How Much is a Robot vs. Remote Controlled Mower?
Home maintenance has progressed significantly thanks to technological advancements, and lawn care is no different. As lawn mowers moved from lead-acid batteries to more efficient lithium-ion batteries, mowing your lawn became easier and cheaper. Today, the robotic lawn mower market is estimated to reach $3 billion by 2029, potentially removing the need to work hours under the hot sun entirely — but are they worth the cost?
Our team at Mowrator strives to be at the forefront of lawn care innovation, with our Mowrator S1 Remote Control Lawn Mower as our flagship. We’ve created a comprehensive guide for the price ranges of robot lawn mowers, what other costs you can expect, and if they are worth the investment compared to remote controlled lawn mowers.
Key Takeaways
- Entry-level robot lawn mowers cost around $600, while high-end models can exceed $5,000.
- Factors like battery capacity, technological features, and range can increase a robot lawn mower’s price.
- Boundary-wire installation can add up to $800 to a robot lawn mower’s cost if professionally done.
- Operation and maintenance costs for robot lawn mowers are minimal.
Price Ranges for Robot Lawn Mowers
| Entry-Level Robot Lawn Mowers | Mid-Range Robot Lawn Mowers | High-End Robot Lawn Mowers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $600 to $1,000 | $1,000 to $2,500 | $2,500 to $5,000+ |
| Lawn Size | Up to 0.125 acres | 0.25 to 0.75 acres | 0.75 to 1.25+ acres |
| Battery Life | 30 to 60 minutes | 60 to 90 minutes | 2+ hours |
| Key Features | Basic navigation, smart features, customization | GPS, smartphone connectivity, adjustable cutting height, weather sensors | Cameras and precise mapping, highly customizable, smart home integration, anti-theft, improved slope handling |
What Affects the Price of a Robotic Mower?
Several factors can increase the price of a robotic mower, including:
- Lawn size capacity (usually measured in mowing acres)
- Features and technology (cutting width and height customization, charging station, etc.)
- Brand reputation
- Battery capacity and recharge time
- Installation type (boundary wire or wire-free)
Installation and Setup Costs
Once you’ve purchased an electric robot lawn mower, there may be additional costs you need to pay to set it up properly. These are mainly divided into two categories, boundary wire installation and wire-free installation:
Boundary Wire Installation
Boundary wire installation uses perimeter wire that your robotic lawn mower can sense, which keeps it within the space you want it to mow. Costs can vary for boundary wire installation, with professional installation costing around $200 to $800 depending on how big and complex the space is. Once you've set the boundary, there may be minor maintenance costs, but otherwise, you can program your mower to mow the landscape.
Another option is DIY boundary wire installation, which is relatively less expensive at around $50 to $150.
Wire-Free Installation
Wire-free installation doesn't require any set-up as the computerized lawn mower has GPS technology, cameras, or sensors to navigate your backyard. These models are more expensive than mowers that require boundary wire installation, but you save on installation costs and maintenance in the long run. Smart robotic systems that allow active GPS can also open multi-zone management options to dynamically mow your lawn.
Robot mowers, brands, and models will all differ in what they offer you, so you should take a look online for the automatic lawn mower that fits your outdoor space and budget.
Operating Costs and Maintenance
While robot grass mowers have a high upfront cost, they require little to no maintenance after you’ve purchased them. Operating costs like electricity are often negligible, as robotic lawn mowers are very energy efficient, totaling a couple of dollars a month to charge. Replacement costs for blades will vary from model to model, so it’s worth looking up prices for your chosen model online before you commit.
Certain brands will also require you to bring your robotic lawn mower in for professional servicing once or twice a year to ensure it remains under warranty. This can add to your operating expenses, but is less expensive than fully replacing or repairing your lawn mower out of its warranty.
Robot Mowers vs. Remote Controlled Mowers: What do Studies Show?
If you’re a homeowner who isn't certain how robot lawn mowers compare to remote control mowers, then you’re in luck. Universities have conducted thorough research to test the performance of robot lawn mowers, with a specific focus on safety. Here’s what they found:
One major concern for fully automatic lawn mowers is their threat to the wildlife that lives or visits your backyard. Another study, published in MDPI’s Animals journal in 2024, aimed to test the safety of robotic lawn mowers, specifically against small rodents like hedgehogs. The study found that robot lawn mowers still have trouble navigating around wildlife and can potentially result in injuring animals.
With a remote control lawn mower, wildlife can easily be avoided since you’re in control of the lawn mower.
Are Robot Lawn Mowers Worth the Investment?
Robot lawn mowers are worth the investment if you don’t mind paying a premium for one of the mid-range to high-end models. One major consideration that can influence your purchase is the size of your lawn. A robot lawn cutter can handle up to an acre or two currently, and you’ll need to move and program it to begin tackling large backyards. Similarly, if your lawn or garden has rough terrain that requires delicate or specific cutting, it may be difficult to find a robot lawn mower that can handle it.
On the other hand, remote controlled lawn mowers have been proven to tackle difficult garden terrain extremely easily and can navigate slopes and steep angles better than robotic mowing machines. Lawn maintenance done by a mowing lawn robot can occasionally skip corners, unlike a remote controlled lawn mower where you are in control. A robot lawn mower that you control may take more active time than a fully automatic lawn mower, but it provides superior flexibility.
If you want to enjoy the benefits of remotely controlling your lawn mower with the ability to take control, then consider Mowrator’s S1 3-in-1 Remote Control Lawn Mower 4WD. Our team of innovative engineers ensures that our products match your needs using the latest technology available. Browse our selection of the most popular remote control lawn mowers and accessories today.
FAQs on How Much is a Robot vs. Remote Controlled Mower?
What are the Disadvantages of Robot Lawn Mowers?
The biggest disadvantage of robot lawn mowers is the upfront cost. While you can buy entry-level robotic mowers for around $500, they don’t offer enough to justify the price compared to traditional push or riding mowers. The best robotic lawn mowers can cost between $2,500 and $5,000 or more, which can dissuade many homeowners who are looking to purchase one for their lawn.
Can Robot Lawn Mowers Cut Wet Grass?
They can, but they shouldn’t. Many models can cut wet grass as long as the grass isn’t too high or thick. For the best results, ensure that your robot lawn mower is trimming your lawn daily to avoid clumping and damage to your mower.
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