The best robotic lawn mower for your garden: how to make the right choice
Choosing a robotic mower seems simple, until you start comparing the different models and features. Because which robotic mower really suits your garden? A small lawn of 200 m² requires a different approach than a large plot of 2,000 m² with slopes, trees or narrow passages.
In this blog, we help you make the right choice based on the most important factors: the size of your lawn, the degree of slope and the obstacles in your garden. This way, you’ll discover which model suits your situation, avoid an unnecessary investment and choose a robotic mower that will do its job worry-free for years. We also explain why at Dekens.Group we often choose Husqvarna and what you can expect in terms of maintenance, lifespan and service.
Featured robotic lawn mowers
How many m² is your garden, and what budget goes with it?
Choosing the right robotic mower starts with one simple question: how large is your lawn? A small garden doesn’t need a heavy-duty machine, while a large or complex plot calls for more capacity and smart technology.
An entry-level model between €400 and €800 is suitable for lawns up to about 600 m². For gardens up to 1,500 m², you’ll usually end up with a mid-range model between €800 and €1,500. Do you have a larger garden with slopes, trees, or lots of obstacles? Then a premium model from €1,500 is often the best choice.
Think of it this way: the larger and more complex your garden, the more “brains” the robot needs to find its way around independently.
- Up to 600 m²: an entry-level model is usually sufficient for a straightforward lawn, such as a typical urban or terraced house garden. These models often still work with a boundary wire or simple camera technology.
- Up to 1,500 m²: in the mid-range segment, you’ll find robotic mowers that handle larger areas and obstacles better. They navigate more intelligently, detect obstacles, and mow more efficiently.
- From 1,500 m²: for large gardens, it’s best to choose a more powerful model with advanced technology. These robotic mowers combine different navigation systems and can also handle more complex terrain.
A useful rule of thumb: choose a robotic mower with about 20 to 30% extra capacity above your actual lawn area. A machine that constantly has to work at its limit needs to run more often and therefore wears out faster.
Robot mower for a sloping garden
The slope of your garden is a factor that is often overlooked, and for that very reason it causes the most disappointment. A standard robot with two wheels can handle slopes of up to about 25%. If it gets steeper, the wheels lose grip more quickly and tracks can form in the lawn.
Do you have a rolling garden or a steep driveway? Then it’s better to choose a robotic mower with four-wheel drive. It maintains better grip on slopes and wet surfaces. Some models can even handle slopes of up to 80%, although that isn’t necessary for most gardens.
| Regular robot (2 wheels) | Four-wheel-drive robot | |
|---|---|---|
| Works well up to | a slope of about 25% | a slope of up to 75–80% for top models |
| Ideal for | a flat to gently sloping lawn | a steep, uneven, or soggy garden |
| Risk if you buy one that’s too light-duty | wheels slipping, bare patches in the grass | virtually no risk |
How many trees, walls, and corners are in the way?
The layout of your garden also plays an important role when choosing a robotic lawn mower. RTK GPS determines the robot’s position via satellite signals with accuracy down to a few centimeters, but high walls and trees can sometimes interfere with that signal. Models with a laser scanner (LiDAR) create a 3D map of your garden themselves and continue to work flawlessly even then, even in the dark.
Which technology suits you best depends on your garden:
Small city garden, high walls, narrow passageways
Choose a compact model that navigates via a camera or laser scanner. This technology remains accurate despite the surrounding walls, and is usually quieter as well, which is pleasant if your neighbors live nearby. A model that relies entirely on satellite signal regularly loses its way in such an environment.
Average family garden with patio and some obstacles
A model that combines satellite navigation with smart object recognition is the best value-for-money choice here. It recognizes toys, garden hoses, and pets, and automatically steers around them.
Large, open garden
Here, mowing capacity and a fast charging time are what matter most, so the robot can cover its large area within a reasonable time.
Garden with many trees or a dense canopy
Choose a model with a laser scanner that builds a 3D map of your garden itself. That way, it will keep working even when the foliage becomes dense in summer and the signal drops out.
How do you maintain a robotic lawn mower?
A robotic lawn mower takes a lot of work off your hands, but every now and then it deserves a bit of attention too. Fortunately, maintenance is limited.
Keep the blades sharp, clean the robot regularly with a soft garden hose, and avoid using a pressure washer, as it can damage the seals.
Replace loose mower blades every 2 to 4 weeks and store the battery during winter in a dry, frost-free place with a charge level of about 70 to 80%. This will keep your robotic lawn mower performing reliably season after season.
A tip from our team: a high-quality battery lasts on average 3 to 6 years. By storing the battery in winter neither fully charged nor completely empty, you significantly extend its lifespan. A charge level between 70 and 80% is ideal.
With the older method, there is a boundary wire around your lawn that keeps the robot within its limits. With wireless models, you simply define the boundaries in an app on your smartphone. No digging required, and easier to adjust when your garden changes.
That depends on the model. Devices that rely solely on satellite navigation can lose signal there. Models that combine satellite navigation with a laser scanner or camera also continue to find their way accurately there.
Up to about a 25% slope, a standard model works just fine. Is your garden steeper? Then look for a model with four-wheel drive. These are specially designed to maintain grip on sloping terrain.
No, not even if the device is splash-proof. The pressure can force water through the seals. A garden hose on low pressure with a brush is the safest way.
It is best to replace small loose blades every 2 to 4 weeks. Fixed steel blades last 1 to 2 seasons, especially if you have them sharpened in between.
For a garden larger than 1,500 m², with a lot of shade from trees or buildings, or a plot with multiple levels. Then proper setup becomes more critical than if you try to configure everything yourself via the app.
Doing it yourself costs you about €20 to €40 per year for blades and cleaning products. If you have the winter service carried out by a specialist dealer, expect to pay €80 to €150, including cleaning and a software check.
Conclusion
The best robotic lawn mower does not exist. The best robotic lawn mower for your garden does.
So don’t just look at the price or the brand, but above all at the size of your lawn, any slopes, the layout of your garden, and the technology that best fits it. A well-chosen robotic lawn mower not only mows more efficiently, but also lasts longer and requires less maintenance.
Are you still hesitating between different models, or can’t see the robotic lawn mowers for the grass? We would be happy to look together at which robotic lawn mower best suits your garden, so that before long all you have to do is enjoy a perfectly mown lawn.
Ready to hand over mowing for good? Feel free to contact us or visit our showroom. We’d be happy to help you with tailored advice.
