Robotic lawn mowers are autonomous machines that cut grass on a schedule, suited to homeowners who want a tidy lawn without pushing a mower. Our range has over 15 models from brands including MOVA, Navimow by Segway, Dreame and Gardena, with entry-level units for small gardens and larger machines for bigger plots.
How to choose a robotic lawn mower
Lawn size. Every model is rated for a maximum area, and it is sensible to choose one that covers more than your actual lawn. A mower working near its limit needs longer runs and has less time to recharge. Measure your garden in square metres before comparing models.
Boundary method. Traditional robotic mowers follow a buried or pegged boundary wire, which takes time to install but is a proven approach. Newer models use satellite positioning or cameras and let you draw virtual boundaries in an app. Satellite systems need a reasonably open view of the sky, so tall trees and walls close to the lawn can affect them.
Slopes and layout. Check the maximum gradient the mower can climb, which is usually given as a percentage. Gardens with narrow passages, several separate lawn areas or flower beds in the middle need a mower that handles route planning and zone management well. Flat, open lawns are far less demanding.
Cutting height and width. Robotic mowers trim a little at a time, so the cutting width is narrower than on a push mower. In our range, the cutting widths listed are 19 cm and 22 cm, and the maximum cutting height is 5 cm, 7 cm or 8 cm depending on the model. A higher maximum matters if your grass is allowed to grow longer, while a lower minimum suits a closely kept lawn.
App and security features. Most current models are controlled from a phone, where you set schedules, no-go zones and cutting heights. Look for rain handling, a PIN code and anti-theft alarm if the mower will work in an unfenced front garden.
Robotic lawn mower brands we carry
- Navimow by Segway: the lawn care line from Segway, the maker of electric scooters, with models that rely on satellite positioning and virtual boundaries instead of a perimeter wire.
- Gardena: a German garden brand best known for watering systems and hand tools, and a long-standing name in robotic mowers for residential lawns.
- Bosch: a major power tool and garden equipment manufacturer, whose Indego range is its robotic mower line.
- Dreame, Xiaomi and ECOVACS: consumer electronics brands better known for robot vacuums and smart home devices, which now also make robotic lawn mowers with app-based control.
- Kärcher: a cleaning equipment specialist known for pressure washers, with a presence in garden machinery as well.
Also in our range: MOVA.
Robotic lawn mower FAQ
How big a lawn can a robotic mower handle?
It depends on the model, as each one is rated for a maximum lawn area, from small gardens up to several thousand square metres. Pick a mower rated above your actual lawn size, so it can finish the job comfortably within its daily running time. Dividing the lawn into zones can also help on larger or more complex gardens.
Do robotic lawn mowers need a boundary wire?
Not all of them do. Many traditional models need a boundary wire laid around the lawn, while newer ones use satellite positioning or cameras and virtual boundaries set in an app. Wire-based systems work in most gardens, whereas satellite-guided mowers do best with a clear view of the sky.
Can a robotic mower cope with slopes?
Many can, within limits. Each model lists a maximum slope, usually as a percentage, and mowers designed for steeper ground generally have better traction and more motor power. Check this figure against the steepest part of your lawn before buying.
What cutting height should I look for?
Choose a range that covers the grass length you want to keep. In our range, maximum cutting heights are 5 cm, 7 cm and 8 cm. Most lawns are kept fairly short, but a higher setting helps in hot, dry weather, when slightly longer grass copes better.
