How To Choose The Right Remote Control Mower For Your Lawn

Lawn mowing isn't the labor-intensive chore it once was thanks to creative technologies that make it a hands-free operation. With a remote control mower, keeping a manicured lawn is a breeze as you relax and it does the heavy lifting. Unlike robotic mowers that trim your lawn and maintain themselves autonomously, remote-controlled options don't save as much time since they need manual input throughout the project. On the other hand, they provide more certainty, power, and control in challenging situations, such as tall grass, steep slopes, or hazardous areas where snakes and other critters might live. Whether you have a disability or are simply looking for a safer, less-strenuous approach to lawn care, shopping for a remote control mower can significantly improve your daily routine.

There's a lot to consider in a remote control mower, with price being a central concern for many. While entry-level models cost about $500 to $1,000, higher-end units run roughly $2,000 to $4,000. For quality, these mowers don't come cheap. Since they're such an investment, it's vital to compare aspects like performance, dimensions, and user-friendly features to find one that offers maximum value. But, where do you start? With tons of specs to look at, you can look at the size and shape of your lawn, the various types of ground cover it contains, and the convenience you need. Knowing your situation, you can prioritize the most important features.

Remote control mowers are powerful, sturdy, and able to tackle tough areas that may be off-limits to push or riding mowers. If you have steep hills or uneven ground, you'll need a machine that can work without falling over or failing. Many remote control mowers have a low center of gravity, all-wheel drive, and heavy duty tracks, helping them maneuver slopes better than the traditional mower. Some units can even move up and across angles of 45 to 50 degrees, which makes a huge difference on large sections of sloped lawn.

The cutting height and width can also make mowing more efficient. A wider cutting path will need to make fewer passes, helping you knock out large areas in less time. By the same token, a product's top speed can determine how long it takes you to mow. Adjustable height ranges can vary. Taller heights can help you manage fast-growing grasses and keep certain grasses, such as tall fescue, to a more desirable length. 

Importantly, many of these units use tracks on the sides. The cutting area is subsequently limited to the space between the wheels. When cutting along barriers, these can leave wheel paths several inches wide that will need extra manual trimming. If you have a fence line, you may want to find a mower with a blade path that covers the wheel track so you can get a tight cut along any border.

Remote control mowers pack in more innovative details that make lawn maintenance as quick and easy as possible. For starters, you can choose between hybrid or electric models. All-electric units allow for more eco-friendly lawn upkeep and can mow for well over an hour on a full charge. Meanwhile, gas hybrid options can sometimes be less expensive and generally run for longer periods, depending on the tank size. Plus, you won't have to wait for a battery to recharge if you have vast areas to mow. Startup is typically simple with both units, though you should look at the remote functionality if you want the most convenience.

When comparing products, assess the controller interface. Many models offer easy-to-follow touchscreen controls and unique labor-saving settings, such as cruise control. With this, your mower will follow a preset speed to keep moving and take some of the effort off of your shoulders. In mowers like the Mowrator S1, front sensors stop the mower when it reaches obstructions. For added convenience, you can even get an auto-dumping option. Drive a bag full of leaves and grass to a designated area and drop it in place, all via relaxing, remote operation. 

Generally, the primary consideration is context. For rough slopes and hazardous areas, a heavy-duty power system is ideal. As an everyday replacement for your standard mower, check out user-friendly features to change the way you do your lawn care.