7 Small Robotic Mowers for Lawns

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Small robotic mowers for home lawns are not new. There may be as many as 10 different brands, perhaps more, being sold worldwide. Their acceptance is greater in Europe and Japan than it is in the U.S., where big suburban lawns are much more common.

This past December, Evatech unveiled the latest robotic unit to the market, the M.A.G.A. (Multiple Application General Autonomous) mower. The M.A.G.A. is powered by a 24-volt lithium-ion (li-ion) battery and features a radio transmitter with two joysticks. One of the sticks controls the movement of the mower and the other controls the attachment, either a 22-inch mowing deck or a 28-inch snowplow.

Small robotic mowers are characterized by their object-detecting sensors and, in some cases, GPS-assisted technology. When these mowers encounter an obstacle, the blades stop and the mower goes in another direction before the blades start up again. If these units are lifted or tilted to a vertical position, the blades stop. Battery-powered, they are sold with charging stations. In most cases, they operate within perimeter wires.

  • Bosch Indego promotes its Logicut smart navigation system that calculates the shortest route, measures the property and mows in parallel lines. Bosch says it is suitable for properties up to 1,000 square meters.
  • Honda Miimo runs in three modes: random, directional and mixed. It operates within a perimeter wire located at ground level.
  • Husqvarna Automower performs on slopes up to 35 degrees. Depending on which model you choose, GPS-assisted navigation helps lead the way.
  • John Deere TANGO E5 is powered by li-ion technology and is suitable for properties up to 1,800 square meters. The TANGO is extremely quiet and operates in all weather conditions, says the company website.
  • LawnBott offers four self-charging models with obstacle detection and text messaging status reports. An Android/Apple iOS App is available with an optional package. A rain sensor sends the mower home in case of rain.
  • Robomow offers several different models. The working perimeter is surrounded by wire and activated from the base station. In case of perimeter wire malfunction, the robot enters into sleep mode and stops operating.
  • WORX Landroid touts its Artificial Intelligence Algorithm for intricate cuts and a shock sensor system to help it avoid obstacles. A 28-volt MaxLithium battery powers the unit.

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