Choosing and installing a robotic lawnmower
The right mower depends on more than the maximum lawn area printed on the box. An open lawn and several areas linked by narrow passages present different challenges. Compare the mower, its installation and future support together.
Which garden details matter?
Give the area of grass that actually needs mowing, excluding the house, patio, beds and driveway. An estimate is enough for the initial request; an inspection may be needed before selecting the equipment.
Mention separate lawns, tall trees, walls and narrow passages, as well as slopes, ponds and drops. Whether a mower can handle them depends on the specific model and its installation.
- Area and mowing hours. The advertised maximum area does not guarantee that mowing will finish within your preferred hours. Charging, obstacles and breaks also matter.
- Connections. A level path is different from steps or completely separate plots. Check whether the mower can move between areas itself or would need carrying.
- Slopes. The permitted gradient within the lawn may differ from the limit at its edge. Have both assessed against the model’s requirements.
Boundary wire or a wireless system?
In a wired installation, the cable defines the working area. Beds and excluded spaces need suitable boundaries. Pegging down or burying the cable depends on the mower, garden and agreed installation.
Wireless mowers may use satellites, cameras or combined navigation. Wireless does not mean that every garden needs no preparation. Reception, visibility, recognisable boundaries and any reference station must suit the chosen system.
| System | Check before ordering |
|---|---|
| Boundary wire | Cable route, passages, excluded areas and future garden work |
| Satellite navigation | Reception near buildings and under trees; required antenna, power or data connection |
| Camera / combined navigation | Recognisable lawn edges and performance at difficult locations |
| Existing mower | Make, model and compatibility with the existing station and installation |
What should installation include?
Ask for a written scope. Delivering a mower, laying a cable and handing over a working system are different jobs. A new outdoor socket or changes to the garden are not automatically included.
- Assess the garden. Agree mowing areas, crossings, edge clearances and a suitable charging station location.
- Set up the system. Install the agreed wires or antennas, map working areas and define exclusions.
- Test operation. Check charging, docking and access to every agreed lawn area, including awkward crossings.
- Explain the controls. Cover schedules, pauses, emergency stop and care. Document the cable route or digital zones. Personal account access is handled during setup.
Which costs belong in the comparison?
A low mower price is not necessarily the price of a complete working installation. Boundary length, obstacles, separate areas and existing connections affect the work. A small complicated lawn may take longer to set up than a large open one.
Compare like-for-like quotes for the mower, accessories, installation, travel, handover and VAT. Fixed packages should identify limits on labour, cable length or excluded obstacles. Agree additional work before it is carried out.
- Initial costs. Separate the mower, station, required cable or reference equipment, setup and garden alterations.
- Ongoing costs. Allow for blades, servicing, a future battery, electricity and any connection or service fees.
- Your own mower. Confirm that the installer handles your model and list the accessories you already have.
Mowing times, animals and remaining garden care
Plan daytime mowing and check the lawn for animals and forgotten objects before use. Obstacle detection is not a guarantee that small animals are protected. Keep the mower off while children or pets are playing on the lawn.
A robot does not replace every lawn task. Awkward edges may still need trimming, while leaves, branches, overgrown grass and lawn damage need attention. Agree who prepares the grass for the first commissioning visit.
Plan servicing and future changes
Clarify cleaning, blade replacement, winter storage and fault support before buying. Care instructions depend on the model; washing methods are not interchangeable.
New flower beds or play equipment may require wire or digital boundary changes. Documenting the installation makes later alterations easier. For a used mower, also check that all accessories and necessary user permissions are handed over.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone install a mower I have already bought?
Yes, if an installer supports that model. Provide its make, model and available accessories so missing parts and setup work can be quoted separately.
Does every wireless mower need Wi-Fi across the lawn?
No. Connection and positioning requirements vary. Some systems need data coverage for particular functions; others use a reference station or different navigation. Check the specific model.
Can one robot mow several lawns?
That depends on the model and connections between the lawns. Steps or completely separated areas may require manual transfer or another solution.
Do I need to measure the slope myself?
For the initial request, simply say that the ground slopes. The installer should assess the actual gradient and critical edges before the final equipment choice.
Will I still need lawn maintenance?
Yes. Edging, leaf removal, overseeding and mower care may still be needed. Automated mowing does not automatically cover all garden maintenance.
