Robot Lawn Mowers vs. Ride-On Lawn Mowers
While robot lawn mowers and ride-on lawn mowers may seem very different, some homeowners need help choosing between them for their lawn care needs. Both robotic and riding mowers can handle medium to large lawns, but they approach the problem very differently. If you’re unsure whether you want to sit back and relax while a robot mows your lawn or drive around and get the job done yourself, you’ve come to the right place.
Our team at Mowrator has outlined this helpful guide to assist your decision by explaining the difference between these mowers, comparing the metrics that matter to you, and looking at what studies have shown.
Key Takeaways
- Robot lawn mowers are autonomous while ride-on mowers need manual labor to mow your lawn.
- Robot mowers tend to be priced higher initially, but save in the long term compared to ride-on mowers.
- Studies show robot mowers deliver a more consistent and cleaner cut quality than traditional mowers.
- A remote control lawn mower is the optimal choice that mixes the best qualities of both robotic and riding mowers.
What is the Difference Between Robotic and Ride-On Mowers?
The main difference between robotic and ride-on mowers is the manual labor involved. Ride-on mowers require you to sit and steer your lawn mower as you mow your grass while robotic mowers require no labor and cut your grass by themselves. This major difference is the main way homeowners choose between a traditional riding mower or a robotic one.
Many traditional mowers like riding mowers also tend to be gas-powered while robotic mowers are fully electric. This difference can impact how much you spend not only on fuel costs, but also on the maintenance required. Lawn tractors can make quite an impact on your bank account when they break down, whereas electric mowers don’t often need much maintenance if they are well-kept.
Mowing times will differ significantly between ride-on and robot lawn mowers. If you decide to go with a ride on a mower, you'll be able to wrap up your mowing within 20 to 30 minutes, even if you have a larger lawn. Robotic mowers work independently but take much longer to mow your lawn, potentially several hours longer for the same area.
Robot vs. Ride-On Lawn Mowers | Comparisons
While robot and ride-on lawn mowers offer very different ways for you to mow your lawn, choosing between them still requires comparing factors like price, maintenance, and performance. We've asked homeowners what they value when choosing a lawn mower and created an outline to help you decide.
| Factor | Robot Lawn Mower | Ride-On Lawn Mower |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | $3,500 | $2,500 |
| Lawn Size | Ideal for small to medium-sized lawns, with some high-end models capable of mowing up to 18 acres |
|
| Time | Prolonged mowing time (3 to 6 hours or more) with little to no human input | Short and efficient mowing time (30 to 45 minutes) |
| Physical Labor Required | Little to none | Varies (driving, steering, etc.) |
| Slope Handling |
|
Up to 15° slope |
| Maintenance Costs | Low maintenance costs | High maintenance costs |
| Safety | A robot lawn mower has multiple safety features (e.g., collision detection, smart GPS, blade shutdown when tilted) | Few safety features and the chance of injury if rolled over, pinned, or used at high speeds |
| Lifespan | 10 years | 15 years or 1,500 hours of use (whichever is first) |
| Cut Quality | Consistent high quality with frequent mowing that promotes dense grass growth | High quality that can tackle tall and thick grass |
| Energy Consumption |
|
|
| Environmental Impact |
|
|
What do the Studies Say?
Academic research has favored using a robotic mower to cut your lawn for several reasons over traditional mowers. For example, a horticultural study by the University of Pisa has found positive results for plant biodiversity when using a robotic lawn mower. When a self-operating lawn mower was used, the survival rate of certain grasses and flowers was higher than a traditional riding or push mower. The defining factor of success for robot mowers is their sensors, which can monitor pets, wild animals, and biodiversity.
The University of Kentucky study has also found that robot lawn mowers cut higher quality grass with a lower rate of grass chlorosis. When comparing a robot lawn mower's quality over a rotary motor, the study noted that the cuts with the robot mower were more even and resulted in greener grass once cut. While they may take longer to cut a large lawn than a riding mower, studies seem to point towards a better mow that leads to better lawn care overall.
Which Lawn Mower Should You Choose?
A significant determining feature that you as a homeowner should consider is the size of your lawn. A large lawn (generally bigger than 1,000 square feet) will be easier to mow with a ride-on lawn mower.
A riding lawn mower can mow up to 8 acres extremely quickly and make the work much easier. While robotic mowers mow the same acreage with ease, they can take several hours to do so, which can be inconvenient to monitor. Although robotic mowers take a lot of work to set up initially, you can leave them to their own devices and come back to a clean-cut lawn free of long grass.
A small to medium lawn is the ideal size for robotic lawn mowers, as depending on the model, you may be required to place boundary wire or digitally set the perimeter for it to follow. Unless you have a very high-end model of robotic lawn mower, this boundary is likely limited to around 3,000 square feet. But if you buy a riding mower to cut the grass on a smaller lawn, you may find it difficult to traverse if you aren't mowing large areas.
Should You Buy a Remote Control Lawn Mower?
If you want the laid-back benefits of a robotic mower but still need some control to ensure a consistent and high-quality cut for your lawn, a remote control lawn mower may be right for you. Mowrator is committed to making mowing your lawn underneath the summer sun as easy as it can be.
The Mowrator S1 Remote Control Lawn Mower 4WD spares you the heat while maintaining the precision that homeowners are looking for. Navigate your lawn with all-wheel drive that manages up to 75% degree slopes and a 1.5- to 4.3-inch adjustable blade height. Allow remote control lawn mowers to serve your lawn care and shop our range of mowers and mower accessories.
Robot Lawn Mowers vs. Ride-On Lawn Mowers FAQs
Is it worth getting a Robot Lawn Mower?
Yes, if you have the disposable income, it's worth purchasing a robot lawn mower to make your lawn care more efficient. The biggest advantages of robotic mowers is the reduced human effort when mowing your lawn, which lets you enjoy the summer sun even more.
Are Remote Control Lawn Mowers difficult to use?
No, using a remote control lawn mower is easy and can even be quite fun once you get the hang of it. While models may vary, most remote control lawn mowers have an intuitive set of controls that will let you precisely mow your lawn and avoid any natural terrain that crops up along the way.
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