EmailBest Reviewed
Robotic Lawn Mowers
- Basic robotic mower for small lawns Friendly Robotics Robomow RM200 *Est. $1400
- Low running costs, better coverage LawnBott LB2100 Professional *Est. $1950
- Self-programming robotic mower LawnBott LB3200 Evolution *Est. $2500
- Robotic mower for larger lawns LawnBott LB3500 *Est. $3250
Get info about new reports and updates
Robotic mower for larger lawns
- Lightweight
- Bluetooth remote control
- Quick-charge batteries
- Can handle lawns of about three-fourths of an acre
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Price
- Bluetooth feature is finicky
The LawnBott LB3500 is a deluxe robotic lawn mower, the most advanced and environmentally friendly such mower on the market, capable of mowing up to about three-fourths of an acre -- or even two or three acres when equipped with extra lithium-ion batteries. It's much quieter than the Robomow models and programs itself to keep the lawn at the height you choose. It can handle slopes of up to 30 degrees, plus as many as four separate mowing areas. There's a 30-month warranty plus a 60-day money-back guarantee. If you don't need the remote control (which some reviewers say is buggy anyway), the LawnBott LB3200 Evolution (*est. $2,500) is similar in performance.
We found the best and most detailed hands-on reviews of the LawnBott LB3500 at two retailer sites, Bamabot.com and LawnbottReviews.com. The sophistication of this Bluetooth-enabled robotic mower also arouses interest in such blogs as Engadget.com. A single-product review at ConsumerGuide.com covers the earlier LawnBott LB3200, but some of the information still applies. Consumer Reports magazine also tests the LB3200.
Our Sources
This well-illustrated review is easy to read, and it takes you from opening the box through installation and mowing tests. There's plenty of detail and explanation here. The main drawbacks are setup -- which can take several hours.
Review: LawnBott LB3500 Robotic Lawn Mower Review, Editors of LawnbottReview.com
2. Bamabots.com
This detailed hands-on review of the LawnBott LB3500 Super Evolution is written by one of the top robotic lawn mower retailers in the United States. Another article here adds even more details about the LB3500, and a recent chart on this site compares the long-term costs (including routine maintenance and average repairs) for the LB3500 with those of two other LawnBott mowers and of two Robomow models. The big drawback is that the Bluetooth feature is " more trouble than it is worth."
Review: LawnBott LB3500 King of the Mow, Kerry Clabaugh
Like the forum at Bamabots.com, this is an excellent place to find out details and owners' comments on specific LawnBott models. However, navigation isn't easy, and this is a better place for specific questions and answers than for determining overall performance.
Review: LawnBott Robomower Robotic Lawn Mower Forums, Contributors to RoboMower.biz
4. Engadget.com
This blog post highlights the Bluetooth technology built into the LB3500, and a few reader comments add some useful information.
Review: LawnBott LB3500 Offers Bluetooth Control, Stylin' Rims, Evan Blass, Jan. 25, 2008
5. Amazon.com
This is one of the owner-written reviews of the Robomow RL1000. The writer says he wishes he'd bought a more-expensive LawnBott instead, and he explains why in some detail.
Review: I Wish I Got a LawnBott Instead, Contributor to Amazon.com, Dec. 26, 2006
This reviews an earlier LawnBott model, but most of the advantages and disadvantages also apply to the LB3500.
Review: Expert Review -- Kyodo America LawnBott Evolution LB3200 electric mower, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, July 22, 2008
7. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Review: Robotic Mowers: Close Up, Contributors to Consumer Reports, May 2008
This is a good summary of the robotic mowers available in May 2007, based on interviews with Consumer Reports magazine's lawn-tool expert, Peter Sawchuck, as well as with the editor of Bamabots.com and representatives from the major manufacturers. However, it doesn't compare models or report on any actual usage.
Review: For Latter-Day Tom Sawyers, Jay Romano, May 20, 2007
Robotic Lawn Mowers Runners Up:
3 picks by top review sites.
2 picks including: Amazon.com, Bamabots.com…
Friendly Robotics RoboMower 21-Inch Automatic Cordless Electric Lawn Mower #RL850
 from Amazon.com New: $1299.00 In Stock.
Average Customer Review:   |
||
|
|
Friendly Robotics RL1000 RoboMower 21-Inch Automatic Cordless Electric Lawn Mower and Docking Station
from Amazon.com New: $2100.00 In Stock.
Average Customer Review: |
||
|
|
