Nothing beats the look, feel, and smell of freshly cut grass. But unless you're paying for a professional lawn mowing service, you always have to do the hard work every week tending to your lawn.
With tasks across all industries gradually becoming automated and saving us all hours of time and effort, lawn mowing has not been left behind. We discuss how robot lawn mowers are revolutionising how we care for our lawns and the best options to suit your lawn needs and budget.
Our Top Picks
Looking for the best robot lawn mower in Australia to keep your lawn looking fresh? Here are our top three picks:
MoeBot S10 Robot Mower
Best overall robot lawn mower with OTA technology, 18 cm cutting width, and cutting height (25-55 mm) for lawn areas up to 1,400 sqm.
WORX WR150E Robot Mower
Best robot lawn mower with dedicated AI technology, 22 cm cutting width and cutting height (30-60 mm) for larger gardens of up to 1,500 sqm.
Swift RM18 Robot Mower
Best cheap robot lawn mower with bumping sensors, theft protection, and an easy-to-use interface for gardens of up to 600 sqm.
Top 10 Robot Lawn Mowers for Aussies
We checked out the robotic lawn mowers you can buy in Australia to help you pick the best one for your lawn. We focused on important things like how well they cut grass, the area they can cover, how they handle different lawn sizes, their technology, safety features, and price.
1. MoeBot S10 Robot Lawn Mower
Best Overall Robot Lawn Mower
The MoeBot S10 robotic lawn mower is Moebot's mid-range robot lawn mower. It falls between the S5 and the S20 models. Powered by a 5200mAH battery and a cutting width of 18 cm, it can cut up to 1,400 sqm of lawn area and work at lawn angles of up to 30 degrees.
MoeBot's S10 robotic lawn mower has excellent cutting ability due to its high-speed motor. It can mow tougher buffalo grass, couch, kikuyu, zeon zoysia, and fescue and can drive close to lawn edges to cut around it. It also has an adjustable cutting height between 25 and 55 mm.
The lawn mower requires a boundary to keep in range but can go over concrete edges due to its 4-wheel system and rubber wheels.
During operation, the robot lawn mower works for two hours when fully charged, and it takes an average of 60 minutes to complete a charge when the battery runs down. The mower is fully autonomous and requires no assistance.
MoeBot is user-friendly and has a dedicated app that allows you to operate the lawn mower from a distance. It offers push notifications that alert you of any issues it encounters during operation.
The S10 is also programmable and can follow a schedule to complete the work with minimal interference. With its WiFi functionality, you can connect the lawn mower to the home WiFi and operate it via the dedicated LCD on the mower.
MoeBot's S10 also features OTA technology to deliver timely updates to the robotic lawn mower. For security, it requires a PIN code and sends a notification system on the app when picked without the PIN code. The robot lawn mower's 2-year warranty and low maintenance costs make the robotic lawn mower one of Australia's best robot lawnmowers.
Pros
- Cuts tough grass types
- Quiet operation for mowing day or night
- Safety features and anti-theft measures
- Control and schedule with a mobile app
- Suitable for lawns up to 1,400 sqm
Cons:
- Not ideal for very large lawn areas
2. WORX WR140E Robot Lawn Mower
Best Value Robot Lawn Mower
The WORX WR140E Robot Mower is a feature-rich robotic lawn mower with an intuitive layered interface to customise the mower's working schedule and a patented mowing AIA cutting technology to manoeuvre narrow pathways easily. It is powered by a 20V battery, can work on sloppy lawn areas, and is suitable for lawn sizes up to 1,000 sqm.
The robot lawn mower includes a specialised mobile application, enabling you to control it within its range. Additionally, it can assist in estimating your lawn's dimensions and make predictive suggestions on scheduling and lawn mowing times. WORX's WR140E robot lawn mower features automatic over-the-air software updates and has a rain sensor.
For performance, the robot lawn mower has a 3-blade cutting/mulching system, allowing precise edge cutting. It also has two separate brushless motors for its wheels. WORX's WR140E Robot Mower is more refined and feature-rich than the Moebot S5, and it is a safer bet for the availability of spare parts. The mower has two other models catering to your lawn mowing needs: WR139E and WR150E.
Pros
- Cuts edge neatly
- Handle it with an app on your phone
- If it rains, it avoids wet grass
Cons
- Costs more than some others
- Not for very big lawns
3. Segway H800A-VF Robotic Lawn Mower
Best Mid-Range Robot Lawn Mower
The Segway Navimow H800A-VF is an advanced robotic mower for lawn size up to 800 sqm. It has a cutting width of 21 cm and a cutting height adjustable from 20 - 65 mm. The mower is powered by a battery that lasts 3 hours, an hour more than MoeBot's S10 mower. Navimow's convenient features include precision cutting, smart navigation, and user-friendly controls.
It includes a customisable virtual map to navigate your lawn efficiently and a rain sensor that stops operation in wet conditions. You can also set up your lawn map with the Segway Navimow app by remotely controlling the robot around your yard's edges. The robot keeps this map in memory and is ready to mow. You can set up as many separate areas, no-go zones, or paths as possible.
For safety and security, the Segway's robotic lawn mower is equipped with lift and touch sensors and theft protection through secure access mechanisms. The fully automatic robot lawn mower has cutting-edge technology and intuitive control and adapts effortlessly to different terrains.
Pros
- App connectivity
- Suitable for small/medium-sized lawns
- Customisable mapping
- Pauses during rain
- Operates with minimal noise
Cons
- Premium price
- Not for large Lawns
4. Moebot S5 Robot Lawn Mower
Best Robot Lawn Mower for Small Lawns
Finding a decent robotic lawn mower in the sub $1,200 price range is complex, but MoeBot's S5 does exceptionally well. The entry-level robot mower can mow up to 600 sqm and is powered by a 2600 mAh battery. It has three blades and an adjustable cutting height between 25 and 55 mm, cutting grass into a fine mulch. Thus, it's also excellent for making fertiliser and removes the need to pick up any clippings once done.
MoeBot S5 has security features similar to the S10 model. The difference between the two is their capacity and mowing times. Both robot mowers take 60 minutes to recharge fully; however, the S10 works for two hours until it recharges, while the S5 needs a recharge after an hour.
The S5 robot mower also features bump, pick-up, and rain sensors. And like the other high-end models, it auto-recharges when its battery runs low and continues working unprompted. You can schedule it using the built-in WiFi technology and smart app. On purchase, you get a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- Affordable for budget-conscious buyers
- Efficiently turns grass into mulch, reducing cleanup
- Quiet operation and flexible scheduling
- Includes anti-theft and safety sensors
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Suitable for smaller lawns
- One-hour battery life
5. Ambrogio L85 Elite Robotic Lawn Mower
Best Robot Lawn Mower for Lawn Slopes
The Ambrogio L85 is a powerful, easy-to-use mower with excellent cutting performance. Built with high-quality materials and stylish Italian design, it not only cuts your lawn but improves its condition year-round. It works in intervals, recharging as needed, and uses smart technology to recognise and avoid obstacles and handle thicker, taller grass.
Ambrogio's L85 has star-shaped blades for a smooth, even cut on any type of grass and strong wheel traction. With efficient motors and batteries, it can handle slopes up to 55%. It meets international safety standards, featuring blade protection to prevent accidents, safety sensors, and a push-stop button.
The robot mower has a rain sensor that sends it back to the charging station to avoid mowing wet grass. It uses advanced navigation technology and has a hardwearing chassis for maximum performance. It’s an excellent choice for a perfectly mowed lawn without installing perimeter wires. The L85 works well for lawns up to 2,200 sqm.
Pros
- Powerful cutting
- Handles steep slopes up to 55%
- Blade protection and sensors
- No perimeter wires needed
- Advanced rain detection
Cons
- Pricier
6. Swift RM18 Robotic Mower
Best Cheap Robot Lawn Mower
The Swift RM18 is a budget-friendly robotic mower ideal for gardens up to 600 sqm. It has bump sensors, strong treaded wheels, and a simple interface that makes lawn care easy. The robot's bump sensor helps it navigate obstacles without trouble when operating.
Swift's RM18 can also tolerate up to 35% gradients, equivalent to a 20-degree slope. The user-friendly interface allows easy customisation, making it simple to tailor the mower's operation to your needs. For added security, the theft protection feature employs a PIN code system, much like the MoeBot robot mower series models.
The robotic mower is also notably quiet, ensuring unobtrusive lawn care that won't disturb your peace. Combined with an IP56 rating for water and dust resistance, the RM18 is built to withstand the elements, providing reliable performance even in challenging conditions.
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Perfect for regular-sized gardens
- Conquers obstacles effortlessly
- User-friendly interface
- PIN Code for security
Cons
- Lacks advanced functionalities
- Not for large gardens
7. Victa Robot Mower RM100
Best for Lawns With Complex Layouts
Victa RM100 is an excellent option to keep your small to medium-sized lawn in excellent condition. This small but fully automated robotic mower is designed to ensure a sharp and even cut every time to produce ultra-fine mulch. It cuts and maintains lawns of up to 600 sqm area.
Victa's Robot Mower has an LCD touchscreen for easy programming and setup, an anti-theft alarm system, and a PIN code for added security. With integrated bump sensors, the mower can easily navigate unexpected obstacles. Rain is no problem, either, thanks to the built-in rain sensors that automatically detect a change in weather and take it back to its charging station.
To use the robot lawn mower, program it to your lawn's dimensions, and it will take care of the rest. Once programmed, it starts from the four separate locations defined by a perimeter wire and returns to the charging station autonomously. We recommend it for lawns with complex layouts for its use of advanced algorithms to calculate the most efficient cutting patterns.
Pros
- Precise and even cutting
- User-friendly features
- Anti-theft alarm and PIN code
- Rain detection for automatic return
- Works on lawns with complex layouts
Cons
- Not for larger properties
8. WORX WR150E Robot Lawn Mower Kit
Best Robot Lawn Mower for Larger Gardens
The WORX WR150E robot lawn mower is perfect for larger lawns up to 1,500 sqm, about twice the size of a tennis court. To use the device, download the Worx Landroid app, walk around your lawn with it, and let the mower do the rest. It often starts off mowing randomly but gets smoother and more efficient as it learns your lawn layout.
The automatic lawn mower navigates using boundary wires and dedicated AI technology for accuracy and precision. WORX's 22 cm cutting width, adjustable between 30 and 60 mm, is powered by a decent 20V 4.0 Ah Lithium battery compatible with other WORX garden tools. It completes a full charge in 240 minutes and works up to 60 minutes before recharge. The robot mower has three razor blades to ensure an even clean cut.
For safety, WORX WR150E has lift and tilt sensors that auto-shut down the blades at any accidental contact. It includes a PIN and alarm system that protects against accidental, unauthorised use and theft. You get an anti-collision control system, a multi-zone cut system, a rain sensor, smartphone operation, cutting/mulching functionality, and a 3-year warranty.
Pros
- Uses AI technology
- Suitable for lawns up to 1,500 sqm
- Navigate using boundary wires
- Anti-collision control
Cons
- Average cutting width
9. Husqvarna Automower 450X Robot Lawn Mower
Best Robot Lawn Mower for Ease of Use
The Husqvarna Automower 450X is a dependable robotic mower for big, complicated lawns. It can handle up to 5,000 sqm of grass, navigate narrow passages, and avoid obstacles and rough terrain. The premium X-Line package includes GPS tracking, GPS-assisted navigation, and Automower Connect, which lets you control it from anywhere with the app. It also works with voice commands using Google Home or Amazon Alexa.
Husqvarna's robotic mower is weatherproof and works in all conditions—day and night. Its quiet operation makes it perfect for mowing at night without disturbing your sleep. It also has lift and tilt sensors, GPS tracking, and GeoFence features to ensure safe and secure use.
The Husqvarna robotic lawn mower uses three pivoting razor blades to ensure a precise cut. It can handle a variety of terrains and has a maximum slope performance of 15% at the boundary and an impressive 45% performance level inside the installation area.
Pros
- Weatherproof design
- Handles lawns up to 5,000 sqm
- Smart features like GPS tracking
- Ultrasonic object detection
- Child lock for safety
- Voice control
Cons
- Higher price
10. MoeBot S20 Robotic Lawn Mower
Best Value Robot Mower for Larger Gardens
The MoeBot S20 is designed for large lawns up to 2,500 sqm, unlike the smaller S5 and S10 robot models. It has an adjustable cutting height of 2.5 to 5.5 cm. The battery provides over 2 hours of mowing time and recharges in 90 minutes. When it needs charging, the MoeBot automatically returns to its docking station and resumes mowing once charged.
The robot mower uses OTA technology to update its software through your home WiFi and has a secure PIN and protective boundaries to avoid garden beds and other sensitive areas. The MoeBot app sends push notifications and is designed with simple icons, clear language, and user-friendly features, making it easy to use even for those with minimal tech experience.
To use the robot lawn mower, press the 'Play' button. You can program the robot mower and set a daily work schedule to simplify things. Moreover, it has a complete installation kit, including 200 m of boundary wire, 240 pegs, a power pack, blades, wire connectors, a MoeBot app and instruction manual, and the company's 2-year warranty.
Pros
- Precise edge-to-edge cutting
- Handles up to 30-degree inclines
- High cutting power of 3,500 rpm motor
- Zone boundary setting for isolated grass areas
- User-friendly mobile app
Cons
- Pricey
How Robot Lawn Mowers Work
All robot mowers use a battery-operated motor with an AC-powered base station. The battery pack can last anywhere from 30 minutes for an entry-level model designed for small lawns to four-plus hours for a high-end robot mower designed to handle more extensive lawns.
Robot lawnmowers navigate similarly to robot vacuums, using sensors that prevent them from wandering off your property. The vast majority also need the installation of a perimeter wire. The end of the perimeter wire is connected to a terminal on the base station, laid along the edge of your lawn, and held in place using stakes.
The other end of the wire goes back to the second terminal of the base station. In addition to charging the mower, the base station provides the wire with an electrical charge. Sensors on the mower use the charged wire to guide it within the boundaries and return it to the base when the lawn is cut, or the battery needs to recharge.
Programming the robotic lawn mower is usually done using an onboard control panel with On and Off buttons and menus to schedule cutting times, create zones, configure edge-cutting settings, set seasonal timers, and view the cutting history. Nearly all robot mowers are quiet and operate in the 55 to 60dB range. You can run the quieter models at night; however, a few models out there can put up to 75dB of sound.
Choosing the Best Robot Lawn Mower
When it comes to choosing the perfect robot lawn mower for your yard, there are several critical factors to take into account. We will delve into the essential considerations in four simple questions to ask yourself.
1. How big is your lawn?
The size of your lawn is a crucial factor in choosing a robotic lawn mower. Different models are designed to handle different lawn sizes, so choosing one that can efficiently cover your entire lawn is essential.
For larger lawns, consider a model with automatic charging capabilities. This ensures the mower can return to its charging station when its battery is low, allowing it to recharge and resume mowing until the entire lawn is covered.
2. How steep is your lawn?
The steepness and terrain of your lawn can significantly impact the performance of a robotic lawn mower. If your lawn has steep slopes, you’ll need a model with good traction, large wheels, and sufficient power to navigate these areas effectively.
Likewise, consider a model equipped with advanced sensors for remote object detection if your lawn has various objects or bushes. These sensors allow the mower to detect and avoid obstacles, ensuring a smooth and efficient mowing.
3. What’s the shape of your lawn?
The shape and layout of your lawn also play a role in selecting a suitable robotic lawn mower. If your lawn has multiple narrow passages or separate sections, a model with guide wires could be beneficial. Guide or perimeter wires help the mower navigate through intricate passages and ensure that all areas of your lawn are adequately mowed.
4. How safe is your lawn mower?
Safety is paramount when choosing a robotic lawn mower. While it's unlikely that pets or children will come into close contact with the mower, it's still crucial to consider safety features.
Some models feature cutting discs with retractable blades for more frequent, shallower cuts. This design reduces the risk of serious injury if contact is made. Additionally, many modern robotic mowers are equipped with sensors and safety locks to prevent unauthorised use, especially by children.
Why Go Robotic?
The most obvious answer to this is suggested: no longer spend hours on your lawn, perfecting the length and edges and ensuring you don’t miss a spot when a machine can do an excellent job. Even the Wall Street Journal put robotic lawnmowers to the test and says every machine achieved almost 100% coverage – better than most human performance and certainly with much less effort.
Lawn mowing can be exhausting, so perhaps this is the answer you’ve been waiting for. Need a little more convincing? A more regular lawn cut benefits the grass and ensures a healthier lawn. This is much easier when you don’t always have to be on the field to ensure this.
And while they are more expensive than manual lawn mowers, robotic lawn mowers might work out cheaper than hiring a gardener if they are only to do simple lawn mowing. Robotic lawnmowers are also robust enough to hang on to for years and are a significant investment.
Some models can handle more extensive lawns with steep grades and offer more features like rain and anti-theft sensors. Others are fully autonomous, with self-charging functionalities. You can choose from various models with different functionalities to suit your lawn.
How to Install a Robot Lawn Mower?
Once you’ve chosen your perfect robotic lawn mower, it's time to install it and put it to work. The video above provides a stepwise guide to follow. But here's a quick overview of the process:
- Boundary setup: Most robotic mowers work within a predefined boundary. This can be established using one of these methods:
- Installing a boundary wire: You bury a perimeter wire around your lawn's edges to define the mowing area.
- GPS-based boundaries: Some advanced models use GPS signals to define the mowing area.
- Dock installation: Place the charging station (dock) in a suitable location near a power source. It should be on a flat surface and easily accessible by the mower.
- Initial setup: Set up the control panel on your mower. This includes configuring the cutting height, schedule, and any other settings specific to your model.
- Wire installation: If you're using a boundary or perimeter wire, bury it around your lawn's perimeter as instructed in the user manual. Ensure it's connected to the charging station.
- Testing: Before letting your robotic mower roam freely, test it by running a few short mowing cycles. Make sure it returns to the dock, charges, and works properly.
- Ready to go: Once everything is set up and working correctly, you can sit back and let your robotic lawn mower take care of your lawn.
Remember that the specific installation process can vary depending on the brand and model of your robotic lawn mower, so it's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions provided with your device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about robot lawn mowers in Australia.
Are robot mowers better for your lawn?
In most cases, yes, robot mowers are better for your lawn. They provide a hassle-free way to maintain your lawn, are designed to cut grass on their own, and depending on the model you choose, can handle different types of lawns and different lawn sizes. They are usually a little more expensive than traditional mowers, but they offer a convenient way to maintain your lawn without the need for manual labour.
Which lawn mower brand is most reliable in Australia?
There is no single best brand when it comes to lawnmowers. Each brand or model has its pros and cons, and you'll need to evaluate your needs and budget to find the one that best suits you. That said, some lawn mower brands in Australia have a good reputation for reliability, including HUSQVARNA, Lawnba, Robomow, Victa, and Feniks.
What type of lawnmower is best?
The size, shape, and type of lawn you have will determine the best type of mower for you. For those with a tight budget, a rotary mower is a good choice. However, if you don't have much time to spare for physical labour and do not mind, the initial outlay robotic mowers are now worthwhile.
Are robotic lawn mowers worth buying?
Robotic lawn mowers are designed to provide a convenient way to maintain your lawn. They also require minimal maintenance, saving you time and energy. However, the average cost of robotic mowers is still higher than traditional mowers, so you should compare the features and prices before making a decision.
How much do robot mowers cost?
Robot lawn mowers cost nywhere from around $900 to well over $4000, depending on the features and size of the mower. High-end robot mowers usually have advanced features such as GPS tracking and automated navigation, while budget-friendly models may have limited features.
Can robot mowers cut wet grass?
Robot lawnmowers come with a damp rating, which indicates how well they can handle wet grass and dew. It is also essential to understand that some models are "waterproof" and some are "water-resistant." The former will have no problems with wet grass or even rain, but the latter may stop working if the grass is too damp.
Most come with pre-installed sensors that stop the mower when there is a risk of damage from water or dampness. Make sure to check your mower's specs before using it on a wet lawn.
Mark Thompson
Final Thoughts
Robotic lawnmowers have changed lawn care, making it convenient, simpler, and more efficient. They are built to work independently, taking care of your lawn and saving you time and effort.
Investing in a robot lawn mower saves you time and effort and provides an eco-friendly and quiet solution to maintaining a healthy and beautiful lawn. If you want to automate more household chores, check out our guide to the best robot vacuums.
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