Best Robotic Lawn Mowers for Seniors
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As we reach our golden years, the things that we once took for granted may become a little more of a challenge – but there has never been a better time to look for products for seniors.
Thanks to the amazing advances in technology, we are now able to address the everyday needs of those in their later years, which allows for continued independence.
One of these advances is seen in the robotic lawn mower, which can be an excellent addition to the tool shed of anybody in their later years who still wants to be able to tend to their garden. But since these pieces of garden equipment are so sought after, it comes as no surprise that there is a lot of competition in the market, and with so much choice comes a lot of potential confusion.
However, this guide will serve you in understanding how and why a robotic lawn mower can be of benefit to you as well as showing you some of the best lawn mowers that are currently available to buy.
Robotic Lawn Mowers Comparison Chart
Worx WR140 Landroid | Husqvarna Automower 310 | Robomow RS630 | Gardena 4069 R80Li | |
  |   |   |   | |
Run Time | Varies | 70 mins | 80 – 100 mins | |
Max Gradient | 20 degrees | 22 degrees | 20 degrees | 25 degrees |
Mowing Height | 1.9 – 3.5 in | 0.8 – 2.4 in | 0.8 – 3.5 in | 0.7 – 2 in |
Max Lawn Size | Up to 0.5 acres (depending on model) | 0.25 acres | 1.24 acres | 0.75 acres |
Weight | 21.2 lbs | 20.3 lbs | 44 lbs | 16.5 lbs |
Sound Level | 63 dB | 60 dB | 66 - 74 dB | 60 dB |
Dimensions | 15 x 22 x 10 in | 24.8 x 20.1 x 9.8 in | 29 x 26 x 12.2 in | 24 x 16 x 8 in |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi, GPS | Bluetooth | Bluetooth RoboConnect+ | No |
Mobile App | Yes | Yes (Bluetooth) | Yes (Bluetooth) | No |
Rain Sensor | Yes | Works in rain | Yes | Works in rain |
Charge Time | 90 mins | 60 mins | 90 – 110 mins | 50 mins |
Anti-Theft | Yes | Yes (Pin code) | Yes | Yes |
Price |
What is a Robotic Lawn Mower?
You’ve likely seen a robotic vacuum cleaner whizzing around the home of a tech-savvy person, but as things move forward, we are now seeing an influx of robotic lawn mowers. These handy little devices allow you to keep your grass neat and tidy without having to do any of the hard work yourself.
According to Wikipedia, the robotic lawn mower is “an autonomous device used to cut grass” and allows the user to set a predetermined area for cutting using either a wire around the perimeter or a remote control.
The wire is used to ‘show’ the robotic lawnmower where it needs to do its work and though you may be concerned about that old oak tree in the middle of the lawn or the water feature at the heart of the garden – you needn’t be because robotic lawnmowers use an innovative mapping system which can include the plotting of obstacles within the cutting area.
If you’re looking to create a smart home and garden using the latest tech and to make your life easier, a robotic lawn mower might be the right way to go.
Benefits of a Robotic Lawn Mower for Seniors
When it comes to how a robotic lawn mower might be beneficial, the list truly is endless. What’s more, these nifty little robots probably don’t cost as much as you may first imagine – in some cases, you will be able to pick one up for a similar price as a manual lawn mower. However, the advantages do not stop here.
Provides Convience & Makes Life Easier
One of the main reasons that older people find getting out into the garden with more difficultly than they once did, is down to health reasons. It’s no secret that as we age, our bodies begin to fail us, and problems with mobility become very real.
Furthermore, many older people find that they experience pain from inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, which leads to an inability to do the outdoor jobs they want to. But no matter whether you have problems like this or not, purchasing a robotic lawnmower will mean that you are able to independently take care of the garden without compromising your health.
Perfect Cut Lawn
Robotic lawn mowers tend to give much better results – there is always room for human error but with a robot that has been pre-programmed, you’ll get amazing results time and time again.
Easy to Use & Low Maintenance
In your senior years, you will likely want to enjoy your outdoor space but tending to the maintenance of your tools can interfere with this somewhat. But the good news is that robotic lawn mowers have been designed with ease-of-use in mind and one factor of this is that they are very low-maintenance.
Eco-Friendly
The robotic lawnmower is also a much more eco-friendly option, especially when compared to petrol lawnmowers. In this modern-day, we have all become much more aware of the impact we are having on the planet, and looking after it is important to us all. Making small changes like using a robotic lawn mower can make a big difference.
Main Features of a Robotic Lawn Mower
One of the main concerns that people have when considering buying a robotic lawn mower is that it will not have as many features as the equipment they are used to. But this could not be further from the truth.
When robotic lawnmowers were first offered to the public, they may have had fewer features than we see today but in the short time they have been available, you’d be hard-pushed to find something that didn’t have a world of features that make lawn mowing a breeze.
Here are some of the main features that are commonly found on robotic lawn mowers
Adjustable Cutting Heights
There is the option to buy various cutting heights and your location will depend on what you require, but there are many that come with an adjustable height, so you are getting versatility as well as convenience.
Mapping System
Robotic lawnmowers use an impressive mapping system that is aided by the placement of wires around the edge of the cutting area. This innovative technology means that you are pretty much free to enjoy your day while the lawnmower does the lion’s share of the work.
Mulching
For the most part, you will find that robotic lawn mowers are designed to work in mulching mode. This essentially means that they will take a smaller amount off the grass more frequently and then distribute this across the soil to improve its health.
Cutting Blades
There is likely some concern over the cutting power of the blades on a robotic lawnmower but you may be surprised to learn that these are some snippy little machines and the blades are very impressive. You will find that there are normally two types of blade – smaller razor-like blades that are attached to a rotating plate or a more traditional single blade that spins independently. The latter is preferable if you want to get a closer cut at the edge of the lawn whereas the former will give you a cleaner and sharper cut.
Sound Level
One of the most notable features of the robotic lawn mower is that it is a relatively quiet device – gone are the days of noisy petrol mowers that, in some cases, required ear defenders. These modern models operate smoothly and silently so they will not disturb you or your neighbors.
Safety Features
Safety is, of course, paramount when using anything that has a sharp blade and your robotic lawnmower will most likely come equipped with a safety feature that prevents injury. As the lawnmower is lifted off the ground, the blades will automatically stop rotating – this is ideal if you’ve got the grandchildren over to stay and want to protect inquisitive little fingers.
How to Choose the Right Robotic Lawn Mower
There are so many robotic lawn mowers on the market that finding the right one can be akin to finding a needle in a haystack. But don’t fret too much, there are some simple things you can look out for that will help you determine if the mower is the right fit for you and your garden.
One of the key points when buying one of these pieces of garden equipment is to be sure to carefully examine a number of features and compare them to your needs. Let’s take a look at what to consider.
Cutting Height
The cutting height of your mower will greatly depend on where you live, the climate, and how you prefer your grass to look.
If you live in a place where the grass grows relatively quickly, you may benefit more from a device with a lower cutting height – this will prevent you from having to get the mower out more frequently. That being said, there is, as we mentioned the option to use it in a mulching mode which will cut little and often.
However, for convenience, many manufacturers will add a variable cutting height so that you can adjust it to your needs – for example, you may want to cut the grass shorter before winter and keep it a little longer throughout the summer months. There is little point in having two lawn mowers so an adjustable cutting height is a perfect solution.
Maximum Slope Level
Not all gardens were created equal and some may feature steep slopes and hills. Whilst these are an attractive feature, it is important to keep in mind that they will require the right tools and your robotic lawnmower needs to be able to handle the inclines and declines.
Most models of robotic lawn mower are designed with power in mind as opposed to the ability to be able to tackle hills although there are some models that can manage a steeper slope than others. The average robotic lawnmower will be OK unless the slope exceeds 14º but there are some that are able to navigate their way up slopes of 25º but this is something that you should be sure of before you purchase, especially if you have a particularly hilly garden.
Battery Life
The battery of your robotic lawnmower will vary greatly depending on a number of factors. For the most part, these lawnmowers make use of a lithium-ion battery which is rechargeable and, on the whole, very powerful.
However, for larger models, battery life may be reduced, but you will be getting more coverage in a shorter time. In contrast, smaller robotic lawnmowers will cover less ground but may have a longer battery life between charges.
Additionally, you should consider the terrain on which the mower is operating – if it is having to navigate slopes and uneven ground, this is likely to use more power. Furthermore, the blade type and speed will have an impact on the life of the battery.
As a rule of thumb, you can expect the average battery to last between one and three hours but it does pay to think about how easy the battery is to charge as well. There are some models of robotic lawnmower that will return themselves to the charging port once the power hits a certain level whereas other models require you to hook them up to a power source – your mobility and time will play a role in which method is best for you.
Size of Lawn
The size of your lawn will play an important role in determining the best product for you and one of the easiest ways to look at this is the cutting width of the model.
As with manual lawnmowers, the robotic versions will come with a cutting width measurement which lets you know how much ground the lawnmower covers in one pass.
If you have a larger lawn, it will be much more beneficial to invest in a robotic mower that has a larger cutting width whereas smaller areas may not require something as generous.
The maximum cutting area overall is also an important factor to keep in mind – the wires that you receive with the mower will allow you to map out a pre-determined area, for example, 200m².
Sensors
If you have a lot of obstacles on the lawn, it is important that your lawnmower is easily able to navigate these and this is where collision sensors are imperative.
For lower-end models you can expect that the mower will actually have to collide with something in order to turn away from it and continue with the task without being impeded. However, some of the more advanced models have the option of using a sensor which tells the device how close an object is. Not only will this prevent a collision but it also means that the grass that surrounds the object can be cut as closely as possible.
Wet Weather
The lithium ion batteries that are used in most robotic lawnmowers tend not to mix well with moisture or extreme weather conditions. It is therefore, important to look at whether your model will be able to continue mowing in wet weather,
There are some more high-end models that are easily able to detect when the grass is wet and will automatically return to their chargers until the grass has dried out.
Furthermore, during the winter months, the grass does not tend to grow as quickly as in summer – if at all, so it may pay to store the mower away until warmer and drier weather comes.
Best Robotic Lawn Mower
1. Worx WR140 Landroid
Best Budget Robotic Lawn Mower – Worx WR140 Landroid
WORX are well known for their innovation where garden tools are concerned and this robotic lawnmower is no exception. One of the most notable features is the choice of coverage – for smaller lawns, choose the ¼ acre option but if you need bigger coverage, the ½ acre might work better. You’re also getting the option to add GPS so you can continually track the movement of your device.
This is an ideal choice for anyone who already makes use of the WORX range of power tools since the powerful lithium ion batteries that are included will work with a range of tools – you can always be sure you’ll have a spare.
In terms of collisions, you’re getting the best of both worlds – there is the option to pre-program the lawnmower to avoid certain obstacles or you can allow it to gently collide and back away.
One of the major advantages of this model is that it has a rain sensor, when it detects moisture on the grass it will return to its charging station and wait to continue the job once things have dried up. This is a great option for anyone who wants to get on with their lives without having to worry about continually checking on the lawn mower. If it’s smart you’re looking for, the WORX has it all.
Furthermore, this is a great choice for those who have a less even garden since it can tackle slopes up to 20º putting it at the more advanced end of the market where hilly terrain is concerned.
If you’re going for a robotic lawnmower, it stands to reason that you will want to keep up to date with the other latest methods of technology and this is all very easily combined with the WORX mower since it gives you the ability to use the compatible mobile app.
Finally, if you struggle to get down to the lawn for maintenance, this is a very good option since it has the ability to get right up to the edges of the lawn leaving fewer long strands. This means that you will not have to trim these down the line.
It’s difficult to find any negatives with this super-modern and efficient mower but if we had to say something, it’s that the mower doesn’t have the ability to cut the lawn in a straight line – so if you wanted a striped, picture perfect lawn, this wouldn’t achieve that.
Overall, you’re looking at a piece of tech that offers a superior cut which is efficiently maintained and that comes with a wealth of interesting features that allow you to customise the device to your needs.
Key Specs:
- Run time: Varies
- Max gradient: 20 degrees
- Mowing height: 1.9 – 3.5 in
- Max lawn size: Up to 0.5 acres (Depending on model)
- Noise level: 21.2 lbs
- Charge time: 90 mins
2. Husqvarna Automower 310
Best Easy to Set-Up Robotic Lawn Mower – Husqvarna Automower 310
As we reach our older years, being able to operate things at the touch of a button can be beneficial to both our health and our time and this is where the Husqvarna is unparalleled amongst its competitors.
You’re getting a mower that can be fully programmed and operated with a simple app that controls everything from duration and area through to setting a mowing schedule that suits your garden.
But perhaps most interesting is how quietly this mower runs making it ideal for using overnight. If you regularly entertain in the garden and do not want the mower in action in the daylight hours, then running the Husqvarna through the night will not pose a disturbance to your neighbors.
If you live in an area where it’s pretty damp, this is a great option since it has been designed to work well even in moist conditions. You don’t need to worry about the grass ragging or the ground being damaged as this has all been considered during the design process.
The mower can handle slopes up to 22º but the downside is that it will only run up to a maximum area of ¼ acre meaning that if you have a larger garden, a different model may be better.
Key Specs:
- Run time: 70 mins
- Max gradient: 22 degrees
- Mowing height: 0.8 – 2.4 in
- Max lawn size: 0.25 acres
- Noise level: 60 dB
- Charge time: 60 mins
3. Robomow RS630
Best Robotic Lawn Mower for Larger Gardens – Robomow RS630
The Robomow is a great little addition to your gardening arsenal especially if you need something that is easy to use. Thanks to the addition of the handy smartphone app and the super-fast setup, you can get mowing quickly and easily. Even more impressive, the mower can be remotely operated using the personalized website.
When you’re investing in a piece of equipment like this, you want to be sure that it isn’t going to go missing or get stolen and the handy feature that requires a personalized code to get the mower started is a great theft deterrent. What’s more, when the device is tilted or lifted off the ground, the power will automatically shut down – this is great for theft prevention and safety.
Whilst this mower can’t be used in wet weather, it does feature a built-in sensor that will send the Robomow back to its charging station until the rain has stopped.
You’ll get a running time of up to 100 minutes and the mower can handle an area of up to ¾ acre making it perfect if you have a bigger garden.
The only negative about this option is that it is a little more pricey than the previous options but when you consider everything that you are getting, it’s not hard to see that this is a sound investment.
Key Specs:
- Run time: 80 – 100 mins
- Max gradient: 20 degrees
- Mowing height: 0.8 – 3.5 in
- Max lawn size: 1.24 acres
- Noise level: 66 – 74 dB
- Charge time: 90 – 110 mins
4. Gardena 4069 R80Li
Best Robotic Lawn Mower for Steeper Gardens – Gardena 4069 R80Li
For those who need an adjustable cutting height this is a great option which can be easily adjusted to cut between 2 and 5 centimeters. This gives you the freedom to alter the height at various stages of the year or for different areas of the garden.
Similarly to the last product we looked at, this one features an anti-theft device so you can be confident that even when your back is turned, the mower will be tending to your lawn, and your lawn only.
Again, this makes the ideal choice for those who live in wetter climates since it is fully capable of working in both sunny and rainy conditions.
The Gardena is a versatile piece of kit but it is ideally suited to larger gardens with a lawned area of up to 800 square meters – that’s more than 8100 square feet, roughly equating to around ¾ acre.
The mower operates at a very low noise level making it perfect for use at any time of the day or night but what’s even better is that will never go outside of the included boundary wires so you can feel confident that, if you do leave it running over night, it’ll do exactly what you expect it to do.
Key Specs:
- Run time: 65 mins
- Max gradient: 25 degrees
- Mowing height: 0.7 – 2 in
- Max lawn size: 0.20 acres
- Noise level: 60 dB
- Charge time: 50 mins
Conclusion
It’s natural that, as we get older, our ability to get outside and maintain the garden decreases but this doesn’t mean that our outdoor space shouldn’t be well tended. With the seriously sizable selection of robotic lawnmowers, maintaining your garden in your older years isn’t as much of a challenge as it could be.
When purchasing a robotic lawn mower, there are certain things that you should keep in mind such as how well the machine handles slopes, it’s maximum cutting area and whether it will work in the rain.
Once you have determined what option will work best for you, just take a look at some of our recommendations of the best robotic lawn mowers for seniors, you’re sure to find something worth investing in.
