with analog tools like self-propelled mowers. Don’t fret; some science fiction elements have come to life, including autonomous robot lawn mower models, like the Husqvarna Automower, to tackle your grass while you sit back and relax.   

Do robot lawn mowers work well?

Robot lawn mowers, or “autonomous mowers,” use a perimeter wire, an array of sensors, and even light detection and ranging (LiDAR) to mow lawns without the need for input from an operator. Moreover, the increased regularity and frequency of automowers can result in smaller clippings, enhancing lawn health. 

How much are robot lawn mowers?

Robot lawn mowers have initial purchase and installation costs (should you choose not to install the docking station yourself). Depending on the make and model, most autonomous mowers start between $1,000 and $2,000. Further, installation fees often span between $300 and $800.

According to Bob Vila, some of the best-performing autonomous mowers on the market are under $1,000, while higher-performance models could hit that $2,000 benchmark. 

Specifically, Bob Vila’s ratings name the Worx Landroid M 20V as the “best bang-for-your-buck” model, citing the Landroid’s balance of affordability and capability. Moreover, with specific S, M, and L models to tackle different yard sizes, the Worx Landroid is a solid option for homeowners or renters who want a fire-and-forget choice for lawns up to 0.5 acres.  

What are the benefits of a robot lawn mower over a self-propelled lawn mower?

While some homeowners find weekend zen by pushing a self-propelled mower, a robot lawn mower has several advantages. 

• A quality model can take the human error element out of lawn maintenance
• No physical effort required; the autonomous mower just mows
• Automowers are quiet and eco-friendly compared to gas-powered mowers
• Frequent use can promote lawn health through finer mulching

Lawn Love says many robot mowers operate much more frequently than average homeowner mows. As a result, an automower can mince grass into diminutive clippings, even smaller than that of a mulching mower. Your lawn wants fine clippings; “thatch,” or a layer of dead grass, could deprive your property of vital nutrients and harm its health. 

Do robot mowers work on large lawns?

Some autonomous lawn mowers will mow effectively on lawns up to 1.0 acre or more, depending on the make and model. Of course, modern autonomous mowers are electric and require charging before operation. Consequently, for yards larger than 1.0 acre, a riding mower might be a better option.  

For instance, the Worx Landroid M 20V will require as much as 90 minutes of charge time for 2.0 hours of running. 

Is it worth getting a robot lawn mower?

Depending on your budget and your lawn’s size, shape, and topography, a robot mower could be a prudent investment. The ease, lawn health benefits, and eco-friendly nature of electric automowers can remove some of the hassles of lawn maintenance.