Pros And Cons Of Buying A Robotic Mower

Robotic lawn mowers are among the latest technological innovations to reach mainstream consumers. It's no surprise these remote-controlled mowers are growing in popularity, as they let homeowners stay inside on hot days while the machine does all the work. Robotic mowers certainly have many benefits, but there are also potential downsides you should know before investing in one.

The top reasons to buy a robotic mower include its energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, and time and energy-saving benefits. These machines are quieter than gas mowers and keep your lawn looking consistent. Some downsides to electric mowers include the high initial cost and the difficulty of maintaining and repairing them. They are vulnerable to theft and don’t perform well in rugged terrain or tall grass.

The idea that a robot can mow your lawn is a reality that, not so long ago, was nothing more than science fiction. This new technology is thrilling, but it has some potential snags you should be aware of. If you are considering investing in one of these high-tech mowers, then read this list of some pros and cons of robotic lawn mowers.

The Top Benefits Of Robotic Mowers

1. Eco-Friendly

One fantastic benefit of robotic mowers is that they run on environmentally friendly batteries. Instead of using fossil fuels, robotic mowers use batteries, which are better for the environment than gas machines.

This also means you don’t need to take extra trips to the gas station. Instead, you can simply charge your mower using an electric outlet. If you have solar power, you can minimize energy costs and further decrease your carbon footprint.

2. Saves Time And Energy

The most apparent and enticing benefit of a robotic mower is that it saves you time and physical exertion. Robotic lawn mowers require very little supervision. They are robotic landscapers that you just need to clean and charge.

In the summer months, mowing the lawn in extreme heat can be uncomfortable and even unsafe. Robotic mowers take away all the sweat and fatigue that you associate with mowing the lawn. For those who live in a hot climate, this might be reason enough to invest in a robotic mower.

3. Quieter Than Gas Mowers

Robotic mowers are also significantly quieter than gas mowers. A quiet mower has several benefits. For one, it means you can often get away with mowing your lawn early in the morning without upsetting your neighbors.

It is also less likely to stress out your animals or ruin your tranquility. It helps turn the entire lawn-mowing process into an unobtrusive and hands-off task.

4. Great For Those With Mobility Issues

For some people, pushing a lawnmower is an impossible task. Whether you have trouble walking, struggle with arthritis, or have another mobility issue, a robotic mower is an invention you’ve been waiting for.

Instead of having to pay a landscaping crew every week, you can invest in a robotic mower and control when and how your lawn gets cut. 

5. Added Safety Features

Robotic mowers are surprisingly safe. It is natural to worry about releasing a sharp-bladed device into your lawn, but these modern machines feature many state-of-the-art sensors.

For example, if the mower tilts or lifts, it automatically shuts off. It also has sensors that prevent it from hitting trees and other objects in your yard. These features make it safe and easy to mow the lawn without worrying or paying much attention.

6. Can Save Money In The Long Run

One thing you will learn quickly when shopping for robotic mowers is that they aren’t cheap. This can be enough to scare people away, but if you plan on using this mower for many years, it can save you money over time.

For those with solar power and minimal electric bills, a robotic lawn mower is cheap to run. With gas prices constantly rising, you will gradually save on mower energy costs. Furthermore, if you currently pay a landscaping company to mow your lawn, switching to an robotic mower will quickly pay for itself.

7. Keeps Your Lawn Looking Consistent

It’s essential to keep your lawn mowed regularly. This prevents your yard from looking unkempt. It also reduces the risk of having clumps of dead grass in your lawn, which can lead to mold and other fungi. 

By regularly running your robotic mower, you can mow your lawn more frequently and avoid uneven spots. Over time, this consistency will help improve the way your lawn looks.

Potential Downsides Of Robotic Mowers

1. More Expensive Than Traditional Mowers

One of the most notable downsides to purchasing a robotic lawn mower is the cost. A high-quality robotic lawn mower with a decent warranty can cost thousands of dollars. You can get a cheap gas push mower for under $300. 

These lawn mowers are a significant investment, especially for those on a fixed income looking to save on home improvement costs. While the price of these could come down in the future, they are still out of reach for many working-class homeowners.

2. More Vulnerable To Weather

It’s never a good idea to mow the lawn when it’s raining, but robotic mowers are particularly vulnerable in wet weather. For one, robotic mowers have many expensive electrical components, so they shouldn’t get wet. 

Furthermore, robotic mowers are lighter than other mowers, which means they don’t have the best traction. They are also smaller, which makes them more vulnerable to clumps of grass clogging the blades.

3. Not Ideal For Large Lawns

Robotic mowers are ideal for suburban life. If you have less than an acre of flat, easy-to-mow grass, then this type of mower could work for you. If, however, you have several acres that need mowing, a robotic mower might not be up for the task.

Most robotic mowers can typically work a maximum of 1.5 acres, but it’s safer to say they mow one acre well and struggle to do more than that. If you have a large lawn, a robotic mower might not be for you.

4. Not Ideal In Lawns With Hazards And Complicated Terrain

Robotic mowers have sensors and safety protocols built in, but they still struggle to mow lawns that are hilly or filled with hazards. If your lawn features steep slopes or has boulders, furniture, or other hazards sprinkled throughout, then a robotic mower might not work well on your property. 

5. Electric Battery Limitations

Batteries offer energy-saving and environmental benefits, but they also have limitations. The two most significant setbacks of battery-operated robotic mowers are the lack of power and limited battery life. A robotic mower will lose its charge faster than a gas mower will run out of gas.

A robotic mower battery lasts between thirty minutes and three hours, depending on multiple factors. Ensure you are aware of the battery limitations before you purchase this type of mower.

6. Potentially Challenging To Repair And Maintain 

Robotic mowers are computers with sharp blades. In turn, the skill level required to repair and maintain these machines is high. If you decide to purchase a robotic mower, ensure you choose a product with an extended warranty. Otherwise, you may find yourself paying a very high price to repair your high-tech mower.

7. Ineffective On Tall Grass

Robotic mowers work best when they are trimming an inch or less of grass. They are not strong enough to tackle a field of overgrown grass. If you have a large property and often find yourself having to battle tall grass with your mower, then a robotic mower might not be for you. They are better suited to well-kept lawns.

8. Vulnerable To Theft

Robotic mowers are compact and expensive. This makes them highly vulnerable to theft. If you like to keep your mower in a shed, then you must keep it locked at all times. The good news is that as these machines become more advanced, they are also adding anti-theft technology. Ensure you choose a robotic mower with anti-theft and tracking technology.

Summing Up The Pros And Cons Of Robotic Lawn Mowers

Robotic mowers make the annoying task of lawn mowing seamless and tech-savvy. They save time and energy and can even reduce your energy costs. Best of all, these mowers are environmentally friendly and also very quiet compared to gas mowers.

While these mowers offer many benefits, they also have notable downsides, including a high price tag. Robotic mowers are not ideal for large lawns, and they do not cut tall grass very well. These machines struggle on hills, in the rain, and on lawns with hazards. Be mindful of repair and maintenance costs, and understand the battery limitations before making this investment.

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