Are Robotic Mowers Worth It?
Traditional vs. Robotic Mowing Comparison
As robotic lawn mowing becomes more popular, you may be wondering “is robotic mowing right for me?” And though we can’t answer this question for you, we’ve done a deep dive below, comparing robotic mowing to “traditional” mowing, such as walk-behind, riding and zero-turn lawn mowers. Take a look at our “At a Glance” chart below for a quick comparison in terms of effort, time, noise and more.
At a glance
How do they compare? | Automower® robotic mowers | Traditional mowers |
| Amount of effort and time to mow? | Low | High |
| Fuel options? | Battery | Gas or battery |
| Noise? | Low | High |
| Additional hardware required? | Yes | No |
| Maintenance time? | Minimal | Average |
| Price? (upfront / maintenance) | High / Low | Moderate / Moderate |
| Change cut height? | Smartphone app | On mower |
| What do you do with the clippings? | Automatic recycling | Bag / Cleanup / Mulch |
| Multiple areas? (front yard and back yard) | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-theft protection? | Yes | Model dependent |
| Pattern mowing? | Model dependent | Yes |
Random v. pattern mowing: does it matter how I mow?
For once, the answer is easy – it’s totally up to you! Mowing in a random pattern will create an even, lush appearance to the lawn. Mowing in a pattern, such as line-by-line, will create a patterned look in your lawn. You’ve probably seen lawns with stripes or even a checkerboard pattern!
Don't want the hassle of physical wires? EPOS™ robotic mowers are wire-free!
Learn more about EPOS™
How do they compare: effort and time?
How much effort do you want to put in for your ideal lawn? And how much is your time worth? Robotic mowers mow your lawn automatically without you even having to be at home, and Husqvarna Automower® can be controlled with your smartphone or other smart home technology. Traditional mowers are more manual, in that you physically have to use them to maintain your lawn. And, if you’re using a gas-powered mower, don’t forget to factor in fuel!
How do they compare: quality and appearance?
If you’re noticing frayed edges and brown spots in your grass, it might be time to rethink your mowing strategy. Rather than allowing your grass to grow high and then cutting it short each week, mowing more frequently creates smaller clippings that more easily break down into the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer and weed deterrent. Robotic mowers were built with this idea in mind and automatically mow your grass multiple times a week. Regardless of what mower you use, don’t forget to replace your blades regularly!
How do they compare: noise?
In general, a typical gas lawn mower produces around 90 decibels of sound. An Automower® robotic mower, for example, produces around 60 decibels of sound – making it 33% quieter than gas and about the level of an average conversation. Click below to find your local Automower dealer to see (and hear!) it in action.
How do they compare: sustainability?
Battery-powered or electric mowers produce far fewer carbon emissions while in use than gas products. While robotic mowers are fundamentally battery-powered, more electric traditional mowers are hitting the market every year. And as a leader in outdoor power, we feel it's our responsibility to help drive the industry toward a more sustainable future. Read more about our "Sustainovate" initiative.
