So you’re thinking of upgrading to an automatic mower… but you have some doubts. This is honestly really common, and I can see why. Automatic mowers are pretty compact compared to a traditional push on, it’s easy to see that and think “this robot won’t handle much.” But, the technology has come a long way in the last few years, and you may just find that these robots can tackle more than you think!
In my experience, weighing the upsides of a robotic mower versus a push or ride-on mower boils down to your lawn’s size, shape and your own priorities. Let me explain some of the usual questions I get, and who robot mowers are usually suited to.
In all honesty, one of the biggest benefits of having an automatic mower is the time saving. Let’s be real, even with a small yard and good equipment you’re probably taking at least an hour a week to mow your lawn in the middle of summer. A robot mower can reclaim most of that by working on its own schedule – even while you’re at work or enjoying family time.
For busy people, those with mobility issues or anyone who dislikes mowing, that convenience is priceless. In my experience, homeowners who love tech and hate chores truly love robots – they come back from holiday to a perfect lawn, without ever having to push a mower. But, if you genuinely enjoy mowing (like me), or if you have the time and don’t mind the exercise, a traditional mower is still a solid choice.
The most dramatic difference between traditional and automatic mowers is how often they cut. Automatic mowers are designed to trim a little grass continuously – often several times a week. This approach is actually much healthier for your lawn, as you don’t risk scalping the lawn and the tiny clippings drop back as natural fertiliser.
Trust me, that makes a real difference, because it’s promoting thicker growth. Plus, if you hate lugging clippings to the compost, a robot’s auto-mulching is a real plus.
Traditional push mowers need no setup – just gas or charge and go. Robots require boundaries or mapping. Many still use a buried perimeter wire, which can be a hassle to install and maintain.
But the good news is that more modern designs, like Segway Navimow, use GPS for its map, so you can just download the app and follow the instructions. That means a much easier setup – no trenches, no wire repairs.
If you want to know more about Segway Navimow setup, just check out the blog I wrote on it.
Let’s talk noise: If you hate waking the neighbours, robotic mowers win hands down. Petrol mowers emit about 85–95 dB, whereas robot mowers like the Segway Navimow stay below 60dB – about as loud as a normal conversation or a quiet vacuum. No more weekend ear-splitting lawn duty, and that’s actually good for your hearing health over time too.
Typically you’ll set up the station near a power outlet, then the mower shuttles itself back to charge when needed. Most Segway automatic mowers can mow for 1–2 hours per charge, then recharge in about 1–2 hours.
If your yard is larger than that per session, the mower will simply mow in shifts until done.
With that said, I do always like to remind people that most consumer mowers aren’t designed for massive properties. If you need to mow more than an acre, you may be better off looking into a ride on mower.
It’s true that a traditional mower (especially a ride-on) just drives over lumps and climbs hills under engine power. Whereas some robot mowers are a little limited in the slopes they can handle.
Some robot mowers are only recommended for 20° inclines, which isn’t much in the scheme of things. But, more modern automatic mowers like the Segway Navimow can handle 30-50° incline, depending on the model.
And if you have a small yard with a slope, I always recommend adding off-road wheels. They’re an affordable upgrade for entry-level models that help the mower tackle rougher, more uneven terrain.
At the best of times, it can be annoying to manoeuvre around trees and obstacles with a push mower or even a ride on. But, a robot mower actually handles this kind of stuff really well.
Automatic mowers have sensors and will navigate around trees, flower beds, toys, etc. Segway Navimows have a pretty advanced system called VisionFence, which uses front-facing cameras and AI algorithms to improve obstacle avoidance. Trust me, this kind of technology is a far cry from the old bumper designs that some models still have.
Here’s the checklist I usually go through when someone asks me if they should get an automatic mower or stick with a traditional model.
If you’re leaning toward an automatic mower, Segway Navimow’s range has a model for all sorts of yards. For large, steep lawns, check out the Navimow X series. For mid-sized yards, have a look at the Navimow H series, and for smaller lawns, you can use the Navimow i series.
But, if you decide a robot isn’t right, don’t worry – a traditional mower will still do a great job on your lawn, just with a bit more time and energy investment!
