Is A Robot Lawn Mower Really Worth The Money?

If you're already considering a robot lawn mower, then you know that it's going to be a pricey investment, to say the least — even on the lower end of the spectrum. But is it worth the money? 

The short answer is yes, it is, especially if you want to cut down on the amount of time that you spend on outdoor upkeep: with a robot, much of that process becomes automated. This is perfect if you're too busy to regularly mow your lawn, something which (as you know) can often take a substantial amount of time whether you have a large or small garden. But that's not the only reason a robot lawn mower is worth it, as it turns out it's also advantageous for the grass in your garden.

It's all about the grass clippings and frequency, according to Scott Porteous, robotics product manager at the Swedish manufacturing company Husqvarna. In an interview with Better Homes & Gardens, he explained, "The robotic mowing style of frequently cutting small amounts of grass is healthier for your lawn than the traditional method of waiting for grass to grow tall and then cutting it short." In other words, using a robot lawn mower won't detract from your lawn — it'll make it healthier and more fertilized, because it'll mow your grass more frequently, since you're not having to convince yourself to get out there and do it anymore. Clever, eh? 

In the end, not only is it beneficial for your backyard, but it's also handy for you as an individual, as you'll be able to spend the saved time doing other things. That said, don't just buy the cheapest robot mower off the rack. It's important to put time and consideration into your selection.

If you're going to invest in a robot lawnmower, you should ensure that you're getting good value for your money and something that will last. For example, the Husqvarna Automower for $2,599 from Lowes is a good bet. You can get something more mid-range if you're on a lower budget, such as the Worx Landroid for $899.88 on Amazon. Keep in mind that once you get past the upfront cost, robot mowers may save you money if you plan to use them a lot, which is something to note if you're feeling unsure about an initial investment — but that will all boil down to your personal usage. Either way, it's always best to carefully assess each option, as some products can have drawbacks, such as limitations in their functionality, or a tendency to leave small gaps of grass on the outskirts of their boundaries, with some also struggling to cover vaster areas.     

There are also several maintenance considerations to make, such as having to swap out the battery every few years, keeping it in good condition, and maintaining the blades, so that you can get the best mow for your money. Though it may seem like a lot of hassle, it's less hassle than mowing the lawn once a week, and taking the little bit of time means that your mower could work for a considerably long time — up to a decade, even.