6 Best Robot Lawn Mowers of 2023 Reviews. Gps for lawn mowers

Best Robot Lawn Mowers of 2023 [Reviews]

Is there any chore more repetitive than mowing the lawn? It’s hot, sweaty, tiring work. But with the emergence of robotic lawn mowers, it’s also unnecessary. Maintaining a beautiful lawn has never been easier than it is now if you have the right tools, and Lawn Love has combed through the lot to bring you our reviews of the top 6 robotic lawn mowers available today.

How did we rank our list of the best robot lawn mowers? We looked at these factors:

Most robot lawn mowers cost between 1,000 to 1,500. (Riding mowers can cost considerably more.) We highlight robotic mowers here from all price ranges to give you the best choice in every class:

Top 7 Robot Lawn Mowers— Reviews

Best overall: Worx WR155 Landroid L

The Worx Landroid is at the head of the class when it comes to keeping your lawn pristine. Though the Landroid family includes several models, the WR155 is the clear star of this line. This little robot runs on Worx’s 20V Power Share battery, which can be removed and used in any of Worx’s electric tools.

Covering lawns up to a half-acre in size, the WR155 is perfect for almost any suburban lot. It features a wide 8-inch cutting deck with a floating blade disc that automatically raises and lowers for consistency over difficult terrain. The cutting disc is offset to one side, allowing it to cut closer to the boundary edge, fences, and walls than other robotic mowers.

The Worx Landroid AI makes sure that the mower maintains a consistent cut by logging its movements and directing its workload toward unmowed areas. It stays within the bounds of your yard with a discreet ground wire. When it gets low on battery or senses rain it automatically returns to its charging bay.

You can check up and alter your Landroid’s programming through an intuitive mobile app. You can connect via a direct Bluetooth link or your home Wi-Fi. An anti-theft system will notify you immediately if the Landroid is removed from its boundaries. If theft is a major concern, consider the WR153, a Landroid with built-in GPS tracking.

We liked the WR155 best for its versatile battery, reliability, and sophistication of its programming.

Specifications

Power: 20V, 6 Ah Power Share batteryMaximum Area: 0.5 acresCutting Width: 8 inchesProgramming: Bluetooth or Wi-FiPrice Range: Moderate

Pros

  • Power Share battery can be swapped out for an instant charge
  • Smart AI keeps your lawn even and navigates narrow spaces
  • Wi-Fi-enabled
  • Good lawn coverage

Do you enjoy a freshly mown lawn but hate to do the mowing? A robot lawn mower may be the perfect choice for you!

Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.

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Buying a Robot Lawn Mower

Most people like a well-maintained lawn, but that doesn’t mean they enjoy doing the actual maintenance. Robotic lawn mowers are battery-powered lawn mowing devices that drive around your lawn, keeping the grass under control.

Robot mowers have been rapidly improving, with each new model featuring improved performance and dependability. Even so, this technology is in its relative infancy, making it a good fit for DIYers who enjoy tinkering with their tech as much as they enjoy using it.

It’s also worth noting several manufacturers have struggled to produce enough robotic lawn mowers to meet demand, and many popular models are currently back-ordered. For this list, we did our best to highlight in stock and available models.

Here are a few factors to consider when buying a robot lawn mower:

Yard Size. Larger yards need a mower with a longer battery life. If the battery is too short-lived, it will need to recharge halfway through mowing, leaving you with a patchy, half-cut lawn. Most robotic mowers have a manufacturer’s recommended yard size, usually around a half acre.

Installation. While the actual mowing is hands-free, robotic mowers do require work to set up. Robot mowers use low-voltage wire to establish a perimeter and mowing zones (much like a dog’s invisible fence). The low-voltage wire is powered by the mower’s charging base, and the mower can emerge on command or at regular intervals to trim the grass. Installing the charging dock and low-voltage wire is a great way to save money, but it can be time-consuming. DIYers should plan on spending about half a day on installation.

best, robot, lawn, mowers, 2023, reviews

Landscaping and Obstacles. Not surprisingly, robotic mowers work best on flat, level lawns. Most robotic mowers can handle gentle slopes, and can traverse flat pavement without incident. If you have gravel, mulch or other irregular surfaces, you’ll want a mower with either multiple start points (so it won’t mow over those materials) or to invest in more low-voltage wiring to define the mowing zones. If you have many trees, bushes, furniture or other obstacles, look for a mower with avoidance detection, and consider one with a narrow wheel base.

Cleaning and Maintenance. Robotic mowers are relatively light, so you can simply flip them over and hose them off to clean away grass clippings. Batteries will probably last three to five years. Blades may need to be sharpened or replaced every year.

Remote Controls. Most mowers have physical controls to start stop, and adjust the mowing height. complex command entry depends on the model; some use an on-board interface while others rely on an app, often through a computer, smartphone or voice assistant.

Rain Sensors. Mowing in the rain can lead to grass clumps or clogs. Some models have rain sensors that direct them to return to the charger if they detect precipitation.

Noise. Robotic mowers are far quieter than a gas-powered mower, but they’re not silent. Most models produce about 60 decibels (dB) while mowing, which is about as loud as a conversation in a restaurant. Some models are even quieter, which makes them a great choice for operating at night.

Clippings. All robotic mowers are mulchers, and tend to make many passes taking just a little off the top of the grass. This enriches the soil and makes for fewer grass clogs.

Theft Prevention. Robotic mowers are expensive pieces of equipment that are stored outside. That makes them very attractive to thieves. Manufacturers have a variety of theft prevention techniques, ranging from PIN codes and loud alarms to geo-fencing.

Price. Expect to pay around 1,000 to 3,000 for a robotic mower. There are models available for as little as 800, and as much as 5,000.

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best, robot, lawn, mowers, 2023, reviews

WORX WR155 Landroid Robot Lawn Mower

WORX is one of the major robotic lawn mower brands, and they offer several models to choose from. The WORX WR155 Robot Lawn Mower features an 8-inch cutting width and and the ability to tackle slopes up to 20 degrees. It has a rain detector to help it avoid moisture, and it’s backed up by a three-year limited warranty.

With both Smart phone and virtual assistant integration, the Landroid has an easy set up and control system. WORX offers optional upgrades, such as the Landroid Anti-Collision System (ACS) to help navigate the unique contours of your yard. We tried the Worx Landroid Robotic Lawnmower to see how it really works in the real world.

ClemensElflein/OpenMower

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README.md

OpenMower. The DIY Smart Mowing Robot for Everyone

Join the Discord server for OpenMower discussion: HERE

best, robot, lawn, mowers, 2023, reviews

IF YOU ARE NOT 100% SURE WHAT YOU ARE DOING, PLEASE DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME! ASK IN DISCORD, IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS!

This is the hardware repository, so it might seem that the project is inactive, since hardware is pretty stable by now. Most of the development work is done on the ROS code here: https://github.com/ClemensElflein/open_mower_ros

If you want to see a quick overview, you can check out this video:

Let’s be honest: The current generation of robotic lawn mowers sucks. Basically all of these bots drive in a random direction until they hit the border of the lawn, rotate for a randomized duration and repeat. I think we can do better!

Therefore, we have disassembled the cheapest off-the-shelf robotic mower we could find (YardForce Classic 500) and were surprised that the hardware itself is actually quite decent:

  • Geared sensored brushless motors for the wheels
  • A sensored brushless motor for the mower motor itself
  • The whole construction seems robust, waterproof and all in all thought through
  • All components are connected using standard connectors, therefore upgrading the hardware is easily possible.

The bottom line is: The bot itself is surprisingly high quality and doesn’t need to be changed at all. We just need some better software in there.

Here is a quick overview of this project’s goals:

️ Autonomous Lawn Mowing: Obviously, the device should be able to mow the lawn automatically.

️ Good Safety: The device must be safe, e.g. emergency stop if lifted or crashed.

️ No Perimeter Wire Needed: We want to be flexible and support multiple mowing areas.

️ Low Cost: It should be cheaper than a mid range off-the-shelf product

️ Open: I want to share knowledge and enable others to build an OpenMower as well.

️ Nice to Look At: You should not be ashamed to have an OpenMower mowing your lawn.

️ Avoid Obstacles: The mower should detect obstacles and avoid them during mowing.

️ Rain Detection: The device should be able to detect bad weather conditions and pause mowing until they improve.

The basic mowing function finally works! As you can see in the video, map teaching and mowing work as expected. It even returns to the docking station automatically as soon as the battery gets low and continues once it’s recharged.

At this point I can recommend that brave tech savvy users can build one for themselves! Since it’s quite an expensive and complex project, please don’t be shy and ask if you have any questions. I’m glad to help

By now we have a stable revision of the mainboard as well as two motor controllers to go with it. The xESC mini and the xESC 2040. I’m currently using the xESC mini for my builds and it works very well. The problem with this controller is, its parts are currently hard to source. That’s why we created the xESC 2040 based on the RP2040 chip. This is the low-cost variant and its support is currently experimental.

  • Low Level Firmware Implementation
  • Voltage / Current Sense
  • Emergency Stop Button tracking
  • IMU Communication
  • Rain Sensor
  • Charging State
  • Sound Module
  • UI Board Communication
  • Discharge current for more accurate battery charge estimation

The basic software is basically done; Our prototype works as intended (but is not able to avoid obstacles yet).

The software for the robot can be found in a separate repository: https://github.com/ClemensElflein/open_mower_ros

5 Best Robotic Lawn Mowers You Can Buy In 2023

If you want to read how to get started building a robot for yourself, check the OpenMower Website. There you can find information on which parts to buy, how to install the software and so on. If you find anything missing, please join the Discord server and ask there. Also there’s the OpenMower Wiki which is written by the community. It has some additional guides and information.

You can help by starting an OpenMower build of your own. This helps to validate the concept and helps to create useful documentation for new users.

Additionally, you can help by starring and watching this repository, since it will help with visibility. You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel.

best, robot, lawn, mowers, 2023, reviews

While disassembling the bot, I wondered about its mainboard: Instead of “YardForce” it read “GForce”. After checking the internet for “GForce” robots, I found that that very similar looking robotic mowers are sold under the Herkules brand. Naturally I tried to dig deeper and actually found evidence that the mainboard is manufactured by some chinese company (SUMEC Hardware).

It is therefore quite safe to assume that many robot mowers are basically the same device in a different case. This would be a huge win for the community, since this would mean that by making one of those robots smarter, we could upgrade lots of robots.

Therefore it might be a good idea to start a list of compatible devices. So if you have a cheap robotic lawn mower, you can check, if it was already disassembled in the list below. If it’s not there, it would be nice of you to check, if it contains the same mainboard as ours and add your robot to the list with some some pictures / model numbers.

By now, some guys have disassembled their mowers and it doesn’t look as good as I initially hoped. The GForce boards are basically just used by YardForce and some rebranded versions for the EU market. My exact hardware was only found in the mower I’m using (YardForce Classic 500) and in recently manufactured SA650 ECOs. The SA650 has a different chassis and we don’t have a way of mounting the GPS antenna yet. Therefore at the moment, the only compatible mower is mine (the YardForce Classic 500).

If you want to have a look at the disassembled mowers, check the Google Docs here

This page only contains the basic overview of the project. To follow my current development state, check out my Blog.

Before building a robot based on the designs published here, please make sure that you are allowed to do so in your specific regions. There may be patents and / or laws prohibiting you of doing so.

The code/schematics/PCB files are distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

This basically means: I’m just documenting a project of mine here for free and I don’t have the time and resources to check that devices built using this information will be safe to use, legal to use or even work as intended. You will need technical know-how to use this project and I’m not liable for any damages your devices do to anyone or anything.

Feel free to use the design in your private/educational projects, but don’t try to sell the design or products based on it without getting my consent first. The idea here is to share knowledge, not to enable others to simply sell my work. Thank you for understanding.

About

Let’s upgrade cheap off-the-shelf robotic mowers to modern, Smart RTK GPS based lawn mowing robots!

Why spend weekends pushing a loud mower and breathing exhaust fumes? Let one of these autonomous electric mowers do the work cleanly and quietly.

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Improvements in rechargeable battery tech and intelligent software have dramatically changed the way we live. Smart televisions and lighting systems improve our sensory environment, while other automated home devices like vacuum cleaners, thermostats, and refrigerators eliminate many more mundane tasks. Similarly, robotic lawn mowers can now keep the grass at just the right height, eliminating a time-consuming weekend chore. These devices may be cheaper to own and operate than gasoline-powered mowers while making very little noise and producing no exhaust emissions. They can easily maintain up to an acre or more on most types of terrain, and they work automatically so those with lawns have more time to relax.

All of which no doubt sounds great—but how well do these robots actually perform? To find out, we put some popular models through their paces on real-life lawns. Read on to learn about the criteria we used to select these mowers, then check out the product reviews to find out how each one did on our test turf. Anyone in the market for a new mower may discover that a robot model might be a Smart, time-saving investment. R2-D2 would surely approve!

  • BEST OVERALL:Worx Landroid M Robotic Lawn Mower
  • BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:Robomow RX20 Robotic Lawn Mower
  • UPGRADE PICK:Husqvarna Automower 415X
  • BEST FOR STEEP HILLS:MowRo RM24 Robotic Lawn Mower
  • BEST FOR LARGE LAWNS:Husqvarna Automower 115H

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Robot Lawn Mower

Shopping for new technology can present a bit of confusion. It’s important to take some time to sort through the various functions and features, as well as your unique needs, to identify the best product. Consider the following factors when shopping for a robotic lawn mower.

Yard Size

To begin the search for a new robot mower, get an accurate measurement of the area it will mow. Measure the lawn’s square footage, not the size of the lot, and exclude square footage taken up by the house, driveway, landscape beds, and any other feature that is not grass. Often only half of the square footage of a residential lot is lawn space, and sometimes even less.

Light-duty or small robot lawn mowers are best for areas up to a quarter of an acre, or about 11,000 square feet. Midsize robot lawn mowers cut up to half an acre, or about 22,000 square feet. Large robot lawn mowers can cut up to 1 acre, or 43,560 square feet, or more.

Factors that affect how much space a robot lawn mower can cut include battery runtime per charge, the mower size, and the speed it travels. The “up to ‘X’ square feet” amount that manufacturers claim is calculated with ideal mowing conditions in mind. Mowing conditions including slopes; obstacles; irregular lawn shapes; and grass type, thickness, and growth rate may all inhibit a mower’s efficiency and capability.

Look for a mower that can cut the entire yard on a single battery charge if possible. For larger yards, it may be necessary to divide the lawn space into two or three smaller mowing zones that the mower can cut on different cycles. Not all robotic mowers have the ability to create and schedule multiple zones within a single boundary wire, so be sure to buy a mower with that capability if necessary to suit the property size.

Terrain Handling

Basic robot mowers work on flat yards and slopes of up to 15 percent (1.5 feet of rise per 10 feet of linear distance). Yards with garden beds, boulders, pathways, and/or steeper slopes require a more capable model. Look for one with onboard collision detection systems, GPS, all-wheel drive, and/or multi-zone programming capability to navigate complex yards.

Mowing Height

Grass type, weather conditions, and terrain influence a lawn’s optimal mowing height. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda, zoysia, and centipede should be mowed to from 1 to 3 inches high, while cool-season grasses such as fescue, bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass should be mowed to between 2.5 and 4 inches.

That said, allowing grass to grow taller than normal in extreme heat and drought helps protect the roots from dieback. Smooth, flat ground makes it easier to mow lower, while rough terrain requires additional clearance. We recommend buying a robotic mower that allows as much mowing height flexibility as possible within the range for the particular lawn type.

Controls

Robot mowers are kept in the yard by a low-voltage electric perimeter boundary wire installed at the edges of the lawn and around permanent obstacles like trees, paved areas, and buildings. An onboard computer tells the mower when to mow and when to recharge. Just program the mowing schedule and set the blade height, and the lawn mower does the rest. Many robotic lawn mowers are Bluetooth capable or Wi-Fi connected, so you can program them with an app on your smartphone.

Power Source and Battery Life

Robot mowers charge automatically at a home-base station. The base station serves as the charging port and the boundary wire hub. The same power source that charges the mower’s battery also sends a low-voltage current through the boundary wire to keep the mower in bounds. A single power cord plugged into a nearby GFCI household outlet provides the needed electricity.

These mowers typically use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, though some use lead acid batteries or other types. Depending on the model and mowing conditions, a robot lawn mower can operate between 1 and 2.5 hours per battery charge. Batteries typically need 30 minutes to an hour to recharge. Robot lawn mower batteries tend to last approximately 3 years on average.

Smart Technology

Onboard sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, mobile apps, and compatibility with personal digital assistants may all let users program a robotic mower. On its programmed mowing schedule, the mower starts and recharges itself, returning to its docking station when it has finished the job. Collision sensors and boundary wire sensors keep the mower on the lawn and protect non-grass areas.

Some robotic mowers have a manual mode used to trim enclosed spaces. In manual mode, the robot mower can be moved to a secondary location—inside a fenced area of the yard, for example—and it will mow without further programming. In this setting, the robot mower uses either extra perimeter wire or an onboard collision sensor to stay inbounds.

Many robot mowers will alert the user’s smartphone when there is a problem, if its blades need to be changed, or if the machine is moved off the premises. Mobile apps can also allow the robot mower to be monitored and controlled remotely via a smartphone or digital assistant.

Noise Levels

Robotic mowers are quiet but not silent. They produce an average of 50 to 70 decibels, which is similar to the sound levels of a quiet refrigerator, a calm conversation, or the noise inside a car traveling at 60 miles per hour. A gasoline-powered push mower produces 95 decibels, or about 50 percent more noise than a robot lawn mower.

Security

Robot lawn mowers are small enough that a thief could carry one away. For that reason, many models require a personal identification number (PIN) for operation. Others feature alarms, security alerts, and GPS tracking that kicks in if the unit is removed from the owner’s property. Since robot lawn mowers are fairly quiet, people often program them to run at night as a theft deterrent.

Safety Features

Robot lawn mowers have safety features to protect the user and others in its cutting area. The machine moves slowly so pets, children, and others can see it coming and get out of the way. Collision sensors slow or redirect the mower as it nears an obstacle. An automatic shutoff kicks in if the machine is lifted, stopping the blades from moving. And the mower has recessed blades mounted away from the edges of the machine to reduce the chance of cutting hands and feet that come too close.

Weather Protection

Most robot lawn mowers are built to withstand outdoor conditions during the mowing season. Some robotic mowers can run in the rain, but it is not recommended since wet grass doesn’t cut as smoothly and wet conditions can spread fungal diseases to the lawn. Some robot lawn mowers have rain sensors that stop, skip, or delay a scheduled mowing in rainy conditions. Other robot mowers can have their cutting schedule manually overridden so users can turn it off if rain is in the forecast. Still others link to a weather app that will turn the mower off if rain is predicted.

Docking stations are weatherproof during the mowing season. Still, in stormy weather where lightning is predicted, unplugging the system provides the best protection. Extended periods of damp, subfreezing weather shorten the mower’s life span, so the mower and its docking station should both be stored indoors in the winter.

Our Top Picks

We measured the following robotic lawn mowers against our shopping considerations and put them to work during a monthlong home trial. Find out why we recommend them among the best robot lawn mowers available.

Worx Landroid M Robotic Lawn Mower

The popular Worx Landroid robotic mower lineup includes models S, M, and L for yards up to ⅛ acre, ¼ acre, and ½ acre, respectively. While they offer many similarities, we found that the WR147 Landroid M offers the best combination of capability and affordability. It is powered by a 20V 4Ah lithium-ion battery for 2 hours of runtime per 90-minute charge. It can mow on a 20-degree slope, thanks to a pair of high-efficiency brushless wheel motors that provide extra traction. The Landroid’s 8-inch self-leveling mowing disc cuts closer to the edges of the yard than many competitors. The blade height manually adjusts from 1.5 to 3.5 inches.

Landroid connects to a home Wi-Fi network via Bluetooth and automatically keeps its own software up to date. Users can easily set or adjust the custom mowing schedule or monitor the mower on the go via the Landroid mobile app. An integrated rain sensor stops the mower from cutting if rain starts and sends it back to its charging station.

The Landroid M performed at or near the top in most of our testing rubric categories. Assembly and programming were easy, mowing was reliable with excellent coverage, communication through the mobile app was intuitive, and runtime was superior—all for a very competitive price. Runtime was especially impressive: We clocked it at 2 hours 35 minutes, the longest of all the mowers we tested.

Unfortunately we subtracted points for poor docking ability. Landroid was the only mower we tested with recharging contacts located on the side of the machine rather than the front or back. To recharge, it must be perfectly positioned in relation to two flexible contact points as it passes over the base station; otherwise, it continues tracking along the perimeter wire without stopping. After resetting the base station three times and ensuring it was absolutely level in all directions with a long, straight approach, we finally achieved satisfactory results.

Aside from that issue, Landroid provides outstanding overall functionality for the price. Available upgrades include the ACS module that prevents collisions, Find My Landroid GPS cellular module, Radio Link module to extend Wi-Fi connectivity for improved artificial intelligence, an Off Limits module for wire-free no-mow zones within the main mowing area, and the Landroid Garage.

  • Easy installation
  • Numerous upgrades available
  • User-friendly mobile app
  • Excellent runtime per charge
  • Value price point

Get the Worx robot lawn mower on Amazon or at The Home Depot.

Robomow RX20 Robotic Lawn Mower

Those seeking a little mowing help without navigating extensive setup menus may find the Robomow RX20 to be just the ticket. It easily mows a small yard at the push of a button, or it can be controlled remotely via mobile app and Bluetooth connection. The app lets you set a weekly mowing schedule and program different starting points. Powered by a 12V 4.3Ah lithium-ion battery, it provides up to 2 hours of runtime per charge—but recharges in a lengthy 8 hours. It is rated for flat or gently rolling smaller yards up to 2,178 square feet. Unlike the other mowers we tested, the RX20 uses a single blade that only needs to be replaced once per mowing season.

Setup and basic programming were similar to all the other models we tested. Unlike the others, though, the battery arrived totally depleted and had to charge for 48 hours prior to the first mowing. Then we were able to manually initiate the first mowing, download the Robomow app, and program a weekly mowing schedule. Scheduling only allowed a single daily mowing time rather than multiple mowings with recharging times in between. The controls only allow for manual operation. To program a weekly schedule, we had to use the app while within Bluetooth range of the mower.

The RX20’s limited terrain capability necessitated assembling an entirely different 1,200-square-foot testing area on mostly flat ground with centipede grass; this space included a narrow passage connecting two broader areas. Mowing went well on the flat ground, and the robot had no trouble navigating the narrow passage. Docking worked smoothly when mowing was done. While this is not the robot for complicated spaces, those with a relatively flat, unobstructed yard may find this affordable no-frills robot mower ideal for keeping the grass looking great.

  • Coverage area: 0.05 acre (2,178 square feet)
  • Mowing height range: 0.5 to 1.75 inches
  • Slope rating: 8.5 degrees
  • Limited terrain capabilities
  • Only one scheduled automatic mowing per day
  • Must be within Bluetooth range to control via the app

Get the Robomow robot lawn mower at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Best Buy.

5 Best Robotic Lawn Mowers 2023 | Best Robot Mower 2023

Husqvarna Automower 415X

Here is a well-equipped mower for warm-season grasses up to ⅓ of an acre, especially lawns with challenging obstacles, narrow passages, and sloped terrain. With a mowing height range of 0.8 to 2 inches, the Husqvarna Automower 415X is designed for maintaining low-mow grasses like zoysia, Bermuda, and centipede. It is powered by an 18V 2Ah lithium-ion battery that delivers a runtime of 50 minutes per charge and recharges in 60 minutes. This mower features a high-resolution onboard display, rugged poly front bumper, LED headlights, and coarse-tread wheels that easily handle slopes up to 40 percent.

The Automower 415X is loaded with communication and control features, beginning with cellular and Bluetooth connectivity. It is easily controlled via the Automower Connect mobile app and is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home Smart devices. Husqvarna’s intelligent mapping technology uses GPS sensors to virtually map the lawn, enabling zone control with customized settings, and real-time tracking through the app. This high level of communication pairs nicely with precision control and automated features like electric height adjustment, automatic passage handling, remote location starting, spiral- and spot-cutting capabilities, wireless firmware updates, theft protection system with GPS tracking, and more.

The Automower 415X arrived for testing with everything we needed for a quick and easy DIY installation. The layout and setup were similar to the other models we tested but with the unique addition of a central guide wire running through the middle of the mowing area to assist with navigation back to the home base. Initial programming was fast and intuitive with the mower’s onboard controls. After downloading the app, we spent some time customizing mowing options, adding the targeted mowing height and spiral mowing options. Targeted mowing automatically lowered the cutting height each day until our preselected height was achieved. With spiral mowing engaged, the mower automatically detects extra-tall or dense growth and mows that isolated area in a spiral pattern. These two options were especially helpful in combination, as we needed to get our overgrown Bermuda grass under control.

Our testing lawn was an irregularly shaped area encompassing 1,200 square feet, with a tree isolated by the boundary wire near the middle and two larger lawn areas on either side. Part of the test area included a steep slope, close to 50 percent in one small area, and the 415X had no trouble. We noticed after the third or fourth mowing that the robot was making more efficient linear cuts and less frequently getting caught up in multipoint turns.

During the target-height adjustment period, the mower seemed to FOCUS more time on a section after it had been sufficiently cut, then running out of battery before fully cutting the other section. Once the target was achieved, however, daily mowing at 1.25 inches kept the grass looking great. Docking at the base station went perfectly every time. Easy setup, reliable operation, Smart tech, and a lower mowing height range make this a good choice for most small to midsize yards with warm-season lawn grass.

  • Coverage area: 0.37 acre (16,117 square feet)
  • Mowing height range: 0.8 to 2 inches
  • Slope rating: 22 degrees
  • Precision control features
  • GPS-assisted navigation
  • Easily navigates obstructions and difficult terrain
  • Cellular and Bluetooth connectivity

Get the Husqvarna Automower 415X robot lawn mower at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Tractor Supply Co.