Ever wish your lawn could stay perfectly trimmed without the hassle? Robotic lawn mowers make it happen seamlessly. That means no more sweating under the hot summer sun, yanking stubborn pull cords, or dealing with clogged blades. But how do robotic lawn mowers work exactly?

Read on to find out how these smart, hands-free machines give you a flawless lawn and what sets them apart from traditional mowers.

What is a Robotic Lawn Mower?

At first glance, robotic lawn mowers might look like tiny cars with spinning blades, but there’s more than meets the eye. These compact, fully electric machines handle everything from small yards to hilly rural landscapes. They operate autonomously without the hassle of pushing and pulling.

Each model comes standard with a charging station, guidewires, and boundary wires to ensure a perfectly maintained lawn with little or no effort on your part.

How Do Robotic Lawn Mowers Work With Navigation?

These sophisticated machines use a combination of sensors, mapping technology, and intelligent programming to navigate designated mowing areas. Once they’re done trimming the grass, they can return to their charging stations.

Many models require a boundary wire to be installed around a lawn’s perimeter. This wire emits a signal that keeps the mower within the designated area and helps it avoid flower beds, trees, and other obstacles.

However, some advanced models use GPS to create a virtual map of your yard to create efficient mowing paths. These systems help ensure even and complete lawn coverage.

Grass Cutting and Collection Features

Unlike traditional mowers that cut large portions of grass in one go, robotic mowers use a mulching system. These mulching systems trim small amounts each time they mow. The fine clippings decompose quickly and enrich the soil with natural nutrients. Plus, robotic mowers have adjustable cutting heights, which allows you to set the desired grass length.

Self-Charging and Automation

Robotic mowers come standard with rechargeable batteries that don’t require manual charging. When the battery runs low, the mower automatically returns to its charging station. Once recharged, it resumes mowing based on its programmed schedule.

How do Robot Mowers Work for You?

Robotic lawn mowers offer several advantages over traditional gas or electric push mowers. Let’s explore how you can benefit from these machines.

Hands-Free Lawn Care

It might seem strange to have a lawn mower run every day. After all, most people mow once a week. But that’s the beauty of hands-free lawn care. Once you program a robotic lawn mower, it works daily on its own with minimal maintenance.

Healthier Grass

Because robotic lawn mowers run frequently, they only trim tiny bits off the top of each grass blade instead of cutting large chunks that take too long to decompose. These fine clippings decompose quickly and provide nutrients to the grass. Think of the mulching system as a built-in fertilizer that keeps your lawn healthier with every mow.

Eco-Friendly Solutions

Robotic lawn mowers offer a greener solution to keeping your yard looking great. Unlike traditional gas-powered mowers that release CO2 and other pollutants into the air, these smart machines run on rechargeable batteries and consume less energy.

Low Noise Levels

Worried about disturbing your neighbors at night? There’s good news; unlike loud gas mowers, robotic mowers operate at a low noise level. They’re fully electric and only produce 50-69 decibels of sound. This makes them ideal for early morning and nighttime use.

Safety Features

If you have kids, pets, or lawn decorations, the idea of a robot constantly mowing might seem nerve-wracking. But there’s no need to worry; robot mowers use sensors to navigate safely and gently around obstacles.

If an automatic mower encounters something in its path, it doesn’t plow through it like a traditional mower. Instead, it lightly bumps into the object, stops, changes direction, and continues mowing without causing damage. Plus, the retractable blades automatically pull back to avoid hitting small objects on your lawn such as rocks, sticks, and small toys.

Anti-Theft Protection

To prevent theft, many robotic mowers come with built-in security features. That includes a PIN code that requires user authorization and an alarm system that emits a sound if someone enters the wrong code. Additionally, some models use GPS tracking and geofencing that allow you to monitor your mower’s location in real time and receive alerts if it leaves its designated area.

Plus, each mower has a unique electronic ID, so if you report it stolen, your dealer can blacklist it to prevent unauthorized repairs or service.

To make them less appealing to thieves, robotic mowers only work with their specific charging stations. Once the battery runs out, they become useless. Some models even feature automatic shutdown and alarms when someone lifts or moves them improperly.

What are the Potential Drawbacks of Robotic Lawn Mowers?

Robotic mowers come with plenty of perks, but like any technology, they also come with potential drawbacks. Before making the switch from traditional mowers to these smart machines, take a moment to understand the challenges so you know what to expect.

Initial Setup

Setting up a robotic lawn mower takes some effort upfront, especially if it requires a boundary wire to keep it on track. Proper charging station placement and schedule programming can be time-consuming, especially if you’re a beginner. But once you’ve set everything up, the mower takes over. It’ll just require some occasional fine-tuning to ensure it gets all your lawn’s edges.

For a hassle-free setup, consider having a professional dealer handle the installation. At AOS, we have the right tools to seamlessly bury boundary wires and help you choose the perfect charging station location.

Higher Upfront Costs

Robotic mowers tend to cost more money than traditional mowers. However, they do save money in the long run by reducing fuel and maintenance costs. Plus, this technology is fairly new and could become more affordable over time.

Limited on Steep Slopes

While many robotic mowers handle gentle inclines, they often face challenges on extremely steep or uneven terrain, especially in wet conditions. Some models perform well on slopes up to 35-45 degrees while specialized all-wheel-drive models manage even steeper inclines. However, a robotic mower may turn around when it encounters an unmanageable slope.

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to know more about how robotic lawn mowers work? These frequently asked questions can help you decide if one is right for you.

Who should consider a robotic lawn mower?

Any home or property owner who wants a low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and efficient lawn care can benefit from a robotic mower. If you have a busy schedule, these machines help free up time while keeping your lawn neatly trimmed and healthy.

Can a robotic lawn mower handle large lawns?

Yes! Robotic mowers handle large lawns, including those over one acre. In fact, some models maintain golf course greens, fairways, and roughs using advanced sensors, programming, and GPS navigation. Additionally, golf course robot mowers operate in light rain and other mild weather conditions.

The key is to choose one with the right coverage capacity, whether it’s the L20 Elite (designed for small yards) or the Kress Mission Mega RTKn 9 (handles up to 9 acres).

How do robotic lawn mowers work in the rain?

Most robotic mowers handle various weather conditions, including rain. They use rain sensors to detect precipitation and prompt the mower to return to its charging station during heavy downpours.

Should I store my robotic lawn mower during the winter?

Yes, it’s best to store your robotic lawn mower and charging station indoors during the off-season. Why? Because cold temperatures and moisture can damage the battery and internal components, which reduces your mower’s lifespan. Before storing, clean the mower thoroughly, remove the battery if possible, and keep it in a dry, temperature-controlled space.

How do auto lawn mowers work with mobile devices?

If robotic mowers aren’t convenient enough, many connect to mobile apps via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular networks. This means you get to control and monitor them remotely from your mobile device. For example, an app allows you to adjust mowing schedules, track real-time location, check battery status, and receive alerts when issues occur.

How often should I replace the blades?

For optimal performance, it’s best to replace your robotic mower blades every 2-3 months, depending on usage and grass type. Dull blades tear rather than cleanly cut grass, which leads to uneven mowing and a less healthy lawn. If you notice jagged edges on your grass or decreased efficiency, it’s time for new blades.

Discover the Perfect Robotic Lawn Mower for Your Property

Still wondering “How do robotic lawn mowers work?” The experts at AOS have the answers. Whether you need a mower for your home, commercial property, or golf course, we’ll help you find the perfect fit. With locations in Woodstock, Illinois and West Palm Beach, Florida, we sell robotic mowers nationwide.

Worried about maintenance? We’ve got you covered. AOS provides expert consultations and ongoing maintenance solutions, and flexible subscription plans to ensure your robotic mower always performs at its best.

You can find the model you’re looking for on our online shop or call us at 815-308-5077 to consult with our experts.