For many of us, the time when robots take over the world can’t come soon enough – especially if it means that they’ll take over all of our most unenjoyable tasks, like robot lawn mowers!
Well, they are here and are becoming a very popular choice for people who want all the benefits of a neatly mown lawn as well as having their weekend back to enjoy it.
Here’s our buyer’s guide to the best robot lawn mowers in Australia of 2024.
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Product | Our Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
1. WORX WR139E 20V Landroid Robot Lawn Mower |  |  | |
2. Moebot S5 Robot Lawn Mower |  | ||
3. WORX WR140E 20V Landroid Robot Lawn Mower |  | ||
4. Swift RM18 28V Robotic Lawnmower |  | ||
5. GARDENA SILENO Life 750 Robotic Lawnmower |  | ||
6. Gardena SILENO City 500 Robotic Lawnmower |  | ||
7. Husqvarna Automower 430X |  |
What is a Robot Lawn Mower?
If you haven’t encountered one of them before, you’re probably wondering what they are and how they work. Essentially, these are battery-powered electric lawn mowers that trundle along your lawn clipping it down to your preferred height.
They are fully automatic, use sensors to avoid hazards like flowerbeds, trees, or even bad weather conditions, and work on a schedule that you set manually or via an app.
When their power runs low, they automatically make their way back to a charging station where they recharge and then head out again to complete the job.
They work within a perimeter that you set out yourself, either using a low-voltage wire that you install around the edges of your lawn or, in more advanced mowers, using an app and smart technology that sets different zones for lawns, flowerbeds, patios and so forth.
The Benefits of Having a Robot Lawn Mower in Australia
Time saver
There’s no need to spend your weekend morning mowing your lawn yourself, so you can sit back and relax. You can also set your mower to work during the week while you’re at the office, so your lawn is looking pristine on the weekend.
Neat and tidy lawns
Because robot mowers can be set to work as often as you would like them to, it’s easier to keep your lawn trimmed to the perfect height. Most people don’t manage to mow their lawns manually once a week, whether due to other commitments, the need to relax, or bad weather.
This means it gets long, leggy and overgrown, and then it gets cut back severely, causing lawn damage. This way, your lawn gets mowed every week, keeping it thick and healthy.
Simple and hassle free
Because they are electric and use rechargeable battery packs, there’s no maintenance, no need to fetch and store fuel and oil, and no need to service your mower. Most of them are easy to set up and then they simply run in the background without you having to think about it.
More advanced models even have apps, so you can control them regardless of where you are.
Cost-effective
Robot lawn mowers are not very cheap to buy – yet. But in the long-term, they are very cost-effective because you don’t have to pay for fuel, servicing or maintenance. Not to mention the saving on your time and energy!
Environmentally-friendly, quiet technology
These mowers run very quietly, emit no fumes, and don’t use fossil fuels. Most are about as quiet as an air conditioner, which means they can run any time of day or night without bothering you or your neighbours.
Boosts lawn health – and no grass clippings
Because they work continuously, these mowers make very small clippings that simply fall through the lawn onto the soil. This helps to provide nutrition to your grass while saving you the hassle of dealing with full bags of grass clippings
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A Must Have Complete Guide for Every Australian Garden
Features to Look for in an Automatic Lawn Mower
As with more traditional lawn mowers, it’s important to get one that is properly suited to your garden and needs. Here are some features to look out for in the best automatic lawn mower.
Battery capacity
The mower will keep running back to the charging station to recharge itself automatically until the job is done, so battery capacity isn’t as important as you might think.
However, if you have a larger lawn then it’s worth looking at something with larger capacity, as this reduces how much time the mower spends recharging and how quickly the lawn is trimmed as a result.
Gradient
Not everyone has a perfectly flat lawn, and the steeper the gradient is, the more powerful the motor has to be to drive up and down the lawn. Most good quality robot lawn mowers can handle a 20-degree gradient easily, and some can handle even steeper slopes. Not sure what your lawn gradient is?
User-friendly controls
Control panels allow you to adjust the cutting height and cutting schedule. Wi-Fi capability will allow you to control the mower through a smartphone app remotely and even set perimeters without the need for installing boundary wires.
Weather sensors
This is a great feature that is becoming standard, preventing the mower from working if it is wet or rainy. Most models will even shift their schedule automatically to another time or day so that your lawn gets clipped when it’s dry again.
Safety features
Since they work automatically in spaces where you potentially have delicate plants and belongings as well as pets and young children, safety features are a must!
The best robot lawn mowers have tilt and lift sensors that automatically shut down the cutting blades if it is toppled or lifted up, recessed blades to make sure curious fingers don’t get cut, and sensors to detect obstacles in front of them to prevent damage to the mower as well as plants and belongings.
Security features
Good security features will work with the safety features (for example, sounding an alarm if the mower is tipped over or picked up), and help prevent your mower from being stolen.
These features include PIN code locks, alarms and GPS trackers.
These are the Best Robot Lawn Mowers in Australia for 2024
1. WORX WR139E 20V Landroid Robot Lawn Mower
Source: Amazon
WORX is well-known for its award-winning robot mowers, and this is a great example. This is a trimmed-down version of the more advanced options from WORX, but it still has some very advanced features, including auto-scheduling, Cut-to-Edge technology for neat lawn edges, speedier mowing and advanced motor technology to handle slopes and uneven bumps more easily.
It’s very quiet while running and the charging station is unobtrusive. This small model is ideal for small gardens with 500 square meters of lawn, and although it comes with perimeter wiring, it can pair with a virtual fence so there’s no need to install wire boundaries.
2. Moebot S5 Robot Lawn Mower
Source: Amazon
One of the most affordable options is this MoeBot, a robust and well-built robot lawn mower that has all the essentials. It has great mulching capabilities, is self-charging, waterproof, lightweight and has a great, user-friendly app.
It uses a boundary wire that is easy to install, the battery can last up to 1-2 years, and the blades can even handle thicker, longer grass automatically without a problem.
3. WORX WR140E 20V Landroid Robot Lawn Mower
Source: Amazon
This bigger cousin of the WR139E is designed for large lawns of up to 1000 square meters. With patented mowing technology, Cut-to-Edge technology for neat edging, smart auto scheduling and multi-zone management, and a great app.
It’s an impressive mower that can be completely customised to your lawn, has great anti-theft and safety features, and can even navigate narrow paths easily.
In terms of gradient, it can handle slopes of up to 20 degrees. Another great feature is its wildlife safety technology, working only while marsupials are sleeping and automatically adapting its schedule according to latitude and season.
4. Swift RM18 28V Robotic Lawnmower
Source: Amazon
Another affordable, good quality robot lawn mower is this Swift model. It has a straightforward, intuitive interface where you can program cutting schedule and other features, a PIN code for anti-theft protection, good safety features and a manual adjustment knob for different cutting heights.
It uses perimeter wire fencing to guide the robot, and it’s both quiet and slow for a steady, safe and neighbourhood-friendly performance. It’s affordable and can cut lawns of up to 600 square meters of grass with a 20-degree slope.
5. GARDENA 15101-38 SILENO Life 750 Robotic Lawnmower
Source: Amazon
This is a premium, upscale robot lawn mower from Gardena that’s great for anyone who wants plenty of features to choose from and customise.
It can operate in all types of weather conditions, is quiet enough to run at night, has PIN code anti-theft protection, and it has powerful sensor technology for navigating and avoiding obstacles.
It comes with a 3-year warranty for peace of mind, and is good at navigating tight corners and pathways.
Designed for use on lawns of up to 750 square meters with an incline of 35% or less, the cutting sensor technology is designed to prevent striping in lawns, and it will mow for up to 65 minutes before returning to the charging station to recharge.
6. Gardena 15002-38 SILENO City 500 Robotic Lawnmower
Source: Amazon
If you have a smaller garden but like the Gardena range and all the great features of the SILENO, the 15002-38 is a scaled down version of the 15101-38 for lawns of up to 500 square meters.
It has the same sensor technology, performance, safety and security features as it’s bigger cousin, is easy to set up and install, and weighs just 7kgs.
It operates in all weather conditions, but has a useful safety feature where it won’t cut your grass if it’s 5 degrees or lower to prevent damage to your lawn.
7. Husqvarna Automower 430X
Source: Husqvarna.com
A great option for medium to larger lawns is this robotic mower from Husqvarna. It will mow up to 3200 square meters of grass, handling narrow passages and obstacles easily thanks to advanced sensor technology, and can operate on slopes of up to 24 degrees.
It’s a well-designed and sleek machine that has great smart tech features, including its ability to synch up with Alexa or Google Assistant.
Weather resistant and quiet, it can be scheduled to run at night, mowing for up to 145 minutes before returning to self-charge for 50 minutes.
Our Robot Lawn Mower Top Choice of 2024
Source: Amazon
Our pick as the best robot lawn mower of 2024 is the WORX WR139E 20V Landroid Robot Lawn Mower!
It has the perfect balance of technology, cost and performance, with the Smart Auto scheduling, 180mm cutting width and intelligent navigation ensuring a fast and efficient cut, and the Cut-to-Edge technology making sure that your edges need minimal trimming.
Exceptionally quiet to run, customisable to your lawn and garden, and a high-quality brushless motor, it’s built for performance and durability. The app is easy to use and lets you control your mower remotely with ease, and the self-charging technology means that it just keeps on going until the job is done.
It also has great safety and security features, including the Find My Landroid feature that lets you track your mower wherever it goes. As a gardening team passionate about the Aussie ecosystem, we also love the wildlife friendly features that keep our critters safe from injury!
Robot Lawn Mower Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of owning a robotic lawn mower in Australia?
There are many benefits you will receive from owning a robotic lawn mower. The lawn mower will automatically cut the grass, saving you time. You will not have to deal with the mower unless you need to change any of the settings.
Other benefits include your lawn will look better, the small grass cuttings will naturally fertilise the yard, they are environmentally friendly, your allergy symptoms may be reduced, and they are easier to maintain than traditional lawn mowers.
Do I need to be tech savvy to use a robotic lawn mower?
No, you do not need to be tech savvy to use a robotic lawn mower. These Australian robotic mowers are extremely easy to use and require very little intervention. Once they are set up, they will run on their own.
Is a robotic lawn mower noisy?
Robotic lawn mowers make a very low noise. They are much quieter than normal lawn mowers. The volume of a robotic mower often ranges from 58 dB(A) to 69 dB(A).
Gas powered lawn mowers usually run between 95 dB(A) to 100 dB(A) of noise. Although they are quiet, you still want to adhere to your local Australia noise restrictions rules. Only run the robotic mower during designated times.
Is a robotic lawn mower good for the Australian environment?
Robotic lawn mowers are more environmentally friendly than gas powered lawn mowers. Since they run on electricity, there are no environmental emissions coming directly out of the machine.
Also, you will not have to worry about storing and properly disposing of gasoline or oil.
What if you have allergies - does a robotic lawnmower make allergies worse?
Allergies can be bad in Australia. If you experience allergy symptoms, a robotic lawn mower can help. Since you will not be personally cutting the grass, you will have minimal contact with the allergens.
And robotic lawn mowers do not throw the grass cuttings around like gasoline powered lawn mowers.
How do I install a robotic lawnmower?
The first step to install a robotic lawn mower is to find a level spot that is protected from the weather. After you have chosen the perfect spot, the guide wire needs to be installed around the boundary of the yard.
It is recommended that once you perfect the location of the wire, you bury it. If you are in Australia, call Dial Before You Dig before breaking any ground. For the first few weeks, use pegs to hold the wire in place.
Then you can make any needed adjustments. After the charging station and guide wire has been installed, the lawn mower needs to be programmed.
Where do I install the robot lawn mower?
The robot lawn mower charging station must be installed on a level surface. It needs to be on the edge of the lawn and have free space on both sides and in front.
There should not be any immediate slopes or inclines. There needs to be a power outlet within reach of the station. And the mower needs to be protected from rain, water, and direct sunlight.
Once the charging station is installed, set up the guide wire. If you are planning on burying the wire and are in Australia, call Dial Before You Dig before digging.
How do I start and stop a robotic lawnmower?
When you set up your robotic lawn mower, you will use the app to set the cutting schedule. Once this is done, the lawn mower will take care of the rest.
If, for some reason, you need to stop the mower while it is running, there will either be a button or a switch. Some Australian models also require a code to be entered so the alarm is not triggered.
Do I need to bury a wire in the ground for a robotic lawnmower?
You do have to install a wire before you can run your robotic lawn mower. It is recommended that you bury the line. Burying the wire will ensure that it does not get cut or damaged.
However, you do not have to bury the wire. You can use pegs to attach the wire to the ground. If you choose not to bury the wire, you will not be able to cut the grass short.
If you plan on burying the wire and are in Australia, call Dial Before You Dig. This service has been put into place to keep you safe.
How often should I run my robotic lawnmower?
If possible, a robotic lawn mower should be run at least every other day. This keeps your lawn looking freshly cut and does not allow the grass to grow too high. You can run the lawn mower every day if you choose.
Robot lawn mowers are rather quiet. But you will still want to adhere to your local Australia noise restrictions rules. Only run the mower during designated times.
Can robot mowers cut around trees?
Solid obstacles are not a problem for robot mowers. Robot mowers have a built-in collision detection system that prevents the mower from hitting or damaging trees or other solid objects.
This is a great feature for homeowners in Australia that have a garden ornament and/or trees in their yard.
How long does it take a robotic mower to mow an acre?
To mow an acre of grass in Australia, you will need a mower that can handle the task. The length of time it will take to cut an acre of grass varies depending on several factors.
These include the number of obstacles, inclines, declines, the terrain, and the mower itself.
Do people steal robotic lawn mowers?
Robotic lawn mowers can be manually stopped. Most models will have either a power button or a switch. This would make it easy to steal. However, the manufacturers took this into consideration.
Most robot lawn mower models also require you to enter a PIN code, or an alarm will be triggered. Another feature manufacturers use to help prevent theft is the mower will only work with its charging station.
So, if someone steals the robot lawn mower, they cannot use it. Since most thieves in Australia know these security features, they will not steal the lawn mower.
Is it okay to mow over dog poop?
A robotic lawn mower can mow over dog poop. Since the mower has a shell-type body, the poop will not be flung around like with a regular sewing machine. And since the mower is constantly moving over the grass, the poop will wipe off by itself.
Even though robot lawn mowers can mow over dog poop, it is still a good practice to clean up the poop regularly since it can contain diseases and attract insects.
Australia already has a law that you must pick up poop in a public place. So, why not improve the look of your yard and clean it up there too?
Can robotic mowers cut long grass?
Robotic lawn mowers should not be used to cut long grass. If your grass is over 15 cm, you should mow it with a regular lawn mower first. After that, the robot lawn mower will keep your grass cut and spread the tiny cutting throughout your yard.
Do Australian robot lawn mowers work on hills?
Robotic lawn mowers can work on hills. The degree of the slope in which they will work will depend on the brand. Most will work fine on a mild grade.
Do Australia robot lawn mowers cut edges?
Robot lawn mowers do not cut edges. This is for safety reasons. To help you maintain your landscape edges, refer to our lawn edger buying guide for 2024.
How long do robot mower batteries last?
Robot mowers run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These batteries typically last from one hour to two hours. The length of time a robot mower will last will depend on the battery and the mower itself.
Once the robot mower docks, most batteries will fully charge within half an hour to one hour. The battery should last around 3 years. When the battery dies, dispose of it properly at your local Australian community recycling centre.
Find more in-depth reviews of mowing tools in the list provided.
Get Your Weekends Back and Enjoy the Perfect Lawn with a Robotic Lawn Mower
After learning so much about robotic lawn mowers, it’s easy to see why this technology is here to stay. When you’re making your purchasing decision, remember to consider the size of your lawn, its gradient, the installation process and the smart technology each robot mower offers to find one that offers great value and performance.
Safety and security features are important too, whether it’s because you have pets, kids, wildlife or simply want to make sure no one gets hurt – or walks off with your new robot!
We hope you enjoyed this article on the best robot lawn mowers of 2024!
Published on September 23, 2021 by Gary Clarke
Last Updated on October 16, 2024
