How to choose a robotic lawn mower
A practical guide to lawn size, slopes, navigation and the setup behind a more hands-off garden.
The quick answer
Choose a robotic mower around your actual grass area, steepest slope and navigation conditions. Check the installation requirements before comparing convenience features. A mower that suits the shape of your garden is a better purchase than one with the largest headline capacity.
Measure the job properly
Use the area that actually needs mowing, excluding the house, driveway, patio and flower beds. Then look at the shape: a single open lawn and several narrow connected patches create different workloads. Choose capacity with some headroom for the layout, mowing schedule and growth rate. If you have a front and back lawn, check whether the robot can travel between them or needs to be carried.
Read slope figures carefully
Percentage grade and degrees are not interchangeable. Check working slopes and boundary slopes separately, because a mower may need a gentler edge to turn safely. All-wheel-drive models deserve a look for uneven ground, but wheel layout alone does not establish suitability. Wet grass, exposed roots and difficult transitions can change traction. Compare your garden against the exact model’s installation manual.
Decide how it will navigate
Boundary-wire systems need an installed loop. Wire-free models may use satellite positioning, cameras, LiDAR or a combination. Satellite-based systems need a suitable view of the sky and appropriate positioning equipment. Walk around tall buildings and dense trees before ordering. Camera-based assistance can be valuable, but do not assume an obstacle system replaces the need to keep people, pets and loose objects out of the mowing area.
Plan for the work that remains
You will still clean the mower, inspect blades, trim some edges and maintain the lawn. Decide where the dock will sit and how you will bring power to it. Check replacement-blade availability, winter storage instructions and local support. An attractive promotion is useful only after the mower fits the job.
Your questions, answered.
Do all robotic mowers need boundary wire?
No. Some use wire-free mapping, but their navigation and installation requirements differ.
Should I buy a mower at its exact area limit?
Allow practical headroom for lawn shape, multiple zones and your mowing schedule rather than selecting by acreage alone.
Further reading & sources
Put the advice into practice.
Mammotion LUBA 2 AWD
All-wheel drive for a more hands-off lawn.
Best for Uneven lawns and multi-zone gardens
Read the review
Segway Navimow i105
A considered starting point for smaller lawns.
Best for Smaller lawns within its rated coverage
Read the review