What Are Smart Lawn Mowers – Learn About Robot Lawn Mowers
Smart is in. Smart, as in smart technology, that is. Robot lawn mowers are the smarties of landscape maintenance. The smart mower trend is just starting and seems to show a future of other garden gadgets that are automatic. What are smart lawn mowers? Once you learn what they are, you may find yourself switching from your existing model.
What are Smart Mowers?
If you have better things to do on your day off than mow the lawn, you might consider getting an automatic lawn mower. These smart machines are part of a growing movement to utilize robotic technology. They take the work out of mowing, giving you more leisure time. However, are they as effective as a human’s mowing job? Just like everything new, there are some kinks to work out of the machinery.
Much like a Roomba vacuum cleaner, robotic lawn mowers do the work for you. They have a charging station, run on batteries, and are extremely quiet. Envision a platoon of inexhaustible elves taking care of the chore of mowing. The machine will run a random pattern which leads to the downside of the smart lawn mower trend. These random patterns aren't as pleasing to the eye as the careful stripes a human will lay.
If you want the appealing effect of a well-manicured golf course, this machine isn't for you. If you don't mind the random patterning and doing a little tidying up with a string trimmer afterward, this may be a good choice. If you want to sit back in your chaise lounge chair and sip a cocktail, this is definitely for you.
How Do Smart Mowers Work?
Smart mowers are almost plug and play technology. However, there is some set up to do initially. You need to run low voltage wire around the areas to be mowed. This is similar to an invisible fence that is set up for a dog. The wires are sensed by the mower, so it knows to stay in the boundary.
You will also need an outdoor outlet to charge the unit. After that, the mower will run itself. You can even program an automatic lawn mower to begin work at a certain time or run it through an app on your smart phone.
Automatic lawn mowers have a host of safety features. This makes sense since the unit operates unsupervised. The blades are small and will pretty much only cut grass. They are also recessed so no unprotected toes can get clipped. If the unit hits an obstruction it will turn away.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
When you lift or tilt the mower, the blades will turn off, a handy safety feature if you have inquisitive children. Most mowers also have antitheft devices. Some require a pin code to operate. Others contain GPS to track the mower.
While this is fairly new technology, robot mowers have much to offer but still a few things that could use some tweaking.
Bonnie Grant is a professional landscaper with a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and writing for 15 years. A former professional chef, she has a passion for edible landscaping.
-
Bold & Beautiful Festive Bloomers: 6 Christmas Flowering Plants For A Big Holiday Buzz
‘Tis the season for celebration and easy living, so make sure your plants are up to it. These dynamic Christmas flowering plants will help you see out the season in style
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
9 Thoughtful Stocking Stuffers For Gardeners – That They’ll Actually Use
Stocking stuffers often end up an after-thought, but not these! Explore expert-curated stocking stuffers for gardeners that they'll use for years to come.
By Laura Walters
-
Sustainable Turf Species For A Greener Lawn
Click here for some of the most sustainable types of turf grass you can grow for an eco-friendly lawn.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
How To Grow A Sustainable Lawn
Adjust your thinking about a perfect green lawn and consider more sustainable methods. Click here to learn how.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Will Frost Kill Grass Seed And How To Help New Turf Survive
Learn how to help your newly sown grass survive frost and freezing weather.
By Amy Grant
-
Lawn Problems That Aren’t Really Problems
Your lawn may not require as much work as you think. Learn which common problems aren’t really problems.
By Teo Spengler
-
Why A Manual Push Mower Is Good For You And The Environment
Reel mowers are making a comeback, but why? Click here to learn about reel mower pros and cons.
By Amy Grant
-
Fertilize Grass In Fall For A Lush Lawn In Spring
For everything you need to know about fertilizing your lawn in the fall, click here.
By Susan Albert
-
Tips For Mowing Stripes In Lawn
Wouldn’t it be great to have stripes in your lawn like a sports field? Learn how here.
By Susan Albert
-
Late Summer Lawn Care Checklist
Plan to do some late summer care and maintenance of your lawn so it will be healthy and beautiful in the spring. Here are some tips.
By Laura Miller