GoKawiilMowers I Am Currently Testing
We are just into a new cutting season here, so I haven't tested these new robot mowers enough to make a full recommendation, but here are my impressions so far.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Mammotion Luba 3 AWD for $2,399: If this robot mower continues to perform as well as it has in its first week, it will earn a spot above. It is pricey, but the Mammotion Luba 3 AWD can handle relatively rough terrain and steep slopes, and it combines three technologies (GPS, LiDAR, and AI vision) to ensure it can cut larger lawns even where there might be tree cover or other awkward spots. It boasts quiet operation, efficient pathfinding, and leaves a lovely finish. The obstacle avoidance is solid, and it does a decent job around the edges. I also appreciate the manual mowing option, enabling you to cut any problem areas with remote app control.
Husqvarna Aspire R6V for £999: I was excited to test this new robot mower from Husqvarna because it is more affordable than many of its range, including our top pick, and it doesn’t require a separate aerial for the satellite connection. It uses a combination of GPS and AI vision with a camera on the front. It was easy to set up and map the lawn in the app, but you will need a good Wi-Fi signal across your yard for it to work effectively. So far, I’ve been a little disappointed in the sensitive obstacle avoidance, as it has been leaving large uncut strips around the edges of my lawn. But I’d like to tinker and test for a bit longer before I deliver a final verdict. This model also seems to be available only in the UK right now. I’m waiting to hear back about a US equivalent.
In my queue, after these two mowers, I have the Mova LiDAX Ultra 1000 and the Anthbot M9.
Other Robot Lawn Mowers We Like
Eufy Robot Lawn Mower E15 for $2,300: This is another wire-free mower, but instead of relying on satellite navigation, it uses a camera system to automatically map lawns and avoid obstacles. It can cover up to 0.2 acres (8,700 square feet), cut from 1 to 3 inches, and handle up to 18-degree slopes. It is also fairly quiet and has GPS tracking, but you must have Wi-Fi coverage in your backyard, or you'll need a 4G data subscription. I found the setup lengthy due to a firmware download, but the mapping and the first cut were decent. The E15 can only run during the day, and it doesn't cope very well with inclines. I also found it frequently failed to cut the edges of the lawn and doesn't perform well if the grass is damp. I wouldn't recommend it at full price, but it seems to get frequent deep discounts.
Avoid These Mowers
EcoFlow Blade Photograph: Simon Hill
... continue reading