6 reasons NOT TO BUY AN AUTOMOWER 2 year REVIEW

Here are 6 reasons not to buy an automower (robomower). For those of you have already decided that you would never get one of these, this may just cement your decision. For those of you who are considering getting a RoboMower these are things that are outside of the ordinary that go beyond initial cost and set up.

Two full seasons in and I am very happy with my purchase. There are some inconveniences that some people may find to be too much to handle. So here I want to give you an honest look at what I have been dealing with, and the overall result that you can expect to get.

There are so many new entries into the Robomowing market and I have no doubt that they are here to stay. Brands like TORO, Husqvarna, Mammotion, DeWalt and soon Ryobi. What do you think of this movement? Is this something that you can get behind? Do you feel that they have a long way to go? let me know your thoughts.

[TheLizard]

In the app, turn off 'spiral cutting' and it will quit doing the circles, add some distance to the 'drive past wire' setting and your collar situation will decrease or resolve. I have two 450X mowers that have logged over 10, 000 miles in my yard with no major issues. Probably the best thing ever invented by man!!! The only issue I found was that the boundary wire provided in the installation kit was not up to the task, by the end of the second season I was chasing random breaks in the wire because the elements had broken it down and it basically dissolved. Start with a good 'dog fence' boundary wire and you won't have to deal with the issue.

[aclockworkblue]

To be honest, you having one was a (albeit small) contributing factor to me getting one. If JP has one it can't be all that bad. I love my 350HX. Do not have to do every other day cutting. Lawn looks amazing. Everyone stops to tell me how cool it is. I am very happy with the purchase and the look it gives.

[MsAjax]

Robot lawn mowers are a great idea. So much better than hiring a lawn mowing service, or doing it yourself for a beautifully manicured lawn. To minimize my personal time spent on lawn care, I installed a flat 6" wide edge of bricks, concrete, and mulch around the periphery of, and level with, the lawn so that the mower's wheels can ride on the surface of the edging. Hand trimming of uncut grass around the periphery of the lawn is eliminated. I have a Mammotion YUKA RTK/GPS mower.

[dalevearncombe]

Straight Lines:
I had a 450X for 2 years, and upgraded last year to 550 EPOS which does do line straights. I thought the 450 was good, but the 550 takes it to the next level. The straight lines mean it completely mows every part of the lawn each time. Mine are configured at a 45 deg angle checker board pattern, which looks nice and natural from the house, but you can see the impressive perfect lines as you walk down the lawn.
Edge:
Depending upon model, you might have the option to adjust the drive over distance for the boundary wire.
Docking Station:
have you tried providing a flush surface either side of the docking station? Mine is positioned on my lawn.

[wally_wi]

I have a 2 1/2 acre lot and have been using two of the 450xh models for going on 6 years now. The PRO's are pretty obvious. The CON's will depend on your lawn contour, obstacles, weather and usage. My best advice to anyone interested in purchasing one is to find a reputable dealer who will come out to your home and assess your situation. This probably isn't something you want to purchase online and setup yourself. The dealer should be able to set you up with the best model for your lawn, and give you insights as to what the CONs will be prior to purchase. The dealer I used set everything up with no hassle. Though I've had my share of problems with the automowers, I would never go back to using a standard walk-behind or riding lawnmower.

[RealLordy]

For a garden that size, a 315x is way too small. Rule of thumb for any robomower: the advertised surface in the specs should be double (or more) of the size of your garden. This avoids the mower having to go and charge before it did cover the complete garden taking it very long to mow.
Fir the spiral cutting: that is something you can switch off, and for the borders, you can let it cross the cable a bit further to get also the borders cut. The noise you mention: it is normal. And way more silent than a mower with a fuel engine. For the struggling: this is quite a slope. This is one of their smaller versions of mowers.
For the issues for getting stuck: husqvarna has a 4WD model too. I assume that one never gets stuck due to the 4 big wheels. I personally have a 450x and it does my garden (which is bigger than what I saw in the video) in just a couple of hours. So it is not mowing 24/7 due to the dual battery system in it. The engine is also much more powerful than the one in the 315x, so no issues on steeper slopes. Is it possible that the model you are using is just a bit underdimensioned for what you want it to do?

[ekjellgren]

Running the edges can't possibly take the same time as doing the whole thing? What model do you have?

[stuartbeselt]

I have one and have used it for three years. One of the best investments I have made. Absolutely love it.

[felipeweisheimer]

Hey, being an Automower dealer and having experience with over 100 of these in NC, I have to say you have the entry model one. If you were to get a different one that runs without the underground cables you can program it it to cut in lines and have access to the 5 blade disk.

This year I started offering my own fertilizing and soil treatment program exclusively utilizing your products I do have to say that the combo of Automower+ your products is killer!! I have the experience to recommend the correct model and modifications to optimize your end results!! You have to get a different model John, you’ll spend a bit more but just like your products it’s worth the big bucks ahah

[reeanimationgaming]

I've had my Husqvarna Solar Hybrid for over 11 years now.. It has no apps or anything. And it has been moving like a champ! The biggest problems I've had is when the cabel around the lawn break somewhere, that is a pain in the ass. If you can't find the problem you will have to put down a whole new cabel... That part sucks!

[GripperCc]

I have a 430 X and 2500 square meters of grass with lots of trees and walkways and a little hilly. For three years it has taken care of the grass and absolutely fantastic without any problems whatsoever. Definitely the best investment I've made and worth every penny. But it's clear that if you skimp and buy something that isn't made for the square footage you have, it won't work!

[ShivamKumar-gzv]

Thanks for the review! Still looking for something a bit more affordable.

[georgemeade]

I'm beginning my 6th season with my Husqvarna Automower. It works perfectly once set up and dialed in, which is pretty easy. High-tech stuff isn't for everybody - my grandma thinks it's silly - "just hire someone to mow your lawn, " she says or "don't be so lazy & cut it yourself!" But I'd rather spend time golfing or boating than worrying about mowing and getting all tired, sweaty. & smelly. She said the same thing about my mom's first dishwasher. Grandpa hated automatic transmissions and air conditioning. Ah, well - to each his own.

[jstwhln]

I also mow every day, but with a Fiskars reel mower. I keep my grass (KBG/PR mix) around 1.75" and in order to stick to the 1/3 rule, I have to mow every day.

I didn't believe it when I was told that mowing frequently will thicken up a lawn and help with weed control. But now that I've seen it, I believe it.

[JamesHarris-]

Just my opinion, but I think leaving the grass a little high helps hold in moisture longer and makes it healthier. (The sun can't get in there and dry it out.) My neighbor scalps his lawn and so it is always dry and turns brown in spots during the summer. I have seen home-made self propelled mowers made from a regular push mower with wheel chair motors. They run faster than you can walk, so that you stand or sit in one place with a remote and drive in comfort. I wish someone would sell those to the public.

[mediahousefilms]

I’m into year 5 and my only complaint is broken ground wires. Other than that, Henry is a welcomed gardner.

[Aerialphotovito]

Good things to consider, thanks for taking the time to review the concept - cheers JP

[Joseph-kokl]

Thanks for always giving us the real scoop. I really would like to have one of these things but I just can't find one that meets my needs. My St. Augustine is every bit of 4-5 inches tall and there just are not any mowers, that I have found, that will handle that. I'm in TX and with the unrelenting heat and lack of rain I can't cut it much lower and expect it to live.

[glynnmaccarthy]

I’m wondering if you’re docking issues has to do with the location of the charging station. Your lawn slopes down to the unit, the user manual advises 6ft of straight guide wire to approach and fit the station on level ground. You have your station level but the guide wire is not level for 6ft. Some models also rely on a signal from the station which could be line of sight for the 6ft. Something to consider. I know these things can be very annoying when issues arise.

[DinehsBanjara]

Awesome review! Just wish it was a bit cheaper for my budget right now. 😅