How To Automate Lawn Mowing (In 3 Different Ways)

Automating lawn mowing helps you save time and energy that would otherwise be spent manually cutting grass. Furthermore, if you are allergic to fresh-cut grass or pollen, it would be best if you opted for automated lawn mowing.

Here are three ways to completely automate your lawn mowing:

1. Invest in a robot lawn mower.
2. Use a self-propelled lawn mower.
3. Consider an automatic ride-on lawn mower to automate lawn mowing fully. 

You can use the available functions to automate the mowing process with any of these entirely. As you read further, you will learn valuable and innovative ways to automate lawn mowing as we dive deeply into this subject.

1. Invest in a Robot Lawn Mower

Robot lawn mowers are intelligent, programable, and autonomous machines that do not require human supervision or interaction as they mow your lawn. 

Advantages of a Robotic Lawn Mower

These robots can assess your lawn and determine the best time to mow and how often the grass needs to be cut. Some even have rain sensors that make the robot stop mowing when it is too humid or raining.

With a robot lawn mower, you don’t need to worry about noise levels because they run quietly. On average, you can expect noise levels of no more than 75 dB, as opposed to regular lawn mowers, which can reach highs of 85 dB.

Robot lawn mowers run quietly because of the light weight of their cutting blades and their energy-efficient electrical engines.

Automated Charging Function of Robot Lawn Mowers

The charging process of robotic lawn mowers is self-driven, and the robot will automatically return to the charging station to recharge when the battery is low. 

Robot lawn mowers operate on a rechargeable battery, eliminating the need for a corded connection to a power supply. Not only does this help during a power outage but eliminates hazards associated with extensive power cords running through the yard (for instance, trips and falls, tangled cords).

Control Your Robot Lawn Mower From Your Phone

Your robot lawn mower can be linked to your phone or computer via Wi-Fi to allow you to operate it remotely, regardless of where you may be. Some of the features that you can control remotely include:

• Turning the mower on and off.
• Adjust the mowing schedule by selecting your preferred time of the day when the mower should run.
• Creating or editing the mower’s navigation route through the lawn.
• Mapping out mowing zones for the mower and eliminating any areas you do not want mowed.
• Theft tracks your mower if it goes missing, thereby securing your investment.

Depending on the brand you have, these controls may vary.

Control Your Robot Lawn Mower Using a Remote 

Robotic lawn mowers come with remote controls. The advantage of using the remote over your phone is that the former does not rely on Wi-Fi. On the other hand, remote controls limit the distance from which you can operate your robot. That notwithstanding, the remote control has pretty much the same functional controls that are mentioned above.

Connect Your Robot Lawn Mower to Your Property Virtual Assistant

Robotic lawn mowers can also be connected to your Alexa, Google Home Assistant, or intelligent home assistant. This way, you can easily control your robotic lawn mower via voice commands from the comfort of your home. This feature is beneficial when trying to multitask several different chores.

Guide for Purchasing a Robotic Lawn Mower

Before buying a robot lawn mower, consider the following:

• Safety features. Tilt sensors that prompt the robot blades to stop moving when the mower is held at an incline and rain sensors are some helpful safety features.
• Lawn size. For more extensive lawns, consider getting a professional-grade robot mower since they are better designed to run for a longer time.
• Slope gradient. For hilly lawns with a higher slope gradient, ensure that the robotic mower you intend to purchase is manufacturer approved for your type of lawn. Doing this will save you the disappointment of having a robot that can barely service your property.
• Warranty. Choose brands with an extended warranty, as it often means that they are more durable and dependable.
• Battery life and durability. Confirm how long the mower can run on a full battery and the average period the battery lasts before you need a replacement.

Cons of a Robotic Lawn Mower

Here are a few downsides to using a robot lawn mower:

• It can be pretty expensive compared to traditional lawn mowers.
• Most robots may not adequately mow along edges due to design limitations.
• Using around children and pets may be unsafe since they may accidentally get too close and hurt.
• It may take quite a while to get used to all the controls and functions available, unlike other types of lawn mowers.
• Most do not easily navigate steep slopes, so you may have to use alternative mowers to go over hilly parts of your lawn.

2. Use a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Using a self-propelled lawn mower is another effective way to make lawn mowing completely hands-free. 

Self-propelled lawn mowers are an ideal choice for mowing hilly/sloped lawns. Unlike manual lawn mowers that require you to do a mini-workout when mowing hilly lawns, a self-propelling mower easily navigates these problem areas without the need for human effort.

How a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Works

This automated lawn mower is propelled forward by a combination of elements. The spinning rotary blades and the power produced by the engine inside the engine give the machine momentum. 

Regarding the lawnmower’s speed, most self-propelled lawn mowers have speed controls for both the wheels and rotary blades, conveniently allowing you to manage how fast they move to mow your lawn. 

Even though a self-propelled mower is automated, you may still need to walk behind it as it mows your lawn to guide its path and prevent potential accidents. However, there is a way that avoids this tedious and time-consuming exercise.

How To Make Your Self-Propelled Mower Completely Hands-Free

Follow this simple tutorial to make your self-propelled mower function completely hands-free:

1. Select a central point on your lawn and firmly secure a solid cylindrical block in the ground.
2. Tie one end of a long, firm rope to the cylindrical block and another to the side of your mower.
3. Assuming that the cylinder is the center of a circle, place the mower on the circle’s circumference.
4. Turn on the mower and set it to move in a clockwise direction.

This YouTube video will give you a practical example and a better understanding of the above instructions:

Gas-Powered vs. Electrical Self-Propelled Mowers

You may opt for a gas-powered self-propelled mower or an electric-powered one. Electrical mowers may be corded or cordless (with a rechargeable battery). Generally, electric mowers are less noisy than gas-powered mowers, especially those that use a lithium-ion battery. 

What To Consider Before Buying a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Different brands have significantly varying features, so you must research adequately before purchasing. When selecting the best self-propelled lawn mower, you should consider the following vital factors:

• Lawn Size. The mowers come in 3 sizes: small, medium, and large. For the best experience, get a mower that corresponds to the size of your lawn.
• Starting options. You can select three options (how the mower is turned on): recoil, key, and electrical start. The latter requires the slightest effort to start, as you only need to push a button. On the other hand, a recoil start requires more effort because you may need to pull the lever multiple times to start.
• Lawn terrain. For rocky and hilly lawns, opt for high-power mowers that can navigate and withstand these harsh elements.
• Speed. Lawn mowers with speed controls offer you more flexibility than those without them.
• Overall ease of use. Mowers with more automated functions such as automatic transmission and drive are easier to use than their counterparts, requiring more engagement when setting up.

Disadvantages of a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Here are a few downsides you should know about when using a self-propelled lawn mower:

• It always requires some supervision when in use, so you must keep a close eye whenever it is in use.
• The lower power capacity of this type of mower limits how much work you can get done before having to recharge or refuel.
• Self-propelled mowers are also bulkier and heavier than their push mower counterparts.

3. Consider an Automatic Ride-On Lawn Mower

An automatic ride-on lawn mower works similarly to an automatic car because the operator does not have to adjust gears manually or switch ground speeds. 

Advantages of Getting an Automatic Ride-On Lawn Mower

Operating an automatic ride-on lawn mower is relatively easy. The comfortable seat and automated controls allow for a hassle-free user experience. In addition, you don’t need multiple lessons to learn how to drive this type of mower since most of its functions are uncomplicated.

Automatic ride-on lawn mowers are an excellent choice for more extensive lawns (more than 1 acre or 4,047 sq meters) because they have more horsepower and can run for a long time before requiring a refuel or recharge, unlike other alternatives.

You have the option of getting an electric or gas-powered ride-on mower. Each type has pros and cons: electric mowers tend to be more expensive but run more quietly. They may also offer more convenience when there is a gas shortage.

On the other hand, gas-powered models cost less, but they tend to be noisier. They may also offer more convenience than electric-powered models in terms of refueling time since charging an electric battery takes much longer than simply refilling a gas tank.

Some automatic ride-on lawn mowers come with the following additional perks aimed at improving your experience as you mow your lawn:

• Cup holders that will securely hold your favorite drink while cutting.
• CD player stereos so that you can play some music or podcasts and alleviate boredom.

Considerations for Buying an Automatic Ride-on Lawn Mower

So, what should you consider when purchasing an automated ride-on lawn mower?

• Engine horsepower. For more extensive and hilly lawns, opt for a mower with greater horsepower for a better experience.
• Safety features. Check for safety guards, brake controls, and other safety features that help prevent accidents while using your ride-on mower.
• Additional attachments. Mowers that also feature attachments such as baggers, mulching kits, and snow cabs are more economical in the long run since you can use them for multiple purposes.
• Fuel/battery capacity. Smaller lawns are quicker to mow so you may opt for a mower with a smaller tank or battery. The opposite applies to more extensive properties.
• Speed. For more extensive lawns, consider getting a mower with a higher speed limit to save time while getting more mowing done.

Automatic ride-on lawn mowers are available in the following categories:

• Zero-turn radius mowers.
• Rear engine riding mowers.
• Lawn tractors.

Downsides of an Automatic Ride-on Lawn Mower

Here are some disadvantages of ride-on mowers that you should know about:

• Ride-on mowers take up significant storage space, which you must plan before purchasing.
• Their large size may also make it difficult for them to move through small dates and doors, so you have to consider the necessary adjustments to these as well.
• It can be expensive compared to other mowers.
• They are also power-intensive: electric and gas-powered models consume more power than alternative lawnmowers.
• Though they are fully automated, they still need a human operation, meaning that you cannot multitask when mowing (unlike robots and self-propelled mowers).

Key Takeaways

You can automate lawn mowing several ways to make work more accessible, manageable, and much faster. 

To achieve the desired results, fully automating lawn mowing requires you to exploit the features available on your robotic lawn mower, self-propelled mower, or automatic ride-on lawn mowers.

Remember to care for lawn mowing equipment by following cleaning, inspection, and maintenance requirements as recommended by the manufacturer.

Finally, always observe the necessary safety precautions as you attempt any recommended procedures to prevent accidents that may cause injuries or damage to property.