How would you like to have a lawn, but not have to cut it? Yeah, you could pay a lawn service to do that, or you could invest in the RL1000 Robotic Lawn Mower. I just might do this for my next lawn mower. As an aside, I was reading a recent report from Progress Energy that stated that “studies have indicated that gas lawn mowers are some of the worst air-pollution offenders.” So, this has a “green” angle too.
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The RL1000 Robotic Mower can mow up to an acre. It has a programmable mowing schedule. It also has 6 mowing heights at the front and 2 at the rear:
High Cut Blade: 1.75″-3.25″ (44-81mm) Low Cut Blade: 1″-2.5″ (26-63mm). It also has a theft deterrent system, though I can’t find exactly how that works. Here are the specs:
Dimensions
35″ l x 26″ w x 12.5″ h (89cm x 66.5cm x 31.5cm)
Weight
50lb. (22.6kg) Unit + 28lb. (12.6kg) Power Pack
Noise level
Measured - 85 db (A) (Guaranteed - 90 db)
User Interface
LCD display panel and audio
Intuitive and easy to use menus
Water resistance
Durable in all weather conditions & UV protected
Safety Features
Automatic Operation: RoboMower® is self operated without user interference
Child Guard: help prevent children from operating the RoboMower®
Lift Sensor: stops rotating the blades immediately when RoboMower® is lifted
Sensors equipped bumpers: Touch sensitive bumpers all around the RoboMower®
Perimeter Switch: RoboMower® cannot be operated in automatic mode if the Perimeter Switch is off (the RL1000’s built-in p. switch automatically turns on only during scheduled operation)
Over-Current Monitoring Protection: Mowing and Drive systems are monitored constantly during operation preventing them from over-heat
RL1000 only: A buzzer is heard 5 minutes prior to automatic departure, warning people to clear the mowing area
Other safety features which make RoboMower® the safest way to mow your lawn
Mowing
Mowing System
Patented Triple Chamber Mulching System
Mowing Width
3 Blades and a total cutting width of 21″ (53cm)
Cuts 1.5cm outside the wheels
Grass types
Suitable for any grass type
Blades replacement
No tools required - Snap-fit by the user
Blades speed
5800 RPM
Mowing Power
5.5 HP equivalent
Mowing motors
3 x 150W motors
Charging
Power Pack
Exclusive Drop and Go 24-volt batteries
2 x 17 AH sealed lead acid (Maintenance-Free)
Charging time
Approximately 20 hours
So, how does it work? It’s actually very easy:
oboMower® requires a one time simple set-up, which can be easily done by anyone. A wire is laid around the outer edges of the lawn, and attached to the surface of the lawn with pegs every few meters. The wire and pegs are supplied with the RoboMower®. The wire is connected to a small battery powered current source called Perimeter Switch (also supplied in the box). Typically the wire will be covered by grass and become unnoticeable in a matter of 2-3 weeks. RoboMower® recognizes the wire using a special sensor, and makes sure it always stays inside the designated area.
RoboMower® is operated by pressing the green “Go” button on the unit. It travels on the lawn in a systematic criss-cross pattern covering the lawn several times from side to side to ensure that the entire yard is covered and the grass is cut from several angles.
With the RL1000 and the Charging Station, it’s even easier! After completing the one-time set-up of wire around the lawn including the Charging Station, set the weekly program and forget about mowing for the entire season! The RoboMower® will automatically depart at the day and time scheduled and automatically return to the Charging Station to recharge and get ready for the next scheduled operation. The weekly program can be re-set at any time, if and when required.
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I went to the web site and checked price. It’s substantial. Payback runs into years versus paying someone else to do it. They need to review their pricing strategy. I love the idea though.
Dave on
September 29, 2006
11:58 pm
Don’t be mysterious. The substantial price is $1,600.
These mowers easily pay for themselves within the first 2 seasons. They are cheaper than most name brand riding lawn mowers and don’t cost in gas or in actually having to be out there doing it yourself. I have two of them actually, a Robomower that does my backyard and a Lawnbott Evolution that does my front and side yard. Our neighbor finally put one in his front yard after hearing me tell him how much I don’t have to mow, and now he is hooked as well. You can check out some really great reviews on these mowers at http://www.bamabots.com
I was thinking of buying these “toys” but am uncertain as to whether or not it’s worth the money. Some concerns are:
1. If your yard is not that level how effective will it be?
2. If the grass is too long, the robotic lawn mower may not do a very good job. With a regular mower you can at least go over the cut to do a smoother job.
3. If you have a trees, shrubs or lawn ornaments these could be in the way of an effective cut.
4. Finally, if they break down for some reason, how expensive is maintenance and repairs going to cost?
1. Slopes are not that big of a problem, cliffs are.
2. The mowers are designed to go out on a regualr automated schedule so the grass won’t get tall or out of hand.
3. Trees and shrubs are no problem, it has sensors that detect those items.
4. They come with a full two-year warranty. Maintenance costs are a fraction of most riding mowers.
[…] How would you like to have a lawn, but not have to cut it? Yeah, you could pay a lawn service to do that, or you could invest in the RL1000 Robotic Lawn Mower Read more […]
I want one!!!
I went to the web site and checked price. It’s substantial. Payback runs into years versus paying someone else to do it. They need to review their pricing strategy. I love the idea though.
Don’t be mysterious. The substantial price is $1,600.
These mowers easily pay for themselves within the first 2 seasons. They are cheaper than most name brand riding lawn mowers and don’t cost in gas or in actually having to be out there doing it yourself. I have two of them actually, a Robomower that does my backyard and a Lawnbott Evolution that does my front and side yard. Our neighbor finally put one in his front yard after hearing me tell him how much I don’t have to mow, and now he is hooked as well. You can check out some really great reviews on these mowers at http://www.bamabots.com
I was thinking of buying these “toys” but am uncertain as to whether or not it’s worth the money. Some concerns are:
1. If your yard is not that level how effective will it be?
2. If the grass is too long, the robotic lawn mower may not do a very good job. With a regular mower you can at least go over the cut to do a smoother job.
3. If you have a trees, shrubs or lawn ornaments these could be in the way of an effective cut.
4. Finally, if they break down for some reason, how expensive is maintenance and repairs going to cost?
Hi Joseph,
These reviews should answer most of your questions:
http://www.bamabots.com/robomower-rl1000-review.htm
http://www.bamabots.com/lawnbott-evolution-review.htm
1. Slopes are not that big of a problem, cliffs are.
2. The mowers are designed to go out on a regualr automated schedule so the grass won’t get tall or out of hand.
3. Trees and shrubs are no problem, it has sensors that detect those items.
4. They come with a full two-year warranty. Maintenance costs are a fraction of most riding mowers.
[…] How would you like to have a lawn, but not have to cut it? Yeah, you could pay a lawn service to do that, or you could invest in the RL1000 Robotic Lawn Mower Read more […]