Robot mower for small areas

For several years, the popularity of robotic mowers has been steadily increasing. They help make the whole gardening experience more pleasant, especially in large gardens. Still, small areas can also be groomed and maintained by a robotic mower. When buying a robotic mower, it is important to keep in mind that there are different criteria for small and large green areas. Once you have chosen the appropriate mower, your lawn can truly thrive.

Criteria for robotic mowers on small areas

By all means, there are no universal criteria by which small gardens are characterized. The lawn in a front yard can have a simple rectangular shape or the greenery around small islands of flowers can be intricate and curvy.

What all areas have in common, however, is that it is advantageous if the robotic mower is as maneuverable as possible. A low weight device is beneficial if the garden helper has to be carried at times. In addition, there are a number of other criteria for robotic mowers on small areas.

The volume

Small lawns are often found in the city. It is essential that the robotic mower works quietly to help avoid quarrels with the neighbors, especially in urban areas. Robotic mowers that mow at a volume of 60 dB or less are particularly friendly and quiet..

Cutting height and setting

Sports and utility turfs call for a different cutting height than ornamental turf (which may be cut much lower). Thereby, robotic lawnmowers should meet the requirements of a particular lawn. Most robotic mowers for small areas offer a variety between 20 and 50 mm, making them suitable for both sports and ornamental lawns.

Those who value the most versatile use of their robotic lawnmower would do well to pay attention to different cutting height settings when purchasing the robotic lawnmower. Sometimes there are three or five different cutting height settings.

Cutting width

Small robotic mowers are generally characterized by a cutting width of 16-21 cm. This helps make the devices very compact and maneuverable: ideal for small areas. Although a smaller cutting width reduces the mowing area output, small sized robotic lawnmowers impress with their low weight, compact and light batteries, designed to allow for low energy requirements.

Maximum slope

Not every robotic lawnmower is right for use on inclines. Manufacturers specify the maximum slope that a robotic mower can handle. Often, the suitability for uneven terrain is also related to the motor and battery power: A compact device  may be light but does not always bring enough capacity to drive uphill. For this reason, keep in mind the slope of your garden when selecting a device so that it can move safely and mow the lawn accurately.

Perimeter wire

Most robotic mowers work with a perimeter wire. You lay this around the lawn. A transmitted signal tells the device which areas are to be mowed and where the outer boundary of the lawn is. Usually the wire is already included in the scope of delivery and can optionally be extended up to a specified maximum length.

If your garden is characterized by flower beds or other areas on the lawn that need to be marked by the wire, the length of the perimeter wire may not be sufficient. In this case, a robotic mower that works with the help of grass sensors and does not need a wire may prove to be convenient. If so, special requirements apply to the marking of the outer boundary as well as the bed edges. This will help so that the garden helper does not accidentally cut down perennials and the like.

Battery life and charging

Robotic mower batteries for small areas are generally not as powerful as those of larger robotic mowers. With that being said, the devices are compact and designed to use less energy. However, the battery life and charging time affect the mowing time, so it is worth taking a look at here. Devices that charge in a short time are helpful. If necessary, we recommend buying a model with a slightly larger area output so that the mowing time is manageable even with a battery with a mowing time of 30-45 min.

Maximum area output

Every robot has a maximum area output that can be achieved under optimal conditions. Nonetheless, obstacles, slopes or other imponderables on surfaces reduce this. That is why it is always sensible to allow for a little buffer to the manufacturer's specification. It is also important to remember that the specifications are often based on continuous use of the robotic lawnmower. If, for example, you only want to use the device for a few hours a day and give it a rest at the weekend, plan this into the calculation of the required area output.

Programming and control

Many robotic mowers are characterized by simple operation at the touch of a button. Increasingly, even compact models are equipped with app control and programming via Bluetooth, which can further increase ease of use. Ultimately, the type of control is a matter of taste, but you should take it into account when buying in order to get as much enjoyment out of your device as possible.

Main and secondary zones

Small gardens are generally less likely to be characterized by main and secondary zones than larger ones. This means that the robotic lawnmower does not need to target different areas of the garden. However, if it does, the device should be able to detect different remote starting points in order to mow different lawns on a regular basis.

Sensors

Robotic mowers can be equipped with a wide variety of sensors. For example, rain sensors are widely used, designed so that when it rains, the robot will automatically go back to the charging station and continue working once the rain has subsided. Models that  are not equipped with this sensor, on the other hand, are more suitable for use in wet weather. There are also special obstacle sensors that help the robot  avoid hindrances enough in advance to start a turning maneuver in the event of a collision. This helps increase mowing efficiency. Tilt sensors are designed to automatically interrupt blade operation when the device is lifted. However, unlike other sensors, these are mandatory 

When buying, look for certain features that are important to you in a robotic mower. Small areas, maneuverability, weight and desired mowing times are particularly important criteria